Stop to think

At this moment… I’m so tired that I would love to have a sabbatical year. I’ve never had much time without working or studying. Maybe a year is too much, I think I’d be bored doing nothing for so long. But with a two-month rest I would be more than happy.
To have a sabbatical year, you need much money or someone to keep you (in a finnacial way) and I think that my parents wouldn’t give me pocket money to do nothing. However, I think I could save some money to rest a while and not to worry about the costs.
So, if I imagine that I have covered my expenses, I would like to go to the beach… I would sleep all day long (in my bed, on the sand…) I would get up just to satisfy the basic needs of food and bathroom. .. After finishing to sleep, I would like to play nintendo, finish completly many games…and Play without feeling guilty!
When I begin to feel physical inactivity… I wild begin to walk on the beach, swimming, cycling around the place to begin to recharge batteries when I return to routine.
However, being realistic, I don’t think I can take a sabbatical year, I think it’s a luxury that few people can take… Unfortunately it takes money to live and if it isn’t so… It must generate … working…
So, if someone can have a sabbatical year my message is “enjoy yourselves” by all those who can’t… that we can’t…
I wait for February to go to Baires…. I have only the tickets…. I hope to get more money from here to February…
Salut!

I think that I’m friendly with the environment but I need to be more. In general, I follow the basic steps to care the environment like those tips that they learn at school such as: don’t throw trash on the ground, use the piece of paper complete and in all its forms before throwing it, save water, etc.
I think people living in more contact with nature care much more than citizens who have to go to special places to live with it and who tend to forget that exists and we need to take care.

Many times in the name of progress, environmental abuse and misuse of resources are justified and in some cases it’s so, but time has shown that more progress is greed. Because if you can get the same energy, if we think of the power plants, this can come from toxic coal or natural gas, the difference is in the cost of building of these plants. Most power plants in Chile are of coal, with very few effective measures to combat pollution.

Thus sometimes you see that as a person you can act in one positive direction, but the interests of the companies undermine everything you can do. But it is not a reason to stay in inaction, but to be a little more thoughtful about these issues. But we need beyond that in winter problems in Santiago when we all drown because of smog. That is certainly an important issue, but it’s controlled by monetary fines, and we can’t to compare the health cost because the pollution with the monetary cost to companies.

I believe we can contribute something, be more conscious with the use of energy, water and nutrients. It may be a minor step, but if you add up the majority of the population, changes could be visible. This is doesn’t mean no use natural resources but make a sustainable use them for coming generations may also benefit.

Hi all

Well, as we all believe that music is central to my life. There are always songs, lyrics or melodies that interpret how you feel. I like many types of music, and of course very dependent on mood and context. The music is the best for all moments of life... =)

My favorite band is “Los Prisioneros”, but as I did a post about them, so I'll talk about a band I am glad that my spirits up and reminds me fifteen.

They are Millencolin, is a Swedish band, hardcore punk ... but more mellow ... is music to skateboarding, to forget everything, for me are like an injection of energy. They have recorded 9 studio albums and have other compilations. My favorite album is "Pennybridge Pioneers" which launched in 2000.
They come twice to Chile, and this year come back to celebrate 10 years of record that I like! ... The problem is money.... This end of the year because there are many more concerts and my pocket not resist ... = P
The best thing is listening to remember those school days, when everything was more simple ... where there was more time for friends to talk about life ... without becoming bitter as now = P. .. I encourage bus travel, waiting and fomes or sad moments in life =)

Finally, I leave some songs of Pennybridge Pioneers... =)

Salute

What to do where to go in Santiago after the Bicentenario weekend
There’s a place that I like so much… It’s Bio-Bio’s “persa” There’re too many things… about what you want. Music; any cd's, vinyls, posters, equipment, old players ... Movies, originals and pirates ... Everything for your pc ... Antique furniture, assorted clothing, cheap books, video games, paintings, appliances, Arab sweets... in short, everything ... useful and useless things =)
I know this place since I was a child… I lived near “Barrio Franklin” and my dad used to take me on Sundays, I remember eating winter ice creams and he was digging through piles of books in search of treasure ... a good book and a ridiculous cost. There are several sellers who don't really know what they are selling ... They only put a price depending on how you see the book or its thickness.

The best time to go is before lunch, at about 11, before it is difficult to find shops open... you can even eat there, there are good eateries (“cocinerías”) and lots of barbecue everywhere ... “fritanga” on all corners =) it's open until 16 hrs approx.
It’s said that is an unsafe place… In general it’s not, obviosuly you have to take guards… having your things near and regulary watch it.

It is not advisable to go the end of the month, it's full of people and in general there are more thieves ... because although it has reduced the illegal trade is still one of the main places to reduce stolen species.
But I’ve always been there and never had a problem… Some products are defective, but I could change them. It is a great place to go for a walk, there’re everything. Musicians, poets, street performers and celebrities. It is very picturesque.
The easiest way to get there is by Metro (Franklin Station – Line 2) Saturdays and Sundays

Well, I don’t think it’s a time to a celebrate… The first meeting of government doesn’t generate pride in me… I don’t feel any special thing with this date because it really is a milestone but far to Independence… real Independence…
That's it ... I understand the strategy of the date, because if it was in February because it would be bored on vacation ... but, there are always reasons for make a party ...

