MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Chile orders total quarantine for Santiago's population following a virus peak of infections
Chile ordered a mandatory total quarantine for the capital Santiago's seven million people on Wednesday, after authorities reported a 60% spike in coronavirus infections in 24 hours, dealing a stunning blow to hopes the economy would soon reopen. Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesChile's experience follows that of a handful of other countries that have seen contagion rates spiking as soon as isolation measures are relaxed.
May 14th, 2020 - 02:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Which shows that the supposed dichotomy that would present a choice between people's health and the protection of the economy is a false proposition.
Countries do not have a choice -- they must take tough measures to reduce the spread of the disease first -- or they won't have an economy at all when all is said and done.
Although I agree with the current emergency restrictions in the Metropolitan area, Latin American economies as a whole do not have the luxury of supporting their citizens with massive social assistance.
May 14th, 2020 - 08:06 pm - Link - Report abuse +1I've been fortunate to guarantee continued income to all our full time employees, but most companies have been left with no alternative except to furlough their workforces. High unemployment is untenable and there is a strong counter argument from the Swedish experience, that has intelligently kept its economy functioning.
There is also an alternative argument about herd immunity, but my philosophy is to seize the new opportunities now available. The world economy will come back eventually.
Meanwhile, I'm using unemployed craftsmen to completely renovate our old farmhouse. There's an old saying: “What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger”
¡Salud para todos!
Chicureo is in error but is not the only one looking at Sweden as a case of successful non-isolation measures.
May 14th, 2020 - 09:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It's not so.
“Sweden had no lockdown but its economy is expected to suffer just as badly as its European neighbors” (Link below).
Indeed, Sweden's GDP is expected to fall between 6.9 per cent to 9.7 per cent, similarly to its European counterparts that implemented lock-down measures, such as Germany with expected GDP reduction of 6.5 per cent, the U.K. with 7 per cent, Spain 8 per cent and Italy 9 per cent. So much for Chicureo's strong counter argument.
However, it's good to know that Chicureo is faring well, having a strong sense of opportunity -- and some extra cash to renovate his house in the midst of the pandemic.
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/30/coronavirus-sweden-economy-to-contract-as-severely-as-the-rest-of-europe.html
Enrique, your attached article reminds me of the Shakespeare quote: “the Devil can cite scripture for his purpose”
May 14th, 2020 - 11:26 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Sweden has been able to maintain employment, despite a large group within their nation that refuses to integrate into their society. Their global economic trade is screwed and it will result in an enormous drop like Denmark and Germany, but those nations can afford it vs. poor nations that cannot.
...Chile has over 300.000 tons of unsold copper, yet we continue to mine...
It's easy to stockpile copper, but eventually (like socialism) you run out of someone else's money...
Fortunately, we have an excellent credit standing and emergency reserves, but high unemployment frightens everyone.
This economic crisis due to the current pandemic is definitely harming the the less privileged lower economic class throughout Latin America that greatly depend on income that has nearly evaporated.
You may find it distainful, but I'm assisting some very fine unemployed craftsmen in providing them with income and buying furnishing/materials from retailers/vendors facing bankruptcy. Right now, it's a buyers market.
Thanks to my glorious socialist ex-President Bachelet's aggressive immigration policy, the number of unskilled and underemployed workforce has substantially increased since the dire days of a decade ago, when we worried about farm labor.
https://en.mercopress.com/2011/02/18/chilean-vineyards-face-shortage-of-field-workers-most-migrate-to-construction
We just completed a complete remodeling of an apartment in Valle Nevado and have really enjoyed a new shared avocation in design. The last serious remodel of the family farmhouse was in 1962 and this is the perfect time to restore its historic beauty.
I lift my goblet in in finding the best out of what has been a terrible year...
...this is the moment to celebrate life, love and living well!
Sincerely, I wish you and your family good health!
Hmmmmmmm...
May 15th, 2020 - 04:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I vaguely seem to remember an hermanito Shileno commenting about being alive today because of some colectivistic meassures instaured by his specific stratum of society...
Estimado THINK
May 15th, 2020 - 07:07 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Always a pleasure to read your august commentary. I hope you and all those you care for are well.
This horrible pandemic has been a wonderful reminder that we should cherish the ones we love and live life to its fullest, because there's no certainty. It also makes sense to spend more of the accumulated wealth you have.
During times of crisis, you survive by making the best out of what your faced with —but wise people thrive in quickly seizing the new opportunities as they serendipitously arise.
As you well know, because your nation decided to wage an aggressive posture against mine as well as the UK, I was eventually given a full scholarship to the naval academy — which provided me a snazzy uniform that excited the hormones of an attractive Lycée Français coed far above my social standing — that has blessed me with a beautiful family. Because of this pandemic, I now much-more appreciate this fortunate blessing.
