Hela, Centauro, y Cueco

Today wrapped up our two final company visits. After breakfast we took a bus to Hela, the company that Christian, Mike and I were responsible for researching. Hela is a firm that manufactures various power tools and distributes them to wholesale retailers and other companies. We were given a tour at the company's manufacturing plant and were walked through the production of their gratas (wire filaments) and brochas (brushes), which are the company's two main products. None of our guides spoke English, so it gave everyone another chance to improve their listening skills. Luckily, we had Daniela, Javier, Sarah, and Jorge there to help translate through the rough parts and help answer our questions!

HELA manufacturing plant

Brocha production

After our HELA tour, we headed to our final company visit, Centauro. Centauro is a company that started off by producing tomato paste and canned tomatoes, but now has greatly expanded into producing canned fruit, soup, condiments, and much more. We were given a really thorough tour of the company's plant by one of the owners. We learned that Centauro primarily exports their products to countries in Asia and also has a large clientele right here in Chile. It was really interesting, and we got to try some samples too! The tour was a great way to end our series of company visits.

An array of Centauro's most popular products

Barrels filled with 'salsa de pizza' (pizza sauce) and crushed tomatoes

Following our last visit, Daniela and Javier took us to their favorite empanada shop in Reñaca, a little town about 20 minutes from the University. Just when I think empanadas can't get any better, something surprises me! This place was awesome and had so many different flavors to choose from. It was a delicious lunch!

After finishing eating, we headed back to the University and had a Cueca class, which is the national dance of Chile. This form of dancing was certainly different from salsa and reggaeton, but just as much fun! Our instructors were dressed in really authentic costumes and it was interesting to learn about a special musical part of Chile's culture.

Our instructors demonstrating a traditional Cueca dance!

My partner and I posing for a photo!

We have just arrived back to the hotel and will probably relax tonight to rest up for our last two days here in Chile. Tomorrow we have a free morning and then will be going to play paintball with the students- I'm a little nervous! Thursday is our last day which will be spent horseback riding on the beach. We also have a final group dinner with the students and professors and will be going to Valparaiso at night to a special club. It's hard to believe our trip is almost over but there is still a lot to look forward to. Buenas noches!