Red Wine Heartpalpitations

Feliz cumpleanos!

Hi sister,

to your 30th tribute to birthday too right, I've given you here a blog entry in the form of a beautiful photo sequence! Because you give me the occasion of my 20th Birthday, the links you had sent, I feel compelled to have seen, even a small to send visual Birthday greetings to Germany ...

To make it short: In this note, I wish you all the best and good luck for the future. It has made me a little sad, yesterday celebrated with you can not. But as a substitute Daniel and I are the same in the nearest disco hissed and have triggered extensively on your birthday ... ;)

Un abrazo grande! Hasta pronto ...

Tu hermanito "chileno" Bruce

PS: I hope you did yesterday and let out the true slut! ;)

Nike Forearm Shiver Sleeve

Sweet Home Santiago

Hi everybody,

"tanto tiempo" would say the Chilean. After such a long time, I must just be a bit of reporting about my life here in the (pre) summer Santiago de Chile. You really have to say that after nearly four months here in my daily life has returned. That is why many things happen that really belong to me in this life and therefore not newsworthy in my opinion , Appear as they like for you to be sure yet very interesting. But maybe I'm talking about me the whole thing even a help to me, my conscience a bit. Anyway, I'm out of you decided today again to be happy with a blog entry and there is at least one thing that is worth tell even from my eyes:
We have almost exactly two weeks finally made the transition to independence and moved into an apartment! ...

You can not imagine how hard it is to find an apartment in Santiago, find, and ultimately hire.
all started after Daniel's friend Merle from Germany, early October, shortly after her two week Visit had to leave again. We had already made immediately thereafter to start looking for housing. But the whole thing started only slowly. After we had been looking for two weeks in Internet homes and had appealed for some, we proposed Use, prior to the psychologist of Acógeme, us on the next day two hours to pick up before starting work and to behold apartments in skyscrapers in the vicinity of Vicuña Mackenna. An even more ideal place, as we had to admit. Indeed, contrary to the center, on which we had fixed us, here are the costs cheaper, we would be right at the junction of three metro lines, live ne quarter of an hour would need to work and our feet would one of the largest Shopping malls are Santiago. However, after this morning runtergschraubt Once our enthusiasm, because each house, where we ankehrten were no flats for rent. But nevertheless we had got hold some numbers we called in the next few days also. The weekend before my birthday, it was finally released so far. We could look at the first apartment that we liked quite well. Since we were three now (Ben, another German Voluntario here in Santiago, who works in a school had to forcibly change from one day to the other his family and we decided spontaneously to create a three-WG), was the starting to the given conditions is really great. 81 square meters: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining / living room, balcony and the whole seventh floor with a fabulous view of the Andes mountains.

short, we decided for this apartment and after we had turned down another offer in the same building, only went off the right stress. In order to rent an apartment, you have to demonstrate real batch documents. We the whole thing over with Imobilienbuero performs a commission, etc., it did not really easier. While our boss regulate the contractual and had two more Tías from our project with their wages, had for us citizens, we, as the actual tenant, nothing to do with these things. To this day we still had to sign a single contract, also good. Our employees have really helped and without their support in finding accommodation and the trust they place in us with the guarantee, we still have probably not yet found a home ...


But in addition to the stress with the move we have also other nice things experienced. October (Montag/27.10 and Dienstag/28.10), for example, we had a two day seminar in Cartagena, situated on the Pacific ...

... The first day we have evaluated the past year and find a preview of the upcoming 2009 also some work-related issues by speaking. In the evening we have karaoke, good food and as usual one or the other Roncito (Rum) a really fun evening spent and Community.

On the second day, a Father of Maria Ayuda and we have crowned a trade show in the Virgin Mary as the "Reina de la Familia" (Queen of the family) of our project. All in all, two beautiful and also very varied days in Cartagena.


On Friday, 7 November, two days before my birthday, we made three Voluntarios Maria Ayuda and two volunteer officers, including one of them is Tobias, a trip to the Cajon de Maipo, in a national park at the foot of the Andes, in the south of Santiago.

The background to this was that we (Daniel, Benedict, the third German volunteer Maria Ayudas, and I) with Fabiola Ríos, our volunteer officers and the temporal support of Tobias, who last year here Voluntario was and now dad is the last and first meeting in early October we had decided, that was regularly on the first Friday of the month to gather for a reunion. Among other things, to strengthen the community of volunteers this year class and also to simply (work experience) to share and to do activities. Just before our second meeting, however, the trip to the National Park, reached us the surprising news that towards the end of the month Fabiola Maria Ayuda would leave.

Despite the sad news that spent the trip but a bit overshadowed, we have some nice hours in a beautiful landscape, which is already a small taste of got what has to offer Chilean nature and which we see hopefully some be before the year is over! Now we have time to look at what the future holds. Early December, at least we have again one last meeting with Fabiola.

But that this day was not over yet, because it was the day of Schluesseluebergabe for our apartment. While the Tías signed the contracts, we could together with Tío Jorge, a chauffeur from Maria Ayuda, already Furniture, we had been excavated during the week from Maria Ayuda Bodega, go to our nearby apartment. To our great joy among them were really important and useful things such as refrigerator, furniture, television, kettle, mattresses, etc. Other small things were followed in this and the next days of our work where we had also had the opportunity to wash curtains, etc. . On this day we have enjoyed for the first time along with some colleagues the view from our balcony.

And who would have thought it? Although Daniel and I had said from the beginning in Chile that we would celebrate my birthday in our own Wohung, we could It's hard to believe this then the next day and should really be possible. After we cleaned with Ben all day and we set up the evening they came spontaneously by some people and we actually celebrated in our own home into my birthday. With cake and candles, I had a really lovely evening, after which we slept for the first time in our own four walls.