Also as I mentioned, due to Bachelet's immigration policies (note the earlier Mercopress article referenced), there is an abundant agricultural labor force available despite our dire projections of a decade ago.
If you remember, Madame Defarge forced us to change to a new apartment in Viña and then because of the financial collapse of our neighbor; we acquired his apartment below us there as well as his in Valle Nevado.
The apartment in Valle Nevado became an opportunity for Madam and I to completely design/renovate the twenty year old unit with the most avant-garde furnishings available at a fraction of the normal cost.
We now are doing the same now with our beloved, yet neglected farm house because the timing has never been more opportune...
For agricultural exporters, the interim economics are lined up very well, with reasonable abundant labor and operational costs in pesos — with eventual earnings in dollars and low interest working lines of credit readily available.
Everyone I know is happy with continued income.
¡Salud!
Chicureo
May 15th, 2020 - 09:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Sweden has been able to maintain employment....”
Beside the point. I said Sweden's GDP dropped in spite of not ordering strict isolation measures and you think of Shakespeare?
How poetic, refined, leisurely and gentle of you.
Other than that, it is good to know that, while many are sick and others are dying you are still enjoying life in your corner of Paradise. Hey, must do it while you can!
As for your country, I hope it does better in future days now that the most recent stories about the thousands of graves being dug show that trying to protect the economy may let no economy at all in the end.
Nestor Kirchner's quote about Argentina's foreign debt comes to mind:
“The dead can't pay.”
Can't work either. Can't buy, can't sell -- can't do anything for the market.
Enrique
May 15th, 2020 - 10:28 pm - Link - Report abuse +1One could quote the beautiful words of Pablo Neruda, but the meaning would be ignored...
I was trying to politely address your politically-slanted agenda-driven and misleading article about the Swedish contrarian approach that has confounded the world “health experts” opinion on using social quarantine.
“Right now, the world is quietly moving toward Sweden’s laissez-faire approach. For those weary of state-enforced economic lockdowns that have caused vast economic harm and resulted in unprecedented violations of civil liberties, that’s an encouraging sign.”
Has anyone questioned the increase of domestic violence and mental depression caused by the lockdown? Just the number of people who failed to obtain normal medical checkups will negatively impact overall health of incalculable victims...
In the linked article, “Sweden’s death rate is lower than many of its European neighbors—Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy—who initiated strict lockdowns. Proponents also point out that Sweden has “flattened the curve,” noting that the nation of 10 million has not seen its hospitals overrun or experienced medical equipment shortages.”
https://www.thedailyfodder.com/2020/05/why-swedens-covid-19-strategy-is.html
Everyone employed by my family has their temperature checked each morning, and anyone feeling ill is free to stay at home without loss of income. The craftsmen working at our farmhouse had been unemployed, and they all are thankful for the opportunity to work.
It's obvious the entire world is headed for a severe global recession/depression and we only have an uncertain life to enjoy, so I'm embracing the opportunities now.
Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to enjoying what hopefully will be a good skiing season with the addition of our new apartment — which Madame and I designed ourselves during our lockdown together.
Anyway, why drink cheap boxed wine when you can enjoy a spectacular Carménère like I am this evening?
¡Salud!
Estimado hermanito Epicuréo...
May 16th, 2020 - 01:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0There is indeed one definite certainty at the end, hermanito.
And..., in my humble opinion..., there are more fulfilling forms to cherish the ones we love (and should love) and live life to its fullest than Epicurianism...
Hereby..., an easy reading text that should be intelligible ..., even for a person of “your social standing”... ;-)
https://dailystoic.com/epicureanism-stoicism/
Saludos...
Think..., el Estóico...
Estimado THINK
May 16th, 2020 - 06:13 pm - Link - Report abuse +1I no longer pertain to any social standing according to some...
Prodigious website you attached...
The Grange School curriculum included a superficial introduction to classical philosophy, but in the late 60s and all the 70s — it was an educated study of social class tribalism and have eventually settled into an economic opportunism philosophy.
I've been guilty of practicing opportunism for decades... ...but, isn't the mentality of both our countries? Until a couple of seasons ago, my entire family vacationed together each winter at Las Leñas, but now we've acquired a place now for our family — because our shared unity today has become so important...
...is that somewhat the philosophy of Hedonism?
¡Saudos!
Just be careful that your pursue of vane pleasures doesn't frustrate your pursue of true happines..., hermanito...
May 16th, 2020 - 06:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Hedonism Paradox” is the name of the dastard..., if i remember correctly...
Estimado el Estóico THINK
May 16th, 2020 - 08:48 pm - Link - Report abuse +1I had to actually look up the term Hedonism Paradox...
...proving my mediocre intelligence as well as being socially behind...
And your right about “some colectivistic meassures instaured by my specific stratum of society...”
Madame and I were nearly at war with each other about abandoning our old pied à terre, but divorce has always frightened me...
