Notas sobre un país ancho

More weird things chilean:

- Supermarkets. I´ve aleady commented on the fact that everything related to food is ridiculous in Chile, but it all still amazes me. There are SO many supermarkets in Osorno. And they are all HUGE with ridiculously big ugly signs. They have weird english names: Bigger, Lider, Jumbo. I have many times walked into a supermarket to get food but gotten overwhelmed by all the aisles and kiosks and people and abandoned ship. The worst part about it, is that the tremendous size does not amount to any sort of variety. There are large quantities of everything, but only in one brand and one flavor. Por ejemplo there will literally be HUNDREDS of cans of coffee, but only Nestea instant coffee because it is the only kind of coffee that chileans drink. There is nothing whole grain, tons of alcohol, but only sugary concentrated juices. Renato has promised me that somewhere there is real OJ, but I´ve searched everytime I´ve gone into a supermarket and found nothing.
- Terms of endearment. Every woman is Negrita (litte dark skinned one) according to her husband and having dark skin is not a prerequisite for such a nick name. Every husband is referred to as Viejo (old man), except for Javier whose wife pretty much excusively calls him Guatón (refers to his tummy). Strangers are called Huevón (somewhere between buddy, and asshole) or Flaco. If you are every mildly chubby, almost everyone will call you Gordito. Other women call me Niñita (little girl), Fea (ugly, but with love) or Gringita. Mamita is a term that I have been called many times by men drivng by when I run in the afternoon, the guy I met in Valdivia, but also by friendly older women. Confusing?
- Facebook. According to the national newspaper, proportionally, more chileans are connected to facebook than anywhere else in the world. Facebook membership in chile has expanded 2000% since last year. This explains why I already have tons of chilean friends on facebook and have already been tagged in a variety of pictures. Weird.
- Mañosa. I eat every dish my Tía cooks, even if it involves meat. I always clear my plate of every crumb. I have finally given in and come to every meal, and always tell her that everything I eat is absoultely delicious. Still, not a meal goes by where I am not referred to as la gringa mañosa. Mañosa means finicky, and is one of chileans´ favorite words. Samantha tells me that its meant with cariño (affection), but it still drives me crazy. Last night I ate and enjoyed a ton of asado de cerdo (pork grilled over a fire). I don´t think it will sway their opinions on my title of mañosa.