fiestas patrias

We just finished another round of Chilean Independence Day celebrations!  It's hard to believe that it's September again.  Makes me reflect on how much has happened in the past year - and almost all of it unexpected!  

Of course it wouldn't be an independence day celebration without lots of wine and food and dancing, and I've definitely had my share of all three.  Last weekend we had the peña, our annual benefit party, at the Casa Ursulina.  You can check out this link to see some pictures from the night.  It was a LOT of work, but the evening was an overall success. I was relieved to find it much less stressful than last year's peña, due to my much improved Spanish.

After the past week, I feel the need to change my diet to strictly celery and lettuce!  The general philosophy of food preparation is that everything tastes better deep-fried in pig fat.  And actually it all does taste pretty good until you realize that none of your clothes fit anymore!  

Andrea and I went back to the campo in San Dionisio, where we flew kites, went to a parade, and danced cueca (the national dance of Chile) with some local campesinos.  As soon as we got back to Chillan, we went straight to the Pulgar party at Tono's house.  We spent Saturday at an artesania fair, and saturday night at yet another Pulgar party.  

Needless to say, I plan to spend this week catching up on sleep and drinking lots of water!