...admittedly this horrible pandemic has been one of the most enjoyable times of my life. Like I mentioned before, this lockdown has been une seconde lune de miel.
Ma jeune mariée wily reminded me that men of my generation are accustomed to buying their lover an apartment, so why not just abandonner à la passion...
Even deciding to cancel our family Easter celebration, reinforced our sense on family importance and staying closer together. Perhaps we'll see the Swedes were correct to take an alternative pandemic strategy, but the news from Spain and Italy frightened us and forced us to reevaluate our objectives.
We're currently at the farm and the weather is spectacular...
¡Saludos!
Bit optimistic to think there'll be a skiing season this year isn't it? Ski holidays were a major vector spreading the virus around Europe.
May 16th, 2020 - 09:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The article makes me wonder how Epicureans deal with the long term vs short term pleasures. Working to achieve something is less fun in the short term, but makes you happier in the end.
DemonTree
May 16th, 2020 - 10:49 pm - Link - Report abuse +1I've fully embraced a monogamous hedonistic philosophy worshiping the Gods of Dionysus and Tyche.
We actually think we'll be safer as we now have our own apartment and will not be dependent on hotel services or restaurant food. High altitude intense sunlight will easily kill the virus outside.
Plus, we'll know the true depth of this pandemic by the peak season. Lift lines will certainly be shorter...
How's your new family doing?
Geeeeeeeeee, Shicuréo...
May 16th, 2020 - 11:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You got me almost longing after that true happines the vane pleasures that those oscuros cauces donde la sed eterna sigue, y la fatiga sigue, y el dolor infinito........ a cuerpo de una mujer amada can bring...
Estimado THINK
May 17th, 2020 - 12:54 am - Link - Report abuse +1It's impossible to live with them and Neruda knew too well the excruciating pain of living without them...el dolor infinito...
The woman keeps me bewitched with a combination enchantment and disquietude... She also keeps her kitchen knives wickedly sharp...
Besides the cuisine she's also an outstanding skier...
Saying that... the farmhouse renovation plans are becoming alarming acrimonious...
Chicureo
May 17th, 2020 - 03:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0I had to look up Tyche, though she'd be easy to recognise under her Roman name.
The slopes will probably be a lot quieter if they are open at all, but your safety will depend on where else your family has been. How's the snow in Chile? Has the government resorted to helicoptering it in yet?
In the UK overcrowded inner city areas have seen the most deaths, and I don't think Sweden has so many of those. It's a low population density country where people like a lot of personal space, that's got to be helpful defending from the virus.
We are doing okay, the sleep deprivation is hard-core but baby is happy and healthy and growing incredibly fast. At this rate she's going to be crawling before anyone gets to meet her. Our teacher friends are unhappy about going back to work soon, since social distancing will be impossible in schools, and no one has PPE. On testing the police are now able to get tests, but not ordinary doctors - seems a little strange.
What's the problem with the farmhouse? Can't agree on the style?
DemonTree
May 17th, 2020 - 05:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Nice to know about the progress of your daughter. You'll discover listening to her sweet laughter will compensate for all the stressful wailing... As far as people returning to work — I would hope your NHS will enact strict protocols, but an indefinite lockdown is problematic.
Fortunately we are not in our harvesting/packing season, and the COVID19 incidence here in the valley is minimal.
Chile ski resorts are all obviously closed with marginal snowpack — but we expect them to be open in perhaps another 40-60 days. (Heliskiing has been available for decades.)
Although there are excellent adjacent resorts, we've habitually taken two weeks of family vacation at a large rented chalet in Las Leñas. (Rental rates have normally been outrageous in Chile and frankly, the overall services and cuisine in Argentina are far superior.)
The Valle Nevado apartment opportunity was just too ridiculously low-priced to discard and it was Madame's clear intention to cut my throat if I didn't accede. It's all a part of her grandiose scheme to encourage our three children and families welcome to enjoy the farmhouse, Viña and skiing together.
...all this Comedy of Errors was serendipitously conceived-evolved during her post depressive and furious frustration in not having our traditional Easter family feast...
Regarding the farmhouse — rustic Provençal décor white walls with open refinished roof beams (During the '60s my grandfather installed a false ceiling in several rooms that has now been completely stripped away.)
In the barn, the new furnishings/appliances/bath fixtures are being stored, including Madame's new massive new La Cornue cooking range. All the wooden legacy family chairs and tables are being stripped of paint/varnish and refinished in San Felipe.
The acrimonious arguments have been escalating as Madame and our daughters agree on a minimalist clean décor, eliminating framed walls and an accumulation of generational paraphernalia.
¡Salud!
IMHO..., applying a minimalistic “Scandinavian Hospital Style” clean décor, eliminating framed walls and the accumulation of generational paraphernalia in the family farmhouse is a very Altmodisch..., 2.000'ish fling that will soon be (secretly and never confessed) regretted by them family females....
