The fact that I would be studying in Chile seemed like such a distant thought. It's hard to believe it's actually happening.
As you probably know, Santiago is located next to the Andes mountains, so I get to live in the city, but also enjoy the amazing landscapes.
So far Chile has been no work and all play. The toughest thing so far has been speaking in Spanish (and tough is an understatement). I was just video chatting with Alix (for those of you who don't know, she is a friend from Clark) and she asked me what the best thing has been so far: the people. Not only am I having such a great time with all the Americans from my program but I have met a decent amount of chilenos for only having been here four days. The she asked me what the worst part has been so far: I sat there for 10 seconds trying to think of something, but I couldn't. Although, yes, the Spanish is very difficult for me.
All of you in Massachusetts will be excited to hear that's it's been in the mid-80's every day. We got to have a picnic in the park, barbecue, and go swimming.
Amy and I at the park on our picnic
Kayla and I at the Park
I have gone out almost every night (with the exception of Thursday) The first night here, two students from last semester brought us to a bar/dancing place (??). Friday night, we all met in Bellavista and went to some club called alien which I guess is not the most happening place, and the part of town isn't so nice (but how are we supposed to know these things??), so the host-brothers and sisters of my friends along with their friends all brought us to a really nice club. I felt like I was 21 (though I'm not) it was a lot of fun. It is very weird that I can buy drinks now. Unfortunately I did not take pictures during these nights.
Heather and I at dinner. CIEE (the study abroad program) took us to a very nice resturaunt.
Last night we went over Nate's house (a boy from the program). His host-brother had his friends over which was nice because I got the chance to meet more chilenos. The next day we ended up going back for a barbecue and swimming with the same people. I'm very happy I've had the opportunity meet people outside the program! I feel like I have socialized so much with the Chileans but when I look back there was not too much conversation (because of the lack of my spanish). Mostly gestures and me repeating all the phrases that I am learning. Like "Vacan!" (not sure of the spelling), but it means cool. Many of them were also trying to learn English so to practice they would speak in English to me, and I would speak in Spanish.
My friend Marianne and I, friends of Nate's family.
Basically I feel like I am on spring break and vacation. Hopefully it will only get better once school starts (although I fear the schoolwork will be stressful!)
Next weekend we all plan to go stay at a hostel at vino del mar (the beach). There is a big music festival going on there.
