We went on a fieldtrip for class on Friday to la Vega. It is a really cool market. Check out the pictures and video (if it works). We are pretty much celebrities here in Santiago! The Chilean men LOVE the gringas. In South American culture men whistle at girls and say things to them...its normal I guess. I was very cautious and I hung out at the back of our group and watched over the 17 girls...my teacher Claudia called me "guarda espalda" (body guard). La Vega is full of theft and deception. I watched people steal fruits and distract shop keepers...wild stuff.
We left promptly on Friday for the beach after the field trip and lunch by my house in Plaza Brasil. We met Christian and we crammed in his Mazda. The ride was fun and time flew (even though we got lost for a little). The beach was beautiful. I wish I had more pictures. We went out to a club on Friday night...walked right up to the front of the line, and got in for free. It was me, the four Loyola girls (Cynthia, Dana, Tara, Kristin) and our three Chilean friends Esteban, Christian, and Mark. We had a good time.
The cultural differences are really interesting at times. Chilean girls are very conservative...when they dance there is always a foot between the partners and very little (if any) contact. American girls dance much differently (now I know why they let them in for free!) It is really cool to note the differences between the cultures...I'll try and bring them up when I think of them.
We were out until about 5am Friday night so Saturday was a lazy beach day. We drove down to the beach...laid out on the sand...played some games and laughed a lot. I really like everyone I hang out with down here we are becoming good friends.
We got some McDonald's and ice cream for lunch and went back to Esteban's beach house. Because the election was Sunday...nothing was open Saturday night. Every literate Chilean citizen is legally obligated to vote...and it is actually illegal to go out the night before. We hung out in the condo, played some games, and watched some football.
I got up early on Sunday because I planned to go home so I could meet my extended Chilean family with Judith and Francisco. Cynthia decided to take a bus back to Santiago with me. Esteban and Christian dropped us off...but we had to wait an hour for the next bus. I had a nice ride with Cynthia she is real cool. I got back to my house in Santiago but I was too late Judith and Francisco left for their family reunion. Mama Judith assured me I will have many chances to meet the family.
Cynthia and I wanted Chinese food real bad Sunday night so she came over but because of the election and being Sunday night...the places closed at midnight and she came over a little too late. Luckily, she brought empanadas...mama judith made them for us and we did our homework and hung out for a while...pretty chilaxed.
She caught a cab home and I called it a night...fun weekend enjoy the pics!
cuidate
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