May 17th, 2020 - 09:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Besides... an ultra-traditional La Cornue kitchen would completely dis-harmonize with the rest of the house decor and possibly stand out as a bit nouveau riche...
I sincerely would advice them to check them Molteni stoves...: https://www.molteni.com/
Don't thank me..., hernanito...
They are twice as dear...
Chuckle..., chuckle...
Estimado el Estóico hermano to THINK
May 18th, 2020 - 03:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0Your profane blasphemy is pointless as the cooking range was never in doubt.
...following your thoughtful advice would result in the cutting of my delicate throat...
Valle Nevado qualifies as ridiculously cuico, but the farmhouse is simply a homage to what it was...
...and should be today...
...although currently it's become completely uninhabitable with all the dirt, rubble and debris...
In the early 60's, a narrow veranda was converted into the current atrocious service kitchen and the large original with a cooking hearth — was changed to a sala with a false ceiling.
Now the sala returns to being a large kitchen with a nice view of the garden.
The electrical wiring is a fire hazard and the corroded plumbing is disintegrating.
All the Pino Oregon (which is actually California pinewood) will be returned to its natural color and grain. Madame has always despised the traditional light-apricot painted walls...
I learned this morning from the old woman that bakes bread and empanadas nearby that the rumor in the valley is I'm insolvent as we're emptying the farmhouse...
¡Saudos!
Chicureo
May 18th, 2020 - 02:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The poor baby had her first vaccinations today, 9 diseases at once, so she's not very happy. She's fallen asleep on my lap and I don't dare move her. But she's so cute, I can't wait for my family to be able to meet her. It'll be nice to meet her new little cousin too, they are nearly the same age.
The government wants people to go back to work, so they need to get kids back in school, even though doctors are advising against it. Currently only children of key workers are allowed to go so it's easy to keep their distance. Thankfully my county isn't seriously affected either, most of the cases are in London and other big cities.
Do you really think restrictions will be relaxed enough to allow ski resorts to open in only 40 days? Also, Chile has an icecap with year round snow, are there no resorts high enough to allow skiing in summer?
Restoring the large kitchen in the farmhouse sounds like a great idea, but what d'you mean by eliminating framed walls? Removing internal walls to make it open plan?
We've been slowing fixing small things in our new house, no major projects, obviously. The previous owners weren't very good at DIY unfortunately; the paintwork is messy, they didn't bother to mask the glass when they sanded the window frames and it's all scratched up, they tiled the bathroom so you couldn't get the side of the bath off to fix the plumbing, and they managed to wire a switch up so one outside light was on permanently and the other always off, and for some reason just left it like that. Can't understand that at all.
DT
May 18th, 2020 - 02:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Some Doctors are against it, the Gov scientific advisers are saying it’s OK.
Ultimately easing of lockdown, which has to happen sooner rather than later now, is going to increase risk, question is how to manage it.
We are all going to have to live with this for some time to come, possibly even a long time to come.
Re: Sleep deprivation, when my son was a baby I quickly learned to sleep when he slept, whatever time of day that was.
Chicureo
“the rumor in the valley is I'm insolvent as we're emptying the farmhouse...”
Cultivate and propagate that idea as much as possible, you don’t want anybody thinking you have got a cellar full of fine/expensive wines stashed away up there.
Shicuréo....
May 18th, 2020 - 05:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0As a living being who has been a POW of the stronger gender for about 1/3 of its life (...1/2 if we include me Mom dearest in the equation)..., I would never advocate for a direct confrontation with them...
Just plant a powerful seed of doubt in their pretty little heads by telling them that an Argentino..., (with our intrinsic superior taste and so on) just wants to help them avoid making typical Shilean Cuica mistakes they soon will regret...
With a bit of luck..., maybe they'll even allow you to keep a picture of your grandparents in the cellar....
Capisce...?
Pugol-H
May 18th, 2020 - 05:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Yeah, it has to happen, and everyone is very sick of the lockdown. Just hope the government knows what they are doing, but their track record doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Changing their strategy at the last minute, and now the UK has the highest death toll in Europe. I'm really hoping we don't get a second wave and things can gradually approach normalcy.
“when my son was a baby I quickly learned to sleep when he slept”
Everyone says that, but then they give you all these guidelines for safe sleep, and babies absolutely hate following them and want to be in your arms the whole time. Plus you still need to eat and shower and somehow do all the other activities of daily living. We're kind of doing shifts at the moment in order to get a break.
Chicureo
As a good Scandinavian Think should really be endorsing the minimalist look. Do you have Ikea in Chile yet?
Pugol-H DemonTree Estimado THINK
May 18th, 2020 - 08:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Ikea will open in Chile next year and your insightful clairvoyance addresses one of my greatest anxieties with the house currently full of thirsty workmen...
