September 11

So today is September 11. That means a lot in the US, but in Chile, I think it really means even more. September 11, 1973 was the date of the military coup that overthrew the government, killed president Allende, and eventually put Pinochet in power. It meant he end to the rise of communism in Chile, but the beginning of the imprisonment, torture, and murder of thousands of people at the hands of the new government. It means that the police were out in the streets today in full force because even now there is the chance of riots and such. There were demonstrations in Santiago today in memory of Allende, as well as a Mass for those killed in the coup attended by relatives of Pinochet- which shows how divided the country still is over the whole situation. And its kind of funny that its just one week before their independence day, when the whole country goes all out in celebration of Chile. I don't know how my family feels about Pinochet; its not something I want to just randomly bring up, since some people here feel so strongly one way or another.

Anyway, on a lighter note, my tests went well this week. Not the most fun, since both tests were two essay questions. Thats a lot of writing, and its always harder to guess how you did on an essay test.

Love,
Katie

p.s. I think it looks really weird to write September 11. I'm already getting used to the date-month, "11 September", way! haha!