I would like to say that it was when I realized that I was spending too much time online that I began really living. However, this realization just came today, and as soon as I finish this post, then I’ll step away from the computer, I promise! I’ve found myself simply transposing old habits into my life in a new country, and in my spare time popping into bulletin boards to try to learn more about Chile and its customs. It wasn’t until I was banned from an expat forum this afternoon that I realized that I have been spending too much time talking to expats about living in Chile rather than getting out and experiencing things myself.
Enjoying the Valdivian Spring
I take getting kicked off of a board as a badge of honor. Most people slide by, responding to questions about real estate, finding an apartment, or food for years before ruffling any feathers. I, on the other hand, managed to make some tides right away, upsetting someone I imagine to be a very small, insecure man who gets his kicks from wielding his limited power on a board designed to promote his business. Aside from little Napoleon, as we’ll call him, the board is populated by many helpful people and many more grumpy and arrogant old men. I don’t mind the grumps, and brushed off the arrogance of others (hey, I work in the wine industry, I’m used to it!), and apparently crossed the line by daring to include a link to my blog, which I’ve been lead to believe is almost as shameless as going outside with wet hair in Chile. For those of you uninitiated, in Chile everyone looks at you in shock if you go outside with wet hair as it’s thought that this will make you sick. I even had someone offer to blow dry my hair on one such occasion…
It’s a beautiful day, and I’m so grateful to little Napoleon for kicking me off of his board, as it’s time for me to get off of my chair and enjoy the sunny afternoon. The rain finally stopped, just prior to the festivities, and right now Valdivia feels like the most beautiful riverside town in the world. Sometimes it takes a little, little Napoleon to remind us of the important things in life such as enjoying each precious moment with family and friends.
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Much appreciated for the information and share!
Nancy
ruh-roh. If this is the place I’m thinking of, and I assume it is, I guess there’s a rule about how many times you have to have posted before including a link, but it’s not immediately clear from the getgo, and everyone does (after a while), so I can understand why you did as well. Sorry to hear you’ve lost your privileges, such as they were. Everyone knows bloggers give the best advice (or at least the most long winded). I’ll still be your friend!
Hi Eileen, It’s probably the place you’re thinking of, and I had found myself spending too much time there anyways when I should be outside enjoying the real Chile (rather than reading about it on the forum!) Everything happens for a reason, and I’m glad to know I’ll still have one friend!
Hello,Im Martin(billcadogan) and ive just found your blog re: little old americans in chile,and i like the style. On the internet there is very little real info about chile.Im a 47 somehow hippy carpenter,builder with a family living in a village in southern spain.We have been thinking for sometime to move from europe,and as my wife is spanish and im irish in so far that i was born there,chile sounds very interesting, and safer in someways to other South American countries , with the andes on one side and the pacific on the other etc etc .I would like so find somewhere with potential ,laidback tourism,where i could build a wooden whore house and run a chillout bar on the beach or in the mountains ,with water and good people.Dont we all? I know, but if you have advice or links,contact me,regards martin. p.s. only joking about the wooden house