It sounds brutal, but the exposure of your delightful daughter to the flora and fauna around us, including the bacterial cesspool in daycare — will strengthen her immune system, which is the concept of “herd immunity”...
I'm informed that Portillo (the closest ski resort to the farm), is definitely planning to open mid-June. (It is a major international team training facility.)
In any case, the worst scenario imaginable is a poor snow season which is far more consequential to to the farm itself. However, I remain optimistic of watching Madame introducing the grandchildren to learning how to snowplow...
Your comments regarding the previous owners's workmanship and screw ups are easily imagined by my witness of the mass destruction and incompetence of the current project. Patience, tolerance and calm acceptance of stupidity are challenging.
Only the framed walls of the eliminated kitchen (that enclosed the former veranda are being demolished.) All the adobe remaining walls will remain untouched. What has been seriously problematic and far more antagonizing — has been the frustrating removal of the false ceilings over several of the rooms which has been a nightmare.
It's hard to explain, but by eliminating the large double doors to the dining room and restoring the kitchen to its original location — creates two large rooms that become the focal living area. Madame et nos files are still in a capricious debate what to do with the gran sala de estar, but it's currently the renovation workshop.
The bathrooms are going to be a serious challenge, because their condition is far more deteriorated than anticipated. The 1962 “modernization” was primitively executed.
Fortunately, due to the lockdown, I have knowledgable competent electrician.
¡Saludos!
DT
May 19th, 2020 - 02:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The death toll is so high here because we are counting all deaths not just those in hospital (which is what the international standard call for).
Look at the total increase in numbers of deaths compared to last year in other countries and you will get a better picture.
LoL, the babies unfortunately have not read the guidelines and don’t come with manuals, and they are all different anyway, fortunately my son did not require holding ALL the time, just needed to know you were there.
It can be that Grandparents/relatives even friends play an important role (lockdown permitting), in giving a much needed break.
Hermanito...
May 19th, 2020 - 03:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I Think that due to your previously expressed admiration for the Swedish way of coping with the Covid19 issue..., you fully deserve to get your house completly furnished by IKEA... ;-)))))
Some Shilo-Scandinavian facts..., as per today...:
Deaths x million in Shile............: 25
Deaths x million in Norway........: 43
Deaths x million in Finland........: 54
Deaths x million in Denmark.....: 95
Deaths x million in Sweden.....: 370
Cases x million in Sweden.......: 3.100
Cases x million in Shile............: 2.400
Cases x million in Denmark.....: 1.900
Cases x million in Norway........: 1.500
Cases x million in Finland........: 1.200
Tests x million in Shile............: 20.000
Tests x million in Sweden.......: 20.800
Tests x million in Finland........: 27.000
Tests x million in Norway........: 40.000
Tests x million in Denmark.....: 82.000
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
ONLY 25 DEATHS PER MILLION IN SHILE..., HUHHHHHH.....???
That's about 5 to 6 times better than the Scandinavian average...!!!
Such a magnificent social health result must undoubtly be closely scrutinized in the near future to help us Scandinavians to reach Shilean standards...
Don't you Think.
Pugol-H Estimado THINK DemonTree
May 19th, 2020 - 05:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Babies...are all different anyway” Parents and how they cope with child raising are as well. Although we are blessed with three, Madame says she's had to cope with FOUR...
I've been in a foul mood all day as an entire case of new GFCI electrical outlets somehow disappeared last night.
(No, I don't think “THINK”. My poor suffering son once complained about his mother, suegra and wife bossing him around — and I reminded him of my newly born granddaughter...)
I have always recognized and complained about the inadequate, poorly managed and funded Ministerio de Salud, that continues to be a national disgrace...
...especially under the past rotating administration's of Bachelet-Piñera-Bachelet-Piñera, but the serious grave problem my nation is currently facing that greatly frightens me — is the food shortages now being widely publicized and a growing anger.
This vicious pandemic is frightening, but the worldwide economic depression we're facing will cause the deaths of far more people.
I suspect the number of people testing positive for COVID19 antibodies will show this infection rate is far greater than earlier predicted. This also complicated as COVID19 has two distinctive strains (European and Wuhan) and the “experts” are reporting a “second wave” which also occurred in the “Spanish Flu” a century ago.
Regarding the experience of living as a POW, although I've contemplated numerous times of going AWOL, I've fallen as another victim of the Stockholm Syndrome...
¡Saludos!
Don't be moody..., Shicuréo...
May 19th, 2020 - 06:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0In the immortal words of Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Tūsī..., the XIII century Persian Polymath...:
A case of new GFCI electrical outlets cannot disappear completely... It only changes hands...
Estimado THINK
May 19th, 2020 - 06:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0My moodiness is can be best blamed upon my foolishness to embark upon on this project.
I had to look up the remarkable scholar you mention and found one of his poems:
Anyone who knows, and knows that he knows,
makes the steed of intelligence leap over the vault of heaven.
