The last couple of weeks have been interesting, I don’t really want to get into discussing the politics but there have been widespread protests taking place across Chile which has lead to Piñera, the President of Chile, announcing a State of Emergency in the regions affected. It is much worse in Santiago where there was/is a high military presence and a curfew. In Temuco we haven’t had a Curfew but my students are striking so I am currently not working.

In a nutshell, I believe that tensions have been under the surface for years as the wealth divide has increased and the rise in the metro fare in Santiago was the straw that broke the camels back. The government stated that this was necessary because of rising energy costs and the devaluation of the country’s currency. Chile do not produce their own oil and must import fuel which has lead to high prices. The tensions date back to the 70s and many people are petrified about what these protests mean. When we went to the supermarket a couple of weeks ago, people were stacking up on everything as they didn’t want to be caught out, if things escalate and more strikes take place- such as lorry drivers, who so far, have remained on the roads, as that would mean that supplies will run low and shortages will result very quickly. But mainly of products such as toiletries and loo paper, as we can always go to the feria for fruit and vegetables.

As of the last few days Piñera has attempted to ease tensions by making many changes. He has lowered the working week to a maximum of 40 hours and fired all of his cabinet. This is all well and good but some people work on commission so lowering their working hours, means that they have less opportunity to get bonuses. As well as this many of the protesters want Piñera to step down.

With all this Hiatus, to be perfectly honest, my life hasn’t really changed that much, I didn’t really go out at night anyway. I am just watching tv and reading my book- which I need to get back to as I only have two days until His Dark Materials comes out on BBC- priorities! Oh yeah and my dad got me a VPN so really I’ve just en exploring that. I’m really getting into Ru Paul’s drag race UK so that has been fun to watch. Also I had to bake a Victoria Sponge for Eleanor’s birthday last week, so that kept me occupied for a few hours. I mean it didn’t rise so it was a bit of a flat cake but it didn’t taste too bad. Also she went more crazy than me as she doesn’t like being cooped up- I think she’s got a it of cabin fever… Don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed having some time off but if I’d known about it I probably would have booked a trip to Rio de Janeiro which I really want too see. I mean one of my friends has flown to Tokyo for the Rugby World Cup- crazy!

We have taken some precautions, we have some water ready but thats only if things get really bad. And if the Lorry drivers strike then I guess we will need to ration but I’m sure it won’t come to that.

Anyway, I’m away at the moment in Viña del Mar for a couple of days- I hope things don’t kick off here but if they do we’re quite close to the bus station so I’m sure we can make a quick getaway if need be.

Ok, so Fiestas Patrias was almost a month ago now but I just haven’t had the opportunity to write about it/ I’m lazy. Fiestas Patrias or El Dieciocho, is effectively Chile’s independence day celebration, except it is two days long and most people just take the whole week off. There is a lot of food, drink and everyone gets together with family. (the only thing I could thing of that is similar at home is Christmas) Most of my students were confused when I said we don’t have an independence day- I speculated a lot of countries celebrate their independence from us, so its not really fair if we have an independence day celebration.

Anyway, I was at a loss of what to do, when one of my students invited me to her home in Villarica. This meant, A, I got out of Temuco for a week and B, I got to experience an authentic Chilean Fiestas Patrias. Her family were so kind and welcoming and it was good for me as I was forced to use my Spanish as she was the only person in her family who speaks English, so if I wanted to communicate or convey an idea I had to. Although, Chilean Spanish is weird and I struggle, I mean some of their words make sense but others I am very confused.

I got taken to a Fonda, which is a traditional party with music and dancing and food. It was really cool, although that week was so cold and wet so we didn’t stay out very long. But I did get to listen to some traditional Chilean music and see some of the countryside around the volcano, Villarica.

