Music and Politics

As I become more and more comfortable here time is starting to move a bit more quickly. While the first days felt like an eternity, I am starting to understand just how fast this semester will actually go. To and extent, the last few days have remained somewhat frustrating. The registration, orientation proccess is a mess--extremely disorganized and we are always confused. That will be over soon though, I'm going to register for classes today. At the same time, I'm working on getting to know Viña and Valpo a bit better. I've walked most of Viña now, it is not nearly as cool as Valpo, but very beautiful nonetheless. Yesterday, I walked all the way to the campus in Valpo, which is about an hour walk. The street follows the ocean which is very beautiful, but not the most soothing walk as it also follows the main highway.
Last night however, I really think I fell in love with Valpo and with Chile. I went to a concert in the very beautiful Plaza Sotomayor. It was a free rock and folk concert in the heart of the city. I certainly loved the music...rock, folk, cuenca (traditional Chilean music), but more than that I loved the atmosphere. To an extent it reminded me of any american rock concert--young hippies, happy families, interesting characters. At the same time, there is a distinct political climate here that is so unique to Latin America. The crowd was full of flags sporting images of Victor Jara, Allende, and the communist party of Chile. For those who don't know, as I didn't until recently, Victor Jara is muscial icon here, a popular folk singer who was tortured and killed during the dictatorship. Oh yeah, and I should note the irony of this concert taking place in front of the elaberate building that serves as naval headquarters...very interesting.
I recognize that this was only one snippet and that there are many complacent youth here, but the concert made me feel that the young people of Chile have far more passion than we do. Perhaps it can be compared to the difference between my parents generation and my own. Mine talks big game, but often is too lazy to take action. Moreover, the crowd had such reverence for their home. Many of the songs spoke of Valparaíso and I loved watching how exciting everyone became.
Anyway, maybe this is a typical liberal, american reaction...but regardless, I know I am going to enjoy the next six months immensly.
By the way my host family went to the concert too. I just have to once again reiterate how lucky I am with this family. They are so incredibly caring, supportive, intelligent, creative...Just an example, the other night my host mom busted out an accordian, my sister played guitar and they taught me traditional folk songs. My dad and I have plans on Saturday to walk the Cerros (hills) of Valparaíso just so that I can take pictures of street art, buildings etc... I'll keep the updates coming!