Anyone who does not know but knows that he does not know,
can bring his lame little donkey to the destination nonetheless.
Anyone who does not know, and does not know that he does not know,
is stuck forever in double ignorance.
Obviously I'm the jackass for not anticipating the purloining, but I've warned the jefe that I will expect a miraculous reappearance...
Today they have ripped out the double door threshold of the former dining room to the new kitchen — and the two adjacent rooms have visually become much larger than imagined. I also think the wall color change will make it even more so...
Also, the former kitchen has returned to its historical porch/veranda has removed an ugly construction on the eastern side of the house.
Perhaps potential to change for using the patio as an outdoor grill. ...in '21 or '22...
¡Saludos!
Chicureo
May 20th, 2020 - 10:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0Oh man, I hadn't even thought about daycare. They better have a vaccine ready by the time she needs to go.
My doctor friend finally received a proper mask. They only got one each though, so they've been told to keep them for CPR rather than seeing potential covid patients. Good going, government.
It's amazing seeing little kids snowplowing straight down the steepest slopes. I think skiing is one of those things you have to learn as a child to be really good, must be easier when you haven't so far to fall.
I understand what you mean about the walls now. Sounds like it's going well and will be much nicer when the renovation is finished. I hope you get your missing outlets back, and that nothing else goes missing... especially from the wine cellar.
AIUI Chile is still earlier in the epidemic cycle than European countries so it's too early to compare. The somewhat younger population is a positive, but the current anger with the government isn't going to help with sticking to quarantine measures.
The last line of the poem you quoted reminds me strongly of a certain poster on this website - I'm sure you can guess who.
Pugol-H
Maybe different counting methods go some way to explaining the wildly different death tolls for countries that have followed similar containment measures. Getting an accurate count of deaths is going to take a lot longer.
Babies really ought to come with manuals. Newborns are honestly weird - they poo black tar, they flail their arms for no reason and wake themselves up, they grunt and groan in their sleep and then randomly stop breathing just to scare you. They only have two jobs - eating and pooing - and can't seem to get the hang of either, and can't even hold their own heads up.
I'm looking forward to being able to have her grandparents over to help. It'll be nice to get a break for a while and know she's in safe hands.
Oh they soon develop beyond the wobble head stage, start to look around and interact with you. Then they also start to demonstrate “attitude”, she will soon let you know what she doesn’t like, the hard part being guessing what they do want when all they say is WAHHHHH, URGHHHH.
May 20th, 2020 - 12:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I’m guessing from your description of the waste that she is being breast fed, if so then when she starts on solid food or bottle milk you will see real shit, stink and all.
They tend to develop/grow in spurts and as they gain more functions the amount of development in any given spurt increases almost exponentially. You’re at the bottom of the curve now, my suggestion would be to enjoy each stage as it happens as it’s not long before they change to the next one.
Having people that the child knows and is happy to stay with is a big help, I think probably better for the child as well.
The first night she spends away from you will probably be much harder on you two, than on the baby, she’ll be fine.
New instructions from Boris on ending the lockdown.
May 20th, 2020 - 02:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTV9lsib63g
Pugol-H thanks for the humor! Really well done.
May 20th, 2020 - 02:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I also have to completely agree the first night away from your first child (even in the most protective care imaginable) will be very stressful. I also suggest you enjoy the rapid change/development which will bring you joy and anguish throughout the remainder of your life.
As you have a garden, you'll find ceaseless enjoyment of introducing your daughter about the miracle of nature.
(Speaking of “the certain poster on this website”, he'd be thrilled to know my exclusive house toilet option is now a porta-potty.)
Today, I'm melancholic with the bittersweet information that my youngest daughter's steady boyfriend is responsible for the mystery of the missing GFCI electrical outlets. Obviously it's extremely awkward for myself as I unjustly accused the workmen, and especially embarrassing and anguishing for my heartbroken daughter.
I'm sad for her, but internally pleased that she can truly see the character of her boyfriend. Especially since they were getting very serious with each other and I have no idea why he stole the electrical equipment as his family is affluent.
Speaking of mysteries, the farmhouse interior wall color change goes back to a now confessed resentment of Madame from the '80s when she suggested to my aunt and mother that they should consider changing the old apricot color to something cheerful and lectured that color was - and was to be - always the same...
I never knew this until last evening, nor that my daughters have been scheming about the house for years...
“...who does not know but knows that he does not know,
can bring his lame little donkey to the destination nonetheless...”
I cling to this wise Persian optimism...
Pugol-H
May 20th, 2020 - 08:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0She's already started to look at us and trying to smile, doesn't show much interest in toys yet though. Can't wait for her to start doing stuff and showing her personality more. My sisters both have kids so I have some idea what to expect.
The tar poo was only the first few days, apparently it's from the baby swallowing amniotic fluid in the womb. It was really sticky and hard to wipe off but at least it had no smell.
