THE GOOD LIFE.

I have survived my first 2 weeks of Chile as well as the first week of classes! After visiting many different classes all over the Valpo/Viña area, I think I have a rough idea of my schedule. 

Monday: Grammar at 5p.m.

Tuesday: Traditional Dances of Chile (10a.m.), Communication/Chilean Culture (CCC) (2p.m.)

Wednesday: Art Workshop (9a.m.), CCC, and Grammar

Thursday: CCC

Friday: The art of sleeping in. AKA NADA!!! J

Rough life, huh? The schedule allows for a lot of travel time and time for extracurricular activities. I’m actually joining a program called “English Opens Doors.” Depending on my schedule, I will have the opportunity to be a TA for elementary or high school English classes.  It sounds like an incredible opportunity and another resource for improving my Spanish!

Speaking of Spanish, mine is definitely improving. I’m losing my “deer-in-the-headlights” look when people speak to me, and my confidence level has skyrocketed since my first day here. Although I may never be able to completely comprehend conversations in Chilean Spanish, I am becoming much more attentive and contribute more in conversations. Here, circumlocution is everything. This is when I think, “thank you, Señor Bleicher.”

Apart from school, I’ve been keeping busy by exploring the BEAUTIFUL city of Viña del Mar (which literally means vineyard of the sea) and its surroundings.  There’s a large recreational area and Kentucky Derby-like park 3 blocks from my house that I love to run though in the mornings.  The jockeys practice early in the day, and if I’m lucky I get to watch them ride while I workout.  The park also has about 7 turf, all purpose and soccer fields that are lit at night.  Most of my guy friends here play soccer, so I’ll have no trouble keeping up with my rehab. And yes, Mom and Dad, I’m being careful of my knee J.

I’ve also spent time exploring Valparaiso, going to the beach, eating amazing fruit and empanadas, making friends (Chilean and International), and best of all, spending time with my amazing family.  They are so nice! They threw me a welcome barbeque the other night and let me invite friends over for some incredible food and bebidas (drinks). My father has the best sense of humor and he loves to play the drums with his fork and spoon at the dinner table. My sister Dani and I have spent a lot of time together.  She helps me with everything and I absolutely love her. My host brothers are really into soccer and the love the Reggaeton music.  One of my brothers can beatbox better than JT himself. No joke. My family is making this crazy culture adjustment much easier for me and I am so grateful to be around such wonderful people.

 

Tonight, my fellow gringos (not offensive here) and I are leaving for Pucón in Southern Chile.  I’ll be hiking a volcano, rafting, canopying, and swimming in natural hot springs! I will post an update when I return.

Until then, live well everyone!

BESOS