While Daniel and I on Sunday finally be retired on my birthday moved, chose Ben to adjust to the end of the month still to live in his new host family until he is now but Inhaling even in the course of next week after being at a seminar in Buenos Aires was, from which he will return today.
On Sunday every move if they said things to pack and say goodbye. At the same time we ate with my host family was the occasion of my birthday once and I got from my host mother a more beautiful birthday cake donated. Then it was for Daniel and me from there into our apartment.

has since adopted our own home in the last two weeks really figure. Up to a bed, a separate note by decoration and plants and Sofamoebeln right, but now we are working, we are already set up pretty well. Own apartment, and particularly in a foreign country also means a big step and now is an enriching experience. I am definitely on the more time with my two roommates!

last Friday stood at another big event, in the ballroom, which you can rent in our building. I should like this before actually learn anything. Because it was a great Ueberraschungsparty in planning, since, next to me, two other Tios from work and Ronny, another driver of Maria Ayuda, in November birthday. When it was ready at last, we had a really nice party with friends and work colleagues get off the ground. There was a lot of dancing and Acógeme team also had a little surprise for us. A presentation with children's photos and video messages. You can imagine how I looked, warning as sudden infant photos of me to see on the screen. How? Where? I shot the first time since through his head. But then I had already thought that behind it can only Daniel, who had taken with my family (sister) contact.
Besides a good mood evening I was, like the other three "birthdays", also really touched by the idea and the Bemeuhungen my work colleagues! This also thanks to my sister and my Mum and again to all who participated in the birthday link! ;)

is My work is great to report any changes in time. I work still the group B1, together with Marcial, with the 6 to 10 years old, which I am also still a blast. But besides
presentations that Daniel and I have to make some of patents for visiting days for children or other special occasions, or special activities with the children, we go to our daily work.
only our working hours have changed slightly. Three days a week I work only 8 hours from 12 bis 20 clock clock and Daniel 30th of 10 clock 18 clock 30 bis
Last Saturday, for example, but we had to work in the morning, as we of CONAC for a presentation of the children had their parents. CONAC is a state-sponsored program by the state to raise awareness of drugs, which in our Carla project, a volunteer, the social sciences studies, conduct. The meeting with the parents was a complete success, but at the same time it was to listen to, even shocking when the parents started their children in the absence of their experiences with drug addicts Familienaghoerigen to tell their own contacts with drugs. A success but even alone, therefore, that an atmosphere was created in which the parents can borrow each other and exchange experiences were an ear, they were his own words when professionals have not to this extent. An important step that helped also to strengthen the cohesion between the parents of the children and Acógeme. And most importantly, the children had a Lot of fun to show their parents about their drug-made pictures and once, during the Tios in the background were to take the reins in the hand and lead through the program ...

Well, enough about. I hope this entry is replaced by the information content of at least two entries! ;)

I can only say: Fields now then soon the Christmas season and at the same time the summer holidays the children closer. In two and a half months and always enjoy special activities are scheduled. Working hours are also totally thrown over the pile and so fexibel designed as possible, because the children are also many times earlier in the program. End of December is also my sister Visit, which I'm really happy, and soon after, in January, it was also made from only to Bolivia on a seminar and a subsequent tour. You can apply "safe" that you hear from me again soon! (Ha, just kidding on the edge) I do not want too much promise, you know me, but it will happen a lot ...

Hasta pronto! Muchos saludos!
Bruce

PS: -> Photo Gallery!

Aetna Dental Vs Delta Plan

Empanadas tired!

Hi dear ones,

it is time again for a new journal. With my last entry, it is now once again beat a while back. I must admit that I really am a bit lazy in writing. If I again do not write long, looks best times in the blog of Daniel after. Write quite happy and busy, unlike me. And since we actually do the most together, the entries could also be interesting for you to be!

First: No, I do my Chilean ID card still have not. My application was rejected again, based on the inability of the Chilean Beheorden. It would give again a problem with the copies. I was told I have to go to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dandelion! Last Friday, I am then to the German Embassy here in Santiago along with one of Tios, with Rodrigo, me after my accompanied arrival onto registro civil etc.. I think he feels a little responsible for that especially with me not with the Chilean identity in the gears come out but he has helped me. Well, the message was so often seen in movies. A bunker with a separate entrance, passport control, transfer of bags and mobile phones. The building itself had to be by a phone with a woman behind a secure glass to speak to a then says the following: Yes, I regret to say that we can not really help there. The Chileans will make a stop, what they want! With these words, and go again for the advice Policia Internacional, we have made directly on the way to the same. Finally we were then, after we had gone through almost all the metro lines by 14 clock in the project and had at least accomplished something. New documents, new stamps and new signatures. The next problem was already taken a turn. As of Monday was the registro civil go on strike, what happened. Which means that I had as yet no opportunity again to go onto registro civil to the new documents, with a new stamp read my entry date in Chile furnish. I'm at least listening. Ultimately, I will manage this year without my Carnet, they should not finally get baked!

I've been here for over two months and can say that I really 've pretty much settled. But even though I've been about a month already finished with school and am working all day, there was almost no "normal" working week. There were always special events on the program and so were those weeks working technically designed with some flexibility.

