Chile or Chilly?

Surprise! I'm in South America! I've been here for about 3 weeks now (about 16 more to go). Before I left, a very comical situation kept repeating itself. I would tell people I was leaving soon to study abroad in Chile (pronounced "chee-le" the last "e" said as it is in the word "let") and I would get very confused looks. And then I would pronouce it "chi-lee" like as in cold weather "chilly" and everyone would understand. Well thats basically what my experience has been so far in a nutshell. I wish I had prepared myself for not just being a little cold but very cold and constantly.

I'm staying near the middle of Chile, on the coast, west of Santiago, in a town called Viña del Mar. The house is up one of the cerros (a very large hill) that I climb down and up every day going to and from the "micro" the term coined for the bus that is my primary form of transportation. Viña del Mar is a short ride away from my school centered in Valparaiso, right along the beach. At peak times, there is hardly any room to get onto the micro, while at other times, I might have the bus all to myself.

The first week I spent here in Chile was the Orientation week. I learned how to use the public transportation, they gave us advice on safety in Valparaiso (which would soon come in handy) and advice on how to get the most out of our homestays, not to mention, a test that would determine our "level" of spanish. We had a few days off, which were spent trying to make friends, catch up on sleep, and explore.

The second week was the start of classes, where I now have 6 classes taught entirely in spanish. I am very much looking forward to it. I have not quite adjusted to the food schedule, where the only meal they really eat is lunch, or the nightlife which starts around midnight ending at 5 in the morning.

Below is a glimpse into my time here so far

The first week is always key to making friends, so the first week, I did my best to put aside my timid nature to make friends. While I wasn't that successful at not being reserved or shy, some great people just started inviting me to hang out with them, which was pretty great.

Some of our adventures the first week (or so) was exploring las dunas de Concon (sand dunes), checking out a food and artisan fair, and for the first time ever . . . surfing. I can't forget to mention the many many many empanadas I've had since coming (my favorites so far are shrimp and cheese empanadas and seafood empanadas (no cheese) ), or the many many many beautiful sunsets I have gotten to enjoy.

Aside from this, I've adventured with my host family, to a family's farm in the vineyards of Casablanca (where I soon plan to do a wine tour), lots of walks along the beach, the Ritoque dunes, and a "flaite" (which is almost like a gangster but very specific to Chile) themed birthday party.

This man is the definition of flaite

That would be all for now!

Thanks for reading <3