Over the course of the few days I was there I got to try some Chilean food, such as consuelo, anticuchos (kebabs) and empanadas. I wasn’t so much a fan of consuelo but it wasn’t bad just not my cup of tea. I also made them scones so that they could try something British too. Although making them in a old school Chilean oven was interesting. Its kind of like an aga so there’s no permanent temperature and its controlled by the level of fire. They did turn out ok though, I think if I get invited back I’ll make cheese ones, or take them with me.

I also got the opportunity to go to Pucon, a town very close to Villarica, as my friend took me. Pucon is really pretty, quite a lot of the architecture is Germanic as many Germans settled there, well even here in Temuco and Valdivia after the war. We went down to a waterfall which was gorgeous but my god did I get messy. Also deeply upset that, I only did 3,500 steps going up and down as it felt like way more!

Anyway all in all I had a lovely Fiestas Patrias and also got to hang out with a cat so that was fun!

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So for last few weeks I’ve actually had to work, there weren’t any bank holidays- shame… But I’ve heard there’s a lot of them so I can’t complain too much. Actually work was pretty good and I had a lot of fun getting to know the students and learn about their interests and even have a debate with them. A lot of my conversations this week were based around where I’m from or Chilean Spanish which let me tell you is so hard to understand. I literally sit there half the time when someone says something to me and they could have said anything- not great but I’m sure it will get better. Apparently they use a lot of slang and idioms which makes it tough but I’ll stick at it. I mean I don’t really have a choice in the matter I’m here for a year. Another thing they asked me was why am I in Chile and I decided to be honest and say because I have no idea what I want to do in my life after finishing Uni and spending a year in South America sounded like a good plan to me. They seemed to understand and like that answer- many of them laughed, maybe they thought I was joking? That’s the difference between Uni here and Uni at home, people study for a particular profession, such as English teaching, not a degree in a subject. I don’t know what’s better, at least at the end of it they know what they are going to be doing whereas I seem to be in limbo.

Anyway, outside of work I had a lot of fun too. I went to the same bar twice in one week. It was pretty good, they do two for one cocktails which I’m a sucker for, should probably not be but I am. I also tried a Churiana, which is a Chilean dish. It was ok, and now I can say I’ve tried it. Although its cheap so I’m sure I’ll be having it again. I also need to to try other things which sound interesting. Such as a completo, which is a hot dog with everything imaginable: ketchup, mayo, tomatoes, onions. guacamole- it sounds really good, although I don’t really like mayo.

Also the other British council people arrived, so I have other Brits here. I am no longer alone, not that I really minded, I have had a great time!

I have been Chile for a couple of weeks now and am starting to get into the swing of things. This does not mean that my Spanish has improved yet- oops… Don’t tell my mother. Since I have been here I spent a couple of days in Santiago before flying down to Temuco where I am working, I still can’t quite believe I’m in South America, its so different and exciting. Yet at the same time not too different as well.

What am I doing in Chile you may ask? I may end up asking the same question soon. I am here to teach English in a University over here which so far has been a lot of fun. The students have a much better lever of English than I expected. This means that I am able to talk about all sorts of things with them.

Also just so you are aware it is not always warm in South America, it is winter at the moment and is Chilly in Chile. But I have to remember when my friends and family are at home are in the grips of winter I will be enjoying summer so I think I win. Cause I don’t have to put up with cold temperatures for too much longer.

I have had a lot of fun, while I have been here I have walked up a big hill, which was less muddy on the way up than down as I stupidly took one of the tracks rather than the road- I know for next time. Will I learn from my mistakes only time will tell. I can tell you though the air felt really clean up there unlike much of the city. Apparently Temuco is very polluted so that’s fun.  Also I had my first experience of Temuco’s night life on Wednesday night. We went to a bar and ordered cocktails (which fyi were very strong- My tequila sunrise was more tequila than sunrise) I was tipsy after one drink which is rare, so… But I had a lot of fun. The only reason we went out on Wednesday was because Thursday was a Bank holiday- yeah I was confused too, why have a bank holiday in the middle of the week and not make a long weekend out of it… Just a question.

 

 

The last 10 months or so have been a bit busy and I haven’t had a chance to write. I was completing my final year and having some ups and downs. I somehow managed to muddle through through- couldn’t tell you how though, but one things for certain if I can do it anyone can. 

My healthy eating took a bit of a back seat and I relied heavily on takeaways as I did not feel comfortable in my student home, one of the downs I was talking about. The thing you have to remember is people change and its no ones fault but sometimes it means that you are no longer on the same page and it makes things complicated. I did try to turn it around after Christmas and start meal prepping, I would usually cook when my friends who I met at the gym came round. It shows that gyms aren’t always bad as I met some of my closest uni friends there. Zumba changed my life as I got more confident and no longer felt alone as I made friends who I could talk about anything with and vice versa- at least I think so… Never really know what goes on in other people’s heads to be honest. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also had therapy and actually remembered to take my medication regularly, rather than sporadically- crazy that that makes a difference. The counselling helped me to see things from other people’s perspectives as well as have an outlet once a week where I could discuss what was on my mind. One thing we discovered was I’m a people pleaser and as a result I always used to put my needs last which I discovered annoys people. When I went to Paris to visit my brother over the New Year he said that he could see a difference in me and I was starting to become the person he once knew and not a stranger in his sister’s body. If that’s not progress I don’t know what is.

The year went really quickly and  before I knew it I had applied and got a job in South America, Chile to be exact. I can’t wait for the adventure to begin, hopefully I can find ways to continue the journey to a healthier lifestyle while out there- although with all the new things to taste I’m not sure I will… At least there’s a lot of hiking around to make up for it.

I haven’t posted in a few weeks because I was in Ukraine. I was volunteering for a really cool charity called GOGLOBAL, who run camps for the children to teach English all across Ukraine. It was a really amazing experience as I got to meet people from all over the world. I had the best team to work with over my two weeks there I could have wished for. Also I only put on 0.5kg despite all the crap I was eating so I’d call that a win!

As I said I was there for two weeks. I flew into Kiev where I was meeting for training for three days before the start of camp. The training was good fun, like I said there were volunteers from all over: The UK, France, Germany, the USA, Latvia, Indonesia, Egypt and many more. Due to this it was a real cultural experience as I learnt more about their individual countries other than the stereotypes much of the world place on them. We had to take part in many team building exercises and learnt songs and games to do with the children. (At my camp their favourite song was Baby Shark).

Luckily, because my train was late I had an afternoon in Kiev beforehand. Kiev is a remarkable city considering its history. In the last 28 years there have been 3 revolutions. This means the country is a relatively new and exciting place to visit as things are changing a lot. Whilst we were there we visited a secret bar, called The Last Barricade. It acted kind of like a speak easy, you have to give a password in order to enter. The password is “Boritesya I poborete”, it means fight and you will win- I did not say this confidently or well, they let us in anyway though… It is such a cool bar/restaurant and we chilled there for a few hours. After this we went to look at some cathedrals, but they were shut- so we just took photos before getting more food and alcohol somewhere else. Yeah we’re fat and lazy, deal with it! In fairness I hadn’t liked the food at training so hadn’t really eaten all that much. It was either watery soup or odd looking meat and usually all the same colour. So I don’t actually feel bad.

Then we moved onto our schools, my school was in a small town called Berehove, 4km from the Hungarian border, the train was 15 hours long!! And overnight! It wasn’t too bad as I was with people I knew but still- it was a long time to be confined to a cabin. I mean I probably slept most the way but when I was awake time dragged and it was really, really cold at night! By the time we got there though I think I smelt terrible and I needed to change. I had eaten a few snacks, which may not have been the healthiest but they were at least different colours! I was placed in the same school as 6 other volunteers and we were running a special program. Around the World in Nine Days. It was a really interesting camp as even we learnt interesting facts about not only other countries but our own as well. I mean I knew most of the facts. The kids though said I didn’t speak proper English after my colleagues started making jabs at me for my accent and pronunciation. I’m sorry but I am from England and the language is called English therefore it is my language not theirs!! Anyway, they speak American English so they were wrong, regardless of their level. Nah camp was great fun and I got on with everyone, we became a little group- well 6 of us did, I did feel bad for the other girl because we were so close.

