23 March 2012

Well we are in our new home; we have been here two days. We have really nice neighbors; they brought over a bed, table and three chairs and TV and stand for us, the day we moved in. The children are our new interrupters’ as they know some English.

The day we signed for the house we bought a washer, refrigerator and couch and love seat, bed and night stands and an entertainment center. So far we have gotten the washer, refrigerator and entertainment center. The bed is supposed to be delivered on Monday.

There are two stores that are within walking distance for us to shop. One is called Jumbo, which is one of the largest retailer's here, somewhat like Wal-Mart; the other is like Cosco.

Some of the new things we have learned:

1. How does the power company read your meter? Especially because most homes have a fence and locked gate? Well I saw how they do it; the meter man uses binoculars and a mirror. He uses the mirror to add light to see meter if needed. I haven’t seen how they do the water and gas. I think they can use the same method to read the gas as they did for the electricity though.

2. We have learned that Chileans are very trusting of other people; this is why the houses have high fences and locked gates. This also means that you have to have your keys in your pocket or someone in the house, as if you go outside and the door shuts, the door locks automatically.

3. I am not going to go to deep into the issue of flushing toilet paper down the toilet, here is a good link.
http://www.southamerica.me/things-you-need-to-know-about-chilean-toilets/


The only think I will say is that there is not always a public restroom, one place you can look for one is at McDonalds’ or Burger King, they are typically on the second floor and they may not be marked where they are, just have to look. The banos in public will cost you about C$375 pesos, also make sure to get the toilet paper before you go in to stall….or bring your own.

4. Don’t ever wear gold jewelry, Susan had a woman stop and reprimanded her for wearing her gold necklace, she showed Susan how someone ripped the earrings out of her ears, and necklace off of her. Susan took hers off for one day then put them back on, were walking back to our apartment a few days later at dusk and someone came up behind Susan and ripped in off her neck. He was gone in seconds. The word is that you only wear gold if you are going out, and wear costume jewelry otherwise.

Will have to add pictures later, as having issues...sorry