There are some benefits to the corona lockdown - working from home means being able to spend more time with her, and we're certainly not missing out on any social life! But it also means family and friends haven't been able to meet her yet and no one can help out. Spending a night away from her is a long way away.
Chicureo
I do want her to get to know nature and have outdoor hobbies. I think I'll need to improve my own habits so I can set a good example: less junk food and time in front of a screen, and more exercise.
Re your portaloo, you didn't answer the all important question: can you dispose of the toilet paper in it or do you need a bin? Gollum's mental health depends upon it.
Odd that your daughter's boyfriend stole the outlets. Has he lost his job due to the coronavirus or something? Still, better she finds out before they were married. You'll just have to explain to the workmen and apologise. As for the walls, apricot seems like a cheerful colour to me but can well understand Madame wants to put her own mark on the place.
Re your quote, as someone who has never lived in South America posting on a site about it, I also have to bear in mind what I don't know. But everyone is inevitably in that situation at some time or other. If you don't realise your own ignorance you can't learn better.
Enjoying the commentary about your keen interest of the baby and aspirations.
May 20th, 2020 - 11:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I'm biased about the personal satisfaction of gardening. One of the most delightful family home videos — is of my young daughters harvesting carrots and squealing with delightful wonderment. (It's also a diabolical method to entice your children to eat their vegetables.)
The workmen yesterday were already on edge and convinced I was about to fire them — because it was obvious we were debating (incorrectly) about terminating their work, in another language — which embolden one of them to rat on my daughter's boyfriend to the electrician, who nervously approached me.
You can imagine the look of disbelief and hurt as I untangled the sensitive circumstantial indications to her, but it somehow fit with an instinctual observation of his earlier reaction when the subject was earlier discussed. (Female intuition frightens me.)
If the cost of an entire case of Legrand-BTicino tamper/weather-resistant self test GFCI outlets results in removing an untrustworthy companion, the trade is well worth it. What's truly disappointing is that I know his family who have an automotive dealership in Los Andes.
I personally apologized to the workmen and as it has been raining most the day, promised to do a proper asado tomorrow to celebrate the progress so far. For the first time since the quarantine — my daughter is spending the night in Chicureo and I'm using her bedroom at the farm.
The good news of the past day is the new snowfall in the Andes...
Dinner this evening is three of old woman's empanadas and a '94 Don Maximiano —which incorrectly is labeled a Cabernet Sauvignon, but I know for a fact it has Petit Verdot and Carménère blended to soften the harshness.
Also a footnote, because of EUROGAP regulations, used toilet paper must be disposed into the chemical toilet. The folks at Tesco in the UK mandated it as a part of their certification.
Un pituco con lucas choreandole al suegro cuico..?
May 21st, 2020 - 11:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0Not good...
This Persian doesn’t seem to have allowed for the Dunning–Kruger effect.
May 21st, 2020 - 01:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Pugol-H
May 21st, 2020 - 04:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0This little pissed upon and repeatedly proverbially beaten with a stick, ignorant jackass has never even heard of the Dunning–Kruger effect nor the XIII century Persian Polymath Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Tūsī...
But, then again I'm self recognizing my lack of intelligence and certainly welcome any thoughtful wise guidance...
The effect I read is “a cognitive bias in which people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability. It is related to the cognitive bias of illusory superiority and comes from the inability of people to recognize their lack of ability.” ...something similar I suspect sometimes is reflected of the jackass I see in the mirror.
Emperor Charles V is quoted “I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse.” (This statement was a historical fact)
This jackass on the other hand, brays a horrible semblance of Castellano to my countrymen, English to many acquaintances, Deutsch to my dogs and my wife lectures me in française...
What I do know is — a good asado with beer, wine (from the supermarket), empanadas, chorizo sausage, freshly made pebre, warm baked Marraquetas and several kilos of sirloin steak ...will help me out of this shithole I've found myself into...
I'm informed Madame and my heartbroken daughter are staying in Chicureo for at least the remainder of this month...
¡Saudos!
Chicureo
May 21st, 2020 - 09:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Sounds cute. I've heard that involving your children in cooking is one of the best ways to get them eating vegetables. Guess that also goes for growing them. There are no videos of me and my sisters as kids, but there'll be plenty of the next generation. It's pretty cool that most people now have a camera on them at all times and can capture all those special moments. Plus the lockdown would be a lot harder for everyone without video calling.
Were you scaring the workmen by speaking in French in front of them? It's funny how paranoid people get when they can't understand the language. Hopefully the asado will cheer them up again.
Intuition is knowing something without knowing how you know it, the case not covered in Mr Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Tūsī's poem. Studying how the brain works is quite fascinating, there is a lot of processing going on that never comes to our conscious attention, scientists found that the signal to press a button was sent even before the person had consciously decided to push it.
