Paint in my hair

Hola again!
So, today I volunteered painting houses! It was really cool, fun and interesting. I walked to the meeting place and arrived about 10 mins early (as instructed to do) and we ended up not even leaving for another half hour or so- in perfect Chilean fashion. But a bunch of volunteers (Chilean and some gringas from my program) and I boarded a bus and drove about 20 mins. outside of Vina to a very poor neighborhood to help paint their houses. I'm not sure how to clasify this place. it was next to the highway, built into a hill, wood houses with very little in them, dogs and kids running everywhere. The house I worked on had three rooms. One sink, and no furniture that I could see. I am assuming there was a bed somewhere because the lady's children (about 3 yrs.) took a nap at one point. It was nice- on the walls were things written such as "choose a life of peace, happiness and creativity" and certian bible verses about being well, living well, etc... So, amidst their lack of "things", at least they had something. We painted the outside of their house celeste, blue. I got to converse with the Chileans I was working with, who (of course) were very nice. We were also prepaird a lunch of chicken, rice, lettuce, tomatoes and bread (and Coca-Cola-ahhh). which was all very good. On the note of food, I have decided to start incorporating meat into my diet. I have decided to do this for reasons both cultural and personal. I am still not sure that I will seek out eating meat, and am not sure if I'll ever touch a hot dog again, but when it is offered to me by a Chilean, I will eat it. So far, my stomach has agreed with this decision, and I haven't had any weird feelings or premonitions about putting another animal's flesh into my body. The concept of this is something I am still chewing on, if you will... But, for now I'm just doing it- I'm here, I'm trying things out. I have a whole lifetime of food experiences to explore, so right now I'm on the meat eating train once more. We'll see where it takes me... Also, there's a guy from my program who is here for the year who is thinking about WWOOF also, so that would be good to maybe do that with him (did I mention this in the last Blog? I can't remember...) Anyway, things are looking great, and I'm in good spirits. My 'grandmother' is here for the week, and she is so precious and nice- and a great cook, too! Love and miss you all and hope you are all doing well and staying healthy!
Caio!

WoWoWoWoWow... Valpooooo

Hola todos!
Wow, so last night was one to remember. It started with a friend and I wanting to go to this club in Valparaiso to listen to some jazz music. Previously in the night I had gotten a call from my rock climbing buddy, Gustavo and he invited me to an asado [BBQ] but I had already eaten, so I told him I would call him later. SO, my friend and I went to the house of one of our Gringa friends from the program to drink, hang out, etc... I was under the impression that we were all going to go to Jazz, but nobody really wanted to go. So, I called my friend Gustavo and he was going to the same club, so we agreed to meet. I invited every single person at my friend's house, and nobody wanted to leave! ¿Que onda!? Anyway, I got on a micro and met up with my new friend. We ended up going to this other bar, and had some drinks and the BEST pizza I have ever experienced. It was made with honey! Either in the dough, or on top or something... But, wow. muy rico. Then we went dancing till the wee hours, and back to their place. They live in this house with people from France Germany and Italy, so it was really neat to be able to talk t othem in neither of our native languages, and share common ground. Earlier in the night I conversed with one of the girls from France, and it was so neat to be able to communicate!
I woke up this morning to a jackhammer working on the streets. Very loud, and the hustle of Valpo complemented it nicely. I chatted for a bit with some of my friends and got a roof-top guide of how to walk to my University from their house. Their view is awesome. Mar, Vina, concon, todos.... pretty sweet. Walking on the streets of Valpo this morning was awesome, and I got to eat a very cheap brunch at a lovely cafe, and admired the people and artwork on the streets. My favorite graffiti yet- A Bansky-esque picture of the Pope, one hand up, one hand holding a sign that reads "God is a pot head". Ah, Chile....
It was interesting to talk to fellow gringas about our experiences here in Chile thus far. It was a little sad to hear that some of them just did not like it here. I can relate in that some days feel lonlier, sadder, stranger than others, but my overall attitude is "fuck yea! I'm in Chile!!!" One girl was talking about how sometimes she just HATES it here (even saying or typing that feels like pollution to me.... HATE- ew, what an ugly word...). And that they all want to improve their spanish, but are nervous; they want to explore the city more, but are too scared... Then the irony that nobody wanted to actually DO any of those things was so shocking. Nobody wanted to go out and experience meeting friends in Valpo, listening to music, going to discos, talking to new people.... But, oh well. We all have our own vices I guess. I have just discovered that all I can do is be my very best person, and help othes realize their best selves as well.
Also, spring has sprung, and the air sometimes brings a scent of honey to my nose. It is so lovely. Oh, and Bailey is coming in 2 weeks! YESSSSS! very excited :)
no mas.
Caio!

Hello!
It has been a pretty eventful past couple of days! My host mom works for principal financial group, and one of the companies she works with is this ENSCO petrolium power plant in Concon. The other day I went with her and she pulled some strings for me, and I got to get a private tour of the grounds of the Plant! It was SO huge. Like acres and acres of pipes and tubes and holding tanks and Sulfur (?). It was so crazy to see. It was literally like a small village (only- a village for metals, gasses and liquids). The guy who gave me the tour was super nice (like everyone here) and I also got to meet and talk with a lot of the people who work at the plant who know my mom. It is neat because they all call her "Senora", which she says means a lot to her because it shows that they really respect her. I am glad to have her as my mom because she is always getting me engaged with whatever she is doing. Also, when we were coming back from Concon (just driving along the coast at sunset, no big deal...) we stopped at this place along the beach where you can climb these rocks and see all of Valpo and Vina. Very lindo. We got to the top and encountered this group of guys (2 Chileans and 2 Germans) who were repelling down this rock face. Monica struck up conversation with them while I was exploring, and then I heard her ask if I wanted to repell down this rock with one of the guys? Um, let me thin- Uh, hell yea!
I got harnessed in, and (in my Chucks) went down the rock! So much fun! Monica I think was a little terrified, but it was super safe and not that far of a drop. Anyway, I got their numbers (they live in this house in Valpo with 10 people from ALL over- Germany, France, Italy and Chile) and will be calling them to hang out/climb/whatever....
Then, yesterday at Sausulito (this place where I have some classes, its the Pholosophy and education and PE "campus"-very beautiful) there was this big party-thing about how to live a healthy life. There were booths about eating good food, spreading AIDS (or SIDS) awareness, and stuff like that. There was also a stage blairing reggaeton and people leading dance lessons (I, of course joined...). It was very fun, and we got out of class very early to go to it. Ha, Chile....
Then I was sitting in the grass catching up on some homework I had for the next class and my new friend Fransisco joined me! We chatted, and exchanged numbers so that he can take me to places that don't just play reggaeton constantly.
Ah, verrryyyyy good.
Other than all of that, Chile is still great. My spanish is getting better, and I am beginning to help my sister learn English (and getting paid!). So, all is well. Still haven't gotten a bike, but am working on it. I have to have one! (especially with my increase in pan consumption :O)
Also, CU is officially THE Greenest school in the Nation (according to Sierra Club magazine) GO BUFFS!
Caio!

Bailey, traveling and school- oh my!

Hello all!
What an exciting week. Bailey just bought a plane ticket to come out here!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sososososo excited! Since her job is over at the end of this month, she is deciding to donate her spare time (and money) to come and see Amelie and I down here! I have been looking at Lan Chile for promotions to see if there are any cool trips we could do, but anything we do is going to be fun, so I'm not too worried about "going somewhere" or "doing something". All will be an adventure. Which leads me to my next thoughts.....
Traveling!
So, I am tenetavely planning a lot of trips for this summer.... First up is a solo(?) backpacking trip to Torres del Paine Natl park in the Patagonia of Chile. I am very excited, as there is an extensive trail network that runs through the (incredibly beautiful) park. Then, I would like to travel to other countries (Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina) and I have been thinking that I want to stay for a few weeks in Colombia with an organization called WWOOF (world wide oportunities on organic farms). I would be working and living on an organic farm and learning about their cultivation methods, biodiversity, etc... What a great way to spend a few summer weeks! Giving back to the earth, working (well, volunteering without pay) and learning. I am also trying to earn some money down here maybe teaching english to my host sister and her friends? I hope so. Otherwise I will be pretty broke. But, while WWOOFing, I will not have to pay for room/board/meals, so thats pretty economic. Then, school!
I have finally had a full week of all of my classes, and they are all pretty cool. I have added a Human Movement class, as well as a class "Chile's insertion in a globalized economy" which is hard, but very interesting. I am very excited about all of my classes, and it is fun to be speaking/reading/writing Spanish so freequently. I am improving daily in my skills, and am really looking forward to spending a lot of time here being immersed in the language.
Oh yay! So much to look forward to! Hope you are all doing well. I am thinking of everyone, and love you all!
Caio!

