Despedidas (12/22)

It seems that everyone wants to take Deb out for a farewell party. I think she went out for lunch or dinner every day this week. And, I was actually invited to some too. Today we had two in one day.

The first was with truck drivers Deb works with. We all went out together before and it was a lot of fun. So I knew it would be a good time. We were whisked off to a mystery restaurant called the "Viking" where the decor was very viking!!! We ate some great seafood (even Deb tried some) and took lots of pictures of each other. (They had just gotten a digital camera!)

The second party was with church friends. We went to Jessica and Roberto's house and ate (more) pan de pascua (fruitcake) and tres leches cake and drank cola de mono (Chile's version of wassail but with milk), we played dominos and cards, and joked around. We had a good time just being with friends. The festivities finally came to an end around 3:30 am.

Between all the gifts and parties, I feel like people have been incredibly kind to us. I almost feel bad because they have done so much for us all the while, and then at the end they make such a big deal out of our departure. (Maybe they are really happy we are leaving?!?) It's no wonder they say the rest of the world is cold in comparison to Chile! They sure know how to make someone feel like staying.