In the first / second week of September (my Erinnerungsvermoegen is a bit limited, just not for too long been written), we have a Tuesday during the day while building help for a charity event in which we have participated in the evening itself. A really nice evening! (Reports and photos this week on Daniel's blog in his second last entry).





were then already the national days of celebration in which the independence of Chile, before the door. The actual holiday is 18 September. The Chileans did not prevent it, even at the beginning of the month to hang flags from the Haeuesern and the cars and 5 days in a row, beginning on the eve of the 18th to float in September on a euphoric wave of celebration. In my opinion history will thus take this date into the background and you will make this rather as a reason to party and forgetting the worries of everyday life. But that's not exactly the worst. In no case, however, patriotism comes on these days too short. It is true that for Chile Typical of the posterior drawer digs out and celebrated. Be it whether you live in the countryside or in the capital Santiago, where most people actually have the majority of the year with these things on the hat. Celebrated the 18th September usually in the family on so-called, in the case, private "Fondas" with Asados, Chilean music and plenty of alcohol. This is also available in a big way for the public and are usually visited on the remaining days of the extended weekend. The people sitting in tents, throw money around, they really do not even have to feed their families with typical Chilean food, play games and typical Chilean rodeo horses to gaze with much more



On 12 September Maria Ayuda a big asado organized for all employees. The various projects were divided into different teams and there were games and subsequent winner. There was a lot and ate well and all this with a fun and relaxed atmosphere around the 18th September to celebrate already in Maria Ayuda.

The following day, a Saturday, we had to work at an exhibition of Herba Life. Sometimes there is also work on the weekends, for which one then but can sometimes take a day off during the week. Anyway, this day was also quite funny and work technically not very demanding. Herba Life is an American company that sold as the main product dietary supplement (powder, etc.). Since this company a lot of money and his expensive product in the form of (milk) powder donate Acógeme come every now and again people from Herba Life to visit or organize events for the kids. In fact is actually quite a nice thing, but often said they believe that doing the children more into the background or more than means to an end for Werbegruende used. Later than when the prepared "once-eating" is zurueckgeschuettet suddenly and the Herba Life milk needs to be replaced because Herba Life spontaneously announced for a visit to see the children and to launch a sweeping photo session, is one the dependence on such company clearly ...

The week from 15 Sept. was then finally completely under the star of the national holidays. At this point I want to now but not all write too much. The program and the experiences of this week, Daniel commented already in his latest blog entry. That is why I refer to this point again in his blog.

I can only say that we have spent in any case, a couple of nice days, either with friends, family, and also with work colleagues and the children of our project, we are on 16 were invited to a Sept. little Fonda Acógeme to 18 Sept. to celebrate. We have played a lot, dances be executed ate empanadas and spent a great day with smiling and happy little children.



Most Fun we had I think 17 September, we (mostly fellow workers) in Pirque in the south of Santiago spent, where we held at the farm of Rodrigo's parents expansive asado with a subsequent Fonda visit ...

What I discovered on those days, that's it's not so easy questions to typical German dishes, dances, etc. to answer. Churning, I was asked what it was because the German patriotism and whether it would give us even those national holidays. And when I have answered so that the only opportunity to show its colors really exist only in World and European Championships as well as Staatsempfaengen because this still because of what happened in the past has a funny taste, I was looked surprised. But I must also say that all the fuss, the euphoria and excitement that are made to these holidays are finally penetrated to me and not quite comprehensible way were. Despite all it was a nice and relaxing "week".

before last week, Daniel and I, at least it was for me the first time here on a home visit. The goal of a family / mother whose child was former Acógeme-schuetzling and are now in the poorest and most dangerous district of Santiago, live in the Población San Guillermo in the extreme south of Santiago. Upon entering the apartment when you could call it home, a first a bad smell nostrils. Three rooms for 2 adults and 4 children, in many cases it is even worse. As has then told the mother but the Tios that one son will not go to school and her oldest (15) was involved in gang conflicts, etc., and it started to cry, was a decidedly different. The families in these areas have been living in terrible conditions, but received a most part friendly and offer you to what they have, even if the most is not much. Erstaunenswert I also find the work of Tios, which do not break off contact with the former in order not to lose contact and not only home visits with the children at the time in the project are making. Anything but an easy job!

A day later, and that last Friday, 26.9, is then girlfriend Merle Daniels arrived. We had a great weekend with a spontaneous visit to Nico's family on Saturday evening, after we had baked a cake for Nelly's birthday with me. They were, as it was expected to be different, times drink again for a cozy afternoon at the Asado rum. So we had the perfect time to catch Merle Nicos family present as we know it. Namely do with the uncles and friends at the party left out. Then we went to Daniel at Nelly's birthday, along with Benjamin and Lenka, two other German volunteers who also here in Santiago and the work we had met recently. For cake, food, rum and Pisco we then end the evening ...

Last weekend I was the same kick twice. The evening before I was playing with work colleagues after work by Maria Ayuda football. And on Sunday evening / night then warn Daniel, Benjamin and I kick it with your friends by Nico. But before I play the next time, I have to set dire football shoes. But has really made the block and therefore I will continue to pursue anzukaempfen against the consequences of non-stop eating. Now

(football) shoes we wanted to last Sunday on the "Persa". The Persa is unique, a legal black market. Just the thought I have it first: Legal black market? Sounds like a bit contradictory directions. Santiago seems like something but to give it. Of used batteries on empty, dirty bottles to laptops you can buy everything there. If stolen, forged or perhaps not one white original. But after we found out that prices for shoes did not differ significantly from those from the mall and are likely to forge yet, we have finally bought none. A nice walk through a smorgasbord of useful and useless things, it was nevertheless.

twice in the cinema I was about it. The Cinemalls are a good size, many also come here Hollywood productions are often already out a month earlier than in Europe. Two weeks ago at the weekend, we warn (Daniel and I) and a few friends in a film of Stephen King. In English "La Niebla" in English "The Mist" in German "The Mist". Nah kidding! In German is "The Mist", the movie was crap but still. Yesterday we warn then in "The Oxford Murders" with Elijah Wood. Cool movie! Is also very cool that they synchronize the movies here in the cinemas and therefore usually not in English, so the original language, and show subtitles in English only. Do you have to get used to but first off, but make it.

