Blogs from Valparaíso, Valparaíso Region, Chile, South America - page 12

Okay...okay, certain people have brought to my attention that I haven't talked much about my classes here in Chile. And as I review the blogs that I've written it does appear that I am "partying abroad" instead of studying abroad. So, to prove that I'm doing other things besides clubbing, I'll let you in on my school daze in Chile. I could say "school days" in place of daze, but to do so would be remiss when I've definitely spent ample time in a heavy, impermeable fog during my classes with Chilenos (Chileans). I attend la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. I'm taking Español escrito, comunicación y cultura chilena, gramatica, and un taller de la creación poetica. In English that's written Spanish, communication and Chilean culture, grammar, and a poetry creation workshop. I was taking an ... read more

These are two phrases that technically exist in English. Those along with, "I told you so", and "Your face looks like sewer". But if one appreciates having friends, it is advised NOT to say them. Apparently not here. Chileans are terribly blunt and I've had my definite share of *gasp* "Did he/she actually just say that?!" moments. My host brother got mugged last night. The family and I were eating once when he entered the kitchen obviously downtrodden. He then proceeded to tell us that after he gave a tour, some boys stole his backpack which contained some blockbuster movies Pablo (a family friend) had rented, cash, and a VERY expensive medication that he must take every day. I sat there with my mouth open and took in the irony of the situation. Cassandra and I ... read more

¿Que?....Exactly. That has been my favorite word these past two days. I don't know what my deal is but it feels like my Spanish has gone out the window. I've noticed that my Spanish abilities literally differ from day to day. Other ISA students say the exact same thing. Maybe it's just part of the process? I don't know but after 2 months of being here, this is pretty scary. Many people assume that after being here for a little over 4 months we'll all be fluent. There's a lot of pressure because no one wants to be the horror story--the person who comes here and leaves speaking the same way. No one wants to be "the failure". THE HORROR!!! And right now I'm wondering if that might be me... I just don't understand. One day ... read more

It's 5:30 A.M. and I just got back home from going out. It never ceases to amaze me, the type of night life here. It is truly like none other. When we left at around 5, there were people cooking burgers on the grill in the middle of the plaza, selling sandwiches, and just having a good time. It made me think "Wow...does no one know it's 5 in the morning?!". I love it. :-) I went out with Bri, Claire, and some really cool Chileans from Claire's Intercambio de Idiomas (language exchange) group. They were super warm people. Like always, we had to meet up somewhere first to wait until the discotecas came alive so we decided to go to Matiz which is a very popular bar for the younger crowd in Valpo. Matiz is ... read more

The bus from Santiago only took 2 hours to arrive to the city of Valparaíso. Along the way, we passed a number of coastal wineries, reminding me of some of the CA southern coast wineries near Santa Barbara. Valparaíso was a sight to see. A city built on hills, destroyed and rebuilt after earthquakes and tsunamis. Similar to Pucon, we passed tsunami escape route signs. Chile, land of natural disasters! We took a short local bus ride then walked up a steep hill to our hostel. A beautiful remodeled Victorian house, our private room had 15 foot vaulted ceilings, crown moulding throughout, and lots of natural light. Once we put our stuff down, the receptionist (who reminded me a lot of my Spanish friend Pascual, with his laid back attitude, goofy demeanor, and love of climbing), ... read more