Changing Host Families

A few weeks ago, I changed into my second host family. As a Rotary exchange student I have 3 different host families while I am abroad. Leaving my first host family was difficult because they had been with me since the beginning when I knew no Spanish and all of these Chilean customs were new to me. Living with a family for 5 months gives you a connection that you would never expect. I am so grateful for all of the experiences that they have given to me. I am so content and happy in my new family. I have an older sister who is 21 years old and my 2 parents. I am not sure I could be any happier. My experience with this family has been different from the first being that I could speak Spanish and make connections with this family so much easier. They take me on so many activities and I love spending time with them. They are so patient and lovely and always make sure I understand what they say. I love talking with my host mom and she is such an amazing teacher and I can ask her anything. I love my host sister, too. And my host father is just the best! Not much has happened since I last blogged... a new year started, I turned 17, Seahawks will be going to the Super Bowl, my best exchange friends went back to their countries. I love how life works! I think it is safe for me to say that this has been the best stage of my exchange. I can speaking Spanish (almost) fluently, making connections are easier, I understand directions and customs, and so on. I feel so well adjusted and at home here. Now I just need to continue making the next 5 months of my exchange unforgettable.

Feliz Navidad y Año Nuevo

I cannot believe it has been almost 1 month since I last blogged. Time is going by so quickly! So much has happened within the last month and I had my first Christmas and New Years in summer. Just like the United States, family is the biggest part of the holiday season, so I spent a lot of my holiday season enjoying time with my family and friends. A few days before Christmas, my host cousins, sisters and I had a formal Christmas dinner with my Abuela, Lelu in Santiago. A few days later, we returned to Santiago on Christmas eve and had a delicious dinner with all of the family eating salmon, salads, and cake. After, our family had a huge Secret Santa exchange. Something I have learned living in Chile is that most of the exciting, big moments with family and friends happen at night, and the next day is full of relaxing and enjoying a peaceful day. So, for Christmas we had a nice family day and ate a delicious barbecue in the backyard.

In between all of this crazy holiday-ness the exchange students in my club went to a Senior living home and volunteered for the day, taking with everyone, helping when we could. Of course, we were asked for our hands in marriage many times. Everyone was so sweet and I had a great time being able to spend the time with everyone there.

On New Years we went to my Grandma's house in Santiago and had an amazing dinner of Ham and salads. It was too delicious! At midnight we all put on crazy hats and glasses and then watched a huge firework show that was on top of a Cerro. After the firework show all of the cousins and I went to a party. Once or family returned to our house, we finally were able to sleep. And of course like I said earlier, New Years Day was full of relaxing and resting!

I am so content and happy to be starting my year in Chile. I feel that I have adapted well to the culture, people, food, and all of the things that make my host country so beautiful, rich and lively! I hope that everyone back home had a wonderful holiday season and I will be thinking of you very much on my birthday! Thank you for all of the support you have given me, I am so lucky for all of the experiences that I have been given so far this past and present year. I could not be more grateful.

Patagonia Trip

A little over a month ago, I had my first Rotary Trip in Chile with the other exchange students in my District. We went to the Patagonia Region (Most southern part of Chile) for one of the best weeks in my entire life! It was the most beautiful place I have ever been to in my life but more importantly I was with the best people in the world for the entire trip, which is what made it so unforgettable. It's hard to put everything into words but I will try my best:
 The first day we all met up in Santiago at 3 AM and went to the airport. When we landed in Punta Arenas 3 hours later, and our day started immediately. It was freezing! Our hotel was right across the street from the beach, and the view was incredible. We went on a lot of tours of the town and to one of the world's most beautiful cemeteries. One morning we all rented bikes and rode around the town; this morning taught me an important lesson in the Europeans are amazing at navigating bikes on the rode and using signals. While my biking skills are anything but perfect, I ended up falling off my bike while trying navigate the difficult terrain of a playground for kids. I decided I should probably stick to walking.  On the second day we went to Fuerte Bulnes, which is was full of history of how Punta Arenas originated. Fuerte Bulnes was built on a giant rock, so it was almost impossible for the original settlers to grow and harvest crops. It was so interesting to hear all about the history, and I have respect for the original settlers at the Fort because it was painfully cold! The views were breathtaking and the water went on for miles and miles.
The next day we drove on the bus a few more hours south to the very small town of Puerto Natales. We walked around and had lunch and from there we headed off to the "5th most beautiful place in the world". After a few hours, we arrived in Torres del Paine. Our hotel was on a very small island in Lake Pehoe, and the only way to get the Island was walking across a very small bridge. It was so beautiful. The island was surrounded by huge mountains and water so turquoise that you would have to see it to believe it. We stayed here for the last half of the trip. Our days were full of hiking and exploring the National Park. On one of the last days we woke up at 5 AM and went to Lago Grey. We took a boat around the water around mini glaciers which took us to the end of the lake where Glacier Grey started. It was incredible, and seriously reminded me how lucky I am to be here in Chile having this once in a life time experience. I cannot say how thankful I am for everything, everyone, and all of the experiences that have made up my exchange.
On the last day we went to the actually Torres Del Paine sight ( 3 giant stone mountain points connected) and to an observatory for penguins. But when we arrived we found out that a stray dog had gotten in the night before and ate 5 penguins and scared off the only 2 left. I was very disappointed, so thank you stray dog for being selfish and eating 5 penguins. After, we spent our last few hours in Punta Arenas and then headed back to the airport. This was the best week of my life and I wouldn't have wanted to spend it with any other people in the world!

Alianzas, Beaches, Earthquakes

A lot has happened since the last time that I blogged! Life is so great here; the lifestyle is definitely different from my life in the United States, but I am savoring every moment and absorbing everything that makes up the Chilean Culture as much as I can while I am in this incredible country. In just a few days I will officially have been in Chile for 2 months. Time is already passing by way too fast. I feel like just yesterday I was arriving in the airport, meeting my host family for the first time, and taking pictures of everything possible. Actually, yesterday I was taking pictures of everything in possible. All of my exchange friends and I went up to Santiago (the capital of Chile) and went to the Zoo. We took a Public bus (Micro) up to Santiago and there were no seats left so the 3 of us "newbies" had to stand during the drive up to the city, which was fine! Then we met up with our "Oldie" (She has been here for about 8 months because she is from New Zealand!) From there, we took a Subway to meet with our other friends who live in San Bernardo and went to the Zoo. But at the last minute a few people decided they were going to the mall instead, so we split in half. Today my Rotary Club had an event in the Talagante Plaza rewarding students for outstanding behavior, I believe. A 3 person band also played and they were fantastic! School has been amazing. I absolutely love my school in Chile, the students are so friendly and genuine and everyone is willing to help whenever I need! My teachers are so sweet and always try to help me understand more when they can. A few weeks ago, my school had a week called "Alianzas" which was basically a week of competitions between classes, we had to choreograph/practice group dances and then perform them. For example, we had "Dancing girls" and "Dancing boys" so all the the girls in one grade would do a dance, and all of the boys in one grade would do a dance. At the end we did a dance with my entire grade (which is only about 100 people). We also had competitions between sports, and at the end of Alianzas week we had "Dia de la Chilenidad" where each grade would set a table with all traditional food and place settings traditional to Chile and then would be grade by how well it looks and what food they had. Someone brought a chicken in my grade, and it laid an egg or two. The grade above me (cuarto medio) brought a lamb which was adorable. People were barbecuing on a mini grill and somebody started a mini bon-fire. It was the best. At the end of this short day there was a Cueca competition. The Cueca is the national dance of Chilean and it is so entertaining to watch! I really admire all of the Chileans who take so much pride in their country, and take the time to master the Cueca! I love how everyone here knows how to have fun while and respecting Chile and honor the traditions! The next week I had no school!
September 18th is Chile's Independence day! My family and I went to Algarrobo, a beautiful beach, and stayed in their beach house the entire week. It was absolutely breathtaking and so much fun. It was exactly like a Washington beach, but with sand instead of rocks/pebbles. Everyday that week we spent time with family, friends, ate huge barbecues and celebrated the freedom of our country. At night we went to a huge set-up like a fair, minus the rides. There were huge tents and inside would be fun games and restaurants with loud music and dancing! Also while I was in Algarrobo I visited the World's Largest Swimming Pool which was absolutely beautiful. While the sun set, it looked like the pool was actually the ocean.
The other day I finally received my Chilean ID card: making me feel very citizen-like. There have been about 4 earthquakes since I have been here. The most recent earthquake was last week at 6:30 AM on a school day but I slept right through it. My family was so amazed I didn't wake up because it was rather big. I have slept through all of the other earthquakes, also. What can I say? Exchange students love their sleep, I just might love it a little too much. Hoping all is well in the US, un besito!

