Living in a society where you do not speak the language is difficult and frustrating. But I love it. Why? Because you appreciate so much more the grand kindness of strangers and new friends. Like the random person going out of his/her way to interpret a menu or to translate an instruction. Such things we do not take for granted.

Jonathan and I work with 3 other Chileans in a small room. We all have our own little area along the room each facing the wall. Back at home, if we wanted to speak to each other, we would just yell over our shoulders while typing or reading something on our screens. But here, because communication is much more difficult, when we speak to each other, we all turn around in our chairs and face each other. The Chileans help each other decipher what we are saying and we help each other decipher what they are saying. It is the most intentional conversation because each sentence takes real effort and thought; the experience is active, watching their eyes and body movement as well as listening to their words. As a result, everyone is fully present in the moment. It may seem like a small thing, but it is actually quite special. In this day and age of smartphones and iPods and TVs in restaurants, it can be hard to feel that anyone is ever fully present in the moment.

Daniel and Sergio are about our age and quite outgoing; Jorge is around 60 and with whom we have less in common. One time I was eating an orange and offered a slice to Jorge, in order to strike a conversation (reference to my earlier blog - food glorious food). We asked him if oranges were in season in Chile and he said, no. He proceeded to tell us some of the fruits that were. Now, almost everyday, Jorge educates us on the various excellent fruits of Chile.

Each time we turn away from our computers and put down our pens to talk, it is a little gift. Even if it is only to talk about fruit.

- joyce