Yes, that's right, two days ago I began my LAST semester of college. Whoa. That's crazy, right? Me da mucho miedo. Pues, bueno. This semester is going to be amazing. I already love my classes, especially my dance class, where tonight we learned how to merengue. :) Although next week, I am finding a "hombre chileno" (Chilean boy) to take with me because there is a shortage of boys... Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do... Anyways, let's get back on subject - school. La Universidad Andrés Bello is a private university located in Santiago Central in an area where there are many other universidades. Also, it is located right in the middle of all the action with the protests etc. So if any more things go down, I'll have a front row seat!! (Haha, actually our program prefers that we stay as far away as possible for our safety and security.) Anywhoo, the university is also located just a few blocks from El Palacio de la Moneda, which is where the President of Chile works, but only works because he lives at his normal home in La Providencia. An interesting note about La Moneda is that, unlike the White House, you can get right up next to it and touch it! Cars drive 10 feet from it's backdoor... I mean, that would NEVER fly in los Estados Unidos. Kinda crazy, right? Today, during my break, I walked up to the Universidad de Chile, which is the "headquarters" for all the protests and mobilization etc. I'll post pictures later but you'll be able to see what I'm talking about because there are signs and banners all over the front. It's pretty insane/cool.
Interesting note on food. So Chileans like to put mayo on EVERYTHING. Although about 64 people have gotten sick and one man actually died from salmonella poisoning from mayo, so my Mamá told me never to eat the mayo en las calles. Pues, one of the Chileans' favorite (or most common) foods is called a "completo," which is pretty much a hotdog with diced tomatoes, guacamole, and mayo on it. (Although there are many different types and varieties, this is the most common - completo italiano.) So the other day I tried one and I have to say I probably won't get it again. However, tonight at dinner, my host family told me I went to the worst place to get my "completo" and that they will make me a REAL completo. Sooo I guess I'll have to get it another shot. (I'll post pictures later.) Speaking of homemade cooking, my host mom made empanadas the other night, which are like hot pockets with minced meet, onion, olives, and eggs in them... although they, also, vary. DELICIOSO!!!! Mi Mamá also told me that one of the best places to buy empanadas is located very close to our house... So I might be a regular customer, which probably won't be too good for my waist-line... But who am I kidding, you only live in Chile once? (Or do you? Haha) Speaking of waist-lines, I did go for an amazing run the other evening. I had this amazing view of the Andes at sunset to look at while jamming out to some Rihanna, Gaga, and other English-speaking friends. Could life get any better? Perhaps not, although I do miss my family and friends, but I am surrounded by good company here in Chile. I am so blessed to have the host family that I do as well as some Chilean friends already. God is good and obviously wanted me in Chile for a reason I have yet to figure out. (More on that later, I'm sure.)
Another interesting note... tonight while walking home from the bus stop with mi Papá, we got to talking about the dictatorship and government etc. He said many people today would still prefer to have a military government over the "democracy" they have now. I asked him what he wanted. The obvious answer would have been "La democracia, por supuesto!!" ((Us, in the U.S., think everyone wants democracy, eh?)) However, his answer was "better." He said (pretty much) that all he wants is to have a good job that pays and a house where he can relax, enjoy himself, and spend time with family, whether or not the government is a dictatorship or a democracy doesn't really matter as long as his life is como así, like this. I think a lot of people think like this, around the world. They are removed from government as long as they can just live their life en paz.
¿Qué más? I really cannot think of anything too noteworthy for you all at this moment. However, tomorrow I think I might add some more pictures because tomorrow afternoon I am going to go exploring a bit with my friend Amanda. So stay tuned...
Saludos cariñosos,
Sarah
Cerro Santa Lucía
(Santa Lucía Hill)
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