Blogging > Studying for my Final

I officially feel like I am a member of the massive metropolis we call Santiago. It was only just yesterday that, for the first time, I didn't feel like a complete foreigner. Walking to the metro someone actually asked me for directions! At first I was completely pumped that this girl thought I looked like I knew where things were, then I was even more stoked that I was able to give her correct directions! It was a really proud moment for me. People still know I'm a foreigner as soon as I open my mouth, but I don't get stared at for walking down the street (unlike some of the blond girls in the program). When I tell them I'm from California, they don't believe me, "Pero tu hables bien el castellaño." (But you speak Spanish well) There is always a look of comprehension followed by a nod and a smile when I tell them I am half Mexican. My dad is probably grinning right now because he knows I have a good accent, but for some reason I just prefer to sound like a gringa (white guurlllll) when I talk to him.

This past week of school has flown right by. Tuesday we didn't have class and Wednesday-Friday 2 hours are taken up by student presentations. On my day off I really got to explore the city a bit more. I picked up my Chilean ID (another reason why I feel like more of a santiaguina) and met up with my friend Lewis! That sentence doesn't seem like one that should require an exclamation point, but just wait until you hear the backstory. Four years ago (I can't believe it was 4!) I went to Spain over the summer to study Spanish in the city of Salamanca. I stayed with a host family and Lewis was my host brother. He's from England and was also in Spain for some studies. Then good ol' facebook notified me that he was going to be in Chile for the entire year that I would be studying there! Que bacan! (Cool!) To me it is the craziest coincidence in the world. Anyway, on Tuesday we met up and got a free tour of the city. The tour was really awesome and we met some other snazzy individuals, two irish girls, a brazilian, an argentinian, and another brit. 

The Intensive Language Program (ILP) that I have been doing for the past three weeks is finally over tomorrow! The program really helped me develop friendships and learn a lot about Chilean culture. That being said, I am definitely ready to start real school. Thankfully I have a week off between the ILP and when the semester starts, so obviously I am going to travel :) A huge group of us are going to northern Chile to see the Atacama desert, the driest desert in the world! It's time for some rest and relaxation, in addition to trekking,hiking and possibly sandboarding.

A word of advice to anyone who might travel to Chile: Pisco sours are delicious, but strong! Even though the drink looks small, it will go straight to your head. Ten cuidado (be careful)