Hello everyone! I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been settling into a routine, getting things organized and whatnot. Overall things have been amazing! I still cannot ask for anything more!
Firstly, let me tell you how hard it is to focus and actually DO HOMEWORK here in Chile. Yesterday, Sunday, the devil of all homework days. I set out to write a 3 page paper for my Chilean Lit class, finish my 15 minute presentation for grammar, and the 25 discussion that would follow. It took me like three hours just to finish my essay. That's FOREVER. I'm used to spitting out words and making an essay, but in Chile, with the sun shining and the beach looming, things just don't to get done. I wonder why that is? For instance today, I got home after class around 4, sat down on my bed for less than five minutes, and then I was out. Comatose. I slept for two hours. It was an accident. Chile has it out for me. In the best way of course. :)
So what have I been up to in the southern hemisphere you ask? Pure mischief. My friend Nick told me specifically before I left, don't do anything he wouldn't, so, let me tell you, I have a pretty free reign! I've been going out at night, having some drinks, singing some karaoke, doing some dancing, embarrassing myself in front of Chileans, and most importantly, making Chilean friends and improving my Spanish. If there's one thing I'm going to take out of this trip more than anything else, it will be my concerted effort to improve my Spanish. For instance, today I went to the bus station in an attempt to buy a bus ticket for my upcoming trip to Pucon (which you will here about in great detail upon my return), and lo and behold, I had little to no trouble. It just proves to myself that I could realistically live in a spanish speaking country. A little bit of an ego boost I guess, haha.
Classes have been going really well! Most classes are done in a lecture format, which I don't really mind at all. The students here are a lot more independent, there isn't much dependence on the professor. As an extranjero, this is both a good and bad thing. It's great in the fact that it forces to ask my classmates for help, but tough in the sense that there isn't much guidance or structure from the professor. An example: I had to get the syllabus from the department secretary, make my own copy, and I have to return it for the next class. Also, another HUGE difference. They don't really have textbooks. As a student you check out the required reading from the library, and make a photocopy; of the ENTIRE book. I don't think there are any copyright laws here. But I don't mind at all, I'd much rather pay 1.500 pesos for a book, rather than an arm and a leg in the states! That is for sure.
As far as classes go, I won't be too stressed throughout the semester, so that is more than ideal!
My sister, who is pretty much like my second mother, runs her own wedding planning business, and she just planned a HUGE wedding. I heard that there was more than a 1,000 people there. Why does this pertain to me you ask? She got to keep ALL the leftovers. Food, drinks, liquor, the works. So, needless to say, for the last few days I've been feasting like a king. Salmon rolls. RATATOUILLE. So good, I never would have thought I would have that of all things in Chile. :)
In the next two weeks I will be going on two different trips, one to Pucon and the other to La Serena. I will fill you in upon my return, but internet might be sparse the next few weeks or so. That gives you the opportunity to write me a letter! Let me be your pen pal!
Well hope all is well!
Ciao!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment