Refreshments will be provided
Volunteers please email: lisab214uga@gmail.com
Tag Archives: Universidad Católica del Maule
Georgia-style Fried Merkén Chicken
Learning Castellano Spanish, cooking Merkén Chicken, and teaching English. All in a days work of La Erudita Visitando.
So today marked the beginning of another phase of my Visiting Scholar experience at the Universidad Católica del Maule. I met with Profesora Pilar Vivar of la Escuela de Lengua Castellana y Comunicación (the School of Catellano Language and Communication). As I am going to be assisting her in English, while also learning the Chilean form of Spanish (Castellano). I think I mentioned it before, if not here certainly on Facebook, and that is the Chilean form of Spanish is among the most difficult to learn. In part because 1) Chileans speak very rapidly, and 2) there are so many common words and phrases you never learn in traditional US college courses in Spanish.
Castilian Spanish is a term related to the Spanish language, but its exact meaning can vary even in that language. The Spanish language term Castellano (Castilian) may refer to the Spanish language as a whole, to the dialects spoken in central and northern Spain, or to the medieval language which was a predecessor to modern Spanish (Castilian Spanish, n.d.). Thanks Wikipedia!🙂 So I’m really excited about starting this aspect of my scholarly experienced on this Friday.
Also, I wanted to post a picture of my lovely dinner tonight (see above picture). I have finally become more familiar with where things are in the grocery store so a sistah got her “cook-on” this evening. The flavor of Merkén comes from a Chilean style smoked chili pepper and is among one of my favorite seasonings that I discovered when initially arriving to Chile. Above is a picture of my dinner and the “Georgia-style Fried Merkén Chicken”© I prepared. My recipe doesn’t really have copyright. I just wanted to use the symbol as I wish had time to legally claim this as my original creation. 😉 Nevertheless, it was delish!!
Finally, I must mention that some bad habits have followed me all the way down here to Chile. Most of my professors know that I typically leave coffee mugs (and other valuables) all over campus (particularly in their offices) like the story of “Hansel & Gretel” and their breadcrumb trail. Well yesterday was the first and last day of ownership for my preliminary new coffee mug. I brought it to campus with me on yesterday and have no idea where I lost it. Somewhere between my office and my Body Attack class that evening (I can only imagine). Nevertheless, I found this beauty (pictured below) today and please notice the lovely UGA colors. I am going to try very hard to make this particular mug stick around a lot longer than its predecessor.
Chau!
Castilian Spanish. (n.d.). Retrieved September 25, 2013 from the Castilian Spanish Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castilian_Spanish
Friday, September 27th
My first day in Spin Class after not having attending a class for about 2 years. I sacrificed bike riding class for more Zumba and Body Pump courses. I know I’m going to be sore tomorrow.
My makeshift cushion (sweater) that I used to protect my “bum” during Spin Class today.
Today also was my first day assisting Profesora Pilar Andrea Vivar Vivar in her Castellana Language and Communications Course. We both noticed very quickly that she was a little bit shorter than me. 😉
Meeting with Ricardo Chacón Director of University Planning and Development UCMaule
Starting the business day with a lovely cup of cappuccino is always a sign of a very good day! 🙂
It was very lovely meeting with Ricardo this morning as we have very similar research interests in civic and community engagement as well as issues of access to higher education. I always enjoy sharing about my country, the University of Georgia, and of course, Spiral Dynamic Theory with anyone who will listen. I always get a very attentive and interested reaction from those who I am fortunate enough to discuss my research interest with while in Chile.
Everyone I have contacted so far in Chile has been very responsive to my research agenda. I sent an update email to the Dean of Humanities and Philosophy at the University of Chile, María Eugenia Góngora, letting her know I had arrived to the country. She has already responded back to me very quickly (at approximately 10pm last night) reaffirming her support for my research. This kind of support is very reminiscent of how my dissertation Chair, Dr. Lorilee Sandmann and prestigious committee members, respond most rapidly to me as well. I feel very blessed and am convinced that I have the best doctoral dissertation committee in history. 🙂
It became very clear to me that Señor Chacon is a very important person here at UCMaule as his telephones (in his office and cellular) are constantly ringing. I was happy he was able to meet with me on such short notice prior to his meeting with the University President (in Chile called the Rector). I also enjoyed a lovely lunch with his family meeting his wife Jimena and their two beautiful little boys. Later in the week, I will meet with staff from the UCMaule Office of International Student Affairs here in Talca. I also hope to get information about accessing the gym and Zumba classes. I will be going to Pilates with Carmen tonight which I hope will hold me over until I can get to some weights and other exercise equipment. I’ve really been eating a lot of good food here, perhaps a little too much! He he.
My new office companions Veronica (who has the same name as my little sister) and José.
First day on the mission and in my element. 🙂
The Chilean Chronicles Blog (The US Return Extended Version) 