That One Time in Temuco

The city I’m staying in is called Temuco. Its in the center (W/E), south (N/S) of Chile. Replacing the smog in Santiago is the smoke from furnaces. The entire city is gray from all the ash that has accumulated over the years. Even all the rain that falls can’t keep the city clean. This place is wet and cold, with a median of about 4 degrees C during the coldest month. Hello woolen socks, you’re my new best friend.

This is the firm. We all wear thick jackets and scarves because its still freezing with the heater on.

I started my job at the architecture firm five days ago in Temuco. I’ve already stayed up past two three times, working on plots that have to get turned in to the government office. Everyone at the firm, except the intern, is related to me to some degree, so the atmosphere at work is about as fun and casual as it can get. In the last four days, I’ve folded about 100 plans and designed and finished plots for our next project. Luckily we're designing low-income housing so they're only about 40m2, otherwise I’d never get some sleep. The BEST part of this gig has to be the location of the firm. It is literally right next to my aunt’s house. All I have to do is walk through the back yard to get to my desk. Even still, I think I’ll manage to be late some days, but it doesn’t seem to matter much around here. (This week everyone I live by--seven people--were late to work at least once.) Its great, but not too good for whatever future job I get. Tomorrow the firm is going to one of the sites that we are working on.

Collipulli
This is one of the locations we're designing for.

The home that I’m living in is the same as my boss’s, kinda funny. My aunt completely spoils everyone around her. She makes sure everyone is fed three times a day, but the difference between her and every other mom is that at lunch she cooks for the family AND everyone that works in their family’s three businesses. Plus, she’s an amazing cook. Time to start learning. My room is nice and cozy(and its GREEN!) It used to be the daughter’s room, so I feel right at home in it. I’m already envisioning tons of projects to Pia-ize it--starting with artwork.

My room

I still haven’t driven a car around here; they are all manual, so someone has to teach me. My cousin JP, told me the basics really quickly. Now I just need to get behind the wheel on some streets that aren’t too congested--that’s going to be a near impossible task. Most streets are one way, there are few traffic lights, and people park anywhere they can, including grass plazas. The marked lanes are usually ignored and the bus drivers rule the roads. They are like kings, the can stop anywhere, force cars out of the way, and are basically at the top of the food chain. The house I’m staying at is only a few blocks away from downtown Temuco, so there is a lot waiting for me to explore. I’m just glad I won’t ever have to find parking there.

Since I’m staying here for a long time, I’ve been looking for some way to exercise. Soccer is the obvious answer, but not too surprisingly, the guys around here are too keen on the idea of playing with a girl. I’ll just have to make them get use to it, or start a girls club. Maybe, both; I really like both ideas. For now, my girl cousins and I will be joining a gym together and doing some cycling.

This cute little dog, Lucky Buddha, is going to be my new best friend. He already baptized my bed by peeing all over my pillows. I did some major dog proofing after that.