More or less, I'd say I'm prepared: packing-wise I'm where I should be (considering how late I'll probably be awake, I'm sure I'm fine), and emotionally I'm getting excited (finally, the butterflies-in-the-belly excitement).
I just thought I'd lay some groundwork for what I'm going into:
The first semester I will be based in Valparaiso, Chile, in a program focused on "Culture, Development and Social Justice." I'm bringing my collapsible hand-balancing canes, as well as my accordion (in a new and amazingly convenient soft backpack-style carrying case!), so it should be clear I'm still planning on doing some circus. Of course my first priority will be my academics and soaking up the cultural experience, but I'm sure I will have some time for training and art-making (maybe even performing?) while I'm there.
One thing I'm VERY excited about, and probably the first item on my agenda for free time, is checking out a park in Valparaiso called the "Parque Cultural Ex-Carcel" (The Ex-Prison Cultural Park). I've heard rumors that this is where all the circus people hang out, and though there's not much of an internet trail I can hunt down, I have noticed whisperings of a circus community, a workshop advertisement posted here, some photos posted there. I would love to meet some other artists and start some sort of cross-cultural collaboration. (I'm telling you- the circus brings people together!) In fact, I found some photos from a trapeze workshop at this very park, and I recognized most of the moves. Even though the names are different, I could have learned that choreography in a heartbeat.
Here's a photo of the Parque Ex-Carcel
It looks so beautiful, I hope they are friendly!
And, here's a beautiful photo of Valparaiso, just for kicks:
But before I can even worry about any of this, I have a big trip in front of me. I'll be heading out with a few good books for company and my accordion strapped to my back.
I can't wait!
5 comments:
There's definitely a circus community there. The juggling balls I brought to school were from some people from Chile that I met while down in Argentina. I'm sure you'll be able to find them, and it might be as random as meeting some street vendors (which you should totally make friends with, they're usually awesome!)
Remember to take in the smells abroad. That's all I can remember from my trip to Singapore.
You certainly looked prepared when I dropped you off the security gate with your 'backpack on your back." What a great adventure you will have. I know this has been your dream for years. We will be looking forward to all future news from down South. And we miss you terribly!!! Thanks for leaving such a clean room!!
Love you lots. Mom
Jackums- I very much enjoyed your blog of your experiences so far, starting with your experiences in getting your accordion to Chile - this in itself could be a great addition to a travel magazine!!
Well, as of tomorrow 30 Aug 08, our humble abode will be devoid of homo sapiens, as my bride and I depart for Cologne and Rome. Fortunately for us, there is this wonderful US DoD invention called the INTERNET that will allow Jackums, Jeanine and Ken to stay in touch!
Cologne was founded in 50 AD by the Romans, so we get to see this ancient German city, then we get to go to the city whose inhabitants founded it. Here is the question I have been pondering: in the absence of motors, cranes and electricity or gas-powered vehicles, HOW IN THE HECK did the artisans of Cologne manage to build the most impressive building in the country of Germany, the Cologne Cathedral??? It is so tall, it hurts your neck to see it. I guess superb mechanical engineering - same question as how the Incas and Egyptians managed to build their incredible structures.
Jackums: you are the best, and we admire your dedication to such things as music, circus and culture. Have a great time and keep up your blog-writing. Love,
KW
Jackums: by the way, just because it says from jeanine it only means that this is written from her PC
KW
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