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By Private Amalia Damgaard

CHILEAN PANORAMA

Although it appears slim and small, is a long and narrow country about the size of Texas, with a vast coast line covering about 3,998 miles. The to the west; is a neighbor to the east; , to the northeast; and , to the north. Because of its geographical location, Chile has an unusual and fun landscape, with , beaches, , and icebergs, fertile lands, the mountains, over 600 volcanoes (some active), and sub-artic conditions in the . Since Chile is below the equator, their seasons are different from ours in the . So, when we have winter they have summer, and so on. Even though Chile had years of political and economic turmoil, it has evolved into a market-oriented economy with strong foreign trade. Currently, it has the strongest economy in , with a relatively-low crime rate, and a high standard of living. Chile is a land rich in beauty, , and literature. It is called “the Switzerland of South America” because of its natural splendor. renowned poets, and Gabriela , won Nobel Prizes. The majority of are descendants of Europeans, namely Spanish, French, and German, and others in smaller numbers. Allegedly, the original inhabitants of the prior to Spanish conquest were not natives but merely nomads who lived in the . Their descendants are today about 3% of the population. A mixture of the so-called natives and European settlers is called “.” Today’s are so well blended that they look mostly European.

 Population about 15 million

 Capital

 Language

 Religion Roman Catholic (89%) and others (11%)

 Currency Chilean ($1 USD = 515.00 Chilean )

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile  Independence Day

 Fútbol (soccer) is most popular sport

 Flag Facts: Est. 18, 1817. The flag is modeled after the U.S. Stars and Stripes. Blue represents the color of the high-mountain skies; white is symbolic of the snow in the Andes Mountains; and red symbolizes the blood shed during the long fight for freedom.  is extremely varied, and changes from region to region, and it ranges from mild in the months to dry and hot, and cool evenings, in the summer, with high temperatures reaching 85°F. During the fall, the highest temperature is about 60°F. Winter time is colder with heavy and snow in the mountains.

CHILEAN CHARACTERISTICS Chilean is mostly European in nature, with heavy influences from and . Prior to the arrival of Columbus in the New World, Chilean depended on what was produced locally. Local products come from natural resources and rely on climate and cultivating techniques to thrive. Many of these products remain staples today, namely , , corn, , squash, , tomatoes, and other native , roots, herbs, and . When the original fare met new ingredients brought by the , (, lamb, , and their by-products, and other non-native fruits, vegetables, Clockwise: , and spices), and peoples from both Spain and France and de Choclo, , Chilean other European countries began to settle in the area, the salad, and Chilean local cuisine evolved into a fusion of new flavors, textures, techniques, and . is healthy and varied. Many of the traditional dishes are a mixture of native and non-native ingredients, including grains, legumes, eggs, vegetables, and fruits, complemented with mostly seafood. Pork and chicken are popular and beef is eaten rarely, unlike their Argentinean neighbors. Chile peppers of various types are widely used. such as Pebre (various versions of spicy salsas), Chancho en piedra (Chilean hot green pepper ), and Color Chileno (Chilean paprika oil) are commonly used to complement, finish, add flavor and give eye appeal other dishes, like grilled , seafood, or vegetables. Their gastronomy continues to evolve, as in other countries, due to changes in migration, new tastes, new imports (ingredients and techniques), all which contribute to further transform the cuisine. The Spaniards also brought vines to Chile. Through the years, Chile has emerged as a world-class wine producer. Although wine is widely popular, ( brandy) is the adult national drink. Herbal of many varieties are also quite popular. Wine, seafood, fruits, and vegetables are important products of good quality that Chile also exports to other countries. The U.S. is their #1 trading partner. Dishes vary from region to region. Some traditional favorites are Empanadas de horno ( turnovers with beef, hard-boiled eggs, , , and raisins), Pastel de choclo (a baked of beef, chicken, onions, corn, eggs, and spices), de ave (chicken ), Ensalada chilena (cold -and- salad), and seafood casseroles and . (a of three types of beans, corn, and squash), and Pastel de Choclo Chileno (Chilean corn torte) are Chile’s national dishes. There are other variations of these stews as , pork, or chicken are added. Another popular dish is Sinfonia del Mar (seafood symphony), a delicate stew of Spanish roots containing a mixture of seafood and vegetables, nuts, spices, and spirits. Cochayuyo, a delicacy native to the area is widely used in dishes such as Charquican de Cochayuyo (seaweed braised with vegetables.)

CHILEAN CULTURAL TRAITS Chileans are well-educated and refined with a sharp and sometimes cynical sense of humor that often is misconstrued by other countries as “arrogance.” Respect and courtesy are very important to them. As such, they people in the formal way as “usted”, instead of “tú”, a familiar way used in other Latin countries. When meeting someone for the Santiago, Capital of Chile first time, it is polite and common to shake their hand. For friends and relatives it is common to greet each other with a hug and a kiss on the cheek at arrival and departure time. Some common phrases used are ¿Qué tal? (What’s going on?), ¿Cómo estai? (How are you?), ¡Gusto de verte! (Nice to see you!), and ¿Qui’ubo? (What’s up?). Good table etiquette is important, and it is considered rude to leave right after eating. Family, and extended-family time at the table is to catch up with each other and to spend some quality time. Literacy rate is in the high ninety percentile and secondary education is high. Chileans like to dress well and are very mindful of their personal appearance. As in many Latin countries, punctuality is taken lightly, unless you go to a business meeting. Although, all Latin speak Castilian Spanish, some terms common to Chile do not have the same meaning elsewhere. To name a few, choclo (mature corn), Porotos (beans), chochayuyo (seaweed), and onces (afternoon teatime.) Likewise, they add –ito or –ita to many words and names to show affection. Carlos becomes Carlitos, meaning little Carlos, or dear Carlos. Professionals and elders are treated with utmost respect and titles are important, i.e. a lawyer is addressed as Licenciado Carlos; an elder person is called Señor or Carlos. Most people have a first, middle, and two last names. The first last name comes from the father and the second one from the mother. Married women often times have three last names, as in Maria Luisa Cabrera Maldonado de Perez. The word “de” means that she is married to someone with the last name Perez. Lastly, the Cuenca is Chile’s national dance, reflecting both Spanish and native heritage. The Cuenca is a rhythmic dance of courtship. is Chile’s . To make music, Chileans use many instruments of native and European origin to create unique sounds. About the author Amalia Damgaard is a Guatemalan native, a professional chef, and a graduate of , with a Masters in International Business from St. Louis University. She runs and manages a private chef business that specializes in presentations featuring Latin American and international cuisine, culture and history. Amalia lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Contact information: www.cookparty.com, or P (952) 270-4543.

Resources: World Atlas, The Food Lovers Atlas of the World, Culture Grams, The South American Table, Secrets of South American , and the Art of South American Cooking.