Important Announcement!

Ok everyone. This blog is the inside of my heart and mind and I'm clearing some things up that you might be wondering about. First of all, making the decision to travel abroad was one of the best decisions, I have ever made, and also the best and hardest thing I have ever done in my 2 decades of life. In all honesty I don't really know what I am doing. There have been many options available to me that I have thought about doing. It was very hard for me to decide what to do. I know at first my plan was to study in Valdivia, then go to Santiago for 2 months to help out with the missionaries, then return to Valdivia to study. Then I decided to not return to school until fall so that opened up more time for me to do stuff. Then because I was lazy my opportunity to work with the missionaries passed and I had to figure something else out. I looked into a program in Ecuador where I would work in a hostel. They however never responded so I had to figure out something else to do. I came across a program in Peru to help out in an orphanage, and am for sure doing that. Then I decided to sign up with WWOOFers to help out in organic farms in Argentina. I never meant to seem like a lier with these changes and I apologize or any issues it might have caused anyone reading or in my life. I believe I have a final outline of what I am going to do. Here it is if you are interested; On January 3rd I am leaving Valdivia and going to Argentina to work on an organic farm until the end of January. Then I am going to fly to Peru and work in the orphanage from February to April. Then I am unsure what is going to happen. I am not returning to the states until June. But as I figure out what I am doing you will all know. Once again I'm sorry for the confusion, and thank you for your support in my adventures abroad. hearts.

Christmas in Chile

Yumm

The Table

 Feliz Navidad! Yes today is Christmas, and currently I am listening to "Celtic Christmas" and various other christmas songs on ITunes. As many of you know I had the opportunity to celebrate it in Chile with my host family. I did not have much idea what was going to happen, and at times neither did my host family. But, it ended up being very fun and I want to share with you all what I did these past few days. Yesterday was the 24th and we did not do much during the day. Then in the evening we had a very nice dinner. Then after dinner we opened presents. I got my host family some really neat things, and they got me some pretty earrings and a beautiful artesan necklace. I saw them all the time at markets, but never bought one. So I am please to have one now. It was a very relaxing evening, and we watched Hook together. That was fun and then Cecilia went to sleep, and I watched The Grinch and Rudolph in Spanish. Twas very fun. I also played cribbage against myself and won. Haha I need to find people to play with. My family in the states really knew what would make me happy. Even though I am very far from them, I know they still love me, and the reality is Christmas is about love and celebrating the greatest expression of love. God gave us Jesus so we could live forever. Wow. That's pretty lazer in itself. Tonight I'll be going out probably with some Chilean friends so that should be nice, but I am not forgetting the reason for the season. And the kindness should last all year. Lets do little acts of love each day to help the world. That's the best way to be like Jesus. Love people for who they are and help. Happy Christmas everyone! Feliz Navidad, prospero año y felizidad. hearts.

Cecilia y Gustavo

Table with food

Cecilia y Yo

Chile Blog Numero 8

School is officially finished! And my grades were not that bad actually. I passed all my classes with C+'s to B's. Pretty good for a hardcore semester. Now I get to chill in Valdivia with my friends and host family. Yesterday was really fun when we went to the "campo" Gustavo's dad's mother's home in the country of Valdivia. It was hermosa. A spanish word for gorgeous land that describes the country side best. It was huge and had a beautiful view of a blue/green lake with the mountains, and green trees surrounding the lake. It was peaceful, and I loved just staring at the lake for long periods of time. We had an "asado" a bbq of sorts and I had lamb. It was different but good. I rather enjoyed it. And I listened to a lot of chilean spanish. They thought I was one of them until I told them I was from the states, but they enjoyed asking me about my travels and about Washington. I really miss it and my mountain. Also I'm listening to Dosed by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and it is a really good song look it up. I love going to family events because it makes me feel like I'm home. I miss my family so much. But soon I will see them. We also had the most epic storm ever.  It rained and hailed so hard a little smaller than a penny in size. And there was thunder and lightening. I love storms so this made me excited. Also Strawberry Wine is delicious.

