I used to think...

I used to think I was born in the wrong decade.  I should have been born in the 40's or 50's so I could have been a hippie and made change and revolution happen.  But sometimes I have moments of clarity where I realize that the world is constantly in need of change and revolution, and even though we're in the 21 century I can still have some pretty zen experiences.  Besides, women have it a lot better now than we did 40 years ago.  

Last Saturday we had a Chakra workshop the entire day, where we learned chakra 101 and discussed all of our different energy centers.  We also reviewed different exercises that help develop and harmonize the chakras.  I realized that I feel most connected to the first 2 chakras; earth energy.  And I also discovered through one of the exercises that it feels really good to stomp my feet on the ground as hard as I can to the beat of drums.  Every day I find more reasons to join a drum circle when I get back to the States :)

That night we went to the Victor Jara music festival in the plaza.  Victor Jara, from what I can understand, was a truly iconic Chilean folk singer who was brutally tortured and assassinated during the 1973 coup.  He was born near Chillan, the city where I live, so every year they have a huge music festival in his honor.  Let me tell you, there was some great people-watching!  Lots of young dread-locked Chileans "volando" (flying).  At times I felt like I was in a mosh pit, but the energy was contagious and the music helped create a sense of community and laughter. We sat and drank cheap beer and tried hard not to get knocked over by people who had consumed far too many altering substances.

This past weekend was also exceptional.  Apart from other things, on Saturday we went to the sub-20 women's world cup game between the U.S. and Argentina.  Since Obama won, we felt patriotic enough to dress in red, white and blue.  We all put our hair in pigtails and tied them with red, white and blue ribbon.  We even made signs!  Although we looked ridiculous, we were pretty awesome and I'm confident that everyone in the stadium agreed.  Thanks to our support, the U.S. team won 3-0!

After the game we went to the campo for an asado (bbq). Sandra and Juan, thos hosts, had gotten up at dawn to start preparing.  The killed two sheep, skinned them, and prepared the meat.  I did eat a little bit of it, since they worked so hard to prepare such a feast.  We had plenty of time to wander in the fields, sharing conversation and laughing constantly.  After dinner we all sat in the garage drinking wine and mate, watching the sun set and the stars come out.  

I'm beginning to feel more of a sense of community here, although it's sad to think that Kristy and Caryn, the other volunteers, will be returning to the States soon.

In other news, the greenhouse is fantastic and we've been enjoying fresh spinach, parsley, lettuce, swiss chard, and cilantro!  The tomato plants are turning into monsters that could win blue ribbons at a state fair, as are the nasturtiums.  

Also, if anyone knows anyone who has ever been to Patagonia, put them in contact with me!