Caballero de la Montana

The campamentos are another level of poverty, they make the projects look somewhat pleasant. CCC is one of two in the community of Peñalolén. CC sits along a dry canal that is prone to fill up when water rushes down from the Andes after a snow melt or heavy rains.

Life is not easy in Caballero del la Montaña, it is difficult to have hope for the future when your living in a bad situation. They vicious cycle of poverty drags many down in Chile, despite the modernity of other parts of the country, thousands live in dilapidated conditions far, far below the poverty line.



















Un Techo para Chile was started in 1997 as an initiative to curb extreme poverty by the year 2000. It got many young Chileans active in the process of social change, and by 2000 more than 4000 people had volunteered in the campaign. Its mission is to eradicate the existence of Campamentos in Chile, a lofty goal.

Un Techo para Chile brings together an interesting mix of people. From the underprivileged masses in the campamentos to the more privileged class of the volunteers and staff. The staff and volunteers are the future of Chile, This has a long term effect, after having seen first hand the extreme poverty, and the families it which live day to day in its mist, maybe this generation will be more proactive in working to loosen its grip on a large portion of the population.

The Mural

Volunteers painted a mural depicting Padre Hurtado as well as some of the ideas which they associate with his legacy.

His legacy is remembered differently depending on who you talk to. Was he the priest who started a successful and practical charity that benefited Chile’s poor, or was he a radical priest who stood defiantly for the rights of those left behind in Chilean society? What would have happened to him if he would have been alive during Pinochet’s Regime?

Sunset And Soccer in South America

As the sun went down the fun began. The first even was a set of soccer games with prizes for the winner. I found that the woman’s game was the most exciting, they played with more passion and were far more aggressive than the men.

After the games, prizes were awarded, food was served, and the stage was lit up. From Raeggaeton dance contests to Karaoke, comedy skits, and choreographed dance numbers, it was not a traditional celebration of Padre Hurrtado’s legacy by any means. More, it was a night for those who were present, and reflected their world. Lots of laughter, and a good ambiance filled the chill night air. Coffee was served as the clock moved into the wee hours of the morning.

Chilean Saint

The ceremony, rather calm compared to the rest of the night was broadcast live from the Vatican at 4:45 am. It marked the second a Chilean had been Canonized, and was a proud moment for Chile. At the Caballero del la Motaña, candles were passed around, and eventually laid in a row along th ebridge over the dry canal.

His life...

Padre Hurtado’s life and influence have had a lasting impact on Chile. As a new generation struggles with its history, the deep social divisions, an uncertain world future, and increased growth at home, the memories and legacy of people like Padre Hurtado will continue to provide a compass, and a hallange for what lies ahead.

After the weekend...

So Padre Hurtado was cannonized this weekend around 4:45am local time. I was at hand in one of Chile's poorest neighborhoods to help Techo para Chile celebrate in style. The night was marked with soccer games, karoke contests, dance contests, comedy acts, candle vigils, food, juice, until the wee hours of the morning. For those who have never been to a camparmento, I highly suggest going, it is a start contrast to the world of Las Condes where most foreign visitors stay while in Chile.

Padre Hurtado...

Many of Santiago's streets are named after historical figures who have left a footprint on Chile's long and colorful history. Names of people from many different places, people who carried many different motivations and left distinct marks on Chilean culture. From generals to revolutionaries, presidents, tycoons and priests.

One of these figure's name can be found on a fairly busy street in Los Condes, as well as all over the city on billboards, soveneirs, and even a park carry's his name.

Padre Hurtado

What sets Padre Hurtado apart from many of the other dignitaries who have been honored with micro filled street name sakes, is that he was a champion of the poor. This weekend he will be cannonized as a saint at the Vatican. Posters abound throughout Santiago, and LAN Chile even offered an airline package to those who wanted to attend the event personally.

It will take place 4:30 am Santiago time...and we'll be at a party in one of the compartementos...

Is This The End Of The Micro?

TranSantiago is gearing up to start this month, it is a plan designed to alleviate the congestion of Santiago’s hectic roadways. The idea is to better coordinate newer, larger buses that have trained drivers with the metro system. This along with the new metro line which is opening up is supposed to make Santiago a better place to drive, and ultimately to live.

I will believe it when I see it.

It isn’t that I don’t want to see some change in the transportation system, I would like nothing more than that for the Chilean capital. I just think that the micro system has gone so awry that it will take more than some bigger buses to make any sort of noticeable impact. Maybe the center of town will clear up a bit, but for the rest of Santiago’s communities, especially those that depend on the micro like many parts of La Florida, and Maipo.

So until the metro is drastically expanded to include some more communities than those who happen to lie along the central artery of the Alameda and Providencia, there will still be micros flying around the city.

The long land of Chile

I remember flying over this country upon my arrival, the sight of the Andes really blew me away. I am from a very flat part of the earth (Iowa), and had never seen anything so dominating as the Andes.

They are a force that defines Chile, not a spot of the country exists without them, save the isolation of Easter Island. No matter where you might wander in this long and skinny country, there they stand, sure as a compass, pointing you along your path.

I feel that many Chileans take for granted these mammoth forms. I guess I can understand, if you grow up with something always being there, it can be hard to imagine what life would be like without it. The open expanses of the Midwestern United States became a fact of life for me. I relied on the beauty of clouds, massive thunderstorms, tornadoes and blankets of snow to connect me with the natural world that exists in the corner of my “civilized” eyes. A world that we as people often forget encompasses our powers until it boils to the point of emergency.

I suppose I am lucky in that respect. The plainness of my home can be out dune by tall hills. The tranquil rural standards of Iowan culture shattered by the bustle of a living Latin city, with its micros, crowds of people on the street.

I wonder how a Chilean would feel if they set foot in my home state. How would the robbery of one of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet settle in the soul of a Chilean wanderer? Would they be as bored with it as I am inspired by the long and monstrous expanse known as the Andes?

So begins the struggle...

Anyone who has kept a blog, a journal, tried to email regularly knows that it can be a tricky task. Time is often blamed, but is rarely the culprit. For me the beast of procrastination breaths heavily, discouraging me from updating, keeping in touch, and staying ahead of the game.