Re-(freshed,vitalized,vamped,lieved)

Hello again!
ah.. I am writing from my home in Vina after coming back from a weekend in Santiago. I went there with my family for the 9th birthday of our cousin. Along the way, we picked up our Uncle, Aunt and two cousins (15 and 6 yrs.), and ALL (8 of us) cramped into our small car to go into a neighborhood in Santiago to celebrate. Upon arrival, we were all greeted with the standard hug and kiss on the cheek, and I was immediately offered hot tea and told to have a seat, make myself comfortable, and enjoy. (this was amidst the baloons, streamers, Hannah Montana table covers, and Simpson's party bags full of candy) The entire family was there, grandparents, aunts, uncle, cousins, friends... It was all very warm and very comforting, and A LOT of really fast Spanish. The conversations I was engaged in were mostly about the United States- what Colorado was like ("It doesn't rain in the winter?") and if I was sad when Michael Jacson died. Mostly, it reminded me of my own family. A lot of love, talking, good food, and yes, even some jokes and bad puns :). My brain was telling me to rest, so I went to my room at the early time of about 11:30 while the others stayed up until who knows what hour, talking, laughing and drinking Chilean Vino.
It is so great to be immersed in this culture of beautiful, family-oriented people. So far I have yet to meet someone who is not warm, friendly and genuinely interested in the fact that I live at least 20 hours from the nearest ocean(!), and nowhere close to New York. So great...
AND, on another note: Traveling!
I want to do a South America loop that consists of (for now) Peru, Ecuador, Colombia (mom, don't freak out-its actually pretty safe!), Brazil, Argentina and of course, the Patagonia region of Chile. I would like to do most of this with some one (or others) but am thinking about some solo travel as well (not in Colombia, though-don't worry...). All of this is very exciting for me, but I feel like just meandering throughout these countries is not enough. What am I going to give back?
I was searching travel tips on the internet, and happened to come across this manifesto that really struck me. I would love for you all to take a looksie at it and definately answer the two questions- I did. http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/files/2008/06/worlddomination.pdf
It is definately worth reading, thinking about and talking about. I can sense that the world IS changing, IS moving towards something new and different (it always is, right?), and it is up to us to push it in the way we want it to go. We MUST know what our vision is for this world; or else we leave it up to those who control it now (and look where that has put us ). WE are the people. WE live in this world, WE must decide where it goes. You all know I'm all into the environmental aspect of it, but what are YOU into, what do YOU want from this big mass of rock and water? If you don't know, its time to start thinking about it. And if you already are thinking about it, its time to start doing it. Small things, big things, whatever. Something. Thats all it is. Just something. A ball won't start moving unless it is pushed. Weather my the wind, a hand, or telekenisis, something has to move that fucker.
Do it! push the ball..... yes.......
ok, thats all for now. Thanks for reading!
Caio!

