Isabel grew up in Chile, but she now lives in California. Although she calls Chile her home, in her novel she claims that she "never quite fit in anywhere." "My Invented Country" was extremely helpful in describing what I may encounter in Chile....
- Political History : During Salvador Allende's presidency in 1970-1973, he implemented many socialist programs in Chile. This included nationalization of large-scale industries, and government administration of the health care system, educational system, a program of free milk for children, and a greatly expanded plan of land seizure and redistribution. He intended to improve the socioeconomic welfare of Chile's poorest citizens. Allende activated inflation, strikes, and radical Cuban policies during his term. In 1973, Allende shot himself with a gun given to him by Fidel Castro with the engraving, "To my good friend Salvador from Fidel, who by different means tries to achieve the same goals." Since Allende was in power, the Chilean government has experienced a rightest backlash (military coup in 1973), military dictatorship (Pinochet from 1973-1989), and a return to democracy in 1988. In 2006, Chileans elected their first female president, Michelle Bachelet.
- Geography and Climate: "After God made made most of South America he took what was left over-bits of desert, mountain, valley, glacier, rainforest, and coast ---and created Chile."
- Population and People: Chile is divided into 12 regions. 75% of the country's population lives in 20% of the country's total area (in the region around Santiago, the country's capitol). Chile's people are mainly of Spanish ancestry but some regions have people with irish, english, and german descent. Isabel Allende says that Chile's immigration policy has been openly racist. For a long time they didnt accept anyone with a deep tan. "African blood was never incorporated into Chilean stock, which would have given us rhythm and beauty; neither was there significant Italian immigration as there was in Argentina, which would have made us extroverted, vain, and happy; there weren't enough Asians, as there were in Peru, to compensate for our solemnity and spice up our cuisine." Also, the poor and rich do not mix in Chile like in Mexico, the distance between the mansions and shacks is astronomical.
- Society and Conduct: Chile has a strong European influence. Isabel writes, "We turn our backs on Latin America, always comparing ourselves instead to europe. We are very self centered: the rest of the universe exists only to consume our wines and produce soccer teams we can beat....The foreigner is not allowed to criticize-for that we have more than 15 million natives who do that all the time." It is a conservative country because of the influence of the Catholic church.
- Relationships: Chileans are generally very interested people, especially foreigners. Even Santiago is noted for having the soul of a village. "Everything was public knowledge. Did someone miss mass on Sunday? That news traveled fast, and by Wednesday the parish priest was knocking on the door of the sinner to find out the reason." They have a term about talking about friends/neighbors in Chile called "plucking": a term that comes from plucking chickens, or denuding the out-of-earshot victum of his feathers. Also, a person's popularity is measured by the number of jokes about him/her. However, most Chileans prefer seriousness. But, Allende confesses that , "We never let an opportunity pass to make fun of other people."
- Hospitality: Chileans are sincerely hospitable. It is not uncommon to be invited into a Chilean home if you are a foreigner asking for directions. "It is impossible to go into a home, rich or poor, without accepting something to eat or drink, even if it's only a cup of tea. This is a national tradition." At least they will offer a "tecito, aguita, or vinito", a nice little drink or tea, water or wine.
- Gender issues: At parties, men stand on one side of the room and women on the other. Chile is a macho country. "There is so much testosterone floating in the air that it's a miracle women don't grow beards." However, the machismo is much more veiled than that of Mexico. Chilean women ask for it though. They bring up their daughters to serve and their sons to be served. Chilean women dress simply, nearly always in slacks (I wonder what they will think about skirt collection!) "On the beach or at a party they all look the same, a chorus of clones." Also..."Chilean women do not paint fingernails, since that would indicate they don't work with their hands, and one of the worst possible epithets for a Chilean woman to be called is lazy."
- Dining: Chile is a land of gluttony. Not only do they have tea time every afternoon, but they gorge themselves on seafood, sweets, and wine. Their famous drink, the "pisco sour", gives people a reason to celebrate.
- Religion: 90% of Chileans are Roman Catholic. In Chile there is a plethora of saints of all stripes. Isabel shares that, "A few years ago we had a young girl who performed amazing cures. The press and television swarmed all over her, as well as multitudes of pilgrims who never gave her a moment's peace. When she was examined more closely, she turned out to be a transvestite, but that did nothing to detract from her prestige or put an end to her marvels."
- Interests: Soccer, politics, money, foreigners, (me?)
"Cancer is caused by easy living, whereas discomfort is good for the health....cold showers, food difficult to chew, lumpy mattresses, third-class seats on trains, and clunky shoes."
I've decided that I will make the most of whatever card im dealth with. I still have no clue to where i will be living in Chile. If i survive healthful discomfort, Isabel Allende's grandfather promises me that I will be forever grateful for the most trivial pleasures in the future.