We did not eat the best food, I’ll be honest I was not a fan of Ukrainian cuisine, it was rather bland and sometimes vinegary. So I ate a lot of pizza and chocolate. Sorry but not sorry, it was either that or I didn’t eat so… The pizza though was amazing and one night we had home cooked Hungarian food by the lake because our headteacher’s family cooked for us, so we got to have a swim and eat good food. We also went to the hot springs which were so nice and relaxing- we were there for two hours and I was so relaxed at the end of it. I loved them!

We did have one trip to a city called Lviv, about four hours away. It was so beautiful but I spent most my time going from one café to another! Two girls and I went to another secret bar which was an old bunker which had been used by the Ukrainian People’s Army during times of occupation. It was really cool. There was also a BDSM café which we did not really like and left straight after walking in after we realised what it was but not before I’d been whipped on the arse two times. We went because it was right next door to the chocolate factory and our friends teacher recommended it- bad call! But the food all over Lviv was amazing so all in all a beautiful and fairly cheap weekend!

It was sad when I had to leave last week because I had made so many friends especially on my team and I didn’t really want to have to say goodbye to all them. But I am looking into going to Egypt to see my roommate at Easter and also London to see others. This means that we shouldn’t ever lose contact- well hopefully not as I love them all and their uniqueness so much.

So yesterday I returned from a lovely, if not tiring week in Poland. My parents and I went to Krakow and Warsaw which are two very different cities. Both have their own link to the Second World War in very different ways.

Firstly we went to Krakow for four days which was beautiful. On the first day we went to many churches, everything else was shut on Sundays, rather unfortunately. All the churches were stunning and all unique. My mother loves churches, can’t say I enjoy them too much especially when we visit like five in a day. I did enjoy going to see the Bells at the Cathedral, can’t say I loved all the stairs though. (Sometimes, I was scared my backside would get stuck in one of the tiny passage ways) However, on the next day we visited Schindler’s factory which was interesting, but also powerful. We tried to visit Wawel Castle but all the tickets had sold out for that day. As a result we went on a wild goose chase for a Leonardo de Vinci painting called the Lady with an Ermine. This was because Mum was sulking as she believed it was in the castle, so we walked all over looking for it. We did eventually find it in a museum. We did get an Uber home, which was amazing! (It’s the simple things in life that get me) Can you believe it was both of my parents first Uber ride! The next day was moving as we visited Auschwitz. It was horrendous what human beings do to each other, the crimes we commit against one another. Over one million Jews were murdered there. Its safe to say after a day there we did not want to see anything else that day, we needed time to gather our thoughts and process. On our final morning in Krakow we went to the Salt mines, they were amazing! All the sculptures and chandeliers as well as other things were made out of salt! (Do not try the water there, it was so salty!)

Anyway the other side of the trip was the food! It was incredible. I had never had Polish food before but it tasted amazing. I can’t tell you exactly what I ate but I had a lot of goulash, steak and potato pancakes. I did also have quite a lot of ice cream- do not judge I was on holiday. My mother did not like the fact that we were eating so much! As a result she made me swim and go to the gym on top of all the walking we were doing. I was dying! If I didn’t do it she sulked like a child. On average for the whole week I was walking over twenty thousand steps a day- but apparently that was not enough.

In Warsaw, which was completely destroyed during the War, we visited many places. We went to the Warsaw Uprising museum which was very informative. After the museum, I finally got to pick what we got to do! I thought it would be nice to visit the park where the Royal family had there summer residence. Let me tell you this, Google lies! Lies I tell you! It told us it was a fifty minute walk, well after fifty minutes we weren’t even half way- by this point I was hangry and needed to eat. By the time we got there it was thunder and lightning and the park was not as pretty as it could have been. It was still gorgeous though. Anyway after the trip, I was told that we did not need to walk back, also lies. Mum wouldn’t let us get an Uber, so I walked back with aching feet to our hotel. I’d love to say I did it without complaint but that would be a lie- I cried the whole way back. While in Warsaw we also visited the castle, which was completely rebuilt during the 1970s and the Old town.

