So this is winter in Chile

I spent my first real day here in Chile, which is amazing thus far. It is crazy that it has only been a day and a half because it definitely feels longer.

I got to my hostel, Hostal Providencia, (http://www.hostalprovidencia.com/) where I was greeted with a welcome package from TeachingChile. There was a convenient plug converter so no worries about my computer dying! Took a little nap in my 8-person shared hostel room, where I woke up with a very cold nose and chilly feet. In my room are two other TeachingChile girls, one from LA (Ronna) and one from Australia (Karen) who uses cool lingo. Man, I love accents. They are both Filipino so now I am finally a part of an asian posse. We went to a little hole in the wall place where I got salad, soda, bread, fish, rice, and dessert for like 3.500 pesos, which is roughly $7. What a steal! Had an early night since we were all tired from the day of traveling.

I woke up this morning again to the cold, followed by a hot shower. Got to say, I miss America for the nice hot, plumbing. This is something I am not going to like getting used to---standing there freezing trying to adjust the hose-like stream of water to become something warm, as well as standing in my bath water. Then it was time for breakfast in the hostel's cute and colorful dining room, which was also free. I am going to have to take advantage of the free cereal, bread, and instant coffee.

I then met with Andrea from TeachingChile for my personal 1-on-1 orientation, in the dining room (super convenient), since I am the only person that starts work and training on Monday. I got to hear all the fun terror stories of Chile, where I learned what I already knew...the thieves here are crafty and swift-so I must be craftier and extremely cautious in the streets. I already am walking with my purse over my shoulder, in front of me, with the important stuff locked up inside the bag. Andrea was extremely nice and helpful! I wish I got to meet Bruce, but he is sick. We then went to the mall so I could get photos taken. The mall was huge and very American-esque. I got to take the metro back to the hostel all by myself like a big girl and joined Ronna and Karen for lunch. I got a "burger" simple, which was just thinly sliced meat on bread. However their "fancier" burgers had so much mayo on it that... let's just say, I am glad I got the burger plain and they won't be looking at mayo for a while.

We then strolled around the town, heading to Plaza de Armas. In one block I passed by a guy dressed as Homer Simpson, and a real live llama!!! How cool is that?! Everywhere there are the Andes Mountains in the background, which have snow on the tops!!We walked through Parque Forestal, which runs through a ton of Santiago. There is a ton of PDA on the streets (and for my parents: PDA stands for Public Displays of Affection, also known as making out). It was so nice out! I was walking around in T-shirt, jeans and boots. Granted it gets cold at night, but when the sun is out, it feels like a beautiful warm autumn day!

(L-R, Ronna, me, Karen at Plaza de Armas)

Finally we did a little grocery shopping and headed back to the hostel, where I am resting on my bed and feeling like a giant since I am on the bottom bunk. I will try to take a nap and maybe watch some of the Wire. But then at 21:00 (they do army time here), there is dinner in the hostel of Chilean food, wine, and dancing. So we will check that out and possibly go out. Regina is en route and will arrive here late tonight! Can't wait!!! Sorry it was so long, but thanks for checking in!

P.S. The time here is the exact same as in Jersey and the East Coast. My bad!
P.P.S. I got my cell phone, the number is 06-650-7623, and I get all incoming calls and texts for free. So call 011-56-96-650-7623. I'll try to find out how to send a text! Or call through Skype: pick Chile for the country code then type in 96-650-7623.