It's funny because it is summer here, so I'm celebrating Christmas in the summer and I just have to say X-mas songs in the summer, weird. haha But it should be an interesting celebration. I've got to do some shopping, but think I'll go look at the street venders and their crafts or something. Thanks again for the support everyone. hearts!

Oh the future.

Well I have been studying in Valdivia, Chile for about 4 months and absolutely love the city and my wonderful host family: Cecilia, Gustavo, Christian y Valentina. I have decided to make a change though and move on to a different aspect of South America. I am officially un-enrolled from Central for 2 quarters. I am going to spend December in Valdivia with my friends and host family here and then after New Years in January, I am going to Argentina to work on an organic farm with an Argentinian family who loves music, dancing and crafts who doesn't know English. Then in March to May I am going to Peru to work in an orphanage. I am especially jazzed for this program because I will get to work! And talk in Spanish and spend time with children. I have decided to do these programs instead of returning to school because I am having a hard time in my classes, and my GPA is diminishing. In addition, the teachers are not the best for my learning style and I am surrounded by English all the time. All I want to do is learn Spanish fluently, so I am heading somewhere to make that a reality. Un-sure when I will return to the US, but as my travels progress I will continually update my blog. Thank you for all the suppport hearts!

Things that don't make sense.

While being abroad I've learned some things that don't make sense and have decided to make this new segment that will continue as I discover more.

1. Hollow chocolate
2. The option of paper towels and air dryer in a bathroom
3. Non-alcoholic beer
4. Diet, cafeine free pepsi
5. Dolls that poop and pee like really babies
6. 12-16 year olds singing about love
7. Pocket dictionaries that don't fit in your pocket
8. Washing your face with an anti-acne wash and waking up with a pimple
9. Sweeping a dirt floor
10. Washing dishes with tap water you aren't supposed to drink ever

Chile Blog Numero 7

Well today is Thanksgiving. My first holiday away from home in 20 years. It was really weird waking up this morning to go to class while wearing a skirt and T-shirt. By this time, I'd wake up in my room, no school, put on a sweater and jeans and get ready for Thanksgiving dunch with my dad in the kitchen making pies and what not with it being freezing outside. I really missed being with my family today. But I'm doing really well in Chile. I had a revelation about the rest of this year, and I am very excited to see how it unravels. Once I have everything figured out, I'll post it for you all to read. :) I did have the blessing of the opportunity to have a  Thanksgiving dinner with some of my gringa friends and chilean friends as well. We had chicken, stuffing, potatoes, gravy and salad. It was absolutely divertido! (fun) We played cards just like I would back home, and enjoyed each other's company. I really love my chilean friends, and I am going to miss them when I leave. School is increasingly harder. It feels all my profs thought hey, lets colaborate and give all the students a ton of homework to do in a week on a weekend they are all leaving! Ya! So they did. I am swamped with homework and tests coming up, and I don't know how I'm going to do it all...coffee and patience I guess. Maybe living on a prayer. Take my hand and we'll make it I swear. :) I can do it. Ready to pwn those tests though and be free. Yay summer! On the plus side, my Spanish is improving greatly even if my profs don't notice it, and that feels really good. Plus I'm understanding more than 50% of what I hear. It is hard studying abroad, but I am so glad I'm here,and I'm going to enjoy the rest of the time I have here and get the most out of it. I love you all back home, and hope your Thanksgivings were great. hearts!

How to annoy your Spanish profs while studying abroad.

1. Use english words in your writings.
2. Answer incorrectly multiple times
3. Cry when you mess up
4. Be honest when asked how you feel about a test... i.e. I'm scared
5. After your tests when asked how you did respond with I think I did bad.
6. Don't show up to class
7. Arrive ridiculously late to class
8. Ask ridiculous questions
9. Don't do your homework
10. Argue your wrong answer until they get too annoyed to continue the debate.
11. Explain your issues in English.