Inbound Orientation

On Saturday, I had my first Inbound Orientation for my Rotary District 4340, here in Chile! It was rather quick. My family drove south a bit to Rancagua, roughly 45 minutes or more away from my town, Talagante! The drive was beautiful because the Andes were directly alongside of us the entire time! When I arrived at the place where the orientation was being held, a beautiful and grand event building, I was so excited to see all of the Blazers because it meant I was finally with people who know exactly what I am going through...but they are also the best people ever! It began with everyone talking for about an hour just in random groups, and coincidentally we grouped up with who was from our country. Germans spoke German with each other, French spoke French with each other, and United States kids paired up with well, the United States kids. Then we went in to a huge room and sat for a bout an hour and listened to some lectures about Exchange. Then all of the exchange students migrated to another room in a building next to the one we were in and greeted each other, traded pins, went over rules, traded pin, laughed. I met so many hilarious, great people! And then, we seriously took about 1 million pictures that by the end of the day my mouth was sore and my eyes were permanently watering from the glare of the sun. But it was definitely worth it! We then went back to the original room we had started in, heard a little bit more lecturing, and then watched some dancers do the Cueca: the national dance of Chile! It is extremely fun to watch and I would recommend that you go on to YouTube and search "The Cueca". It is a huge part of the Chilean culture and is commonly done near the Day of the Chilean, which is tomorrow! And the 18th, Chilean Independence Day! September is the month of freedom and cultural pride, and I am definitely loving that! But back to the orientation, It finished at around 4 after a delicious "Almuerzo" or lunch which is generally the biggest meal of the day here. Once we arrived home, I was absolutely exhausted because I had woken up at 6 AM to leave the house around 8 and arrive before 9:30! I am loving my life here in Chile. I love my school, the people, the fun culture. I know it is not perfect and there are certain aspects of life that are still taking me some time to adjust, but I am very content and happy. There is not a day that I do not go without laughing so hard my stomach hurts! My language is definitely improving but it will and is taking time. As long as I can keep my patience with me I know I can accomplish anything. Understanding, speaking, and learning a language is absolutely exhausting, but I would not change a thing.

School!

My school here in Chile is significantly different than my high school in Washington! I have started attending a school named, "Colegio Carampangue", a private Catholic school in Peñaflor, which is about 15-20 minutes away from my house in Talagante. The first day was really exciting and fun! When I arrived with my host sister, she walked me to my classroom and from there the students came up to me and greeted me each with a kiss on right cheek! I thought it was funny how all the girls were grouped together and came to greet me and then all of the guys were in a group and greeted me. They greeted me in a somewhat line formation so I felt like the Queen or something! From there we took attendance and the homeroom teacher had another boy in the class become my translator because he has perfect English (almost). He spent a few months or so in England, so he speaks with a British accent which is entertaining! From there I went to some classes and was really confused. Then I had lunch. Between each class (the classes are really long) are 10 minute breaks, where we all stand around and talk, kick a ball around, eat food, etc. While (dirty) English music is blasting and people practice dances inside the classroom for an assembly we have coming up next week. The guys in my class are doing a dance to "Wiggle" and my dance has a few different songs. Its fun! I also think I have to learn the Cueca, which is the national dance of Chile! I don't know what is going on at school most of the time, the teachers talk so fast and since I came to the school during the middle of the year, it feels impossible! But oh well. Once I get down Spanish I think my life will be a lot easier! My classmates love hearing me speak English and they equally like speaking English to me to be helpful. School starts at 8:30 and goes to 3:30 except for a few days a week when it goes until 5:30.  I have had my fair share of challenges but I definitely love it here! More to come later! Chao!