The Dunning-Kruger effect is a perfect explanation for the actions of our cellar dwelling friend, but I'm sure he'll be delighted to know you are able to flush the loo roll. Or more likely he'll inform you that you are imagining it and quote 20 sources to 'prove' that.
I hope your daughter soon gets over her dastardly boyfriend and won't continue to associate the unfortunate discovery with your farmhouse.
DemonTree
May 22nd, 2020 - 04:33 am - Link - Report abuse 0Gardening with children is marvelous and great fun. We keep gardening tools (BRIO highly recommendable) for our grandchildren — that several were originally used by our children.
Getting your daughter involved in cooking is also pleasant, and nicely completes the circle of growing fruit and vegetables. It sounds old fashioned, but excessive electronic media entertainment is harmful to child development.
As mentioned before, my father, myself and our children all studied at the same school. Madame was educated in a lycée and it's not unusual that three languages are simultaneously spoken in family gatherings — thus can be misleading...
The startled workmen misunderstood Madam DeFarge's shrill anger that was directly aimed at me — but it became all mixed into the electrical outlet investigative argument within our family.
The asado was successful, although not much was accomplished in the ongoing destruction/construction/renovation — but we broke bread together and was able to illustrate what we needed to accomplish in the next weeks to come.
One unexpected problem encountered was that the old primitive sewage piping was the source of the unpleasant musty ambiance of the house — which requires a lengthy extensive replacement.
The determination of what happens between my daughter and her boyfriend will eventually evolve, but I'm especially she's completely away from the valley. Mature children rarely take counsel about making choices of the heart...
It goes with the old saying: “Little children - small problems. Big children - ...”
Feminine instinctual thought remains mysterious and illogical, but as our family have always lived as gypsies, the farmhouse has been my youngest daughter's favorite encampment.
It's my hope with the renovation to reattach the same sentiment with the rest of the family.
Ojalá — which the word is derived from the Moorish: Should Allah will it..
Chicureo
May 23rd, 2020 - 03:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If I may suggest here, you are certainly not lacking in intelligence.
And with intelligence is the ability to learn and thereby gain new knowledge and fill gap in existing knowledge, therefore progress becomes possible, lame little donkeys notwithstanding.
The only Persian poet I ever read, in fact ever heard of, was (the rubáiyát of) Omar Khayyam and a right piss head he seem to be.
As for the downtrodden bit, come on man, you are a S. American, Che, Bolivar, San Martin and too many others to mention, Rebel Compadre Rebel ,revolution is in your blood, no hasta la Victoria!!!!!
Although maybe not, probably be cut down by the first volley in French.
Pugol-H
May 23rd, 2020 - 06:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Any campesino will tell you that although obstinate, jackasses are intelligent...
Chileanos are a highly conflicted and incomprehensible nationality — that just celebrated on Thursday, our 1879 glorious naval defeat by the Peruvians. Despite what our children are taught, the Peruvian who killed our national naval hero — is greatly admired by my navy colleagues, as well as acknowledged that actually a Scotsman is Chile's greatest naval hero...
I despise Che Guevara and Marxists, and yet one of my favorite authors is the Communist Pablo Nuerda...
In British school I was indoctrinated that Napoleon was a monster, yet my bride still insists he was one of the greatest contributors to modern society...
My inbred rebellious spirit may indeed prove to be my Waterloo as a diamond saw is cutting new plumbing trenches in 19th century terracotta tile...
We here live in an ignoble tribalist society, still somewhat isolated from others by the Andes and the Atacama desert, but no man is safe from an angry woman with a sharp knife. I have no idea of why my marriage has somehow has endured, but fear is a contributing factor”...
Madame and my daughter have escaped to Valle Nevado and plan to stay the coming week to get the apartment ready for the season. I'm in turn is enjoying the blissful solitude and my orchards are in the best optimal condition.
In this paradise, I worry about worldwide economic depression.
And you Pugol-H, what do you think? What's it like on your side of the world?
Chicureo
May 23rd, 2020 - 10:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Just a quick note before this thread closes...
”... One of the most delightful family home videos — is of my young daughters harvesting carrots and squealing with delightful wonderment. (It's also a diabolical method to entice your children to eat their vegetables.)”
Agree 100%....when I was kid, maybe 6 or 7 years old, we lived in a house with a large garden.....I maintained some sort of a vegetable patch, and loved to eat what came out of it......nothing to do with vegeatables, but for some reason I decided I did not like chicken eggs and would not eat them......one day, while I was caring for the vegetables, I found an egg half buried in the soil....I pulled it out and went running to tell my parents what I'd found.....they said it must've been the neighbours chicken that flew over the wall, to lay the egg especially for me.....after that I had to eat it.....and from then on, I loved eggs. Couple of years later I realized my parents ahad fooled me, but no complaints....
Glad to hear both you and DT, as well as Pugol-H, with whom I have been exchanging stories on Nigeria, are all well.
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