Princess For A Day

When we rented our house in Pucón, our landlords expected us to accept their long-time employees, the housekeeper and the gardener. The very idea of having servants is foreign to most Americans, but in Chile we were the extranjeros and we didn't want to put anyone out of their job, so we agreed. Good thing. Perhaps the greatest blessing of this year in Chile has been our nana, Maria Luisa Riquelme.

A "nana", or household maid, is a traditional part of every upper class and many middle class homes in Chilean society. The nana can be either live-in (“puertas adentro”) or live-out (“puertas afuera”). Household employees generally receive a salary (currently $300-350 per month) plus social security benefits and taxes (about 25% of salary) and transportation costs. A bonus is generally expected on Chilean National Day (Sept 18) and at Christmas. Employers are also expected to provide a light breakfast, a hot lunch, and snack or sandwich if the work goes past 5:00pm.

Every day, Luisa makes our lives easier that they have ever been before. She cleans the house, does the laundry, makes the beds, prepares our lunch, and most important, keeps the wood burning in the furnace and fireplace all winter long. When the phone rings and we don't know what to say, she can listen and help us communicate. When the propane tank runs out, she can order more fuel. If a tap starts dripping, she can call the plumber. When the cat needs a veterinarian, she knows who to call.

We have subsidized evening English classes for her at Language Pucón, and together we are gradually expanding our understanding of each others' language and culture. One of our first experiences with Luisa and her three children was when the circus came to town. We all went together, and she helped buy the tickets and find our seats at ringside. Henry and Luisa's son, Sebastian, have gone to the hot springs and the canopy zip lines together. Later, when Joslyn and her friends came to Chile in May, Luisa made all the difference in their experience by helping with the many meals and keeping the house in order. And when we returned to the USA in July, Luisa came each day to feed the cat and keep the pipes from freezing. Each day we are grateful for Luisa.

Luisa is a puertas afuera nana. She lives at home near the center of Pucón with her extended family of three children and her parents. In this photo are her oldest, Carolina (18 in Dec), then Sebastian (15), and the youngest, Natalie (8).

In this photo are Luisa's father, Antonio Riquelme, sister, Nora Riquelme, and mother, Luisa Bustos Riquelme. Nora has her own home in town, but is visiting the family this day to watch her neice, Natalie, celebrate the occasion of being "Princess For A Day" at school.

It is for the Aniversario or Founders Day at the Esquela de Ramon Guiñes. This year, eight-year old Natalie has been elected "Princess" of her class. Luisa has crafted a beautiful princess gown with a crown and jewelery for Natalie to wear for the occasion.

Natalie's father also came to the school to observe the celebration.

The procession of students is lead through the streets by their "royal family" riding in a finely decorated horse-drawn carriage.

Princess Natalie and her handmaiden.

It is a very special day for Natalie.

Here is their arrival at the school with the other royals.

The Princess with her Prince.

Sebastian decorates a cake for the celebration at home that evening.

Sebastian with another member of the family.

This is Loki.