by the sea

I am writing this while bundled up in blankets, slippers, and a cup of tea warming my hands....you can't tell by the beautiful photos I posted below...but Winter is here and is quite cold! Only in the sun do I feel a tinge of warmth, and wearing my calzas (leggings/long underwear) has become a must every day:) I have been very busy lately...Not so much with school, but with enjoying the sights and spending time with friends and family here in Chile.

Today I went to Valparaiso with my family for the Festival of San Pedro...lots of music, dancing, and celebrating along the coast. We wandered around the beach and along the pier, and then ate lunch on the shore. I really do love eating fish here...perhaps I'll be more adventurous when I get home now too....but fresh Reineta a la Plancha has become one of my favorite foods in Chile! The day was spent with my family, my cousins, and my aunt and uncle...who are in the photos below. All in all it was just a really beautiful day by the ocean! 

 Mini San Pedro statue with Emi, before they sent him out to sea!

 Emi & Ely at the festival in Valpo

 The view from the pier

 Seals out to play at the pier:)

 Tia Jessica, Tio Edwin, with Carlos, & Ely

 Mi primas (my cousins), Andrea & Dani with Emi on the pier

 Out to lunch! Fresh seafood!

The whole family:)

Friday I was lucky enough to have the day off from school, and so I went to the beach with Monica and explored a bit more around Valparaiso. I love walking around that city...its endless  and full of great views of the ocean. I also took my first ride in an ascensor which is an elevator of sorts, that brings you up to the top of the Cerros (hills) of Valpo...They are incredible steep and rickety, but it was quite fun! All in all, I hope these pictures can at least depict all the crazy colors, dilapidated apartments, and amazing character of the city by the sea....Enjoy!

City Sights

one of many steep stairwells in the city 

the city actually promotes graffiti, an amazing art is everywhere!

 typical street of Valpo

Ascensor Reina Victoria! 

 Valpo as the sun sets...

 A slide I discovered at the top of the ascensor...yahoo!

 typical valpo apartments

Other than trips to the coast, I have been savoring my last few weeks as a teacher. My students have really grown on me, and I know I will be sad to leave them...they are great kids. And I have loved being a part of their lives for sure. I also miss Nursing! I really do think I chose the right profession....I love them, but those kids are crazy! Teaching is hard work indeed!

I did go out with a few co-teachers on Wednesday, to a new bar. I know I still have an English brain, because as I pictured our destination "Cafe Yurnal" you can imagine my smile, when we arrived at "Cafe Journal"! Some days my Spanish comes quickly and easily, but other days I am exhausted by it in ways I didn't even know I could be tired! Sometimes I really look forward to a night of talking to my mom on the phone and watching some TV in English! All in all though, I continue to improve each day, and I am very proud of that! 

I have tomorrow off from school, actually - and this past Monday it rained and so school was canceled. Chileans don't go anywhere when it rains! I find it to be a lovely idea actually...! That brings the officially school countdown to 8 days!

Suffice to say, I am trying to make the most of each and every day I have here. More and more I miss my family in the U.S., and welcome the change coming ahead...Luke arrives in about one month! We have been busy planning our adventures to include Chile, Peru, Bolivia, & Argentina...and I have such gratitude that we are able to do these things with our lives. Good thoughts sent to everyone back home...missing you all dearly on this "Chile" (get it?!) Sunday night...

Til next time,

lck