My Very Busy First Week

Wow! This has been an amazing week. It's hard to know where to start. As for my classes, they have been going well. For this first month I am taking an intensive month of Spanish in order to prepare me for a semester of classes with Chilean students. After classes, our group often has orientations or excursions.
As for our tours around the cities/excursions, we went on a boat ride that offered a beautiful view of Valparaiso. We also rode an ascensor to the top of a hill, offering another gorgeous view. It is interesting how the houses are all over in the hills here. We also went to Sand Dunes in Con Con. I had never seen these before. It was hard work getting up them, because our feet dug into the sand. The sand was also VERY hot. But, the view from the top was amazing. We were so dirty though. The sand blew so hard up there. I got it in my eyes, mouth, arms, legs, etc. We also went horseback riding on a beach. It was so much fun! My horse was a little wild, running into the water and such, but it was very fun! We also went to a beach to swim. The ocean is pretty cold here. The weather has been around 90 degrees here. We also took a tour around Vina, stopping at some different places. Since these sister towns are SO big, we often ride the micro, which is a bus. It was funny, because the bus drivers pack them so full. When all the seats are taken, the bus drivers start filling the aisles. Then, when someone has to get off, it's in a hurry, and it's body-to-body squeezing to get out. It was pretty comical to me.
Okay, now for what's been more exciting to me... My host family and the activities therein. First of all, my family is so nice. We talk about Christianity, history, and many other things. My brother has been so helpful taking me places and teaching me things. But I didn't want him to think that he had to. He said that his friends are my friends. I appreciate that a lot. Families here kind of accept their host students as part of their family. Last night I went to a Church service for youth-young adults. It was really cool. I met a lot of people. Afterwards a group of about 15 of us went out for ice cream. We were probably at the ice cream place for a couple hours. We laughed and laughed. I didn't get home until 1 a.m. or so and am tired. But, a group of us are going to go play frisbee today. I am very excited about getting to hang out with Chileans. When the U.S. students hang out, they usually talk English. And I would prefer not to talk English. So, it's better practice for me and I think I can get to know more of the culture. Also, this group of friends from the Church is great!
Oh, and another thing- My host brother has given me two salsa/meringue dancing lessons. I think he has his work cut out for him. Hehe. It was fun though.
In a brief summary, that has been my week. I have been so busy that it's hard to find time to get my homework done. But hanging out with Chileans is very important. It's kind of my homework too, since I want to better my Spanish-speaking ability. Last night was fun talking in Spanish in a larger group!