Dias locos!

Hello friends and family!

I am safely, happily and wonderfully alive in Chile. It is very beautiful, busy and..... Well, everything, really. It is hard to describe exactly what this past week (has it really only been a few days?) has been like, but I have been keeping a journal in Spanish that I will translate here (with maybe a few omissions....) so you all can take a look inside the days, streets, families and friends I have passed time with so far... Enjoy!

20/07/09

First night in Chile. my flight plans were cancelled, BUT I got another ticket- LA until 2 AM, Panama City, and Santiago. The man who stamped my passport said (finally) "Welsome to Chile". I could have kissed him! Three words I have been waiting so long to hear. Que Bueno :) Now, I am at a Hosteria en Olmue and I met Rachael from Luis and Clark. We walked the streets and found a karaoke bar (with 3 people inside). Tomorrow is more orientation, and I will meet more people! My spirits are good. I am tired, but it is dificult to sleep- but, I am tired. Time to sleep. More tomorrow. Buenas noches!

21/07/09

I am drunk from "Gato" a wine from Chile. Very good! I spent the night with my friends from the program, and had a lot of fun. Very good. Good night. I ate chicken from the restaurant (Betty) and it was very good. I met a guy named Pete and he is lindo. I like him. He is interesting.

22/07/09

Drunk from Pisco (the drink of Chile). What a big day! I met my host family. Cristian is the nicest guy and Catalina- how linda! And Monica (mi mama). I love it. I am in Vina and it is So beautiful! I saw the ocean fro the first time today!2 times! I love the ocean but it is very dirty here. How sad. Monica said that Cristian cleaned beaches last summer. Que bueno. Tonight we went to the Mall and the Disco! It was VERY fun. They are all such good dancers! I have a big day tomorrow, but I love Chile! I cannot believe I am here. It is very good :)

23/07/09

Wow, another big day! My program (CIEE) is pretty rigorous, but I am so glad to be in it. I got very good notes on my exam today! Reading all of the books and poetry I snagged from the IPF this summer really paid off! I am very impressed with how I have handled a lack of sleep, but am still able to use my mind to understand the language. I think it is really starting to absorb into me now. There are times when I cannont remember if I had a conversation in Spanish or English, and I think that is awesome. They speak SO fast though! wowwww. Last night was awesome, though because they are all so nice. What lovely people they are... I have already learned SO much about, the World! Just listening to and seeing and taking in everything. And my family is SO wonderful. I am falling in love- with Chile.

Notas y pensamientos....

It is so different than the US and I really think we have a lot to learn from the Chileans. Things that I have learned so far.....

Stop giving a fuck! About time, money, who's is who's (in respect to space, gender roles and friends). They all share EVERYTHING and it is so nice to walk into a room where you kiss everybody on the cheek. And dancing- NOTE to American boys: You CAN shake your ass and look sexy too! Chicks dig it if you know how to move, and, again- Stop giving a fuck (as previously noted). You will not look "gay" if you know how to shake it. Last night at the discos was so refreshing because everyone danced on everyone. there was no guy-girl and girl-guy. Just everyone getting their grind on. :) Chile is dirty, hipster, everyone smokes, everyone stays out late and parties, and everyone has a good time (as far as I can tell). I was telling Sebastian last night that I didn't want more Pisco because of my big day the following day and he said "here, in Chile, we just enjoy the moment. Tomorrow is tomorrow and it is not right now, you know? Entiendes?" Si, entiendo.