September 18 is Chile’s Independence Day – simply called “Dieciocho.” To celebrate, Theri and Pato invited several families from Iglesia in Casa to their summer home near San Antonio to celebrate.
While the meal was being prepared, some of us when to San Antonio to check out the boardwalk and do a boat tour of the marina to see sea-lions and pelicans. Back at the house we had a huge barbeque then went for a walk through the countryside. Chile is a gorgeous country.
But Fiestas Patrias – Founders Celebration – lasts almost all week. So on another day, the in Santiago had a party with empanadas and other traditional foods. Some of our national employees taughts us the Cueca, Chile’s national dance. It’s supposed to mimic a chicken and rooster flirting.
At the end of the week, I went with some friends to a fair in Santiago. We ate anticuchos – kebabs – and watched a Chilean horse show. Very cool.
The U.S. considers itself pretty patriotic, but there’s a lot of national pride here in Chile as well. I’m glad I get to be a part of it
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