There was this Chilean singer who wrote and sang beautiful, evocative songs about peace, poverty and social justice. His name was Victor Jara and although he was murdered on September 15, 1973, his music and songs continue to be heard not only in Chile, but around the world.
One of his most haunting is the instrumental song "La partida," or "The departure," which has been covered by artists from as far away as Scotland and France to as near as most Latin American countries (and in genres ranging from folk to... heavy metal).
Nicholas, my son, has been learning this song on the xylophone as part of music class in school. I will try to post his version in this blog later today. In the meantinme, here is Victor Jara's version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw1mju8VsPc&feature=related
I'm thinking of this song because today is our departure, from Chile, after three amazing months.
It's a strange feeling, to be leaving our life here. At the same time, it will be wonderful to be back at... home. Yes, although I was born here, Canada definitely is my home.
As we're packing, cleaning and wrapping up last minute details in Santiago, before our 6:30 p.m. flight tonight, I don't have much time to post.
Tomorrow, however, I will talk about all the things we all learned down here, and what we will all miss the most.
See you soon!
p.s. Here is some backround on Victor Jara:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Jara
And another (more rousing) version of the same song, by the Chilean folk group Inti-Illimani:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2Z6jtNtGME
I hope you and the kids have a great trip back. Even though I'm happy to have you guys back on the same continent, i will miss reading your blog. Love and miss you tons...Liza.
ReplyDeleteSome day in the distant future, you can come back to Chile.
ReplyDeleteAt least I know a part of Chile will stay with you for ever.
Buen viaje!
Thanks Lizi...
ReplyDeleteAnd Marmo, actually, both of my kids definitely want to come back to Chile... next year!!!!
I told them if they both get paper routes and start saving their pennies from that, then, maybe we could afford another trip so soon. Otherwise, it will likely be a couple of years.
But, you're absolutely right -- the three of us totally have Chile in our minds now... and most definitely in our hearts.