First impression of Santiago

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Hello Loved Ones!
After 11 days in the hospital, my spirit is even stronger than before. I was really trying to get the attention of a cute chilean doctor, but i guess having a swollen face is not the best way to do it...But really, I received the best care and attention, (can't say the same for the food though) while I was there. There were 3 different teams of doctors working on my case. I had monogoco bacterial meningitis. It was serious, but the doctors say i am a very lucky girl. I also have the best support group here. All 15 of the students in the study abroad program visited me at least once. My host mom came almost every day, my teacher came 4 times, and Sofia, the program director came, and brought me home. I also mad friends while i was in the hospital! I got flowers, but they went to the alter of the virgin on a different floor. I got magazines, cards, bracelets, fruit, all though i couldn't eat it because at the time i was diabetic (because of the medicine). It has been one week since i've been out of the hospital, and today was my maiden voyage out of the apartment. The sun is shining and it's at least 60 degrees! I am now working on gaining weight, which is hard because my host mom feeds me only healthy food. My friends bring me chocolate and cookies though! I also need to rebuild strength in my legs because i did not leave the bed for 6 days. I still get tired easy. I missed the first 2 weeks of school, so now I will have to catch up. Hopefully some other students will help me out.
So now that i have a new outlook on life, and love life even more, I am ready to get back to exploring Santiago. There is still much to see. I have plans to go to the futbol (soccer) match between a pro Chile team and Bolivia, Colombia, y Argentina with a group f Chileans. Im going to Mendosa, Argentina in the middle of September with my host mom, and I will keep you posted on other plans as they come about.
Thank you for all of your supportive thoughts and messages while i was very ill, I can feel the love from the other side of the equator!

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Photos

Me in Teleferica
Hundreds of feet in. the air above Santiago

layer of smog
There is a constant layer of smog, except after the rain. We love it when it rains

Teleferica
Our door wouldn't close. i made my friend Rashan sit next to the door

Molly
One of my new friends, from CA

The mountains are so beautiful
When we can see them

the thing about smog is...
There are days when we can't see the mountains. Ya know they're there, you can still feel them. It can still be sunny though, but you still can't see the mountains.

On top of Cerro San Cristobol
We are at the destination of the teleferica. Vanessa, Rashan, Emily, Molly, Amelia, and our chilena guide

our hotel
we could see our hotel. Its the red building

statue of la Virgen
This huge statue is at the top of the hill. There is also a church!

The city
The buildings go on and on as far as the eye can see

little cars
every car is sooo little! I love it

dirty ass river
Somewhere in the center of Santiago

wine tasting
our first field trip was to a winery! I didn't like any of the wine, but we had a blast

Comments

[Darcy]

Beautiful
Hi Carin! I am so glad you are doing better, lots better! The pictures are beautiful, as you are. You take care of yourself and do not over do it. I was afraid I was going to have to put your mom in a package and send her to you! Hugs and kisses to you my dearest. Love, Darcy

[Madelyne]

ud. es increible!
Thank you for the update and sending the pictures. What an unbelievable experience you have had so far. And, what an awesome attitude you have after all that you have been through. I can't wait to talk to you in person. In the meantime, please keep sharing your experiences, I really enjoy them.

[Elise]

Luuuuv you!
Ay yai yai! What an adventura! Holy spicy mole! :) I am so happy to hear that you are doing ok and that you love life! :) yay, the strong keep a tickin! I love you muchisimo and am so grateful to hear bout your travels! How amazing to have so many brave friends sharin the luv all over the planet! Talk to you ll`````````(that was from my kitty), talk to you sooon!