Two in one day...oh dios mío!

July 1, 2009 11:00pm

Amazing sunset!

Garden at Neruda's house in Valpo

There was a teeter totter! Or is that a seesaw? I can't remember!

This woman was hanging from the side of the building right next to neruda's house. She was practicing some like cirque du soleil type stuff..it was crazy and interesting to watch.

Getting my photo taken when I really didn't want it lol

These are what the acensores look like. They are like outside elevators that take you up the cerros (hills) in valpo. So fun!

Little outdoor market (una fería) and lookout onto the ocean and the naval base below.

These are pictures of the naval base/area and the city and beautiful ocean!

Just a neat piece of artwork on the side of a building...I wish I could always carry a camera so you could see all this amazing art. Its everywhere!

Yesterday was such a fun day. After we had classes, Erin and I came home from school and had a wonderful lunch (almerzo) with the family. Then we went with our cousin, Javiera o we call her Javi to the mall in Viña. I have been dying to buy a pair of boots (botas), because they are so popular here and I see cite ones everywhere! I didn't end up buying any, since I didn't find a pair I was in love with. But I still gave myself a pat on the back because I found Erin SUPER cute botas. :) It was so nice just hanging out with Javi though...she is definitely like a sister to me. We went to leave the mall though and go grab a colectivo, but it was a terrential downpour outside and we were saved by a call from Marcello, who met us at the mall for coffee/tea and a snack. We are planning on going to go to downtown Viña on friday though to look for a pair of boots for me though..I know my pair are out there somewhere! :) I also need to buy a new straightener...mine must have shorted out or something, but my lovely straightener won't work anymore, and my hair is a wavy mess! So I'm sure you all know it is driving me crazy! I need to buy a hat...so I can have those hat days. Right linds? ;)

Funny story (well funny to me): Erin and I were walking to school/ metro stop yesterday and of course I always say hello to all the dogs on the street, but yesterday I got one to follow us. They say its good if a street dog follows you, especially at night because they will protect you from bad guys. But anyways, this dog was adorable and just following us down every street and creating a ruckus with all the other dogs that are behind gates. But some other street dogs (kiltros) crossed the street and were barking, and I thought nothing of it knowing that they were just barking at our new best furry friend. But then I turned around and Erin was terrified that these dogs were coming for her and were going to bite her. I tried so hard not to laugh, I guess I need to teach her the ways of the animal world. haha

Another funny story: We were in class today, and we were talking about a movie we saw yesterday (tues) in class. And we were going around the table telling what we liked or what we obseved about chilean culture. And when it came to be erin's turn. erin said, "me gusta la mujer in the pelicula." this means "i like the woman in the movie" Our prof then asked erin in a questioning manner if she liked girls? Erin did not understand. But i guess when you say that phrase in spanish it means you like girls in like a sexual way. She was all our little guinea pig, because none of us had known that. But it was just so funny to watch erin have no idea, and then when the whole class caught onto to that connotation. So for those of you who know spanish, never say! haha

Today, we had another university tour around Valpo. We went to another one of Pablo Neruda's houses, and then on a little walk around valpo. We also went on another one of the ascensuras..they are so fun to ride! I also learned today, that even though Pilly is an amazing cook, she does not know how to pack a lunch. On my sandwhich today, she gave me bread and just lettuce inside. No condiments, no cheese, tomato, or any other vegetable you can conjure up. Just lettuce and bread. It was pretty interesting. Oh and I got a juice box and an apple. The fruit here so good though, tastes way more fresh than back home in the states. No idea why. Erin had the same problem, all she got was bread and salami. I think we might have to have another talk... or always go home for lunch. haha

Well its already midnight here...gosh the days go fast. I have no idea how the time flies! But I will update again soon!

Buenas noches y duerme bien mi familia y amigos! (goodnight and sleep well my family and friends)

Britt