Fun in the Sun

Hello again! This is blog #3. Life here has been very busy. This blog will probably have a few explanations of what has been going on, as well as some pictures interspersed. Vamos (let's go)...

Okay, life here is much different than what I am used to in many aspects. First of all, as you may be able to tell in pictures, the population is large. :) The hills surrounding the water are plastered with houses. Many of these individuals who live on the top of these hills ride the ascensors down to work or wherever they must go. Here is a picture of one. After arriving at the top, a view such as the one in the picture may be seen.
The houses tend to be extremely colorful. There is also much graffiti. In such large cities as these, there are numerous street entertainers trying to get money. At stoplights it is not uncommon to find jugglers. It is also not uncommon to see beggars on the daily walk from school.

My host brother and I went for a 3-hour walk around our city. I finally have somewhat of a grasp of where places are. It's funny, because I have to ask the question "Where do I live?" frequently. I thought about how I will probably never be able to ask that question in another place without getting strange looks. Anyway, my brother and I walked along the beach and even went to a zoo. We saw so much of God's beautiful creation that day, both with the amazing waves and the magnificent animals!

As for my host family, we get along great. God has really blessed me. I really like the Church we are going to as well. Also, I have made many Chilean friends through Church activities, whether at youth group or playing frisbee, etc.

As you probably know, it was Valentine's Day recently. I went to a party for "El dia de los no enamorados", which was basically for those not in love. It was interesting. One thing to note on the culture aspect here is that they get less sleep than we do in the U.S. I returned from this get- together at about 3 a.m., and didn't go to sleep until 4 a.m. (Don't worry, I slept in the next day.) Also, this past week was a family friend's birthday. I went with my host brother. We danced salsa. It was fun. But, we did not get home until about 3 a.m. on a school night. I am not used to that. I told my family that I don't know how they do it. However, they are also in their summer vacation right now. To the contrary, I have to get up and go to school.

Anyway, yesterday my host mom and I went to the beach. We both fell asleep on the beach. The weather here is about 90 degrees and I have to wear lots of sunscreen. I was surprised by the huge waves. They actually were curled over enough to have surfers ride the wave like we see in movies. I really enjoy watching the waves. They are so beautiful!- powerful, yet serene.

This blog did not have much of a specific focus. Rather, it sporadically explained what's been going on. Maybe my next one will focus on cultural differences or something like that. Stay tuned.... :)