Chile: Skye Dickson (Places: Routine and Favorite)

Program: SIT Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment, Spring

Last week, I moved in with my host family! It has been great to be getting into more of a routine living with them and I have liked it a lot! One place that has become a part of my daily routine is going to the track of the University close to my house! The track is just like ones in the states but instead of a football field in the middle the whole stadium is devoted to soccer. I enjoy going everyday because it is a great place to meet friends and also observe the different types of physical activity local Chileans enjoy. For example, the other day, the track was holding a workout class for adults and I was impressed with the inclusivity of all levels and the attendance. Another one of my favorite places in the Arica has been el ‘Agro’ or el Agropecuaria which is the biggest agricultural market in the city. Arica is unique because it is kind of like a desert oasis.

The city is super agriculturally successful because it has a great climate that allows for a long growing season and also close to Arica there are several valleys that are wet enough to allow for all types of crops to be successful. The Agro is amazing because you can go and buy any type of fruit and vegetable you can think of and everything is cheap and super delicious. One interesting fruit I recently learned about was tumbo, it is local to Chilé. The fruit is yellow and oblong with a center that looks like the inside of a passion fruit, gel-like with seeds, it tastes fresh and a little citrusy. I am excited to continue going back while I am here and try new things!