Elyssa Garrett

Gringa Fria and the Case of the Nine Hour Lunch

Elyssa Garrett Chile May 29, 2013

You know what “gringo” means, for the most part. In Chile, there’s a bit of confusion about the parameters of gringo-ness/ gringosity. Some believe everyone who is not from Latin America is a gringo. Others use gringo to refer solely to people who are ...Read More

4 Comments

You Ain’t Nothing But a Chilean Dog

Elyssa Garrett Chile May 16, 2013

Chile is bursting at the seams with stray dogs. They inhabit each and every street, some traveling in groups, others going stag, always possessing sass and an air of invincibility. Often, one will take a liking to you and follow you for a few ...Read More

3 Comments

Suddenly a Valley Girl

Elyssa Garrett Chile April 26, 2013

I was hoping that when I moved to Chile, the good people of English Opens Doors would place me in a big city. After living near Chicago and in the heart of Madrid, I realized that this environment is the best fit for me ...Read More

2 Comments

Elyssa Garrett, United States

Elyssa Garrett Chile April 17, 2013

“The password. Can you give me the password?” repeated the alarm company lady on the other end of the line. “Uhhhh. I don’t have it. It’s that…” I blurted into the phone, searching for the correct Spanish words and structure, “I’m trying to call ...Read More

0 Comment

Am I Doing This Right? (And Lots of Other Rhetorical Questions)

Elyssa Garrett Chile April 14, 2013

I’m currently sitting next to a 7-year-old girl who’s picking her nose and wiping it on the couch (“leave no cushion untouched” seems to be her policy) and I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say anything. My grip on the nearest armrest tightens ...Read More

3 Comments

Intro. to Chile

Elyssa Garrett Chile March 16, 2013

After nine months of indecision and anxiety, planning and detours, delays and anticipation, I left Miami, FL, United States for Santiago, Chile. You can never truly imagine beforehand how an experience is going to pan out, and after building up a detailed ”possible scenario” ...Read More

5 Comments