Learning English at the University (Essay)

Hi everyone, this week on my blog I will talk about…well…about my learning English at the University. During these two years , I can say I enjoyed very much my english’s session. Precisely, in this essay I try to explain why I enjoyed my English class in the University. I think this is important as a personal evaluation of our experience as students in English classes at the university. In few word, I can say it was a good experience, interesting, and that has motivated me in learning the English language. I enjoyed my English sessions because I have learned many new things: to speak better English, to use a blog page to communicate with people around the world, a post to other blog sites... Yes, I can say: I love now the english language!.. I am now a fan of English classes!

Let's start with the bad. It is true that my experience in English class has been good. However, in many cases, the classes we had were a bit boring. Teacher!, this is a problem that needs improvement! It's too boring to talk in the blogs about the “challenges in my discipline” or the “Improving my faculty facilities”. This is a bit .. mmmm .. nerd! (or, in chilean language: It is very ñoño!) However, it is well. It is not an English course or not?

On the other hand, definitely, as I said earlier, my learning English at the University has helped me a lot to improve my English. Since I started studying English at the University, I could communicate with many people in English. New friends from Europe and United States, reading several articles and books in English, writing letters to people who do not understand the Spanish language. All this has been the result, in part, from the constant work that we have had in our english sessions. Equally, our English teachers have been characterized by its high academic standards and his willingness to time to solve our problems with English language learning. Finally, I think the method of the blog, oral tests and classroom activities are good study skills. Congratulations! Really, go ahead!

In conclusion, I think there are several advantages to take the English class. First, it is very useful as a form of interactive learning. Allows students to learn English from a form of daily communication. Also, it allows communication in English in a way similar to those in everyday life. On the other hand, I think the blog makes it less necessary to the study of English grammar boring classes!

Well, many greetings, good luck ... And we are the next semester of English classes in English V. Oh! that does not exist! Byeeee!!!

CHALLENGES IN MY DISCIPLINE

The archaeology has today significant challenges in the fields of technology, society and education. A number of important changes in these fields make urgent a deep discussion between all archaeologists. The result of this discussion will be very important for the development of archeology in the next decades. The result of this discussion will result in a greater or wors adequacy of
the archeology to modern times, the twenty-first century.

He has been in the field of technology in which have been the most important challenges for archeology. Among these challenges, we can mention the following:

1- The challenge of a intensive implementation of the Global Positioning System, GPS, in archaeological research. Also, the challenge of a regular use of satellite photography (Google Earth) for recognition spatial and topographic.

2- The challenge of a use of digital models of 3D excavation, using a series of special computational softwares. These models were used to represent computationally various aspects of archaeological excavations: for example, the various stratum and levels of stratigraphy in an excavation unit.

3- The challenge of a popularization of new absolute dating methods in archaeological research, among others, the AMS radiocarbon dating, the method of dating obsidian hydration, etc.

4- The challenge of a frequent use of precision instruments for recording the topographic characteristics of the different areas of archaeological research activities.

Moreover, in the field of education and society, the biggest challenge in archeology is in the field of SOCIALIZATION of archaeological knowledge, in an instructive, pedagogical and educational for people of all ages. In this context, the greatest danger is an extreme complexity of language archaeological, understandable only by archaeologists and distant from educational needs or society. In this sense, the major technological advances in archeology could have an adverse effect on the relationship between archeology and the public.

In few words, the challenges of archeology in the fields of technology, society and education is connect with the problem of how archeology can adapt to the changes of the actual society, for example, the technological advances, although taking account educational and social needs.

In my opinion, the major problems of development of archeology in the fields of technology, society and education is connect with little effort to link these areas. The solution therefore is to open more dialogue between actors involved: archaeologists, communities, state and society.

MY LAST FIELD TRIP

My last field trip was two months ago in northern of Chile, specifically in the Tarapaca Valley, near the andean town of San Lorenzo. The reason for this trip was the realization of the second fieldwork corresponding to the methods and tecniques class with Luis Cornejo, a relevant central Chilean archaeologist. This field trip, obligatory in our academic formation, was made in the context of the archaeological research project FONDECYT by Mauricio Uribe, one of the most important archaeologists of the desert region.

