valenzuelaclan

For those in the USA, the latest political news ....... We had our first "Presidential Forum" presented by CNN and one of our local TV channels last Wednesday.  The four candidates answered a series of seven questions......   As it appears today, eventhough Michelle Bachelet (the candidate of the Concertacion, current coalition in power) will get a significant vote, she will not reach 51% (required by our Constitution), and therefore we will probably have a second round of Michelle against one of the other two potential runner ups:  Lavin (conservative-right) and Pinera (liberal-right..... if there is something like this....).  Both are coming up very close in the polls today.  The last candidate: Hirsch, is "humanist/green" and is supported also by the few communists left in the country.  He was the surprise of the Forum, being very articulate and attractive.... However, very naive too!!!! He appears to have 4-5%, which he pulls away mainly from Bachelet.  So, we will face a fun December 11th, with a probable second round in January for the final definition.  Exciting.............

A big kiss to all.  Bernardita

Hey Guys.   I´ve added some nice pictures from the award ceremony in France (courtesy of Moncho).  Stop by and visit the Gallery France 2005.

On other news, since Cristián is so quiet.... I´ll tell that his voleyball team got the GOLD medal in the Montessori Olympics last weekend...... Go Edge..!!!!  And I will also tell that Francisca got her driver´s license on Tuesday...... Congratulations Fran!!!

We have been swamped with 22 graduate students from UCSF and three of the main professors of that campus.  Full weekend symposium in our Foundation including the local graduate students and teachers,  conferences on Tuesday at the University and a full day barbecue at home in Colina.  Of course, football and voleyball were part of the coveted activities....It was a great experience for all involved (slightly tiring) and we hope we are setting the basis for strong future collaborations.

Kisses to all.

Bernardita

Hey:  no more fun filled family news from the valenzuelaclan?  It's been very silent lately!!!!

Just to let you know that Alejandra is finally at home..... after 8 months in intensive care.  I've spoken to her twice and she is in incredibly good spirits..... In case you want to drop a note, her email is Alejandra Alvarez
  alealvarezb@yahoo.com 

Back in Colina.... on the glorius 19th of September.....dia de la independencia y de la parada militar.  No luggage (left in Frankfurt....), a little jet lagged and sleepy (due to non-stop reading of "The Surgeon").  

CONGRATULATIONS to Cristian on the speedy initiation of this blog.  I look forward to fun reading and writing.

Miss you all.    Besos.

Bernardita