The Outsider... yet again

While its not very surprising that while living in a foreign country, I have felt like an outsider, I have realized it has even come to the point of me being an outsider of my own country.

A few weeks ago I went to this "trendy" party with all of Santiago's A list. Now to me, an A list Chilean Farandula member who has their own teleserie or does whatever might as well be any other person walking down the street. And I really dont care. When I've come across "stars" in the US I've gotten that whole Star sensation, but with these Chilean "stars" I really could care less. Of course, the boyfriend already knows everyone, and makes me go up and talk to his childhood idol, some lady I dont remember the name of. He was so excited and I was soo.... ready to go home. I felt totally out of the loop.

When I talk to my friends in the US music and TV will come up, and of course I have NO idea what they are talking about. I am going to be stuck in 2004 for ever when it comes to US pop culture. To me Greys Anatomy and that Damian Marley CD will be the trendiest things around. But, did you know that there is a new 90210 show? And that the Pussy Cat Dolls make songs that are on the radio? Ya, well I had no idea. And I dont especially care. But, of course, it makes me feel like the outsider back in the US as well.

I will just have to enjoy my own little land somewhere between US 2004 and Chile 2008....

Roberto Matta

Before this weekend, I was only aware of one Chilean Artist, Alfredo Jaar, who I was exposed to almost two years ago at his Telefonica exhibition. That exhibition was one of the most interactive and powerful exhibits I have ever been to (mind you I am not expert on these matters, and I do not go to that many exhibitions). Below is an example of one of the works:

This week I had the opportunity to go to both the MAVI and Museo de Bellas Artes and I saw Roberto Matta, who is another impressive artist. I am almost embarressed that I have lived in Chile for over two years and had no idea who Matta was. He was born in Chile and in his twenties moved to Paris where he mingled with the likes of Salvador Dalí.

I was very impressed by his art, as well as his sculptures. All of his work seems to emit energy and power. Here are some of his works:

Any of you that are in Santiago should stop by the MAVI and check out the current Matta exhibit!

Surprise, surprise- Unrest in Bolivia

Not surprisingly, Evo Morales is having problems in Bolivia. Has Bolivia ever not had economic and political problems? This time its with the United States. Most recently, he has told the US Ambassador to Bolivia to leave the country. While I understand very little about this, I do know that the US provides Bolivia with millions of dollars to fight the drugs in the country, mostly cocaine. I do not agree with the production of cocaine, however, I have been to Peru and the north of Chile, and I personally like cocoa tea. Chewing on cocoa leaves got me through the Inka trail up to Macchu Picchu. So part of me understands why the locals are upset. Cocoa leaves are not always used to make cocaine, and the plant is an integral part of their culture. However, I also do not like cocaine and think it needs to be controlled. I am not sure what the right answer is, but hopefully some kind of balance between controlling a dangerous drug and preserving a local tradition can be found.

Most "Powerful" woman list

I am usually not this focused on women, or politics, or women in politics, but it just seems to be everywhere right now and I can´t help but to comment. Recently, Forbes Magazine published its 100 most powerful women list. Here are my initial reactions.

1. Cristina Fernadez Kirchner is #13 while Bachelet ranks #25? Are people not taking into consideration the economy of these countries? Chile is much more powerful than slowly dying Argentina any day. (Not to mention that Kircher is a much worse president than Bachelet, who is pretty bad herself).

2. Sarah Palin did not make the list (Hilary is #28 though). This explains the shock factor of her VP candidate selection

3. Oprah and Melinda Gates are #36 and #40, respectively. I honestly think that if there was a throw down between Oprah/Melinda Gates vs. Kirchner/Bachelet, Oprah and Melinda would win.

Fashion in Politics

For women, both in politics and in business, it is difficult to decide what is appropriate for the office, or for the White House in some cases. No offense to Hilary Clinton, but her fashion sense was horrifying. To be powerful in politics does not mean you have to dress like a man, or even keep with a short, man-like haircut. We are women and should show off what we got, in a respectful manner.

In Chile, there is Bachelet. Who is a bit better than Hilary, since she at least puts on skirts. But she will not bare much skin and could definitely be done up a bit more and add some variety to her closet of jacket-skirt suit combinations.

Next door we have good 'ol Crisitina Kirchner. While I don't think her political style is anything anyone wants to copy, at least she has the guts to put on a dress. She looks great and she shows it off. Being the President of Argentina doesn´t mean you have put on old and boring clothes.

Finally, we have America's new beauty queen gone PTA gone VP, Sarah Palin, who I have to say, dresses extremely well, as noted in this LA Times article. She is beautiful, but also doesn´t put too much effort into her look. She´s not afraid to show off a little cleavage or leg either.

While all four of these women are great in their own right, I have to applaud Palin and Kirchner for proving that you don´t have to dress like a man to be in a mans world. Everyone has the right to choose their own style, however, I can´t think of a single woman I know who willingly wears around suits. We have the right to be sexy and amazing, and I am glad there are politicians who feel the same way.