Chile Blog Numero 6

So these past two weeks a different Natalie has inhabited my body. I do not really know what happened, but I learned much about my self because I didn't know this side to Natalie existed. My struggles in class is not helping and my emotions of missing home and people whom will will always love me no matter what make is difficult being far from home for this long, However, I am making connections with Chilean students and have decided to try harder. I know I can do this. I have made it this long, and know I can make it the rest of the way. I'm pushing through, and will hopefully come out of this even if I'm in the middle or bottom, at least I will come out of this. My emotions and self are back and I know I can do it. I am not a quitter. Que fome! That's chilean spanish for that's lame! Chilean slang is my favorite. I have also come to the decision that there are different ways to improve in Spanish. Not just with books, but my communication and accent out of class has improved greatly. So, maybe that's what I will get out of this trip. That is just fine with me. I know I am in Valdivia for a reason and this is an opportunity many people never get to have and I'm blessed in more ways then one. Watch out Chile! Natalie is back and she's going to win. My favorite quote right now is by Lady Gaga. "Sometimes in life you don't always feel like you're a winner. But that doesn't mean you aren't a winner." <3

20 Thanks

So right now I feel all I am doing is failing. I hate that and I know I'm not, but, I'm going to list off 20 thanks God has given me cause nothings as bad as it seems with him.

<3 Nat

1. My Family

2. My passion to help people

3. A wonderful group of friends

4. An amazing opportunity to grow and learn

5. Supplying what I need

6. A compasionate heart

7. Really great hair

8. My love of fiddling

9. My flippin' spectacular sense of humor

10. My laugh

11. Strength to overcome everything eventually

12. Every day I wake up

13. My converse

14. Candy

15. Fantastic leaders of my life

16. Improv

17. Making people laugh

18. Getting over anger quickly

19. Struggles in Spanish

20. Every tear I've cried

Ya even the last two I'm thankful too cause I'm learning.

The Great Cilantro Battle Finished?

Well, I believe the cilantro battle is over. We've called it a draw. I have grown accustomed to it for now, and can eat it without detest. However, history repeats itself, and sometimes battles continue despite a draw. We shall see.

P.S. I discovered cilantro's attributes to health. It is rich in vitamin C and aids in digestion. Wow...not all super powerful are we now cilantro?! Natalie 1, Cilantro 0

Chile Blog Numero 5

I've been in Chile for exactly 8 weeks and 3 days. Time has flown by quickly, and I can not believe how much my Spanish has improved. I am not nearly where I want to be conversational wise, but I can understand much more then when I started. I have even begun using the Chilean idioms and slang. That took the most getting used to and, I have a nice grasp on it now so that feels good. And if I have a conversation with just one other person I can basically understand everything. It is the following and listening to conversations between more people and long lectures in class that are the tough part. I have been reading Harry Potter in Spanish lately, and that is helping me learn new vocab and understand the gramatics of Spanish better, and it gives me something fun to do that is not just Spanish homework. There is a lot of that and it involves often reading newspaper articles and writing 3 page papers in Spanish. Granted I try to use my dictionary as much as possible, but I'm still falling in to using Google Translate...So hopefully by December that will not be in use anymore. I promise I am trying really hard to not use it. I recently just passed my home sickness period which lasted 2 weeks, so I am glad that is better, it is just hard for me because there has been a lot happening in my friends' lives back home that I am missing out on. So being here I feel isolated at times, but thank God we have the internet and Skype. That has been helping me stay connected, but it does not compare with the physical touch of the people. School is plugging along, and I still am loving Valdivia, but I am definitely ready to start traveling more and meet new friends. Hopefully Chilenos. I am going to talk with my program cordinator today to see what activities I can do. I'm glad I have a great support group here with the program leaders and my family and friends back home. Thank you all.

