My time in Chile has shown me the beauty in a culture that is so connected to its langauge, history and people. The Chilean population suffered under a military dictatorship between the years 1973-1990. It was very hard for the people. Some were killed, hurt or taken by the military. In the same way, some of the native people in Chile have been ignored or hurt, so it is very important to remember and consider these people—like the Mapuches.
I have learned about Chile's traditional foods and drinks, the holidays, and special dances. I think Chileans also have a very important relationship with artwork. They are very creative and passionate about their freedom. For a long time they did not have freedom, so they have these beautiful ways to create freedom within themselves. Now one way they assert their freedom is by protesting peacefully. And in Chile, this means by the use of pots and pans! They bang pots and pans to create sounds of resistance. This is a form of protest that they have used for a long time and is still present today.
