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 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 | 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... 
by Sally Rose | Aug 6, 2017 | Chile, Expat, Teaching, Traditions, Travel
Last week, one of my Chilean acquaintances posted on Facebook. She has a six-month old baby and she is a nursing mom. In her post, she said that she went to the fería, the farmer’s market, and an elderly man approached her and begged her for some breast milk.... 
by Sally Rose | May 19, 2017 | Family, Grief, Mother's Day, Traditions
Last week, I started taking a French class. I’ve always wanted to learn French. A thousand years ago, I went to college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I transferred there as a sophomore and didn’t have the option of preregistering for classes beforehand.... 
by Sally Rose | Dec 1, 2016 | #etiquette, Christmas, Customs, Holidays, Traditions
Many, many years ago, long before I got married or Phillip was born, I made an advent calendar. It was made of felt, in the shape of Santa Claus. On his big, triangle-shaped belly were 24 little pockets. Each one held a felt Christmas ornament, which I also made....