Hello again!
I am glad to know that many of you are keeping up on my adventures down here!
I have started more of my classes, as last week I only had ONE. Ha, but I've had a few more now, and wow- my head hurts a little! I feel a little bit like I am wearing earmuffs sometimes. And I just can't quite decypher the language precisely. But, it is good to be in classes with other students that are not American- (it is funny, though- I have people from my program in almost all of my classes!). I had this theatre class last night that I think I will enjoy a lot. The professor gave us this 4 page short story, and we are to pick a segment from it to perform next week! I'm pretty excited as it has been a long time since I have performed something. :) So far, all of the professors and students are really nice. I ended up talking today with the guys who helped my friend and I last week, and he (Francisco) was so nice! It is great to be able to carry on conversations with people now, and understand more and more of what they are saying.
Last weekend, my mom, sister and I went to Isla Negra to see Neruda's house there. The beach was the most beautiful and powerful I have seen yet. BIG, black rocks and BIG white, blue, turquoise waves... Very tranquilo. It was so cold, but my mom brought cookies and hot water for tea and coffee. (Unfortunately, however, something throughout that day did not sit well in my stomach, and I got very ill that night and into the early hours of the next morning-no fun at all). But, live and learn.
My experience being sick made me realize that I am out of tune with my body these days. I have been so caught up in- I don't know.... Living in another country(!) that it has been hard to really get into myself. But, again- live and learn. I am taking time to adjust because there is simply no hurry. I feel like a freshman again- or like a naked baby. Just waiting, breathing, living, listening- not only to myslef but the big world around me.
Freequently, people ask me "Why Chile?" and my answer: "Porque no?"
Really I don't know WHY Chile. WHY I chose to come to this long, skinny country-Home of Neruda, Mistral, Alliende and others..... Maybe Chile chose me? My choice in coming here was so organic that it never seemed like a big choice at all. A simple, "yes, I would like to open an application to go study in Chile for a year" was all it took.
And here I am. I miss you all, but am finding so much comfort in my memories, and know that this time, space- is all relative. I love you all.
Caio!

Every day is an adventure

Hello again!

So, last weekend I hade my first out-of-Region experience! I went with 4 other girls from my program to La Serena which is North of where I am, and in Chile's 4th Reigon (Coquimbo). I am in the 5th in the Valparaiso Region. It was about a 6 hour bus ride, and we left at 11 on Saturday night. Arriving EARLY that next morning, we found a super cheap, great hostile that was about a 5 minute walk from the bus station. We stayed in this apartment-style place with a kitchen and everything! It was about $5,000 pesos per night (like $4USD) and just great. So we slept in Sunday for a little then went to this eco-tourism agency and set up an appointment to go to the Humbolt Wildlife Reserve and go on a boat/wildlife tour of these two islands off the coast. We scheduled it for the next day, so we had the rest of Sunday to just do whatever. So, we decided to get on a bus and go to Valle de Elqui and visit a Pisco Factory and an Observatory! So that is what we did. We got to drink some Pisco in the beautiful place f Vicuna, then later that evening we got to see stars, constellations and the Moon! Like up-close and personal (picutre). It was probably one of the coolest things I have seen.

Then the next day we went on our boat tour and saw all of the animals! We saw dolfins, sea-ottors, penguins, starfish, birds of ALL kinds, sea lions and millions of others! It was SOOOO cool, and afterward we had seafood for lunch. Ha, ironic, no? But it was so beautiful and cool. We got to walk around one of the islands, and it was just.... so awesome. Ah, so nice and relaxing to be by/in the sea. Then we left that next afternoon (after I got to dip in the ocean) and came back to Vina by 8 ish. The Bus ride back along the coast at sunset was just beautiful. And I saw a huge wind turbine farm! Go Chile! So that was cool....

So, got back to Vina and had my first day of classes yesterday- well, kind of... I went to my first one (navigated the micro system finally!) and found the room, and waited.... Then another girl from my program came, too and we waited... The these two nice Chilean boys came in and talked with us for a bit, and then proceeded to tell us that we did not have classs because the professor was in Valpo (?). So, either way, no class, met some Chileanos, and got to spend the afternoon almorzando and reading my book. Then I had another class about Interpersonal Relationships that is going to be just fascinating. Then today we didn't have classes because of some festival or something? I am not sure, but I have until Tuesday until I have another class, so life is pretty good... :)

Caio!