I think I'll go to “Ventanas”, to my grandparent’s house, I hope rest these four days ... because since February that I have’nt had a break .. There he meets most of my father’s family… and there’re varied menus for every day ...

In general, there are empanadas, roast, cocimiento, and others delicious dishes… Is a good time to fatten! =P

I just like the date they are almost holiday and people are more cheerful than the rest of the year ... People are willing to spend much money to eat and have fun ... is a time of distention ... but it is unfair that all should come down when prices go up by increased demand ... once again... the market does’nt work ... XD

I call on the date to discuss what has been done as a country..and advance to have real reason to celebrate as a country =)

I think the problem comes from for a long time… From ’80s with the new constitution, the market logic invaded all spaces, including education.
Just remember that the “Universidad de Chile” was actually in Chile, was in major regional centers, however, dictatorship was dismantled and turned into various institutions, losing the national seal that characterized it.
The incredible thing is how they have been losing more and more safeguards as “public” university had ever… The cost of attendance is growing and competition between universities to attract students like customers generates a less promising picture.
There isn’t a inmediate solution, because the issue is political, it needs political will to change the system and that is’nt in any political alliance… The only proposed patch.
I believe this government, like his predecessors, will attempt to finish privatizing the university, because we must be clear that the only “public” that is at the University of Chile is the bureaucratic swamp that has ... But there is still some pride that characterizes it, there are still people who believe in the dream of Bello, so do not be so easy, students are outstanding at any move of the government and the protests will continue until the demands are heard

Well, my favourite country is Argentina… but I usually talk about Baires =P… not this time…

I’d like to visit all countries of LatinAmerica; I’d beging for Bolivia & Peru, the classic trip… I’d like to know de most important cities and special towns, there’s always a little magical town in these places. I’d like to be for 2 o 3 months. After, I’d go to Ecuador, for 1 month… then, Colombia for an other month and Venezuela for 2 months or more…. Depends of money… (but.. like this is an a idea, I can dream all I want… =P)

Later, I expected to be in Brazil for Carnival…and the down to Uruguay and Paraguay for 2 months… and finally arrive to Argentina and stay there for a long time, 2 years or more… To study some master or something like that.
In this moment I’m saving money to go to Buenos Aires to next February… The ticket is alredy! =D

p.s: the picture is Venezuela!

Hi all!
Well, I tell them…
I’m almost a graduate of sociology ... but the disorder of this faculty, I could not take English before ... and now I'm ordered to take it to graduation. =/

So… you can imagine, this is a major academic problem (“•$%•$%&&) ... Because… in addition I have to pay the full semester… just for a subject ... One Subject!!!
Also, I come from “bachillerato” ... so the problems are even more, there are problems of recognition, Subjects that disappeared... and others ... is a horrible faculty does'nt solve anything ...

Well, now I'm doing my practice as a research assistant in a project called “Consumption smoothening, financial literacy and old age vulnerability. Experiences of success and failure with a private pension system”… that is being funded by the University of California. I have to come every day at this faculty ... and is something I hate, but I hope that next year finish my relationship with “Sociales” ... I just need to finish the grade memory and graduating, I hope to do soon ... but I need money and motivation…

Well, those are the problems of bureaucracy (as Mafalda’s turtle =P)

In general, it was a good experience but some topics weren’t really interesting, are the typical subjects of English course
It was a good experience to learn to communicate preferences, information and recommendations in English, so my blog probably continue to be updated themes and telling you something about me…
It was good too, to comment to peers, and often presents the opportunity to read news online in English and makes you want to comment, or criticize or just contribute.
It’s a modern way of applying the English in an everyday situation with the use of new technologies, especially for young people, making the English’s practice something more consistent with the ordinary and therefore making English classes more interactive and entertaining.
I must confess that some topics bored me, but others inspired my enough..and it was good to know the taste of my companions, his inspirations, her (or his) preferences, including books and movies, that I knew were not in my “drive”, it’s always good to have suggestions from other people to expand the field of knowledge or just learn new things.
The course was fun, and classmates wrote very interesting things, they decorated the blog and made it more interesting and fun for read.

I haven’t more views on the blog, only accessible a rounding of ideas, concluding that it is good practice and hopefully become a habit for all to go to learn more to express ideas, arguments and even create spin stories interesting for others.

I recommend reading the last book I read or my favorite, I think it can serve as recommendations for someone who wants to read about Mexican literature or know the Doisneau photograph.

Thanks for all...
for your comments.

First, I Will not have winter holidays =’( ...because my training continues without interruption until 31th. December ...

But, if I could go somewhere in the winter would be to Buenos Aires ...
I would go in all holidays possible and I hope one day to go for a year and more...

