Day 3 – Monday July 28th
Buenos dias!
My plane landed Saturday morning in Santiago. I had no idea, but a few volunteers were on the plane with me. Dan actually sat right behind me on the plane. He could identify me by my ponytail, which apparently fell between the seat and window as I slept! Three of us – Kristin, Dan, and I – met on the shuttle to the hostel. I lucked out because Dan just graduated in May with a degree in Spanish. He acted as a great translator for Kristin and me.
When we arrived to the hostel, we waited to check in then started to explore the city. In the Plaza de Armas, we sampled our first “completo” – a hot dog with the works. The Plaza also contained the church of Santiago (a gorgeous European-style cathedral), the National History Museum, and many street vendors. We toured a few grocery stores and practiced our Spanish. I was able to buy a “chip” or SIM card. My cell phone number is +569 0-79499564. Brandon figured how to call internationally and rang me this morning! It was great to receive a phone call and hear his voice! I can forward anyone the instructions. Any incoming calls are free for me. Otherwise, I’ve been trying to master skype. My brother bought me an unlimited plan, so I can call any land line when I have an internet connection. I also have a 610 number if anyone would like to call me when I’m online or leave me a voicemail. I’m writing this offline, so I will have to add it to this posting when I get an internet signal.
Sunday, Kristin, Monica (a girl who will also be in Calama), and I explored more of the city. We stumbled across a hill and castle in the middle of the city. It was strange that such a structure exists among more modern buildings. The views of the city and mountains were beautiful from the castle’s many look-out points. Unfortunately, with our exploration, we missed lunch. We returned to the hostel to have our first meeting and to start the Visa process. This lasted about 4 hours. After the first hour, we were starved and ordered Dominos. We ate in the dining room and watched the Hills (I had to stop and remember that I was not in Ardmore!). An hour or two later, I still didn’t feel myself. While walking to get a picture for my Visa, I started to crash. I asked to go first and waited for someone with whom to walk back. Half way back, I got sick in the middle of the street. Very embarrassing. I spent the rest of the night sick, which brings me up to Monday morning (today).
Weakling me stayed back from the first part of orientation this morning to sleep a bit. I have my suspicions about the tetanus shot I received last Thursday. Equipped with stale bread, Gatorade naranja, and bananas – I sit in the computer room ready to start a speedy recovery! Blaring from the radio is all American music (an R&B song – you cut me open – I know the song, just not the name). The new Coldplay album is 4th on the charts here this week.
Buenos dias!
My plane landed Saturday morning in Santiago. I had no idea, but a few volunteers were on the plane with me. Dan actually sat right behind me on the plane. He could identify me by my ponytail, which apparently fell between the seat and window as I slept! Three of us – Kristin, Dan, and I – met on the shuttle to the hostel. I lucked out because Dan just graduated in May with a degree in Spanish. He acted as a great translator for Kristin and me.
When we arrived to the hostel, we waited to check in then started to explore the city. In the Plaza de Armas, we sampled our first “completo” – a hot dog with the works. The Plaza also contained the church of Santiago (a gorgeous European-style cathedral), the National History Museum, and many street vendors. We toured a few grocery stores and practiced our Spanish. I was able to buy a “chip” or SIM card. My cell phone number is +569 0-79499564. Brandon figured how to call internationally and rang me this morning! It was great to receive a phone call and hear his voice! I can forward anyone the instructions. Any incoming calls are free for me. Otherwise, I’ve been trying to master skype. My brother bought me an unlimited plan, so I can call any land line when I have an internet connection. I also have a 610 number if anyone would like to call me when I’m online or leave me a voicemail. I’m writing this offline, so I will have to add it to this posting when I get an internet signal.
Sunday, Kristin, Monica (a girl who will also be in Calama), and I explored more of the city. We stumbled across a hill and castle in the middle of the city. It was strange that such a structure exists among more modern buildings. The views of the city and mountains were beautiful from the castle’s many look-out points. Unfortunately, with our exploration, we missed lunch. We returned to the hostel to have our first meeting and to start the Visa process. This lasted about 4 hours. After the first hour, we were starved and ordered Dominos. We ate in the dining room and watched the Hills (I had to stop and remember that I was not in Ardmore!). An hour or two later, I still didn’t feel myself. While walking to get a picture for my Visa, I started to crash. I asked to go first and waited for someone with whom to walk back. Half way back, I got sick in the middle of the street. Very embarrassing. I spent the rest of the night sick, which brings me up to Monday morning (today).
Weakling me stayed back from the first part of orientation this morning to sleep a bit. I have my suspicions about the tetanus shot I received last Thursday. Equipped with stale bread, Gatorade naranja, and bananas – I sit in the computer room ready to start a speedy recovery! Blaring from the radio is all American music (an R&B song – you cut me open – I know the song, just not the name). The new Coldplay album is 4th on the charts here this week.
1 comment:
Feel better! But it sounds awesome. I totally want to come visit and I am quite jealous :-)
Keep updating, even when you get busy! I'm interested to learn more about Chile.
- Lisa
PS I think I'm going to take a Spanish class this fall- maybe you can help me once you become fluent! ha
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