We're back, after I prove once again that I'm not much good at maintaining a blog. A lot has changed.
After a long period of hesitation and uncertainty I will definitely be visiting Chile for two weeks this month--next week, in fact. To those who have asked: I am not regarding this as a pleasure trip. It is exploratory. I am going with the idea of eventually relocating and working there. I(would be escape the United States, which I have told people is a nation-state with a great past. Plus I would be escaping permanent instructor status in my field for a place where American Ph.D.s appear to be desired.
Here is the travelogue:
(1) May 26, 2009: airfare purchased for American Airlines flight operated by American Eagle.
(2) Tues June 9: departure from Greenville-Spartanburg on AA 3550 at 2:45 pm for Dallas-Ft. Worth.
(3) Arrive in Dallas-Ft. Worth approx. 4:25 pm for layover. (Doubtless there will be things to do, including eat & perhaps watch for redheads, LOL.)
(4) Departure for Santiago on AA 945 at 9:10 pm.
(5) Arrive in Santiago, Chile, at 7:40 am Wed June 10.
(6) In Santiago--very likely with an additional trip to Valdivia to the south--from June 10 to June 23. Hope I can touch base with at least two universities. And learn as much about Chilean culture as I can--perhaps picking up words and phrases in Spanish along with some Spanish grammar.
(7) Departure from Santiago on AA 940 at 9 pm on Tues June 23.
(8) Arrive in Dallas-Ft. Worth at 6 am Wed June 24.
(9) Departure from Dallas-Ft. Worth on AA 3619 at 8:15 am.
(10) Arrive in Greenville-Spartanburg at 11:35 am.
I will have my digital camera (and some warm clothes since South America is coming up on winter, unfortunately). Hopefully Cobin can show me how to post pictures here.
Situation with parents has not changed significantly, however. At least it hasn't gotten worse. But it will keep me from making anyone any promises which probably no one is looking for at this point. There is still too much I have to do that requires a hands-on approach. Example: having to put out a fire regarding my dad's veterans benefits this week which has required (so far) three phone calls, two letters (one from his doctor), and material collected and needing to be mailed. I couldn't do this from anywhere in Chile, and if things don't settle down to where it becomes possible to do everything online, it will delay any relocation there indefinitely.
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There will be some challenges coming to Santiago at the end of fall, perhaps rainy and likely smoggier. Valdivia will almost certainly have rain. But you should be able to make some good contacts and get a few interviews with some effort. Be ready to hit the bricks running. Also should be able to get in some sightseeing and cultural experiences I hope. Not sure if I can arrange a date or not for only a 2 week stint though! To post a comment use the image upload button in the editor when you are creating a post.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. I totally wish that I could go with you. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteSerena