by Sally Rose | Dec 31, 2017 | Holidays, Storytelling, Transitions
The new year is upon us, only a few hours away as I write this. I heard a story today that I want to share. The story is about a six-year old named Jenny. Jenny and her mother were at the store, waiting in the check out line, when Jenny spied a shiny pink box with a... 
by Sally Rose | Dec 25, 2017 | Chile, Christmas, Customs, Holidays, Traditions
In Chile, Christmas Eve is known as Noche Buena. This is the night that Christmas is celebrated with family, usually with a big meal and gifts for the children brought during the night by St. Nick, who is known as Viejito Pascuero. In years past, I’ve had... 
by Sally Rose | Dec 18, 2017 | Chile, Christmas, Expat, Holidays
I have rarely spent Christmas in Chile. One of my neighbors has hung a Christmas wreath on the apartment door, but I can’t get into the spirit in 90º+ heat. When I think about it, I grew up in and spent a lot of years living in places where it was warm at... 
by Sally Rose | Dec 11, 2017 | Chile, Christmas, Expat, Food, Holidays, Traditions
Time for Pan de Pascua, fruitcake. In Chile, it’s ubiquitous, piled high in every grocery. Far as I know, none of my friends in the US like fruitcake. Vivi, my Spanish teacher seemed offended when I told her that we don’t eat much fruitcake, but I’ve... 
by Sally Rose | Oct 28, 2017 | Chile, Expat, Holidays
The first year that I lived in Santiago, Chile, I was invited to a Halloween party. My Spanish was rudimentary then. I remember how awkward I felt, being the only non-native Spanish speaker in the room. Most of the evening, I didn’t know what was going on.... 
by Sally Rose | Sep 21, 2017 | Chile, Customs, Food, Holidays, Traditions, Travel
Can you spot the gringa? Last Monday, September 18, was Chile’s national holiday, Fiestas Patrias. It’s usually celebrated with friends and family. Often, there’s a barbeque involved. Other than going to doctor visits, I had not been leaving the...