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Robyn Orth graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Latin American Studies and History. She will be attending Georgetown University to get her Master’s degree with the Center for Latin American Studies in the E. Walsh School of Foreign Service. She speaks Spanish fluently and loves to travel.
Where have you traveled to before Chile?
Before Chile, I had traveled a lot with my family. When I was younger, I traveled throughout the US and went to the Netherlands and Egypt. In high school, I traveled to Italy, France, and England; I’ve also been to both London and Paris a few times. I first traveled by myself the summer after freshmen year of college; I took a train to Barcelona after a visit to Provence with my family. I stayed there for a month and practiced Spanish in a language school while living in an International House. The summer after sophomore year of college I studied in Guadalajara, Mexico and lived with a host family. The summer after Junior year I traveled to Ecuador with my family, highlights included Quito and the Galapagos. And now, the summer after my senior year here I am in Santiago!
What were some of your expectations before arriving?
Let’s see, before I arrived I was definitely excited to get to know a new country. I wasn’t really sure what to expect in Santiago as far as cleanliness, safety, and the general hospitality of the people, but I have to say now I am pleased with everything I have found. I was told before I came that Chileans are not very friendly, but what I have found is they are simply very polite and reserved– they all seem really friendly and willing to talk to me. When people hear me speaking English in the metro or in a restaurant they often come up and initiation conversation. When I respond in Spanish they seem taken aback and continue in English, I think they enjoy having the opportunity to practice it.
What has been your favorite part about Chile?
What’s my favorite part about Chile? Well it’s a beautiful country and the people are really great, but I guess that’s probably a little bit too all inclusive. I really like Churasscos and Pisco Sours and I like that the big meal of the day is in the middle. So, I guess it’s all about the food. But, that might be my favorite part of every country. I would say that the food has won me over, except for the copious amounts of mayonnaise they put on everything. I will you one thing though: this country knows it’s beef and potatoes.
What is your least favorite part about Chile?
My least favorite part about Chile, other than the mayonnaise? I think I would have to say that Santiago is pretty severely polluted. You can see the Andes around the city and they should be a beautiful site, but if you take today for instance, the smog in the air makes the snow on the mountainside appear yellow. And the Mapocho River is really more of a gray mess in a poorly constructed concrete canal. I’m not sure if this goes in least or most favorite, but I also have to comment on the fact that Chileans seem to only listen to American music! Every where you go, the mall, the metro, restaurants, on the plaza, there is always American music– hmmph, at least I usually know the words
If you could describe one moment when you felt “wow, I’m in Chile,” what would it be?
After riding the funicular to the top of Cerro San Cristobal (the largest hill in Santiago) on a relatively clear day and looking around to see the sprawling city surrounded by beautiful mountains was the moment that I thought, “wow, I’m in Chile.”
What is one thing you miss about “home?”
I really don’t miss anything from home, in fact, I might as well be in the United States. Chile is far more Americanized than I ever imagined. There are tons of shopping malls, walmart and home depot equivalents and they seem to have all the luxury items you might want (but, let’s face it, I’m a college student– I’m not actually buying any anyway). The only thing that really comes to mind is that all the red sauces, ketchup, or spaghetti sauce are way too sweet. I wish I had brought some good old Heinz 57 with me.
Do you feel that people are excepting of you in Chile as United Statesians?
People are more than accepting of us as United Statesians. They seem excited to learn that we have come from the US to learn about their country and they are eager to share their experiences. They also really like practicing their English, although they probably have plenty of opportunity to practice if they turn on the radio. I will say, however, that they do tend to stare when Gabriella and I are walking down the street– that’s probably because we stand out more than just a little bit.
Have you made any Chilean friends? If so, how?
I’ve made Chilean friends through my American friend who already had Chilean friends, so I guess that counts? Actually, the only person we met independently was a Brazillian, but we haven’t really kept up with him. The Chilean friends we met, however, were more than happy to show us around and they invited us to a party this weekend! We’re going to celebrate the Mapuche New Year– it should be quite the excitement.
