As our Santiago adventure draws to a quick end, I stopped and reflected today on everything I’ve gathered from this trip. There is definitely a new and unique aspect to learning and understanding architecture when you visit the site as oppose to seeing images in a classroom, but this has also been a huge culture shock to me as well. Never traveling outside of the country, I’m used to seeing elaborate and architectural marvels in the US, but nothing could’ve prepared for the atmosphere here in Chile. The people, the lifestyle, the food, everything is so different yet so similar. I think a great way of understanding these similarities and differences is through food, we were given the freedom to choose any meals we would like and I think this gave leeway into how we got to experience the culture here.
I can’t read Spanish, so a majority of the time ordering I would just be guessing and hoping it all went well. I was forced to break out of my comfort zone, and to my surprise the new flavors and courses were all outstanding, I don’t think I had one bad meal. On a larger scale than just discussing what kind of french fries I tried, I believe this basic human necessity – food – is a means that brings people together throughout any language or cultural barrier. It is a medium for socialization, exploration, connection with others, and so much more. On this trip, my meals were opportunities to connect with my peers, teachers, Chilean locals, etc. and brought me a new understanding to foreign countries.
An açaí, chirimoya ice cream, two flavors I don’t think we have in the US and I have never tried before.
Griled chicken with a merlot sauce. I find it interesting how Chileans incorporate wine into their cooking and daily lives as it differs from the US greatly.
Passionfruit mousse, again a flavor I’ve tried before and I don’t think I’ve ever had mousse!
Hake (?) fish from the restaurant Ambrosia, another new try that came with a variety of unique sauces, fine dining is something I’ve come to really enjoy and admire on this trip.
I agree that a person can learn a lot about a culture based on the food they have. For example, I see that three out of the four of your pictures include either fish or fruit. The abundancy of fish reveals that this is best for Chile’s geographical location since it is such a thin country and right by the Pacific Ocean. I am not very adventurous with my foods so it has been extremely nice to get out of my comfort zone. I agree that in order to fully immerse yourself into a culture, trying the food is the best way to start.