¿Hablas Español?

Ha ha...I THOUGHT I spoke Spanish! Holy cow! They speak so fast here!



The shuttle came this morning at 8am to take us to the bus station in Santiago. Three of us were put on a bus to San Fernando, leaving at 9:15am. Now, everything in Chile may be done last minute, but buses run on time. The busses are very nice, clean, comfortable, and they play 80´s music...whenI walked on, Amadeus was playing. When was the last time you heard that song? Evidently, Chileans LOVE 80´s music. They play it everywhere!



We arrived in San Fernando at 11:30 and a man was there to pick us up, his name was Evan. I think I understood about 10 words when he was talking. Chileans speak very quickly and they use alot of words called Chilenismos (sp?). On top of that they like to drop letters off their words...so it will take some time to understand.



Evan took us to his office where he introduced us to a bunch of people, who asked us so many questions! I, again, hardly knew what they were saying. The three of us waited there until our families arrived. When they arrived, he announced we would head upstairs to meet our families. The host moms, English teachers, and principals for all three locations were lined up on one side of the table and there were three chairs for us volunteers on the otherside, a bit intimidating. Evan made some opening remarks and then we all had to introduce ourselves, starting with me! It was a little nerving.



We went down stairs, picked up our bags and hit the road. My host Mom is also the English teacher I will be working with. On the drive to Santa Cruz I was able to see some country side. There are many vineyards in and arouns Santa Cruz. Right now it is winter, so things are a bit bare, but it is still pretty.

We went out for Chinese food. Yes, Chinese. We met up with some other faculty from the school. Everyone was very nice and very happy. They said not to take them seriously, ever. I thought, easy enough, I can´t understand what you are saying anyway. :) ha ha..no, but they seem like a good group. Very hapy.

From there, we came to the house, where Ana, my host mom, gave me a tour. They have a very nice house. There is a wood burning stove for heat and Felipe has given up his space heater for me to have in my room. He is a very nice kid. I have my own room and own bathroom. There is a woman, Angelica, who is the housekeeper, and she took my dirty clothes right away for washing and also ironed my school clothes, since they have been crammed in my backpack for the last week. She is very nice. Ana finished showing me around, then she went to work. So, I took a short nap and now, as you can see, I am using the internet. She has an office here and said I am able to use the computer whenever I want, which is very nice.

Ana works alot. She has a classroom here in the house for private English lessons. She teaches English at the hotels and she teaches tourism at the technical school, which is the high school I will be working at. Here, students have the option to gain skills for their high school requirements. So, these students, from what I understand, are taking accounting, design, tourism, computers, mechanics, and other classes...practical stuff, the stuff I like. So, I feel very fortunate to be living where I am living and to have the opportunity to work in a unique school environment.

Ana told me that the students thought I would be at school today, so they were disappointed not to see me today. She said they are very excited to meet me...all of her students. I am excited to meet all of them.

Tonight, we are going out for pizza. Ana has told me she doesn´t cook. She told me this right away. But, she said to make myself at home if I want anything. I like having some independence.

I have yet to meet my host father. I had a lovely conversation with Felipe, my host bro. He likes Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns -n- Roses. He plays they bass guitar and is starting a band, but they don´t have a vocalist yet. Ha, maybe I could be their lead singer! (completely joking). He is also a gymnaist. He likes to shoot pool. I better watch out though, because he puts money on the table. :) He seems cool.

So, that is the update for now....I am sure there will be more later as I explore the city, meet students, and get to know my host family. So far so good!

Ciao!

jami