except that the last four weeks of work technically since my last entry just designs were quite flexible, there is to say not so much to work. She gives me a still a blast and I still work with the group B1 Marcial, the clown. Daniel and I are now taking regularly to the "Reunion" (gatherings, meetings) participated in the Monday morning, where ever the groups, the situation of children and all sorts of other organizational matters are discussed. Straight runs of our idea, every Tuesday and Thursday English classes, computer courses and / or individual countries to give. So far, has not yet done so much, because at present the future of the group C, the elders, not sure, and we now also a horde of volunteers and Chilean Interns-have inside, which are mainly just Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The weather can I sometimes like to mention briefly. While I'm here in the most beautiful spring and can walk around during the day at last in the T-shirt, is uncomfortable with you even bitter, as I have heard. Everything goes just the opposite. Where in Germany Winter and Christmas are inseparable, I am going to spend Christmas in the middle of summer. Since I'm curious to see the performance one must also get used first!

And finally: The last date for this year and third volunteers from Germany together with Daniel and has also reached me. On Friday we had a small formal introductory meeting, because Benedict (no, not our pope, but that's the name of the new volunteers) in another project by Maria Ayuda works.

So, I think was about it again. I hope the time being supplied enough information to have compensated for the small deficit in the period between this and the last item to have. I'm going to the Cerro San Cristobal (see photo gallery). See you soon! Bruce

PS: The reference to the headline: Empanadas are at all the Chilean specialties. Dumplings stuffed with cheese, for example, meat, egg, olive, etc. Very yummy, especially on national holidays, there are empanadas enough of that!

Ken Gordon, Colorado,artist

Work in Acógeme

Hi everybody,

it is already been some time since the last entry. There is already a little late and I'm again very tired and could therefore also good and hit me like a round of the ear (some of you know that I'm on pretty good terms with my bed); but I will not verwaehren this last entry in August and so I am now with Susy's Laptop placed on the terrace for a bit of typing on the keyboard. Although it is already dark, but today was a glorious sunny day and now I suck at this "warm" winter evening on a little Restwaerme. You can tell that the spring is coming. A lucky I would say!
Today I want to, as I promised some, a little insight into my project and the work that I will perform there over the coming year grant. In the last two weeks regarding this issue has done some things I will not deprive you.
But first I want to tell you a little bit of my weekend that you may also have ne idea what I'm doing here for so in my spare time. The last weekend was quite amusing. Since Daniel was already in his latest blog entry says it all vividly, I refer here to his blog. I will however like to describe to you two short stories that illustrate a bit of the Chilean mentality.

I start with my Chilean passport. On Thursday evening I was calmly at home from work, as I said Susy with them, that had once again called "registro civil" and wishes that I appear on the following day at dawn, as once again my request for a passport was refused, because again be present any problem seems. I of course was not very excited because it meant then already my third visit.
was the second time I called one days before the collection date, that I could not pick up my passport, because the data had gone missing or something was missing and I would have to go through the procedure over again. No real fun, as it means shoot it, take fingerprints of all ten fingers, can give signature, data and dictate verplaemppern just endless amounts of time.
Well, I went on Friday morning with all sorts of documents and curious as to what is now once again, to the "registro civil". Once there, I had to learn that I have some documents (passport, certificate of Policia Internacional and Visa) should have copy. Well, I thought, Whew, not a thing, then copy the things holding times fast and I go back, I could see on the PC of the subject worker also saved all my data. Nope! The data was deleted before my eyes, so had to be re-recorded, and the copies I had, even if a kopierfaehiges device exists, make yourself at the mall about me. Stressed and for the third time with black fingers I was able to finally go with a new pick-up date in mid-September (Daniel has his passport since the beginning of August and has a half weeks arrived before me, the laughs are of course the whole time crooked)! This
Experience I conclude now simply that the Chilean bureaucracy seems to be worse than the German. If you shoot in an official passport photos, but can not make any copies, something is not. Since there is no obvious efficiency and the officials do there are all important, but of course I could not say earlier that they need copies of some documents! ...

The second story that I could do yesterday, describes how it should be otherwise, the Chilean punctuality. Saturday afternoon, Daniel and I at Mimi, whose son Joaquin's birthday. The mood was good, Daniel and I had fun and we, as almost always felt in this family, very well. Unfortunately, we were very limited in time because we wanted to meet at 19 clock with some colleagues at work to together to look at a "gala dinner" in a school with Tanzauffuehrung some children from our project. Rennend we rushed us into the underground in order not to late to come to a united meeting place, just typical German. To our surprise, there was no one in a hurry. Cigarettes were infected, it was talked! Daniel and I have received a bit nervous, especially since some people were still missing and we were a bit shocked by the audacity of the Chileans, as we discovered on our tickets that the show will begin at 19 clock would have. The emphasis is on "should have" because when we arrived just 20 clock last at the school was, far and no one there, just some little people who had just started to decorate the hall. But it is not left unruffled. We picked at the next corner a bottle of rum, cola and snacks to go back and then into the project to pass the time. We were surprised that the delay was not an issue at all, let someone would have excited. Only Daniel and I were pissed so early gone to be of Mimi's party, 5 minutes, before the meal and a nice punch in was served. In addition, we had planned after the performance, then to 21 clock, relax and watch movies. Well, abzukuerzen to the whole. Ultimately , the Gala, where we have non-attended, it started with a 22 clock delay of 3 hours! Very good ...
to this unproductive, at least in the Arts, one must also get used first. to plan several things in one day is hopeless! Actually, yes, the plan itself.

was very relaxing, however, the "asado" (English term for a kind of barbeque / barbecue) that we have held the night before at Vero, one of the social assistants. The occasion was less encouraging. It had to leave again be celebrated. A longtime staff member had, for lack of funds, left the project. Despite the somewhat sad mood, it was quite interesting was spontaneously improvised Speeches, for the Chileans seem to have a knack to listen. Furthermore, it was still a lot of laughter, eating and drinking ...