There are several ways to go, go by air is faster but not cheaper, the most cheaper is go by bus for the pass “los libertadores” but is a very long trip, very tiring... another option is go by car and make a longer route for the south, from the 10th region (I don’t remember what it is called the pass) and go to Bariloche or San Martin de Los Andes (places really beautiful) and take argentine “panamericana” until arrive to Baires.

Baires has many advantages, such as a tourist place there are a lot of hotels, hostels, b&b (bed and breakfast) and the supply is ample and so is quite favourable prices. The food is good, really good (yaaami =P) like Italian’s descendent, the Italian food is the best, very varied and with good prices.

This city such as stuck in 60s except for some modern islands like business sector or Puerto Madero. Is a very large city, it is capital federal and others places like Triges, Berazategui, La Plata etc. Something like Paine and Buin for Santiago. You can go to all these places by train, is a very nice trip around Mar del Plata or the rivers such as Lujan o Tigres.

People are very nice and friendly, a bit loud compared with Chileans people, but they are more effusive, happier or more aggressive depending on the occasion o situation, but in general treated very well to the Chileans.
It’s a place that you must visit someday in your life, is beautiful, funny, with a lot of places for know and the best... you can see the best Rock's show much cheaper than in Chile.

The last book I read was called “Social Security for the excluded majority” of Van Ginneken, but is boring and there aren’t characters…So I'll tell you the last book I read on holiday "La Región más transparente" by Carlos Fuentes

Carlos Fuentes is a novelist, essayist, political, screenwriter and very much ... Is a great Mexican character.

This novel combines socio-historical fiction with the facts that were taking place in Mexico during the early 20th century as the Mexican Revolution itself. The characters not only embodied… the most important milestones of Mexican history but are also traversed by tensions in world history, as the Russian Revolution, the emergence of Gandhi and the First World War.

All the characters are unique, are magic ... rather, they are surreal and as such their careers in history are also ... They have little impact on their lives, seem to default and just live what they happen to live and do what they do. Teodula Moctezuma is a mystical figure, is the symbol of old Mexico that comes from the Aztec people, represents the old order and want him back, has a follower which is Ixca Cienfuegos, who embodies the tension of contemporary life and the longing for the old without having lived, is the belief of "all past was better" and wants to return. This character is a kind of GOD… knows everything about everyone entering and leaving the rest of the characters revolve around him.

The rest of the characters embody the social sectors and classes and the contradictions between classes and living within them, are: los burgueses, lo satellites, los extranjeros, los intelectuales, los polas and others that I can’t remember… and of courses El pueblo!

It is a fantastic book, enveloping, magical ... totally recommended, is an approach to Mexican history and Latin American history in a very real issue but that deserves to be read…

One of my favorite pictures is “la descente à l’usine” (down to the factory) is a Robert Doisneau’s picture. He is my favorite photographer with Henry Cartier Bresson.

Doisneau is a great photographer; his pictures are about daily life but with an essence of something magical. His all photos are black and white, which gives a special touch to remember stagnant, something like that… One of his most famous photos is “The Kiss”. That photo was supposed spontaneous, but years later, it was learned that was acted out, had to make this clarification because there were many attempts to collect royalties on the photo of the alleged lovers.

This photo (down to the factory) was taken in 1946, a Saint-Denis , communities near Paris (forever communist),I was lucky to be there, I hope be once again, it’s a great place, very magic, is like a gray town but with a very friendly people unlike the rest French. In Saint-Denis lives a significant amount of argelianos or their descendants, there is something of their pain in the air, maybe the picture also reflects part of it.

I like this photo because the perspective lets you see several planes, the child goes down the mountain slope towards the factory, the factory after the mountains, the sky behind the factory, and the smoke from the chimney that is lost in the clouds.

Cloudy day photo saddens me about the child, because although he will play or work a factory is not a good context, but it also recalls the golden era of industrialization and the world that develops around him.

I saw this picture in France, I could not take off for a while, as with most of your photos, shadows, lights, the feeling.... I just love

I'm going to write about my hobbies... like everybody, I like listening to music... so much.... all day long... at least when I’m not in class… my favorite group in the first place in my mind are “Los Prisioneros”... they have been in almost all my life, but since I was 12 years, I have been listening to them with awareness… for this much more than listen to music, my main hobby is this band… also I like playing games, I like Nintendo, now I have the Wii and I love it… it’s very dynamic and fun, with my friends play Rock Band like a real band is very funny see them simulating be a real rock star... well, me too but in private…
My others hobbies are; sleep, read some books about Mexican stories (Carlos Fuentes, Octavio Paz, Juan Rulfo, etc), play with my pet and be alone (I’m not an autistic or antisocial person) =)

Hi!

I'm Fabiola Rivera, I'm 23 years old and I'm in 5º grade of Sociology in Universidad de Chile
This Blog is a work for English class level 3, therefore will not be very entertained or funny... but I will try to do interesting... I would like learn to speak in english because is the most difficult for me.

I'm from Santiago, Chile... I don't like this city... I would like move on to Buenos Aires, but I think that in two years maybe I can go to study a master...

For now... I can`t think more... is Friday... around 4... my neuronal connection doesn't work