During the two weeks we were in San Lorenzo, we make a lot of activities archeological research. In Pircas, an archaeological early formative site, the different research teams make a intensive record of the architecture of different stone structures in the area. Also make activities of superficial collection prehistoric cultural materials over many miles. Finally, in Pircas and Caserones, another archaeological early formative site near Pircas, we make excavations inside the stone structures. In addition to this, during our fieldwork we make registration activities of the topographical characteristics in the study area.

In general, the results of fieldwork were very successful. We accomplished the architectural register of the stone structures in a 100%. It was possible, moreover, to recognize three types of structures: simple, double and complex. Also, the research teams were able to collect a large amount of cultural remains in the surface collection.
We found many stone artifacts, pottery fragments and human and animal bones. Finally, the excavation of stone structures was very productive. We were able to recognize the walls of prehistoric’s houses and remains of food, clothes and tools of the ancient inhabitants. Moreover, in an excavation in which I was present appeared an ancient burial, possibly of a child.

These investigations are very important in the field of archeology. Thanks to this research is possible to achieve a better understanding of the lifestyles of past cultures, as well as test the falsity or veracity of the old theories about the ancient inhabitants of Tarapaca.

IMPROVING MY FACULTY FACILITIES

The situation of our faculty is a shame. The classrooms are small, laboratories seem nineteenth century and the computer room is terrible. All wrong! All horrible! I am very angry!! Furthermore, our faculty building looks like a mall, the "Juan Gomez Millas Mall". Finally, the electrical system is very bad, generates many electric explosions and there are many mice (guarenes) in bathrooms. In our bathrooms are transmitted many epidemics. Last year many students had fever.

In my opinion, everything must be rebuilt. It should bring a tractor to pull down the faculty to construct a new building. In this building, the Faculty of Social Sciences 2.0, rooms should be big, with reclining seats and personal computers included. Also, laboratories should have high-tech system of various kinds. Similarly, the library should be three levels with an elevator, equal to the Faculty of Philosophy (adjacent to the Faculty of Social Sciences!).

The steps towards a transformation of this kind are 1- discuss and vote this in the assembly of students, 2-raise the money for transformations and 3-...do it! I think, the benefits of these changes would be very important. It would be a great increase in quality of life of students in the Faculty of Social Sciences. In other words, the impact of these changes would be very beneficial for all students, especially those with fewer resources.

However, I think ... anyway ... the situation in our faculty is not so bad. Maybe I have been exaggerating a bit (or not???), although the improvement of laboratories is needed!

The discovery of the second Stonehenge?

An article in The Guardian newspaper describes the discovery of an important archaeological site in England. This site, called 'Bluestonehenge', is located less than two miles from the famous site of Stonehenge. Its name is due to the important similarities that exist between these sites: for example, the circular pattern of stones, the great antiquity of the remains (about 2400BC approximately), its proximity to the River Avon, among other. However, a more particular feature of Bluestonehenge is the blue color of the stones of its buildings, unlike the gray color of the stones of Stonehenge.

According to the researchers, Stonehenge and Bluestonehenge have been part of the same complex ritual, being connected at the time of the performance of rituals and religious ceremonies. For archaeologists, the discovery of Bluestonehenge allow greater knowledge about the type of religious beliefs that were the inhabitants of the Neolithic in England. Moreover, the study of Bluestonehenge allow a better understanding of the use of Stonehenge and the reasons they would have been the prehistoric inhabitants to build these large stone structures. In other words, these studies will allow a better understanding of the lifestyle of some of Europe's oldest inhabitants, the ancestors of today's British.

To read this interesting article, you must visit the following website: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/oct/06/second-stonehenge-discovered

The classification of Chile to the World Cup

Chile ranked second in the South American tournament for the World Cup. This is important because Chile had never won such place in the qualifiers for this tournament. Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, are below us. Brazil alone is beyond us! Cool no? Among other things, this is important since the World Cup is one of the sports tournaments in the planet. In this respect, is important to say that soccer is the most popular sport around the globe. The importance of access to a world cup is so much greater. Finally, it is important for Chile have entered the World Cup because now Chile can ... win the world cup!

Chilean soccer team has many good players. My favorites are el mago ("The magician") Valdivia and Alexis Sanchez, el niño maravilla ("the boy wonder"). Another player I like is el chupete (“pacifier”) Suazo. I like them because they are very adept at handling the ball and great goal scorers. Suazo is the player who made more goals in qualifying for South Africa South America 2010! Another important player was Marcelo Salas, el matador (“the killer”), although already retired from soccer. However, because of his great technique and footballing skills, marcelo always be remembered as one of the largest Chilean soccer players. Moreover, their contribution to South Africa 2010 qualifiers were lots of goals.