But before that, in my excesses, to describe the weekend, sinking, I want you now report finally over it, so I'm mainly here for my work:

Last week Daniel and I have a very informative meeting with our boss Nelly. We have learned a lot about how our work will look like over the coming period. We have also presented some ideas on what we want to do with the children can or should. From courses to Ganztagesaktivitaten all there. But for now there are suggestions that Daniel tomorrow in the Monday's Round of talks (unfortunately I'm not there because I have school in the morning), will introduce the team. After that, seen what is possible and what it can be integrated in the day. Because the unit we have a specific daily routine, which may also vary depending on times and which I will explain to you just once.
is First "Acógeme" to provide a facility for children from the neighborhood "La Granja" a possibility to stay after school until evening, so you do not spend time on the street or spend. School is compulsory to get access to the project. The number of children attending kindergarten is coupled to the capacity of the available workforce and premises and limited to a total of 40 children. The waiting list is endless. And as far as I've noticed that children are adopted after a few years to allow other children an opportunity to offer. Beginning of the year was set by the parent organization Maria Ayuda a number of 60 children attending children. The conditions were not to wear and therefore reduced the number of "Acógeme" back to 40.

But now part of everyday life:
Among children is when they come home from school, once on the health plan. That means brushing teeth, and also for a shower one or the other, because for most outside of the project that has no possibility. Then the children receive assistance in effecting their homework. The coaches speak from themselves and with the teachers from the school so every child can get the best possible support in its work. After that is eaten "once", which means here in Chile as much as coffee time. The children get a snack and something to drink, usually a saturating powder mixture. Then play then are the "talleres" at. Every month there is a specific module that is treated. Two months ago the topic of this module family, last month, the rights of children and this month "auto-cuidado" (self-protection) was. The themes of these modules with the children in the "talleres" processed and treated. There are, for example, Poster handicrafts, brochures made or adjustments of news programs! A great idea, I think, educate the children out of school. Completed before the children are picked up, you find yourself in the house "band" (a room, see photos project) to pray and sing. There is also the opportunity for the children in the group to thank God for something or to ask for something. Friday is the day of "recreación" (recreation) and are therefore not work. It is easy and only played once every two weeks is all for the chance to go to university and to perceive as computer courses.
At first glance, there is quite a mess in the house with all the running around near the door. But only at first glance. For the 40 children are divided into 4 (age) groups and also have different residence times. Group A with the little ones (3-6 years), which is supervised by Tia Pame and every day comes from 14 clock 18 clock bis 30, 2 groups B (6-11 years) are cared for by Tio and Tio Rodrigo Marcial and 4 days come the week and the group C (12-15 years) which only comes twice a week. Each group is supervised by a tutor and a Sozialassitentin. The distribution has a very specific meaning. It is estimated that for the little ones, there is still the most hope, to protect it from the familial indifference and the road. Therefore, they are also cared for throughout and there are psychologists and social assistants, working not only with the children, but also to maintain contact with their parents.
Daniel and I now had to decide, with which group we work because we could imagine. Daniel will initially Tia Pame in small support, while I have chosen to work with Tio Marcial, the joker of the group, say 4 times a week will be with group B and once with Group C. That means that I, the groups accompany with Marcial through the day, as I have previously described, and in addition to Daniel and I (but must be abgeklaert still was) its own projects carried out with the children (eg guitar training, regular football and volleyball, computer courses, Maerchenstunde, Table Soccer repair, etc.). Over the school holidays, for example, the children all day about the project, that is, the supervisors have to do a full-time job and have to lie down Ganztagesaktivitaeten. Here, too, Daniel and I have the opportunity to incorporate their own ideas. But for now, Daniel and I do even simple things, just incurred, such as help in the kitchen, buy bread for sweep "once" or. For Daniel it starts tomorrow. I have one more week language school and then will begin my workday clock and end at 11 against 20 clock.
Working with Group C, the elder, is already really stressful, especially now that I still miss the language. Most of the Young people's just one has bothered attitude and even for the carer is often difficult to present an authority that is accepted by the kids.
However, I can just imagine me actually to work here for the next year gleucklich. For not only the team and the Arbeitsatmosphaere are great, the work, especially with the smaller ones, makes a great fun. The kids are all just really cute. Take you up on a walk by the hand to call all the time Tio, even if most people have problems to pronounce your name, and pulls all the time and puts on your sleeves.
But even if it seems to fall most of the children is not difficult to give a new Tio trust, you have the whole Time, keep in mind in what circumstances and backgrounds is most of the children. The "Población San Gregorio" is really one of the poorest and most dangerous district of Santiago. Violence and crime are on the agenda. The families live only in corrugated iron barracks, and many family members share a single room. Some of the parents of children in the project are criminals, drug addicts and / or there are cases of prostitution. Often there is no way to shower, and whether the children are eating at home, is also questionable. Therefore, care is taken that they eat in the school and the project always good. These facts I report now only hearsay, but these correspond to the facts Reality. I noticed early enough, these cases with their own eyes if the language is sitting and if Daniel and I will also accompany the Tios morning at their home visits in the "Población"! mitzubekommen The fates of individual children and to process then will be certainly not always easy, but are also part of our work this year. This background because it is all the more hopeful, if still a child, as it really should be at that age, can quickly build trust with other people.
is why it's nice to see that there are people here, where the fates of other people are not indifferent and love their work with the children about everything and exchange it for anything else would do, as has been noted at the time the departure of some children from the project. Here is what really did for the little ones by giving them a second family, lack of love and attention are given, but also material support being for them to save them from neglect. The best way to see the thing is, if former child come almost regularly to visit the project.
This sounds all very tragic and terrible, but already meets the reality. You must send in the eye, yet not forget that the children only helps if one confronts them each day anew with energy and good humor. Because "Acógeme" should be a happy place where the Children can be children!