All in all I really enjoyed our trip to Poland, although it was boiling and I was a puddle most days, probably smelling bad, cause lets be honest sweat does not smell great. Furthermore, although we were eating a lot, the walking must have payed off cause I lost over a kilo while away. On Thursday I am off to Ukraine, so let’s see if the food and activities there surprise me as well.

I am currently on the train home from a lovely couple of days in Wales, it was surprisingly not that wet. I spent the time with my friend Karin and I have to say I continued my naughty streak… I had Ed’s Diner and Dominos- I know, but we all need a treat once in a while. I can’t say I picked healthy options either but I don’t regret it. I’m sure when I weigh myself in the morning I will regret my choices but not at the moment because I’m feeling happy.

I also went shopping in Cardiff and spent was a little excessive in Primark- don’t tell my parents. Personally though I think it was justified. Due to the fact that I have put on weight, none of my clothes in my wardrobe really fit me, shame I know but I am working on getting back into them. As a result I only have, well had cause I have a few more now, about six or seven outfits I was circulating, which I know makes me sound spoilt but I love clothes!! Shopping for them is my guilty pleasure and the fact that I don’t fit in my gorgeous clothes anymore makes me emotional (figuratively and occasionally physically).

Anyway walking around shopping centres takes a lot of effort, especially when it is hot- it wasn’t actually as hot in Wales as at home so I can’t really complain about that, because that made me soooo happy!!! I escaped the sauna that was the South East of England. I noticed a difference as I could move again and breathe! Anyway, Cardiff is a beautiful city. I don’t think I had been before but my sister is looking into going to the university there so I may go there more often, depends if I can afford to visit her- I need a job. From what I could tell it’s the perfect size, not gigantic like London but not too sleepy either. Also its cheap so there’s that as well.

As I write this I am kind of dreading going home, as means I’m going back to reality, however briefly as we are going on holiday tomorrow- can’t really complain but I’m sure I will find a way too. We are going to Poland for week- by we I mean my Mum, Dad and me. My sister hasn’t quite grasped the idea of a free holiday yet and my brother is working so its just the three of us. Trust me when I say this can only end badly- there will be at least one argument if not more and then my mother will sulk for a few days. At least I don’t have to spend my own money- bonus!! In all honesty I am looking forward to this holiday as it was my suggestion, for once my parents listened to me, I had a lecture on Poland and thought it would be nice to go. Don’t get me wrong this is an educational holiday as we are going to Krakow and Warsaw, both holding their own significance to the Second World War. But the alcohol will be cheap which suits me just fine. (I promise I’m not an alcoholic)

I have been taking a look at some Polish food, and it doesn’t look too horrendous. I mean I think I’ll avoid the mushroom soup, pickled cucumbers and sauerkraut- which seem to be a staple in everything but I will try some things. I’m not really fussy I just don’t like the smell of vinegar and I have never liked mushrooms. We’ll see what happens though as I may be forced to try them. Also as I am with my parents, my treats are over- probably for the best.

Today has been a great day! Although a little hot- I sweated so much that I probably needed a bucket. (Sorry too much information). I went into London, on the hottest day of the year so far, I know; stupid decision but I was meeting friends for the day, so can you blame me?