Personally, I see the world via televisión. I will support the team from afar. South Africa is too far away, the plane ticket and stay in that country is very expensive and I do other things in Santiago. Although, anyway, of course I like to go to 2010 World Cup. In South Africa, besides soccer matches, I'd like to visit the tourist attractions of the country ... and the jungle! I do not think there is a danger that lions eat me! ¿or not?

Presidential Elections 2009 (Another Farce)

The presidential election of Chile for the period 2010-2014 will be made on December 13, 2009. These elections will be made in parallel to national elections of members of the upper and lower chamber. Possibly, there will be a second election, probably because no candidate will have an absolute majority.

The elections will be all day from 7.00 am to 17 hrs, in the previously established votation places. Generally, thise votation sites are school and stadiums. These are places where a large number of people can make their civic duties. The voting system is present in the votation place, sign the register for access to the secret place of voting and deposit the vote in the votation box. Care! The vote is totally secret !!... can’t sell or buy IT. That would be a crime.

Presidential Candidates 2009 are Eduardo Frei (that boring!), Sebastian Piñera (puaj), Enrique Ominami (an idiot) and Jorge Arrate (mmmm, too friendly with the goverment). Frei is the candidate of the current government, the government of the heirs of the military government. Piñera, worse, is the representative of the right, the children of the dictatorship. These are the two candidates most likely to win. On the other hand, Marco Enriquez Ominami (MEO) is a fake. It's like Frei and Pinera, only ... with another pack! Finally, Jorge Arrate is the most decent candidate, but also... is an ally of the government Coalition. All are part of the political system. There isn’t a true representative of workers and people.

Because of this, my vote will NULL!

WHAT TO DO / WHERE TO GO IN SANTIAGO

Santiago is one of the most important cities in South America. There are many interesting places for foreign tourist, many places to visit and many many activities to do. Really, Santiago is a fun city for tourists.

Personally, I recommend to foreign tourists visit the historic city center: the central square (“Plaza de Armas”), and the old colonial buildings located around the cathedral. Another place interesting to be visited is the Santa Lucía hill and the San Cristobal hill, where are beautiful roads, one cable car system and the metropolitan zoo. Other places to visit are the government palace (La Moneda), The Municipal Theater and the Museum of Fine Arts. Equally, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, in the downtown, and the Natural History Museum, in the “Quinta normal” garden. Finally, a necessary place to be visited by a foreign tourist is the the central market, near the mapocho estation (an old railway station) and the ahumada walk, a typical urban area in Santiago.

In addition to these visits, a foreign tourist can not fail to visit the Bellavista neighborhood (typically area of Santiago's bohemian) and the bio bio popular market, near Metro station Franklin. In Bellavista, the tourist can visit and attend parties bars, where they touch all music styles. In the case of bio bio popular market, tourists can buy all sorts of items, at cheap prices. Finally, I recommend to foreign tourists go to the central station, where can buy a train ticket and go to another chilean cities.

If you ask me, my top 5 list of activities for a foreign tourist is: 1-the visit of the central square, cathedral and de historic city central, because of its cultural and historical importance. 2-the visit to Santa Lucía and San Cristobal hill, because of the beautiful roads. 3-the visit to “Quinta normal”, because it is a park with over a hundred years old. 4-the visit to bio bio popular market and 5-the visit to central station, because they are a typical popular area of our city.

SEPTEMBER 18TH

Hi everyone, this week on my blog I will talk about the September 18th. This date indicate the celebration of the creation of the first government joint in 1810. In other words, the creation of our first national government. Some people think that on 18 September we celebrate our nacional independence. They are wrong, our national independence was not conquered on September 18 of 1810. On the contrary, our independence would be conquered in 1818, several years later. However, September 18th is significant because it marks the beginning of oue fight for the national liberation. That is, the first steps of our journey as an independent republic.

For almost two hundred years, Chileans celebrate September 18th as a national holiday. In this day are performed dances, dinners, parties and all kinds of celebrations, in honor of our national indepedent. Usually, many people consume food and alcoholic beverages in these celebrations. We eat empanadas, chicha and drink chicha, a famous chilean grape brandy. Traditionally, September 18th is celebrated in the famous "Fondas", spaces where we dance cueca and other typical dances. In the nineteenth century, the "Fondas" called "Chinganas". However, today in the fondas are other types of dance dance; for example, cumbia, regueton (“perreo”) and other exotic dances.

