Great Weekend

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I am really tired, so this is going to be a quick update! Friday three of us went to La Campana again, but this time we hiked a more leisurely path and had a picnic. I forgot my camera, so when my friends post pictures I will steal them and post them here! It was beautiful, and a perfect day. The highlight was the tarantula that Kaeli almost stepped on. It was huge, you will all be properly grossed out by the photos later! Friday night I went to a friend's house for her host sister's birthday party. It was a great time- both fun and great for practicing my Spanish with new people. I also learned some new salsa moves from some of the parents! (It is totally normal here for someone my age to have their birthday party at home with both family and friends. In fact, I got scolded by a grandma-that-could-get-down for not shaking my hips enough!) Saturday I went with a different friend and one of her host sisters to a protest against damns in Patagonia. Afterward, I got my nose pierced! Now, before anyone gets too upset please remember that this is NOT permanent! And I love it! Saturday night I we went out to eat, so the picture with the HUGE hot dog is a completo. I don't know if I explained already, but it a toasted bun, hot dot, diced tomatoes, avocado, mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. Awesome, huh? Today I went to the zoo with Mama, Macarena and her BF Martin. Well, I need to get some sleep. Love you all!

Views

Views from my class, and on the way home! (and number 1 is my apartment!)

Amen!

Birthday Chilean Style

My host family bought me really sweet gifts (no pun intended!!) and Mama made me a scarf!







The game that Mama invented, at Macarena's class get-together.
Carne! mmmm...
At midnight on my Birthday I was talking on skype with my family, when my host family came in with a minature cake and singing happy birthday!

My two families- how lucky am I?





I had a great birthday, even though it was weird to not be at home. My family here really made it special for me. We went to Macarena's class get-together, and after had a little fiesta at the house with the family and my five closest friends here. One friend even preformed a Spanish rap for me! We then finished out the night by going out dancing until the club closed at 5:30am. Definitely a day to remember!

5 months

Hey everyone! I just have to share my great news with you all, since I'm just thrilled!

It has been 5 months since The Big Spill '09, and three months since The Operation. Today, for the first time in 5 months, I went for a run!

Alright, so maybe it was more of a jog. And it was only for ten minutes. However, I've never felt so blessed by being able to do something so simple as work out. I feel so truly fortunate and humble that I am well on my way to a full recovery, and that I am able to have this time in such a special place. Although my injury was by no means fun, I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I was still able to go on this adventure- and now I can run again! Watch out Beckham!

My new ACL and I couldn't be happier together!

Thank you to everyone reading this, for if you have this link it because you have inspired me to come, helped me to go, or are supporting me here- but most likely all three. Thank you.

My LOVE

Ok, quick update.

There is a treasure here in Chile, and I may just have to write President Obama about the need for this particular gem in the U.S.

Drum Rollllllll............. Manjar!


MMmmmmm.... creamy, rich, smooth, there aren't enough words! Manjar with bread, manjar in churros, manjar in pastries, manjar with chocolate. I love it all! Think Nutela meets carmel!

Don't worry everyone, I'll be bringing an extra suitcase home full of manjar.

And seriously Barack, look out for my letter.

Adventure with Mama

So, it is always an adventure when my mama makes plans for us, because I'm never 100% sure what she trying to tell me. Today we took a micro around Valpo, and did some exploring! It ended up being one of my favorite times here. Above is San Pedro the saint that protects the fishermen!


My mama said that the danger of the fishermen's jobs leads to a lot of praying. (Hence why this is right next to the dock.)
One of the roadside memorials, and according to mama probably for someone who died in an auto accident.



This picture is for my dad. There was one man fishing without a pole- just string and a lure. She said that poles used to be very expensive, so some people still prefer the old fashioned method. (He spun the lure and tossed- sort of like a lasso.)

I always have to resist posting every picture that I take of the murals and graffiti. Sometimes the art is beautiful, sometimes puzzling, sometimes political, sometimes all of the above!
Soccer! Fútbol! Right along the ocean- how great?!



Isn't Mama the cutest?