The day started out a bit iffy after all of us, bar one, had train troubles, not a good omen some would say but not for us, well as far as I know. We met at Waterloo, then walked to South Bank. I had my small suitcase with me as I’m off to Wales for a few days, which meant it got carted around with us, being passed from one to the other as I’m the slow coach of the group. By this I mean I’m the least fit, which I’m working on but it takes time, so I’ve been told. Anyway enough about the stupid suitcase, which came in handy as a battering ram on the tube. The main reason we met up was for the Harry Potter Escape Room- we are creatures of our generation, don’t judge. This was so much fun, although most the time I stood looking like a lemon because I don’t know how to problem solve, and the things I did work out were entirely by chance. To be honest at the beginning I was more interested in finding a robe that fit over my boobs- shhh don’t tell anyone, that’s a secret… However, we worked well as a team, we didn’t kill each other, and we ESCAPED with 14 minutes to spare, which is pretty impressive- did I have doubts we’d complete it- no, never… I’ll have to show you the picture of us, we were pretty cool!

Post escaping, we were a little peckish, I’ll be honest I was a little naughty at lunch but I hadn’t had a Chinese in ages. The four of us made our way to China town, which can you believe one of my friends, Mignon had never been before- crazy! Back to my little treat which I shared with Hannah I will add. I had some aromatic duck and pancakes, chicken chow mein, sweet and sour pork and egg fried rice- total foodgasm! The others had other food that isn’t worth mentioning as I didn’t eat it. I’d like to say that although we ordered a lot we didn’t actually finish it all so there’s a silver lining to my guilt.

We wanted to go to Covent Garden but we may have got a wee bit lost, don’t ask how- turns out we took a wrong turn. However, it was not all grey skies (not literally, I was a puddle of burnt sweat) because we found a frozen yoghurt shop called Snog. I have to say I was rather lazy and gave my friends my card and found a table in the corner so that I could “relax”, not very easy in the never ending sauna. I had mango flavoured yoghurt with strawberries and chocolate flakes which cooled me down just enough to be able to move again. I mean by this point I just wanted the alcohol I had been promised- I’m not an alcoholic I swear, I’m just a student. When we finally found Covent Garden after a long detour through Soho, it was lovely but cocktails were calling my name. We went somewhere called Be at One which has happy hour between 16:30 and 19:00 which suited us just fine. I drank two beautiful Kiss by Rosés. These hit the spot perfectly and we just continued to have a catch up, I mean we are going on holiday together in just under four weeks but we hadn’t seen each other in ages, so I suppose it was ok to be sociable. Then it was time to say goodbye to Han and Mignon and continue with my little Welsh friend Karin and by little, I mean tiny.

Once we got to Paddington station, having to squeeze onto quite chock-a-block trains, we could breathe. I was a little cheeky and had a Burger King for dinner but I walked so much I needed to re-energise before the train journey so that I could talk to you guys.

All in all it has been a fantastic day, full of ups and not really any downs other than the obvious humidity and heat.

-MESSRS

Hi everyone!  I am writing this blog as an outlet for many of my thoughts and feelings during my journey to a healthier lifestyle. I know that I will face ups and downs throughout this journey. I will share a picture of myself when I was smaller and now, so that you can see the difference and my ultimate goal.

I have been home for about a month from my year abroad in Alicante, Spain. It was an amazing experience but I did not have a healthy lifestyle out there. I ate takeaways a lot and did not excercise much, even though I had a gym membership paid for by my mother (that’s a different story altogether).  I also struggled with the university as the days were longer and there were many more contact hours (I am only used to 10 hours a week in the UK). Also as much as my flat mates were lovely people, I felt alone. I was away from my family and my friends and all of my home comforts. All of these aspects contributed to my weight gain and mental health struggle.

Anyway, since I have been home I have been trying new foods in an attempt to eat healthier and excercising more, with varied workouts. I really enjoy Zumba and going for walks with my parents. Since I have been home I have lost 4Kg, which I am quite proud of but I have a long way to go. I have noticed a change in my mental health as well, my family and friends are supportive and are helping me through my journey. Unfortunately my Dad wants me to go on a bike ride all the time, I’m not ready to have a bruised bottom for days afterwards!! Anyway, other than that I am really enjoying being home.

Throughout the next few weeks, I am travelling, Poland, Ukraine and Croatia. I will be attempting to navigate my journey through new foods which I may not like!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton