It's hard to think that I've already been here a month. Time has gone quite fast, but that's probably because my first month has been filled with activities almost every weekend and my weeks with school. However things have slowed down some so that has been nice. This week I'm happy to say there were no stray dog incidents. And really not too much has gone on this week. I'm now in the swing of school, homework and all. And I even have a few quizzes coming up in the next week. And I've now doubled my Chilean friend base to two! However I'm hoping to make more friends by participating on the volleyball team, but I'm going to have to work at it because some bad information had caused me to miss the first practice. Also a sidenote, sports directions in Spanish are incredibley hard. But I'm working at it. A side from volleyball I took a salsa class this week as well! And I'm not sure if I think salsa or volleyball is harder. Either way it was a lot of fun, however it was right before volleyball practice so I had to scramble from Valparaiso to Viña only to find out the busses to school weren't running. I shared a cab to school where of course I lost my wallet (I lost a wallet in a New York cab once as well). But luckily whoever finds it will only find 1 US dollar and 1000 pesos and a used up metro card. So all is well.
Yesterday was also my host brothers birthday and a soccer match between Chile and Peru. Unfortunately Chile lost but his birthday getogether at the house was a lot of fun still. And a side note on that, Chileans party until the early morning hours. I left for my room at about 3 but they kept going until 4-5. But again all is well, except I'm sure he is feeling it this morning. As far as this next week goes besides school and volleyball I don't expect much to be going on. But I'd love to find some one to play tennis with, I still haven't played! To bad our school doesn't have a team.
So to end this post I thought I'd share a few things I've learned so far here.
1.Chileans speak fast
2.Chileans speak really fast
3.It can actually be cold here (who knew)
4.Gaining new perspectives is amazing
5.Its hard being the outsider and not being able to communicate
6.Chileans have their own Spanish language
7.There isn't anywhere else I'd rather be studying!
Ill post more soon! Nos vemos
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
School is in session, but yet another tour
This week was my first full week of classes. And luckily I can say that I think they will all be great. However homework down here in Chile is still just as bad as in the states. Not that it's been very difficult, but still not something I enjoy. One thing I have found out down here which is great is all of the professors at my university are very well educated and each have a fantastic perspective on the world, so I am very excited to get to experience that. Also I've slowly started to make some local friends here (I have one Chilean friend). It's a little harder at my university because there are clear friend groups, and it is a private university so many of the students have traveled a lot themselves. However I am going to continue my quest for friends and I'm sure ill meet more when my Spanish is better. I am also planning on joining the volleyball team here! So that should be a great opportunity to meet other Chileans (most Chileans aren't tall so I should fit in I hope).
Besides school this week has been pretty relaxed for me. However this weekend has been full of activities. On Friday I spent a day at the beach and attempted some volleyball, however one of my friends had a ball but a stray dog came right up to our game and ate it! Luckily there were some public courts near by and we were able to rent another ball. Saturday my Univeristy hosted a BBQ for all of the foreign exchange students. Which was great because I was able to make some friends from all over the world (Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia). Which then brings me to today where my study abroad group took us to a small town where you could buy lots of small crafts and potery, and then to the third and final house of Pablo Neruda. The trip was great however everything was about a few hours away from Viña so I feel like I was on a bus more than anything. But it was still great to see more of Chile. Other than that however not too much has gone on. I've settled in nicely and I am excited to get into the full swing of school again. Ill try and post more than once this week. But until then adios.
Besides school this week has been pretty relaxed for me. However this weekend has been full of activities. On Friday I spent a day at the beach and attempted some volleyball, however one of my friends had a ball but a stray dog came right up to our game and ate it! Luckily there were some public courts near by and we were able to rent another ball. Saturday my Univeristy hosted a BBQ for all of the foreign exchange students. Which was great because I was able to make some friends from all over the world (Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia). Which then brings me to today where my study abroad group took us to a small town where you could buy lots of small crafts and potery, and then to the third and final house of Pablo Neruda. The trip was great however everything was about a few hours away from Viña so I feel like I was on a bus more than anything. But it was still great to see more of Chile. Other than that however not too much has gone on. I've settled in nicely and I am excited to get into the full swing of school again. Ill try and post more than once this week. But until then adios.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Go until you can't go anymore, and then go more!
This past weekend I have spent my time in the town of Pucon (southern Chile), and it was fantastic. Our study abroad group took all of us there as one of our excusions for the program. We left Thursday night and took a 12 hour bus ride to the town. The bus ride wasn't too bad since the seats reclined but it was incredibley hot on the way there. After arriving at about 9 in the morning we hit the ground running getting fitted for equipment and then we preceded to take a 7 hour tour of the town; which finished with a nice rest at some local hot springs. The next day I didn't really have any plans and spent my time walking the town, but not for too long because most of the day was filled with wind and rain. However that night a few of us cooked some pasta for dinner because we were staying in cabins and had each one had a kitchen. Also a side note about the cabins, they had probably the most advanced showers I have seen in a hotel room or cabin. Each shower had multiple jets and shower heads and a radio. But aside from the showers the cabins were normal cabins.
This leads me to that night (Saturday) the night before our big volcano hike. We had to be up early the next morning and we all set our alarms, however our iPhones all fell back an hour becuase they thought it was daylight savings time. Little did we know Chile has postponed that until April so... I get up thinking I have time to get ready on Sunday only to get a call that time hasn't changed and I have 5 mintues to be at the tour agency. I then scramble to find what I need to bring (forgetting many things) and make it to the agency. Which brings me to the actual hike. We were hiking a 9000 foot active volcano whose top half was covered in snow and ice. I was in the later group becuase our phones had got us there late. After hiking for a short while me and a friend broke from that group with a guide and headed up at a faster pace. However little did I know this pace was to increase even more because our guide was catching us up with the first group who left much earlier. After in my opinion a very vigirous hike we met up with the first group where we had lunch (I have never hiked so fast in my life). After lunch we dawned our ice and snow gear and made our way up the volcano this part being much steeper. The group then broke into three groups all at varying paces. And somehow I again ended up in the first faster group. After about two hours I thought I was going to fall off the volcano. The power of the human mind is incredible and I forced myself to keep going. The 10 mintues leading up to the summit is probably the most intense 10 mintues of my life. After reaching the summit I was completely overwhelmed and almost brought to tears. I have never accomplished anything or done anything like this in my life and the fact that I pushed myself through with terrible blisters on my feet was incredibly satisfying. The views were as great as the feelings. However the best part of this hike was coming down. We got to sled down a volcano! When the day was over I can say I have never felt so tired and accomplished. It was amazing. However that night we got on another bus and made our way back home. Which brings me to today where I had one class already and now I am just resting and taking it all in, over all a great trip but I am ready to spend more time here in Viña. I cant wait to see what my next adventure is but I will keep you all posted on everything!
This leads me to that night (Saturday) the night before our big volcano hike. We had to be up early the next morning and we all set our alarms, however our iPhones all fell back an hour becuase they thought it was daylight savings time. Little did we know Chile has postponed that until April so... I get up thinking I have time to get ready on Sunday only to get a call that time hasn't changed and I have 5 mintues to be at the tour agency. I then scramble to find what I need to bring (forgetting many things) and make it to the agency. Which brings me to the actual hike. We were hiking a 9000 foot active volcano whose top half was covered in snow and ice. I was in the later group becuase our phones had got us there late. After hiking for a short while me and a friend broke from that group with a guide and headed up at a faster pace. However little did I know this pace was to increase even more because our guide was catching us up with the first group who left much earlier. After in my opinion a very vigirous hike we met up with the first group where we had lunch (I have never hiked so fast in my life). After lunch we dawned our ice and snow gear and made our way up the volcano this part being much steeper. The group then broke into three groups all at varying paces. And somehow I again ended up in the first faster group. After about two hours I thought I was going to fall off the volcano. The power of the human mind is incredible and I forced myself to keep going. The 10 mintues leading up to the summit is probably the most intense 10 mintues of my life. After reaching the summit I was completely overwhelmed and almost brought to tears. I have never accomplished anything or done anything like this in my life and the fact that I pushed myself through with terrible blisters on my feet was incredibly satisfying. The views were as great as the feelings. However the best part of this hike was coming down. We got to sled down a volcano! When the day was over I can say I have never felt so tired and accomplished. It was amazing. However that night we got on another bus and made our way back home. Which brings me to today where I had one class already and now I am just resting and taking it all in, over all a great trip but I am ready to spend more time here in Viña. I cant wait to see what my next adventure is but I will keep you all posted on everything!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
School at last!
Today was my first day of school since thanksgiving! Although it was a pretty easy day since I only had one class. However the class seems great. I'm taking a page out of CC's book I guess becuase my class today only had 4 people in it including me! It is a history class of pre Colombian cultures and the professor seems great! Crazy, great, funny, and incredibley smart. He is very energetic and truly has a passion for teaching. However he also has a passion for travel and wants us all to travel (skip his class) as often as we can. But it isn't just travel he encourages, he is really encouraging understanding of the world and every culture that you put yourself in. I anticipate this class being very interesting becuase there is another American in addition to myself, a German student and a student from Bolivia. Combined with the professor I hope to get a completely new perspective not only just in regards to history but the world as well. And this is why I came to Chile and chose to study abroad. Tomorrow I have my first Spanish class here in Chile which will hopefully help me pick up the language even faster as well as a Latin American culture class. On a side note about culture, it is very interesting being in Latin America while Venezuela deals with the death of Hugo Chavez. First I bet I heard the news first, but also the news is much more somber and consoling than what I imagine you are hearing in the U.S. Chile isn't a big ally of Venezuela however the Latin American perspective of it all has been very interesting.
Also I leave for another trip tommorw. Again to the south of Chile but this time to Pucon with my ISA study abroad group. I'm very excited because I have the opportunity to climb a volcano and see some amazing scenery. However we are going by bus and it is something like a 9 hour drive... But I'm sure it will all be worth it. Ill post pictures of my journey when I get back and if I don't post for a few days that is why. ¡Nos Vemos!
Also I leave for another trip tommorw. Again to the south of Chile but this time to Pucon with my ISA study abroad group. I'm very excited because I have the opportunity to climb a volcano and see some amazing scenery. However we are going by bus and it is something like a 9 hour drive... But I'm sure it will all be worth it. Ill post pictures of my journey when I get back and if I don't post for a few days that is why. ¡Nos Vemos!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Everyday, a new experience.
So I haven't posted in a few days, but that is because I have been doing if you can believe it more traveling. Following a great birthday in which my host family who I have only known a week through me a party. I set out for the city of Puerto Montt. However another side note about my birthday, it was great and I thank everyone both here and at my real home who helped make that happen. I talked before in another post about being grateful and I truly am extremely grateful for everyone in my life and to be blessed enough to have such a wonderful experience. So a big thank you to everyone in my life. Also before I start talking more about the past few days I hope everyone can now see a few of the pictures I have just posted.
So as I said following my birthday (march 1st) I set out with some friends to the city of Puerto Montt to take advantage of the remaining days before class starts. After which I won't have another long break to travel. Also it is worth putting in here that I had my first strong feelings of home sickness around this time. I made it through obviously but when your hit with the fact that this isn't just a vacation and your not going home for 5 months or able to see friends and family, it's actually quite difficult. But you power through and look for other things to change your feelings. Which leads me to my trip, I left on march 2nd; the trip involved taking a bus from here in Viña to Santiago where we caught a plane to Puerto Montt. We arrived late that night and had to take a taxi into the city. Unfortunately after we arrived we realized that Puerto Montt is a more gritty city than we thought. After sticking in a group as we tried to find somewhere to stay (we had no prior arrangements). We settled upon a small hotel. The next morning we decided to take a bus to another city where there was more to do. The city was called Puerto Vares. And it was literally straight out of small town Europe. Everything about it; The scenery and architecture all resembled a German town. However we were looking for more outdoorsy things to do. So we got on a bus and literally took it to the last stop. Where it dropped us off at one of the most incredible lakes / national parks I have every seen. I added a few photos of the view (which was from our camp site). We didn't have a camp site or know how to get one so as Americans we sort of commandeered a spot of land for the tent. But to our surprise no one said anything not even the ranger. We then stayed the next day an a half there hiking and just taking in the scenery. However at night, I was able to taking in the best star gazing of my life. I have never seen that many starts or the actual Milky Way before. It was unreal.
This then takes me to yesterday where we left our camping spot (without paying anything because no one asked to or seemed concerned) and went back to Puerto Vares where we found a hostel to stay at. For dinner we ate at a small pizzeria where there was one man working, cooking, and literally doing everything. It may be the longest I've waited for food but it was a amazing. And hearing some of this man's story was awesome as well. The night after was pretty low key and consisted of going back to the hostel and then waking up today at 7 to find a way back to the air port. And then after the flight to Santiago, back home. And to my surprise we did, and with no problems. And now I'm back at my apartment awaiting the start of school tomorrow. (I'm very excited for once about school). However I go for one day then leave on another trip with my study abroad program. So to everyone who is wondering, I'm not even sure now if actual school will happen. (It will) however i will keep everyone updated and post more soon. Thanks again to everyone who made my birthday special.
So as I said following my birthday (march 1st) I set out with some friends to the city of Puerto Montt to take advantage of the remaining days before class starts. After which I won't have another long break to travel. Also it is worth putting in here that I had my first strong feelings of home sickness around this time. I made it through obviously but when your hit with the fact that this isn't just a vacation and your not going home for 5 months or able to see friends and family, it's actually quite difficult. But you power through and look for other things to change your feelings. Which leads me to my trip, I left on march 2nd; the trip involved taking a bus from here in Viña to Santiago where we caught a plane to Puerto Montt. We arrived late that night and had to take a taxi into the city. Unfortunately after we arrived we realized that Puerto Montt is a more gritty city than we thought. After sticking in a group as we tried to find somewhere to stay (we had no prior arrangements). We settled upon a small hotel. The next morning we decided to take a bus to another city where there was more to do. The city was called Puerto Vares. And it was literally straight out of small town Europe. Everything about it; The scenery and architecture all resembled a German town. However we were looking for more outdoorsy things to do. So we got on a bus and literally took it to the last stop. Where it dropped us off at one of the most incredible lakes / national parks I have every seen. I added a few photos of the view (which was from our camp site). We didn't have a camp site or know how to get one so as Americans we sort of commandeered a spot of land for the tent. But to our surprise no one said anything not even the ranger. We then stayed the next day an a half there hiking and just taking in the scenery. However at night, I was able to taking in the best star gazing of my life. I have never seen that many starts or the actual Milky Way before. It was unreal.
This then takes me to yesterday where we left our camping spot (without paying anything because no one asked to or seemed concerned) and went back to Puerto Vares where we found a hostel to stay at. For dinner we ate at a small pizzeria where there was one man working, cooking, and literally doing everything. It may be the longest I've waited for food but it was a amazing. And hearing some of this man's story was awesome as well. The night after was pretty low key and consisted of going back to the hostel and then waking up today at 7 to find a way back to the air port. And then after the flight to Santiago, back home. And to my surprise we did, and with no problems. And now I'm back at my apartment awaiting the start of school tomorrow. (I'm very excited for once about school). However I go for one day then leave on another trip with my study abroad program. So to everyone who is wondering, I'm not even sure now if actual school will happen. (It will) however i will keep everyone updated and post more soon. Thanks again to everyone who made my birthday special.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Finally some free time!
Yesterday was the first day that we didn't have to be on the run the whole day with activities. That also means it was the first day that I could sleep in which was great. I filled my day with relaxing, and relaxing on the beach. And I have to say that is something that I could get used to. After having some empanadas and a beer at a beach restaurant my group made its way back to our houses by way of the micro (bus). However it was on this micro that I had my first experience with someone trying to pick pocket me. Luckily I stopped it before my phone was gone but it just goes to show that no where is really safe. I returned home and had a great meal for dinner; it was a type of soup/stew with vegetables and pork. Probably one of the best dishes that I have had here so far.
My night consisted of going to a bar so that I could start to celebrate my birthday! Which is today. The bar was great and hanging out with a bunch of people was a lot of fun. However the end of the night leads me to my next statement. Never be unappreciative and always be great-full to those around you. Nothing bad happened and there are no real problems however, here in Viña you have to walk everyone home. And in-turn that's what my friends and I did for two other ISA students we meet at the bar. Which I'm totally fine with. However getting me lost in Valparaiso which is incredibly hilly because you can't remember how to get home is not fine with me. And again not a big deal but the lack of appreciation was where I got a little mad. I'm over it now and everything is great again! But let's just say there are now two people who I will not be associating with here again.
On a much happier note, I've received great birthday wishes, had some great food, and life is good! I can't wait to see how my birthday here in Chile progresses and I will be sure to keep everyone updated! ¡Nos vemos!
P.S
It's a long story and you can ask me later, but I blame Elton John for all of my problems... And guess who played a show here in Viña last night.
A little bit of humor to end things.
My night consisted of going to a bar so that I could start to celebrate my birthday! Which is today. The bar was great and hanging out with a bunch of people was a lot of fun. However the end of the night leads me to my next statement. Never be unappreciative and always be great-full to those around you. Nothing bad happened and there are no real problems however, here in Viña you have to walk everyone home. And in-turn that's what my friends and I did for two other ISA students we meet at the bar. Which I'm totally fine with. However getting me lost in Valparaiso which is incredibly hilly because you can't remember how to get home is not fine with me. And again not a big deal but the lack of appreciation was where I got a little mad. I'm over it now and everything is great again! But let's just say there are now two people who I will not be associating with here again.
On a much happier note, I've received great birthday wishes, had some great food, and life is good! I can't wait to see how my birthday here in Chile progresses and I will be sure to keep everyone updated! ¡Nos vemos!
P.S
It's a long story and you can ask me later, but I blame Elton John for all of my problems... And guess who played a show here in Viña last night.
A little bit of humor to end things.
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