First Days: Airplane power outtage, Earthquakes, Once

I am in Chile! I arrived 23 de Sabado and my life has been a whirl since then. On my first day there was a some-what large earthquake, but I didn't feel lit at all because we were driving on  a bumpy road! My journey here started on Friday the 22nd, where I had to say good-bye to my family for the year. That was difficult because I love them so much, but we know we will be seeing each other again in only a year! Thankfully, I had TSA pre-check which was a breeze. Then I met up with my good friend from Alaska who was heading to Santiago with me! On the flight to Dallas, I had a window seat next to a mother and a son from Mexico City. They were very friendly and somewhat impressed by my minimal Spanish skills. The son kept showing me pictures he thought were hilarious and wanted me to play a game with Zombies in it. So that flight basically consisted of Zombie games, Ifunny pictures, sleep and sunsets. When we arrived in the Dallas airport, Kyla (my friend from Alaska) and I headed straight for our next gate which was boarding in 10 minutes and leaving in 1 hour. Luckily my Dad text me the directions of how to reach our the gate the quickest possible way (Thanks Dad!). We hopped on the Skytrain and arrived at our gate in about 5ish minutes and when we arrived and the got we saw about 5 other exchange students (all girls) in a group. They were all sweet and would also be coming to the same Rotary District as me! We boarded our plane and I found my window seat next to an Older man from Chile but living in Canada. We talked for a few minutes but for the rest of the plane ride we really didn't talk at all. I was extremely cramped and only had about 6 inches of leg room. Not fun. While we were sitting in the plane at the airport, the main Auxiliary power in the plane went out. It was pitch dark. And then they got it to come back on. And then it went out. And then they were able to dimly turn on the lights but could not restore all of power including the air-conditioning. So here we are: a couple hundred people or so stuck in the main cabin of an airplane before take off in roughly an 80+ degree plane. After about 45 minutes all of the power finally came back on and we were ready for take-off! From here, the next 9 hours on the plane were fine: no turbulence, no more power-outtages, microwaved airplane food, grumpy flight attendants. It was such a cramped flight and I had trouble sleeping because I was so uncomfortable and squished. So I barely got a few hours of sleep. In the morning, I was able to see the sun rise over the mountains in Chile, which was extremely breathtaking. The next thing I knew was that we were only 1 hour away from landing! Even though my body clock was programmed to be 5 AM, I was so awake and excited. I looked out and saw the hills and then as we descended I saw a few small towns, grassy fields, so on. Once the plane landed, I got off the plane and headed towards customs. At the bottom of the escalator my oldest host sister and my host dad were at the bottom to meet me and help me with customs. They had a special pass and also helped the exchange student they will be hosting next (she arrived at the airport before me). After customs all of the exchange students went to baggage claim and looked for our bags, but we couldn't find them. Turns out we were waiting at the wrong baggage claim. But everything turned out perfect, we found all of our baggage and then headed through another security area. Once we were out, we walked a bit down a hall and then turned right to out side where a huge crowd of people, and there was my family and my host counselors a total of about 8 people. It was so loud and the greetings in Chile are so different from in the US. You kiss the person on their right cheek, say, hola, etc. I prefer it to the American greeting of awkwardly waving/sometimes hugging/shaking hands/I don't know. From there we drove straight to the house! And since then, I have been to Santiago, walked around Talagante, and much more. I will make another BlogSpot later to update you on the past few days and events! Chao!