I hope I could give you a more or less vivid, interesting and almost complete insight into my project and my work! If you have questions, then writes. I can handle then maybe in my next blog entry. Furthermore, I will the day some new pictures, especially from my work to upload. So let's have a look in the gallery!

Until next time, and many dear greetings!

Simple Latin Dessert Recipes

Algarrobo Norte

Hi, I'm back

"somewhat" turned back fit and well to Santiago. Before you but it reports where and how my long weekend I spent, I must tell you a little discovery! In the center of Santiago, I came across a small oasis. A corner of paradise in an otherwise so dull-looking concrete chaos of the big city:
A small mountain, called Santa Lucia, where it offers a panoramic view is not about the seemingly never ending city and the Andes beyond. Last weekend we were enjoying twice on the "Cerro" to the view and take pictures. Some I've already uploaded in my photo gallery, the link is again on the right menu bar. The Cerro Santa Lucía is certainly a nice place and well attended by students and this couple, especially art students gather around the mountain, is to climb stairs and walk through paths ... (see photo gallery)



But now I will tell you about my weekend!
First, I will report a feeling that I was the end of the proverbial short break out surprised. I all think of you knows this; if you spend a holiday with friends, family, or perhaps even alone, you feel the whole stay truly a relaxing break, you are at the end but then gradually return to happy, back return to his familiar home so nice of the holiday may have been. It is with this feeling I've also caught myself this weekend. The difference is that my familiar home in thought Santiago was. Actually very strange when one remembers that I have less than three weeks have been here. What I'm saying is that it is very surprising how quickly I've settled here in Santiago "at home" and feel. Of course, I've still not taken root, perhaps I will, too, the whole year is not over. But with the thought of my room / house in Santiago me a feeling of security, has already packed the routine: having to get up in the morning to walk again, in the school and then work into the project to ...
But now to my weekend. The real reason was the birthday of Nelly's (our boss) father, who was 85 years old and to which the whole clan many of whom live directly in Algarrobo, had been invited. The family party but should increase only on Saturday, so we had to look at the previous day as of Wednesday evening time us something of the environment and the beach, and I'm not a little cold wanted to spoil the fun.
On Thursday we were visited as on Isla Negra, the house of the great national poet and Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda. For me, one of the most beautiful moments. Already on the journey, which lasted only 20 minutes, I was full of tense anticipation! I wondered whether the house would probably look like this, as I had imagined from reading in school. For there we had read a book on Neruda, which takes place located on this same island, in An adjacent fishing village and in this house. I was most impressed by the architecture of the house, which resembles a ship, with mainly natural materials used to build. I was fascinated but also the bedroom Neruda, from which he had an amazing view of the beach below and the adjacent Pacific Ocean, from the forge of the poet all his creativity. Although not many tourists were there, I was a little disappointed that the site for such an attraction had dwindled. Neruda's passion for collecting and the consequence that the house from inside and looked like a museum, helped not just to a faithful Flair for. Nevertheless, it was fascinating and already a weird feeling to see something with my own eyes, from which they had previously only read descriptions in a book, nor to the object about 12,000 km from the town is located, where you had read about it . My former English classmates perhaps understand what I mean ... (See below: "la campana")



Otherwise, we have over the days actually only slept a lot and eaten. Before lunch, got up almost no one. On Friday, we were able to leave the house because of persistent rain hard, which by the way, was really awesome. We had our own room and behind the house there was a Jacuzzi, but which I was because of my cold, unfortunately, used non.
On Saturday, Daniel and I made before the celebration a little trip to the beach. Best to you, you look at the pictures in the gallery as soon as I put it inside.
the evening, but I was very curious how such a family reunion takes place well in Chile. But first, Daniel and I were sitting out in our house and nobody picked us up to go to the ceremony, which took place just 100m next door. Tania, Ernesto Simón and have been pursued and had apparently forgotten us and Nelly and her husband had, as always, were delayed and over the phone can not be achieved. So we made our first ne-Cola Rum and leaned back and relax. We went to 22 Clock but finally happening. To the "impromptu speech" of the birthday child before we were already warned, and a serenade to German then finally we came around but not. The party ended with Gitarrenklaengen, lots of food and plenty of alcohol (such as the Chileans to expect otherwise) was long after Daniel and I had already laid.
Schwuppdiwupps was already Sunday afternoon and the days of rest and gluttony gone already, too bad actually ...

By naechtsen times! Muchos saludos y abrazos ...

Bruce

Wetness Days Before Period

The first week is done!

Hi everybody,

is now again for quite a week since I have written. I understand from the many comments its my first one seems even to have read with keen interest. Well, it is happening again in any case a lot. 'm Fit, good-humored and very motivated. I was told that this first euphoric phase, as experience shows, ending at the most between the first and third month. Then the majority of first falls into a hole, because you realize how much time you really must get here really still behind. Well, we'll see. So far everything is still in the green area and all very exciting. 'm Just ever so ne kind of holiday feeling, even if we settled here very quickly.

Bin evening as pretty does. At 9 clock flitz I go to the house to return to school (which is relatively late is) and then I go as Daniel to work. But until now I was actually still no day 20 clock at home. When working around the school is, we start but probably not until around noon, it's because all the little children drifting in the afternoon after school. But at the moment is the school ne really cool experience. You meet many new interesting people coming from all over the world to make various things here in Santiago and to learn the language. With my English is slowly but surely, also advanced. It gradually gets used to the speed and gets to know in time the entire Chilean modisms. But is still a hard piece to work.

Tuesday and Wednesday we had an introduction by Maria Ayuda, the actual organization for which Daniel and I work over the next year. We were about 15 people, most interns and volunteers. In a presentation we could learn more about the history, objectives Maria Ayudas and how they are implemented. On Wednesday we will visit most of the projects, in total there are currently 19, Maria Ayuda financially supported and coordinated, including the project in which Daniel and I are working, which is in one of the poorest "barrios" of Santiago is located. Was certainly real "súperinteresante" (as the Chileans would say) to see what's with all the projects:
Most Houses are shelter for children who come from difficult conditions (crime, drugs, violence and abuse through prostitution). Here they find the affection that they deserve. The founder of Maria Ayuda launched its first project in 1983, when he saw how young girls had to prostitute on the street to be able to feed on. He wanted to provide a safe refuge, "a family environment where they could feel comfortable and as a child. Another very interesting project is to be "El hogar Oncologico Felipe Rivera, accompanied the children with cancer (along with their parents) on this difficult stages of her life. The children come mostly from poor and parents can therefore the expensive treatment not finance themselves. Here they are espousing both mentally and materially. Work in this project will require the Tios and Tias so much sensitivity and force, as they are every day faced with death. The most important thing is to give the children a harmonious and happy environment.
On these two enlightening and exhausting days at the same time (all in English of course), so I'm pretty good about Maria Ayuda been informed of the religious correlations and my own job. The goal is for children "be the child" to permit and that is best in a family environment!

Sadly, it has to be found so that even Here, as in all places, the money is missing. That is why I have the intention and Daniel expected to start in winter an appeal to Germany.
had to leave today namely about 10 children to our project. In no case because they now are large enough or had completed their schooling, but because of lack of money. Had to go, who are already the longest in the project, including but many speak of the little ones. The parting was very sad, even for me where I am only a half weeks there. For I have already met some of these kids in the last days. On the part of the Tios and Tias that these children have a long term of supervised almost every day, and the parents went to some tears. First there was a little service, in which each child presented again and a little story or anything else has been told. Thereafter, all received a reminder a necklace with a pendant engraved. They were finally adopted in the project with food, drink and a small photo show. At the end of the Tios and Tias remained no choice but to children and parents on their way, they must tread alone again, to wish good luck and offer them an ever open door! As part of the streamlining measures we must leave next month one of the Sozialasisstentinnen. Another sad farewell. Although I am only a week here, I was already pretty close to that. It noted you quickly how to become really integrated here and how quickly establishes a bond with people one has just met. I am definitely on the work with the team, which always has to have a fun. Especially Tío Marcial, its ironic and silly way, often do not understand his own times Chilean colleagues. But the work could also be partly quite difficult and stressful, not later when you learn more about the fate and personal backgrounds of the children with whom I played every day / working.

A little anecdote: On Wednesday evening, Daniel and I tried in the art of baking. We wanted to conjure up something for Tía Sara, the next day's birthday and had the same Tío with Marcial together should receive a diploma. Fun hats made, but was really ne procedure to find first all the ingredients. The Chileans themselves seem not to bake, what has this whole extremely difficult to find, including a suitable baking dish. At night after we were finally ready by 1 clock and had cemented our fallen apart cake with a chocolate glaze Zentimterdicken, we were actually very hesitant As for the result. Since we do not want to poison yes, we had the next day pretty scared of the tasting. We were all together somewhere in one of the malls for a drink. Ultimately, the result was still better than we thought. The enthusiasm was really quite large, and hopefully not play. Daniel and I have at least decided to bake for a further one or two cakes.

In my next entry I'll probably tell, and hopefully about my stay at the beach next weekend. Our boss, which is, at the same time Daniel's host mother gave us as a long weekend pending, invited to spend time with her family at the beach. Hope it works. And even if the weather should be great (here is winter for the record), I'm curious. In the school I hear only about the other stories of her travels in the South or the North or their trips to the Andes for skiing on weekends.

The nightlife seems here are also quite interesting. I have already recommended countless clubs (mostly in the school). Above all times to go to ne Salsathek. In Chile, it is also normally do during the week to spontaneously and what to celebrate and to remain seated while also a bit longer. Then you catch just a bit later to work. Then suffer the same infrastructure (see buses, etc.). The Chilean mentality seems overall to be the reason why this is all a bit longer and disordered expires. But actually I like this compromise very well. At parties, it also seems to be normal that when you get invited you will automatically also bring friends. Vamos a ver!

My host mother is Susan really nice. Feed me still through the day. In addition, you can talk to her really well. Last Sunday, is it the whole afternoon with me down bus and subway to show me the lines in the vicinity of her house. While Metro ride is not a problem, the bus is easy to read (yet)! Saturday gabs with her sister and her husband, Chinese, Daniel on Sunday was to eat there and there were sharks ...
practice is also that there is next to my house right NEN huge supermarket ...


etc. Well, I think it was then for the time being already pretty much anything newsworthy value. Finally, what I like so far the best and least:

Geil it is every day almost anywhere in the city, the snow-capped Andes able to see (if no smog). Toll is able to course in one day skiing in the Andes and then to bathe in the sea. Where else are there any? 'll Check it at least not yet. I liked most of the malls, continues to eat and sleep before my work place, the language of the common here Reggaeton, the people and with plans for Daniel to forge together the upcoming year. Fascinating also is the hip movement, already dominate the youngest. Remember non that I ever would have in ner German disco NEN seen better. You could do with the links on Daniels side. He has videos and pictures!

bad and sad at the same time, the on every corner rumstreunenden dogs, annoying and extremely chaotic traffic (every two seconds honks someone), the smog, the garbage on the roads, journey times and the one to be robbed all the time like a paranoid suspects it, because you always has the thought of the crime in mind, the one being told everywhere. (When I last told in the language school where I work, have shied suddenly all!). Every time I take the Metro and in "La Granja" get out, look at me quite funny to the people, to say, what does he want there? ...

will take care of me! Adiós ...

PS: Hab ne Gallery opened at google mail! The link follows ...

Best Way To Wash Air Max 180s

first sign of life

Hi,
this first entry you had to first wait for a while now. The free time was measured here in the first few days really tight and it was not easy to find views nen PC for a few quiet minutes. In addition to my blog a few days ago was not yet established.

First I would like to thank you again for all the "beautiful" farewell, I'm really glad I got you all and all shall see again when I return in one year. Which, as we recently learned, unfortunately, all had painful, is not Of course! I have done it anyway very hurt that I have on Thursday could not be there ...

Well do not even know where to start. Here you can discover so many new things every day, I could probably fill an n. This is not the intention. Will I have alittle bit while you keep up to date, that you feel your body The NEN get what I doing here because Sun Nevertheless, I'll describe here no endless stories with all sorts of details. So I would see you first, get bored and secondly do not have time to do so.

why I am glad to tell you can first of all that I am alive and well here, arrived in Santiago, even if the flight change and all, with certain claims to the 25 hours. At the airport I was in any case of Daniel, the other Frewilligen, the week and a half already arrived before me and Ronnie, a member of Maria Ayuda, the umbrella organization of my job "Acógeme" picked up - albeit with a little delay.
then we gefahrn straight to Nelly Opazo, my new boss for this year, but at the same time, people also host mother of Daniel, the first one or two months. After I fed Daniel with all sorts of interesting facts and we have visited together a bit of the city (La Moneda, Plaza de Armas), know I was late in the evening my host mother. Here have taken care of my own room with bathroom and becoming real love. Just Daniel by our "boss". Chilean mentality indicated.
Yesterday I was in school, I now for the first four weeks will visit here in Santiago. Since then I sit from 10 clock in the morning together for three hours with four other English learners and teachers are supplied by nem with input. There are bad memories from high school, which just concluded, as well as homework stand on the plan. Said everything here is made pretty loose.
costs at McDoof n Cheese Burger about 80 cents. Otherwise everything is eg also relatively cheap compared to Germany. Metro fahrn is also pretty cool. Once charged with a map on which you can make money on it load, and there you go across the city, wherever one wants. Is it also, unfortunately, the only effective and safe transport and claimed but already a lot of time.
One evening we were already drinking in ner bar what with future colleagues. very funny, has most of the troops was to know in this way to sniff at NEM holding back at work, although I can not even imagine would have. Price for a cocktail: about 2 €.
Today I was applying with Tio Rodriguo, an employee from the project to go to my card. After that I was able to visit the first time my job, I will not now or let me go for one year. Have once had lunch together before the children came home from school. Then it was fashionable to paint and a few home visits in between. The first impression was really great. The kids are really cute and work colleagues all nice, even if one or another of my small knowledge of English still exploited and sometimes makes a joke at my expense, sudden laugh, and you yourself understand only train station. The Chileans speak very simply so rapidly and swallow lots of letters, understood to be non-real deal. Well, will work out, if you're used to it.
The children are mostly pretty pending and have no hesitation to approach one. Werd now for next year, "El Tío Bruce" hot. In the project, the children do their homework, and can get food with the Tios and Tias play and do other things until they are picked up in the evening. The children, coming into the house, all have compulsory education. They spin so usually a clock to 16. On Friday even alittle bit earlier.
I was taken up to now only warm everywhere, whether in the project by the children and work colleagues, or of any other persons, such as my host mother!
The weather is here I'm really a thorn in August rainy and freezing cold. Not that it's not used to in Germany would be. Here there is neither heating nor reasonably insulated houses. The only are these small, portable Gasoefelchen.
Another shortcoming is fahrn just the size of the city and the Metro. If abnormal amount of time. Moreover, it is real here in some neighborhoods that we know does not work, containing not recommend walking around alone, especially not at night. An example would be San Gregorio NEN to the quarter in which my job is. Are only about 100 meters from the metro station, but non quite harmless. To phone calls or with the bills rumzuwedeln, because while one is running, is nich somewhat problematic. An attack would be inevitable. Without a car, one must therefore consider exactly how to find out is, and when. Is everything now just still alittle bit complicated and strange until you've once familiar and find ne certain routine. As with the language very well.

So, I could really tell a lot more. About food, I myself, when am also with mixed feelings, on the work this year very much what I shoot as for thoughts through my head, what worries me bother what everything here is so typical that people I already know everything, my plans for the next few days, etc.

But I will as I said up too much torment with long entries. This falls a little now from the scheme because it is the first and therefore it is important to handle many new experiences. The following are sparse and probably turn out to be even shorter.

I would be much more interssieren, what is going on with you? Anyone who wants can email or put comments underneath. In emails I will keep non-responses can in such detail.

Have you always loved you and press firmly all over! Hasta pronto!