Personally, I celebrate on September 18th by a barbecue and drink chicha. I prefer the traditional celebrations! However, at night go out with my friends, not necessarily to fondas. This year we will travel to Valparaiso to attend a party at a bar... And I think we take more beer than chicha.

TRANSANTIAGO: BEFORE AND AFTER

Hi everyone, this week on my blog I will talk about the TRANSANTIAGO. In general, my opinion of TRANSANTIAGO is very very bad... before and after! Transantiago sucks! It's slow, dirty and noisy and there are not enough lines. Transantiago is one of the worst things that has made the Bachelet administration. If it were me, I would eliminate Transantiago from the face of the earth... I am an angry citizen!


In many ways, Transantiago is worse than the pre-Transantiago system. For example, it is much harder to reach distant places of the city, there are no travels after 1 am, stations are far from the places of destination and many many, many!, etc. With the pre-Transantiago system was much easier to get to any place, stations were closer to home and had traveled all night. Yes, the yellow buses were much better than Transantiago! Finally, In Transantiago I can not jump from the moving bus to get off the bus. It was very entertaining and exciting to do that! However, in only one aspect is better Transantiago: there are fewer assaults and crimes within the buses. In other words, there are fewer bad boys (flytes) trying to steal the drivers.

In few words, my experience with the Transantiago when he started the new system is almost similar to today. Nasty! However, I admit that at first the crowds were giants, and bus’s wait times are crazy. If it's for me, I changes the transantiago for another system. I would return the yellow buses... to jump when they are still moving!

A COUNTRY I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT

One country that I would like to visit is Italy. It is necessary explain why? In few words, I would like to go to Italy because it is one of the most important historical and artistic centers in Europe. Its attractions include the historic remains of some of the world's major civilizations, the art of the Roman Empire, the renaissance architectural and many many other things.

However, my knowledge of Italy is general, although a little more detailed than usual. Anyway, I know that Italy was the center of the great Roman Empire (between year 0 and V century AD), one of the most important regions of the medieval Europe (in the tenth and eleventh century), and the place of origin of the most important artists of the Renaissance (during the twelfth and fifteenth century). In the city of Rome is also the Vatican, a older independent state, the capital of the Catholic Church. Also, in Italy there are, besides Rome and the Vatican, other important historic cities with many cultural and tourist attractions: for example, Florencia, Milán, Napoles, etc.

In iItaly, I would like to visit as many archaeological sites, museums, art galleries and cities as posible, depending on the time and money available. Obviously, In Italy I would like also to eat the typical food of Italy, pizzas!, and go to some parties... ... to learn the italian language better.

In summary, I think I'd like to live some months in Italy, to understand their culture and study about their history. On the other hand, if I could some postgraduate study of European history in Italy would be great, amazing! However, during my stay in Italy I think get fat a little, for the pastas!

FIRST TERM: GOOD AND BAD POINTS

Hi everyone, this week on my blog I will talk about the first term of 2009. During these months, I can say I enjoyed very much my university life. In general, it was a good experience, interesting, very motivating in many aspects. I have learned many new things in different areas of my career: for example, among other fields, in anthropology, archaeology, sociology and the learning of the English language.

One of the most interesting activities was reading several books on archeology, anthropology and chilean prehistory. I learned about archaeological theory, fieldwork techniques, new anthropological currents around the world and about of different prehistoric societies of northern, central and southern Chile. One of the most motivating courses was the laboratory, where I learned some of the techniques of archaeological análisis. Also, I learned many new things in the course of English III: for example, among other things, give a discussion about topics developed in my career.

In the field of sports, I went regularly to martial arts classes, two times a week. In my free time was sometimes the movies and theater with my friends. Also I read two novels, one about the French Revolution and the another about the life of Edgar Allan Poe. However, my free time was very limited. Because of this my recreational activities were not many.

In general, I had success in my challenges, especially in the university. However, because the academic responsibilities of the first term of this year, I had very little time for friends and family. This was one of the worst aspects of the past months. I lost contact with friends and could not go home to my parents outside of Santiago. I think it's something negative that university life not leave time for other things. Anyway, you can not have everything in life ... or not?