Catching Up (2/15-17)

So, after some time in PA with family and an 11 hour flight to Chile, I am in Santiago acclimating to my new surroundings. I arrived in the morning (2/15) and spent most of the day in my hotel room getting settled and trying to take a nap. But I was too excited and spent the day e-mailing friends and family to let them know I arrived safely.


The second day (2/16) I was ready to explore. I took the local subway, but I didn't go far. I just wanted to see how it worked. From the subway stop, I walked to the hotel. I bought an alarm clock, some bottled water, post cards, and some lunch. It was fun to explore and use (maybe butcher) Spanish with people who clearly recognized that I am a foriegner. There are many patient people here! :o) I ate a very late supper with Patricio (Deb's new boss who has been helping with all our arrangements) and his family. Patricio and Maqui have twin daughters that will be in 1st grade at Lincoln. Because Lincoln is an English immersion school, they are already learning to speak English. They were a little shy, but I can they understood a lot of the English their father and I spoke.


On my third day (2/17) I did some sight-seeing. I rode the subway downtown and explore the Palacio de la Moneda (Chile's Whitehouse), the National Historical Museum, the Plaza de Armas (a central park), the Cathedral of Santiago, and ate congrio (That would be eel!!!) in the Central Market. I was proud of my accomplishments. I went out in the evening with Lorena, another of Deb's co-workers. We had dinner, talked, and had an great time. Lorena will be a good friend, I can tell.