Day three... more of Santiago!

Some pictures of the inside of his house..well of the garden and different parts of the house

This is an amphetheatre outside his house. But I guess it is also a waterfall because water flows through and down the rocks. 
This is Neruda's house on the outside
Below is pictures of the winery






June 20, 2009 4:53 pm

Well today has already been quite the long day. We went out last night for the first time, and it was a blast. We first went to this outdoors bar where a whole group of us sat down to eat and have a drink. I had my first empanadas (cheese empanadas) and they were amazing! Then we went to a club since some wanted to dance...and since I don't think I have much rythm this was a little no bueno for me. Anyways, the club was way rad. It had three levels, the middle level that you walk into had a bar and tabled where everyone sits. Then you go upstairs and there is more of a loungy area. And off the side of that there was an outdoors area again with tables. But if you go down to the bottom level, its like a little discoteca. The music was all techno, but I had a blast just hanging out with the group and dancing like crazy americans. :) Oh and while we were out I tried like the national drink of Chile and Peru. Its called a "pisco sour." Pisco is like whiskey...but it is like a light yellowy colored drink that is kinda sweet. I loved it. :)

So today was a little hard to get up. But anyways, so far today we went to a winery. I didn't really know but I guess Chile is a really well known place for great wine. The winery was called, "Viña Cousiño Macul." We had a little tour and a little wine tasting at like 11:00 in the morning, it was great. :) Especially since everyone knows how much I love my wine. :) In the winery, we got to see an area where the owners keep their own personal collection of super old and aged wine...and the guide had told us that that was a collection that attracts all kinds of famous people. I guess a couple of our presidents have been able to drink some of it, and a few other people that I can't remember now. (the tiredness was starting to kick in right about then).

Also, we went to go see Pablo Neruda's house in Santiago as well. He has a few other houses, one that is close to Valpo, and I think we get to go on an excusion there. Which I am super stoked about! This house though, was amazing!  Pablo Neruda (which isn't actually his real name), had this house built for his lover (Matidle) that later became his wife. Neruda has had many women in his life, but I guess Matilde was his absolute favorite. The house had three different section that were completely separate but had a beautiful garden connecting it all together. I was a little bummed that we weren't able to take pictures inside, since his house has the craziest things inside. I guess Neruda considered himself to be a collector of things, a "thinger." But I was able to get a few photos of the garden area. I think you all should google him or something, he was a fascinating man. He was a communist, politician, poet, poltical activist, many many things. I think this was by far the best thing I have seen yet. 

We also went to a cute little restaurant for lunch today. Lizette (ISA staff) said that the food here in Chile is very bland and has hardly any spice to it, which I am slowly starting to figure out. But I haven't had anything that I don't like... but Erin had the same salad as me today and wasn't that in love with it. Its weird, the food is supposed to be bland but Chile is also known for using a lot of oil, salt, and sugar in their food. Mom you would love it here ;) And it is soo true, I have had a lot of sweet things like juices and such. 

It is so great to have all of these people here with me. All of the other ISA kids are great and unique and I have enjoyed getting to know them. Erin and I are staying in the same hotel room, and then we have another girl from Florida with us. Her name is Kayla, and she is soo great. Its neat that we all get along so because we have to commone bond of being here to learn spanish, but we are still all so different and come from very different places. The more I spend with everyone, the more I feel comfortable.

We have been having little orientations each day, and I am loving getting all of this wealth of knowledge. I am starting to feel a lot more prepared so be able to live here for 6 months. Tomorrow we are going to meet out host families in the evening after the hour and a half bus ride. And I am so ready to meet them, and get to know them and just spend time with Chileans. It is kinda cute, I get to revert back to elementary school next week. Our host families have to pack us a lunch for when we are at school and then the first couple of days they are going to take us to school. It sounds ridiculous but I am soo glad they are going to help us find our way, because I highly doubt I would be able to make it on my own. And I can't wait to tell you all about them because I just have this feeling that they are going to be wonderful. And I feel even better that Lizette has been telling us that she will be checking up with us and our families to make sure that everything is working out okay and that we are feeling right at home. 

In about a half and hour we are going to have another orientation and then the rest of the night free to ourselves. I am looking forward to taking a nap, because I am sure we will be going out one last time to see Santiago. Its a little hard to adjust to the schedule here though. because people don't just wake up and then go go go until the evening and then have the time to rest for the night. Here they have little breaks during the day to rest. But I know once I get adjusted I am going to love it...well if only I could take a nap and then still go to bed. :)

Love,

Britt

P.s. Yes mum I read the note inside the necklace. I read it on the plane to Santiago. It made me get a big smile on my face and boosted me up as well. I know it will help if I need a little pick me up. 

Also, I wish you guys would just chill on skype or something. lol. Because I have had some down time here and there, but I have no way to call and see if you can skype or not. But I guess once I get situated maybe tomorrow or monday I will call and we can figure it all out. Also, just an FYI, I start classes on tuesday of next week. A little nerve racking, but excitement as well! :)