Chile vs. Mexico

Chi-chi-chi!
Le-le-le!
Vive Chile!

     As I write this, it’s halftime of Chile versus Mexico (sub-22) in the Copa de América. La Roja is down, one to zero. It’s obviously a big game, and the match is being watched throughout the hotel - in the cine, the disco, and the staff cafeteria. Long ago, Portillo made the wise decision to not install televisions in any of the rooms. Not only does this prevent families from wasting their vacation in front of the boob tube, but, at moments like this, it also brings guests together – and the employees too.

    See, the gringos a few and far between in the cordillera. There are currently ten or so guests from the states staying at the hotel (peak gringo season isn’t until August). Throw in the thirty American instructors, plus myself, and I’m guessing there are still less than fifty gringos within a ten-mile radius. This means lots of Argentines, Brazilians, Uruguayans, and of course, a whole ton of Chileans. Besides all of them all being from SouthAmerica, what else connects each of these nationalities? Fútbol. Puro fútbol. This means that everyone wants to watch the game(s), and because of the aforementioned decision made by management, they have to watch it together. The result is a loud, fun time for all. I just said, “Vamos Mexico!” and almost got attacked… by my friends.

Chi-chi-chi
Le-le-le
Vive Chile!

    Chile just scored! The game is tied… Damn, this fun. One of my first memories in Portillo was watching Chile play Spain in the World Cup last summer. Within minutes of our arrival to the hotel, I was pulled into the staff cafeteria, where everyone had gathered to watch the match. We didn’t win, but the experience was unforgettable. Although I’d only been in Chile for only a few days at that point, I quickly learned that Chileans, and Portillo, love their fútbol. I watched many more games that month – Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile were all contenders until the very end. Every game was an event. With the world, or at least all of Latin America, packed into one hotel, how couldn’t it be? Another goal for Chile. If this keeps up there’s going to be quite the party in La Posada tonight. Vamos!



Gastón and Diego celebrating the victory