Yesterday and today we had 3 company visits. Yesterday we visited Codelco, a copper factory. Unfortunately, we were not able to go into the factory because of safety issues, so we toured the factory by bus. Also, the tour guide spoke only Spanish so I did not understand most of it. It was still very interesting to see the factory. It was quite large!
Today, our first visit was to Vina Indomita, a vineyard. It was very beautiful! Our tour guide first took us out to the vineyard where she explained the history of the vineyard and the types of wine they make. Then we went into the factory part where we saw how the wine was made. Then we moved into the basement where the barrels of wine were stored. Finally, we had a wine tasting of three different types: 1 white and 2 red. The tour guide taught us what to do before tasting and what to look for in terms of flavor and aroma.
Our last company visit of the day was to LAN, a Chilean airline. We learned about the history of the airline and the airplanes themselves. We also got a chance to go near the hangers where there were a few planes out.
Yesterday, we also went to a soccer game. It was really cool to see how into the sport the Chileans were. One section of the stadium cheered and sang throughout the entire game! Unfortunately, the game ended at a tie.
Tomorrow, we go on one company visit and then to a resort and spa!
Hasta Luego!
Caroline
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
La Universidad
For the past two days, we have mainly been at the university. On Monday, we heard a lecture about Chilean culture, which discussed music, literature, and the history of Chile. It was very interesting to compare American music to Chilean music. For example, their songs in some respect are very similar to our music, and many Chilean bands do covers of American songs.
After lunch, we went on a bus and walking tour of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. We went up an incline in Valparaiso similar to the ones in Pittsburgh, except there are a lot more inclines in Valparaiso than in Pittsburgh! We also stopped at a beach in Viña del Mar where there was a large rock formation that some people climbed up on :). It was a really great place to take pictures as well.
Once the tour was over, we headed back to the university for salsa class. It was fun, but a little awkward because we had no idea what we were doing and we were mixed in with other Chilean students. After class, Arturo, our guide, took us out for while. It was fun and relaxing, and it was cool to see an example of Chilean nightlife.
Today, we had 2 lectures at the university. The first was by a Plus3 grad, and she talked about how she got a job in Chile and the type of international business interactions she handles. It was great to see an example of a job in international business, which is something I am very interested in.
We had the second lecture after lunch. The speaker talked about business in Latin America and how it compares to the rest of the world. It was very long, but interesting to see the business statistical figures of different countries compared.
After the lecture, we had another salsa lesson, but this time we were not with the other students, which made it a little better! It was a short lesson, and then we went back to the neighborhood where we were staying for dinner. Tomorrow, we go on our first company visit!
Hasta Luego!
Caroline
After lunch, we went on a bus and walking tour of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. We went up an incline in Valparaiso similar to the ones in Pittsburgh, except there are a lot more inclines in Valparaiso than in Pittsburgh! We also stopped at a beach in Viña del Mar where there was a large rock formation that some people climbed up on :). It was a really great place to take pictures as well.
Once the tour was over, we headed back to the university for salsa class. It was fun, but a little awkward because we had no idea what we were doing and we were mixed in with other Chilean students. After class, Arturo, our guide, took us out for while. It was fun and relaxing, and it was cool to see an example of Chilean nightlife.
Today, we had 2 lectures at the university. The first was by a Plus3 grad, and she talked about how she got a job in Chile and the type of international business interactions she handles. It was great to see an example of a job in international business, which is something I am very interested in.
We had the second lecture after lunch. The speaker talked about business in Latin America and how it compares to the rest of the world. It was very long, but interesting to see the business statistical figures of different countries compared.
After the lecture, we had another salsa lesson, but this time we were not with the other students, which made it a little better! It was a short lesson, and then we went back to the neighborhood where we were staying for dinner. Tomorrow, we go on our first company visit!
Hasta Luego!
Caroline
Sunday, May 3, 2009
First Day in Chile!
We arrived in Santiago, Chile early this morning after a long flight. I managed to get some sleep, but not enough! After a long, complicated process, we got our bags, got on the bus, and drove to Vina del Mar. I got a little more sleep during the ride.
The city is beautiful! The buildings are very "Spanish" and the ocean is gorgeous. Luckily, when we arrived at the hotel, our rooms were ready so we could get settled right away. Then, we explored the city before lunch, mostly just the coastline. After lunch, we walked inland to a crafts booth and then to a large mall. By 2pm, we were all exhausted and went back to the hotel. I took a nap and showered before dinner. We ate in a Mexican restaurant. The food was great and I had a lot of fun.
Tomorrow, we are going to the university to meet everyone we will be spending time with for the next 2 weeks. I can't wait to meet them!
Hasta Luego!
Caroline
P.S.
To return to the Plus3 Chile website, click the link below:
http://www.chileplus3.pitt.edu
The city is beautiful! The buildings are very "Spanish" and the ocean is gorgeous. Luckily, when we arrived at the hotel, our rooms were ready so we could get settled right away. Then, we explored the city before lunch, mostly just the coastline. After lunch, we walked inland to a crafts booth and then to a large mall. By 2pm, we were all exhausted and went back to the hotel. I took a nap and showered before dinner. We ate in a Mexican restaurant. The food was great and I had a lot of fun.
Tomorrow, we are going to the university to meet everyone we will be spending time with for the next 2 weeks. I can't wait to meet them!
Hasta Luego!
Caroline
P.S.
To return to the Plus3 Chile website, click the link below:
http://www.chileplus3.pitt.edu
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