Chile a Sudafrica

Its been a long time since I have updated my blog. I would like to think that the reason is because I have been too busy with news-worthy activites. But also I have been lazy at times too. We have less than two weeks before we move to France. All the preparations are going well. I am pretty studying French, though Luis thinks he can get by with only knowing "Magnifique" and "Tres bien".

I have spent the 1-1/2 weeks with my in-laws (spanish = suegros). My suegros are lots of fun to be with! Always laughing and making joke. (even sexually ones at the dinner table no less!) They love to have guests over and cook lots of food and drink champagne. The guys are masters of the kitchen. They can whip up a made-from-scratch meal for an army in two hours. So we have been having fun with them and have watched the chilean national football team last two victories of the season. A week ago, Chile qualified to go to the World Cup. This is big news! Only 4 of the 11 or so teams get to go. Chile celebrated up and down the length of the country. I went to the big celebration spot in the capital (Plaza Italia) on Wednesday night. It was the single biggest celebration I have every seen with approx 25,000 people! It was pretty peaceful, with some hooligans but with even more families. Chile flags of all sizes everywhere. And people climbing on the bus stops, flag poles and the main statues. The coolest thing that I saw was in the subway. A train was leaving the station and one of the car was waving back and forth from the fans jumping up and down. Oh... and singing! Chilean soccer fans, even the tough young guys, love to sing in large groups. Quite endearing.

Also a month ago, Chile celebration its independence in its traditional way: meat, homemade wine, folk dancing, rodeo, meat, kites and more meat. We celebrated the holidays at Luis's parents' house in Isla Negra near the ocean. We had a lovely time grilling out and drinking champagne in the sun. The weather was sun and breezy, which is great for flying kites. Chilean boys are experts with the kites. Luis got his kite over 300 meters into the air! We actually measured it. You know, scientists love that kind of stuff.

Right now, my in-laws are preparing lunch. Lunch is the most important meal for them. And they are trying to get in as many lunches as possible before Luis leaves in 12 days. They are pretty emotional now, though not giving us a guilt-trip about leaving. His mother has expressed her views several times. It seems she is split down the middle: sad that her baby boy is leaving; and also happy for Luis! Excited for his future and proud of his accomplishments. I will try to update the blog once or twice more before I go. But until then, I will leave you with a foto of his adorable niece Florencia. She is a 1-1/2 years old. Her favorite pass-times include: dancing, opening drawers, handing you her toys, and waving hello.