another day...

Today was a long day. I woke up before my mom came in to wake me up and she was like "why are you out of bed, I didn't wake you up yet...get back in bed, I'm bringing breakfast to you!" So that was interesting but its ok. I mean I'm still adjusting to being waited on left and right because I've been living at school for so long. I'm used to a life that is more rushed, I'm not used to taking my time...its strange. I'm accustomed to rushing around so to have someone to tell me to eat the large breakfast slowly (woah!). I'll have to get used to it. But I managed to finish and leave at a decent time. I wasn't late for school today or lost so that it is good; however, I had trouble understanding my host brother on the ride to Catolica. He speaks really fast and quietly! :( He said that I always seem like I am sleeping :( Ugh. Its just that I have trouble understanding him. But no fears I don't want to be frustrated. Tomorrow, I get to ride the micro by myself...oye vey. But I'm excited because we have intercambios (when we are put into groups with Chileano students). That'll be fun talking to them in spanish, etc. I love my classes but I still need to readjust myself to doing homework and stuff. I'm growing accustomed to the fact that it is no longer winter though! And I'm getting used to the cold weather, even if it is really cold. The sky is beautiful and so is the Pacific Ocean ( I get to see it every morning when I go to school).

Today was a long day. I had trouble focusing because I was excited to see Profesora and Dr. Beany. My classes went well and I didn't get lost. During my first class (literature) we learned what literatura contemporanea hispanoamericana meant. I remembered the definition from my literature classes this past year and was excited to participate in the conversation :) My professor explained that it was difficult to define this type of literature in a very round-about way but I was excited because I understood him :)!!!! My second class went well too. We took a field trip to a feria (its like a market, they sell a ton of colorful fruits and vegetables and some other things like fish--without a refigerator...no me gusta este idea). I like the class a lot.

But yeah after class we went to the ISA office to eat lunch and hang out. I had another peanutbutter, jelly, and cheese (yes cheese), sandwhich. It was good. After lunch we walked to the mercado next to the university (it was part of our homework!) and then went to Jumbo so HIllary could buy a cell phone. Jumbo is like Walmart/Target. They sell like all different types of American products, etc. and have kids clothes that have English words on them...it is interesting. This afternoon was better than yesterday when I went w/ an ISA group to register our visas. After unsuccessfully shopping, we went on a tour w/ the University to the Cerro Alegre and Concepcion. Both were very colorful and beautiful. We rode ascensors to the top of the cerros. Oye, me gusta mucha :) I want to go back there. On the ride back to the University I was able to talk with our tour guide some (he is a senior at the university). It was great to talk in Spanish finally because most of the time we speak in English and I don't really like this but whatevs its ok! He said I spoke really well...interesting, I think I sound stupid. But yeah.

Finally we arrived at the ISA office and Hillary and I sat and waited for instructions. I felt like a kindergartener waiting for her mom to pick her up (this is normal I guess...) Finally, one of the ISA staff memebers walked us over to another building ( I had no idea where I was) and ahhhh Profesora was there w/ Dr. Beany. I was excited to see them. I mean its not like I'm homesick but seeing people from home makes me feel good especially since I have like 6 months here. We spoke in Spanish for awhile then switched to English. :) And we spent some time talking to two other students. I thought we were meeting for dinner but nope ( I was a bit hungry but still excited). I wanted to talk to the professors more and tell them everything but we really didn't have much time. We talked on the ride to the hotel where they are staying and talked a bit more but then alas our moms came and we had to leave. I'll admit I cried some when Profesora gave me a hug goodbye because I realized that was the last time I would see someone here from home...It was a bit hard because I'm still adjusting. I really just wanted to go home and cry some but I know that I just have to keep pressing on and trying my best to learn everything.

So here I am now. I had a good dinner w/ my family (it was only my mom and dad because Pablo is sick). We talked about a bunch of different things like my family, favorite foods, etc. I understood a lot finally and could contribute to the conversation. And an hour later here I am still procrastinating on my home just like in the US. I'm a bit sad but this is what I have to do so I am going to do it...


Ohhhh! And I got to see the outside of of the first Lutheran church in Valpo!! I learned why it wasn't very decorated on the outside too (the Catholics mandated that it be this way) but whatever, I was excited :)
Hasta luego.