Hiking and the Mapuche

8-10 de Octubre;

I was very excited for this trip right off the bat when I heard we were going to go on a hike and get to spend time and have lunch with the Mapuche. (the native people of Chile) We got up early and took a 2-hour bus ride to Púcon, which is a touristy town near the beach. Once in Púcon we went on a short hike up to an imitation of a section of a Mapuche village.  We walked past a lake and an active volcano that was pure white with smoke billowing from it in front of the brilliant blue sky that took my breath away. At the "village" we were able to meet a Mapuche family who graciously showed us their thatched roof homes with their beds and other everyday objects used by the Mapuche. Since this was a place more for tourists I was disappointed that there wasn't more villagers or an actual village. But I enjoyed my time with this family. I also watched some boys playing with an old school top that had to be hand wound each time, and the way their faces lit up when it worked was precious. We then proceeded into another thatched roof home where there was a long table circumferencing the room with benches. We ate some traditional orderves including mini empanadas, fried bread, and some nuts that had the texture of beans. They were bland, but we had a yummy jam like spread to add to them which was good. Then we had the main course of carne asada (steak), potatoes and salad. It was all delicious and I felt honored to enjoy it with them. After lunch we went back outside into the sunshine and some people rode horses and played a game like field hockey with wooden sticks and balls. I played the game and had so much fun. It was neat because the children also put on a performance for us of a traditional healing ceremony. They were dressed up and did an excellent job. We got to see something on the inside of their culture that I'm sure many outsiders do not get to see. That was a special moment and one of the best days I've had here. I wish to spend a longer period of time in a real Mapuche village, and maybe later on the trip I will be able to.

Healing Celebration.

The rest of the day we spent at the lake eating gelato and then went to a hot springs in the night when we could see the stars in the sky. That is something I miss from Ellensburg and I felt connected to you all back home because even though we may see different stars we are still looking at the same sky.

The next day was the extreme hike many of us were hesitant to go on, but excited at the same time. But what we had ahead of us was unlike anything we could have imagined. It was a 7 hour hike up hill through the mountains with only a sandwich, an apple, an orange , a banana, half a chocolate bar, a liter of water and our mental abilities to get us through. Luckely I was hiking with some fun people, and our humor and Eminem got us to the top. Even though we were exhausted, I was proud of myself in making it all the way. We even made it up to the frozen lake while hiking through the snow. Needless to say I fell into the snow a couple times, and got really sweaty but it was worth it. Coming to Chile I did not think I was going to see much snow during the summer so it was a pleasant surprise and I loved it. Danielle and I made snow angles and Simon, Brent and Ian went swimming in the glacial water. They are some of the neatest guys you will meet. It was amazing, and I have never enjoyed a weekend more. I also had my first cup of mate, enjoyed it and am going to bring some back for my family and friends to try.

Lunch!

He's healed!

Ceremonial Drummer

Lake or "Make Out Point"

It does not end!

View a little lower on hike.

Frozen lake

View from the hike.

Shoes after hike...

Beach in Pucon

Chile Blog Numero 4

This is an entry from my journal. Nothing special, but a good look into my life here in Chile. I'm also listening to Schoolyard Heros right now and the Punkness of it makes me happy.

27, Septiembre 2010

Today was a good day. Nothing spectacular happened, but I felt really happy and my classes went well. I rode to school in the orange number 20 micro and heard Alejandro by Gaga with Maggie and we talked a little. My culture class was really long as always but my prof was wearing skinny jeans, boots and a bright red, pink, and orange sweater. She is a short, cute older lady and always wears sweaters but she was especially trendy today. It makes me laugh because she always disses her Chilean culture, and thinks the US culture is great.  I took the micro home with Alicia and we talked about the future trips we wanted to go on. I'm excited to explore my Chilean world. hen I got back to my house I started watching Date Night and cleaning my room. Then cut cilantro for lunch. We had tortellini with cheese sauce. So good. Then I had coffee and went back to school for class. I like my conversation and Comp. class and we wrote dialogs using formal and informal speech. Jordan and I worked together and of course wrote about zombies. It is gonna be pretty great. Then he and I rode the Micro together and had a nice conversation about our families. I heard Alejandro again and when I got home went upstairs and watched the rest of the movie. Ate dinner, we had eggs and avacado on bread and coffee then went on the computer. I talked with lots of my friends back home, cause I've been a little homesick, and met Issac (Siri's friend) finally. I got ready for bed and now am going to sleep. I'm so jazzed for Friday. Here is what I'm doing: Going to Niebla the local beach, reading in my favorite coffee shop, skyping with Joel, and then celebrating Joe's birthday at my favorite bar/hang out spot in Valdivia. It will be a good Friday.

Life Again.

So recently I've found out 6 boys commited suicide because they were bullied for being gay. 6! Then 3 more college boys commited suicide for the same reason this last week. 9 deaths in 2 weeks is too much. I am deeply hurt by this because how could someone think it was ok to ridicule someone for being gay. They are a person just like anyone else with feelings, dreams and relationships. Last year my friend Matt Stanley (Glow Dances) commited suicide for this same reason and no one tried to stop him or was aware he was at the end of his rope. I lived 4 hours from his school and would have driven to his school and run after him to prevent him from doing what he did. What hurts me the most is he had friends, and a loving family that he had to live for, but he was so sick of being ridiculed they weren't enough for him to live for. HIS FAMILY!!!  This is what is happening in our world now. It's not going to stop, unless we do something. I'm tired of being silent. I'm going to start a campaign with my friend Micaela to take a stand and reach out to people there is always someone to live for and someone to talk to. There are enough deaths that happen to young people by accident that deaths by purpose is something that can be prevented. My friend's brother Logan Ernsbarger drowned last year in a terrible accident. That was a terrible loss in my life as well as other people in his. Logan just like Matt was a great guy that touched many people's lives and their missing from the world is something that will take a while to heal from. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the families and friends of Matt, Logan and those 9 boys. Lets do this people. Stop being jerks and listen when someone reaches out to you for help. We can help save lives, I hope you will join my campaign when I get it set up, until then do your part.

Neat.

So today I went to a really neat hippy like bar called Trotamundos Bar. My friend Simon was playing his guitar and singing. The atmosphere was lively and the place was packed. We sat on cushions on the floor around wooden tables that were hand painted. I drank a coffee and loved listening to Simon play his guitar. He had great stage presence, and you could tell he loved playing and was doing it for him and sharing his gift with us. After Simon finished playing me, him and Erin went to The Ultima Frontera to have a beer and talk with our Cinema teacher. This discussion was one of the best I've had and it was in Spanish! We talked with him about the movie we watched today and about other life situations. We talked about what makes us happy and our opinions on the movies we've watched in the past. We also discussed our future plans and the difference of Chilean Spanish with the other ones.  For those of you that are wondering what makes me happy and all I need in the world it is my family and the beach. I am happiest when I am with them, or when I am on the beach with the waves, water and the sun surrounding me. This night was one of the best I've had.

The Great Cilantro Battle Cont.

It was rather funny today. I came home from school and I asked my host mom if I could help get lunch ready. She responded in spanish yes cut the cilantro...So there I was sitting on a stool in my kitchen chopping the garnish I'm still yet to like and it was just taunting me. However, the dreariness of this event ended when I found out we were having tortellini or lunch. The cilantro was going to go in the creamy cheese sauce. I've decided this is the best way to get me to enjoy cilantro; Here is this magic dish. Yes I ate all of that and enjoyed it all. Ultimately, I've decided the best way to vest cilantro is to hide it with cream of some kind. Be that sour cream or cheese sauce. Natalie: 3. Cilantro: 5. I'm catching up. :)

Chile Blog Numero 3 Part 2.

My trip away from Valdivia started at 9 am on September 19 when I caught a bus to Santiago. Our plan all along was to go to Argentina, and I must say we successfully made it.  But let me tell you 12 hours on a bus then another 6 hour ride on another bus with 50 other people, 1 bathroom, and no air circulation, it gets rough. Luckily I was able to sleep, so that helped. We got into Santiago then stayed a hostel called Casa Rojo, and met some guys from England and Australia. We went to a disco the evening we first got there and the boys danced so weird. I was laughing so hard. The place had a bright green light, over 100+ people and a fog machine. It was fun, but really stuffy too. I've got some pics of our cool hostel also. The next day we hung out in Santiago and got Starbucks. I had the best soy caramel macchiato ever. :D We preceded to hop on the bus to go to Mendoza, Argentina. The Andes are the most miraculous. They were beautiful and gigantic. It was really funny how fast the driver was taking us up them, and people were trying to use the bathroom on the bus, and were falling against the inside of it and I just laughed. But everyone was fine. Once in Argentina we found a hostel and stayed there for the night. It was cute/funky and smelled just like paint. Joe had the smallest bed…He’s not a small guy. The next day we went to a new hostel called Hostel Independencia and the guys that worked there were really neat and the rooms were great. No pics of this one, cause my camera battery died, but it was a similar to a large room with 4 bunk beds, 2 giant windows and a full-length mirror. Mendoza was warm and sunny and it was a nice break from the rain and cold in Valdivia. 

The best thing in Mendoza was the night before we left I was watching 50 First Dates with Sabastian and Tino at 12am with Spanish subtitles, and we were just laughing because the same 5 commercials would come on every 15 minutes. We started betting on which one would come on next. It was mixed up every time, but still fun hanging with the Argentinian boys. They also taught me some new words that probably shouldn’t be posted on the internet but they were funny. I’m not going to use them of course.  Then the next day I walked around with Lacey, Laura, Alicia and Joe. We got “lost” but found an orange tree, and the hippie’s market in the park was great too. They are probably my favorite. I also got gelato and that made my day. The culture of Argentina is beautiful, and the way they speak is easier to understand. I wish I could have stayed longer. On the drive back late at night the Andes with moon light are even more beautiful. Everyone should see this mountain range. I’m not even joking. 

Chile Blog Numero 3 Part 1.

I've recently gone through a long writers block. I don't know why, but I just haven't had anything to write about. That is until last weekend when I celebrated the 200 years of Chile's Independence. There were celebrations and parades all weekend, and the streets were filled with people. All the micros had decorations inside of flags and streamers. It made the ride to school much more pleasurable for me. On Thursday the  16th of September I rode to school in the decorated Micro and saw tons of people wrapped around every corner of the supermarkets just like black friday. I found out it's because they close the stores and businesses for the 4 day weekend. Then my favorite thing was seeing the mass of children, jr. highers and high schoolers in the street getting ready for a parade. The little children were dressed in the traditional "cueca" dresses and outfits. The cueca is the national dance of Chile, and very fun to watch. The jr. highers and high schoolers were dressed in their band uniforms and I was smiling so much at the mass of banderas or flags and people in the street. I must say the patriotism shown in Chile during this time is amazing, and you are hard pressed to find a corner or home without a flag. Then on Saturday there wasn't really much going on in the evening on the 18th, but I hung out with some of the students from my group and our new chilean friends we met through the program. Pretty fun. Then on Monday, I went with some other students to Santiago the capital, and that was my favorite thing in the evening. We watched the most amazing light show, and the amount of people was that of the entire country of Chile it appeared. We were all in the streets crowded more than at a concert squished next to each other watching the light show on the capital building. I was in aw of the fire works and the way the voice told the story of Chile and how it got it's independence. Laura and I were definitely in our concert state of mind pushing through the crowd to get closer and we did really good. It was spectacular and the gold fireworks and the color changes of the building were perfectly matched with the music. I can not believe I was here to witness this celebration, and I feel very honored.

The Great Cilantro Battle.

Well, the great cilantro battle still is raging on and progress is slow. However there was change a couple days ago. i had some cold potatoes with cream, chives and cilantro. I had 2 helpings of these magic potatoes, and they were delicious. There is also another food that I can handle pretty well I don't know what it's called, but I do like it. However, today it had way more cilantro in it then it had the last time I ate it. Therefore, I had to almost stomach it down. I successfully have made myself like tofu, hummus, and spinach. I believe I can do it, but friends, it is hard haha.

Talking with Gustavo.

So today, I don't have class until 3:50, so I slept in and had a lot of time to do whatever before I would get on the Micro to go to my Spanish 2 class. I went down stairs, and my host mom was making empanadas, it's interesting because she makes and sells them, but we've never had them for a meal in my house. She took them to the market, and said she made this broccoli casserol thing for us for lunch though. I tried it but it was not very good actually, and when Gustavo came home he said to me, "I don't like what my mom made." I found out he doesn't like it, and neither does his girlfriend Valentina, and he asked if I liked it, and I said not especially...So we made chicken nuggets, and we both stomached down a helping of the casserol for mom's sake. It was funny because I asked him if no one likes it here, why does she make it? He said she said because this isn't a restaurant, and we must eat what she makes. How classic is that? The way he imitated her was hilar. The times when I'm able to have discussions with my host brother are my favorite because I feel I'm less of an outsider. I'm really happy with the host family I have.

Chile Blog Numero 2

I'm so a veteran of my city. I'm so proud of how well I'm learning where I am, and I'm even able to go to places in the city without help, and get collectivos or buses to my house here in Valdivia. In addition, I'm understand Spanish so much better. Still not perfect, and long conversations are difficult, but I'm understanding and able to talk a little more than just answering questions. Yesterday, I went to the beach and it was so beautiful! I was in awe that God created something so beautiful and I was able to think and just be. I walked in the water, and the feel of the sand and salt water on my feet was so re-assuring to me that I was ok, and would be ok. Amazing how something can do that to you. It was even my ocean too. A different part of the Pacific I believe. I also had the best salmon of my life. haha and we went on a beautiful hike through a forrest type thing, but it also reminded me of the island on Lost...Plus my friend Simon was wearing a dharma initiative shirt, and it made my day. I also loved how hiking really united us as US students. The support from everyone is great, and is really what I need. Today, I did a lot of homework cause it's starting to get busy, but I read some Harry Potter in Spanish, and that was really fun. I'm jazzed to continue with that. Then we went to the Bunker a little restaurant that is my new favorite. :) The best way to describe it is "pub-like." Tomorrow I have more homeowork, and figuring out where I can do dancing. I found out the organized classes are not at my school anymore, so I've gotta figure something out. I really wanna dance and when the weather gets better I'm excited to go jogging again. yay Exercise! I'm still glad I'm here, it's hard and I go through days of joy like "yes I can do this! I'm so glad I'm here." But those are also mixed with the opposite. but I'm a possitve thinker, and I have the best support group back home and here. Thanks all for being so awesome in my life. I also bought a can of Nestle Hot Cocoa mix and I must say I'm so jazzed to drink that. :) FAVORITE!

Inspiration

Well I've made it 14 days in Chile. WOW! I'm adjusting to the culture a little more each day, and really learning some neat things. For example, Chilenos like it when you try to speak Spanish, which is encouraging because I feel I don't have to be perfect yet. My mind is constantly thinking in Spanglish. I'm also confused on the inside, but I'm figuring it out, and know I will eventually be in the right place at the right time, and that spark or light bulb will go off and it will be neat.

I still don't care for celantro, but I'm continuing to work on that, and it's difficult because my brain doesn't translate quick enough to fully understand conversations between chilenos, but I know I will get there. Even in a month, I will be closer. :) I'm just going to take each day at a time. For example, tomorrow I'm going to the beach and I'm so jazzed. Hopefully it will be fun. I extremely love the ocean, but you all know that. Here is a shout out to my friends in Puyallup!  I love you guys! Don't let Mt. Rainier blow up before I get back.

Beatles Cover band at Cafe Gringas.

Last night August 27, 2010 I went to a coffee shop in Valdivia that has brewed coffee surprisingly enough, and listened to a group of 4 Chilean guys sing Beatles songs. They were really good! Granted they lip synced, but were still really good at it and even dressed like them. When the Chileans in the pub started singing the words to the songs, I realized music is what ties people together. Even if you don't speak the same language, music is as true everywhere as emotions. We all cry, laugh, get angry and smile the same. This is a universal language everyone understands, and a hug is never over rated. After the concert we talked with some of the band members in a mix of Spanish and English. It was neat for me to hear their stories and how they started getting into the band and playing their instruments. One of the guys who was George Harrison (in the band) took out his guitar and we all started singing songs he played. Some Beatles songs, but some other bands too. It was  a great night, and my first one out late, but we were having a lovely time just sitting outside on the curb of our quiet city. I am jazzed to have more experiences like this one.

Food Blog and More.

So, what I'm especially liking about living in Chile is all the new food I get to eat. I figured if anyone would enjoy this Siri Berg would, so Siri here is a tribute to you and what I've been eating here. I've had a beef stew with vegetables, this cooked spinach thing with turkey, shrimp pasta with cheese, tacos, and lots of new spreads for bread. The patterns of food here is as follows...Breakfast consists of coffee, bread/butter and other spreads. Lunch is the big meal of the day consisting of a main dish like the above foods, a side, and a dessert. Dinner is similar to breakfast but sometimes there is lunch meat or sandwiches. Interesting huh? My favorite thing I've had here was a chicken empanada. It was quite delicious, but the one I had on the street was not very good. But then again...It was mashed meat and different spices. Oh Nathan James, here in Chile I'm having to make myself like cilantro because it is in everything! I can't even believe it. lol

Oh today, I was eating lunch with my host family and they were talking about me... I think they thought I didn't understand, but I did. They said I drink a lot coffee and don't eat enough food. On the contrary, while the coffee thing is true, since I'm kind of addicted and it's been cold, I eat quite a bit. They give really big portions of food at lunch, and everything is delicious, but often I don't eat it all. Then they assume I don't like it. Lately I've been saying at each meal, I like this alot it's really good, but it's a lot of food and I'm full. I think they understand, but it's hard culturally to adapt to that. I don't know how I would have been able to maintain my vegetarian diet here, without seeming rude.

I'm kind of in a funk right now. It's been really rainy and dreary. I was thinking about exploring today my city because it wasn't raining really, but the rain picked up again, but it stopped again. Crazy weather just like Western Washington. Well I miss you all, keep sending those positive thoughts my way.

Chile Blog Numero 1

Well I´ve been here almost a week. I can´t believe how fast time flys. I´m living in a small city called Valdivia  which is 10 hours south of Santiago the capital. I´m almost on the tip of South America, how cool is that? Oh and fyi I´m using a Spanish keyboard, so if I make a mistake please don´t correct me, you know what I mean. In a week I´ve improved so much with my comprehension. :) I can understand the Chilean  Spanish fairly well when it´s not spoken too fast. However, it´s harder at meal times to share in the conversation, but within a month, I´m excited to see where I am. My host family is really nice and outgoing. We are starting to get really comfortable with eachother, and are even able to joke with eachother. My family here includes Gustavo who is 22 and Celia my mom. Christian her other son is visiting now, and he is really nice and fun to chat with. It´s been really cold and wet here. It is their Spring, but it´s more like winter in the Northwest. Since I´ve been here I´ve figured out the public transport, where I live in relation to my university and how to enjoy instant coffee. That is what they drink here, and it´s not that bad. I actually enjoy it, and the milk here is better than the milk in the United States. I started my classes this week, and they are tough! So much Spanish all the time, my brain is on overload and my goldfish attention span doesn´t help either, but I´m figuring it out. To get to school I ride the Micro which is comparable to a miniature, sketchy/ghetto school bus where I pay 170 pesos a trip or a little under $0.25 USD. I also can ride the collectivo to the city for 400 pesos or $1.50 USD. These are comparable to taxis, but they are the driver´s own cars. Interesting fact about Chilean culture...They kiss on the cheek when ever greeted. And, no one talks to eachother on the bus in the morning. I really miss home and electric heat, and hot chocolate, but I´m making do. I love you all so much and hope things are going well for you. That`s about all I´ve been up to this week, getting adjusted and getting my bearings. Tomorrow, Christian and I are going to go to a book store and the market so I can look at some books in Spanish to read, and see the people of Valdivia selling thier hand made items. As we say in Chile, Ciao!