Its true what they say...

Its definitely true what they say...the first week in a new place is good, the second week is really rough--you feel the culture shock hit you hard and you miss home a lot an all things associated with home (people, food, tv, music, etc.) have a tendency to make you upset...life is rough!, but the third week, the third week is so much better, its when you start to realize that it is time to have the time of you life. Its now or never!

By the third week, this new world starts to feel like home. You know your way around the city and know how to use the crazy transportation. I'm not saying you don't have bad times but in general its a lot better. I'm learning more about where I live and the family I'm staying with. I feel like I've graduated elementary school finally, moved through middle school, and I'm almost graduated from high school. Don't know what I mean? Try living in a new culture with a different language, you'll understand. You have to learn how to live again. You have to learn rules, cultural customs, how to eat, how to get anywhere, how to talk, how to shop, and how to make friends. I'm getting used to eating the food--and asking for less. I've learned how to cope with exploding youghurt ;) and I'm enjoying the amount of fruit I get to eat everyday.

Speaking of friends, I think I have a total of 4 Chilean friends now, my brother, my 2 wonderful intercambio leaders, and their friend. Its great. Today my intercambio group went to this really cool, antiguo restaurant (probably not know by tourists...kind of back an alley, secluded, full of antiques, close tables, friendly people, live guitarsts, cool music, and peoples names/pictures/messages written all over the walls...a true Valparaisan experience, definitely recommend it) to eat Chorillanas. Basically chorillanas is a heartattack on a plate haha. But no really it was pretty good. Its french fries, fried onions, scrambled eggs, and steak all together on a large plate. You share it between a group of people. Its a lot of fun. It was cool to hang out w/ the group too because they are so laid back and we learn so much from each other and get a long really well. And to top it off, it was another beautiful, beautiful day.

I look forward to the beautiful days in Valpo. Its so incredible to see the amazing colors here when it is sunny. On one hand, you have the hills or cerros. The hills are full of eclectic, colorful, antique houses. Imagine that with patches of green trees, etc. mixed into a beautiful, richly colored blue sky (with no clouds) and then imagine turning your head to the other side, and seeing the rich, vibrant blue color of the Pacific ocean, with intermintent foamy, white waves, and glicining spots created from the warmth of the suns rays. Its seriously like heaven. Want to know the most interesting part, the city is HUGE but there is no smog...want to know why, the ocean. :) I knew there was another reason why I am obsessed with all of the wonderfulness the ocean brings. Another thing I love about Valpo, is the culture and all of the sights and sounds and smells it brings. There are always street vendors selling anything you could ever imagine/want to buy, music, and action--something going on something to see. I mean the propios are kind of obnoxious but you get used to them and ignore them. But I just love the vibrance and life the city has. Its something different, something new, something fun everyday. Yesterday I will admit I was starting to feel bored with life here because it is now routine and new but you know what I learned, life is what you make of it. So I decided it was time to make the best of it and just go along for the ride. I'm game for anything.

Pictures just don't do these amazing sights justice.

Vina is its own city. Vina is cool too. Its a great place to live, not quite as funky as Valpo but extremely clean and easy to get around in. There is a great ice cream place called Bravismo near McDonalds and it is delicious (I'm going there in a few hours actually!) And there the views of the ocean here are just as impressive if not more. There are cool artesanias and shops to explore. I love my daily walk to the metro because it gives me exercise and I get to feel apart of the city. The dogs never cease to fascinate me and make me want one of my own someday. I really like the Plaza in Vina. Its cozy. I'm excited to explore more. And the Quinta Vergara is fun to explore--its where the big music festival is held and there is an art museum I want to go to. And Museo Founk is cool too. I want to go back and spend more time there. Finally (well not finally but you get the gist) I want to go to el Teatro and see something. It seems cool and its a great reference point.

Not really sure what my weekend plans are yet because I'm learning that in this country, planning isn't important, you just go with the flow. I'll probably hang out w/ my hermano mas (We watched Ice Age 3 the other day...that was interesting but fun!) I don't know what else I want to say...hm...the weekend and past few days have been fun. I'm still enjoying my classes, especially my literature one...the prof is great :)

That's all! Chao for now!