I'm not Home-schooled. You Can Tell by the Way I Haven't Posted in a Week.

School has officially begun! And once it did, my life became much busier here and I quickly remembered why I was hesitant to start a blog - it's a time commitment! But I think Chile - and maybe classes - may need to take precedence! Tuesday last week was my first day and I had classes through Thursday. Those first few days were somewhat of a roller coaster! Only my written Spanish professor speaks English, but he's still only supposed to talk in Spanish while teaching. My literature professor is absolutely wonderful! She has been very patient and willing to speak much slower to make sure we all understand what she's saying in class. And she's really just a fun lady anyways, so I believe that's going to be my favorite class =)

The entrance to La Universidad de Tarapacá, 

Then there's my culture class... this professor doesn't speak English and hardly even tries to speak slower! The people of Chile are known for being the fastest Spanish speakers, so it's good practice! If I can understand her, I should be able to understand anyone! But I still don't quite catch everything, so it's been a little tough. The content of the class is quite wonderful! Both Sundays since being here, we've taken mini excursions to some different locations important to the culture of Chile and I have really enjoyed these! Yesterday, we went to a museum where we saw the most ancient mummies! Quite interesting, to be sure. After that, we visited a plantation where there are grown all kinds of fabulous fruits and a whole ton of olives!  Guayabas (Guavas) are very popular here, and the people say that once someone tastes it, they will never leave! So I guess we´ll have to see if I make it to the return flight in July ;) The land was absolutely beautiful and the gentleman who showed us around was incredibly friendly. In Arica, there aren't often tourists, so seeing a white person is a pretty big deal! And because of that, the Aricans really want to make a good impression, so many of them are incredibly willing to go out of their way for us which is very sweet!

A guayaba (guava) at the plantation

We also got to sit on top of a look out and see some of the ancient hieroglyphics of the indigenous people. As I've been learning some of their history and hearing stories, it's been surprising how similar the groups were treated to that of Native Americans. There is definitely a greater preservation of heritage in South America, but there's also been a significant amount of oppression that I never realized. I'm enjoying learning more about the indigenous people and the history that has played such a significant role in developing this community!

The geoglifs (hieroglyphics)  in the side of the mountain

I was also keeping busy during the first week of classes because for some reason, my little brother was no longer able to play his video games. Sad for him, but pretty exciting for me! I took advantage of his boredom and we played some table games, and I also taught him how to play speed! He absolutely loves that one =) The day after, even though his video games were working again, he wanted to play Speed! It was some great bonding time =) Over the days, he also acquainted me with his games a bit, so I've now played SCP because it's too scary for him to play by himself! Oh the things I'm learning in this country =)

Ian and me playing an intense game of Jenga while Mom is taking pictures

On Friday, neither of us had school because July 7th is kinda like the Independence day of Arica! Back in the late 1800s, there was a significant and bloody battle between Peru and Chile for the ownership of Arica. The holiday isn't really celebrated anywhere else, but it was a huge deal here! We had fireworks at midnight on the 7th, a full weekend of carnival and fair-type activities, and there was also a Quecha dance competition during the week leading up to it! It was perfect that we were able to be here to experience the holiday! That day, my grandparents here (Marcela's parents) took us out to eat at a little house restaurant near where they live in Arica. It was a great time and a wonderfully relaxing day after the festivities of the night before =)

Me with Ian and the grandparents at the restaurant

Three generations (Clara, Marcela, Francisco and Ian)

So this week will be my first full week of school! Hopefully... there's an interesting thing that happens here from time to time. Many students at the university feel that it is unjust that they must pay so much money for a college education, so the take over certain building in the school as a form of protest! As of Saturday, the building at the entrance to the school is "en toma." For those who have classes that meet in the building, classes are canceled until it is no longer en toma. I have classes that meet here, but since we're a special group, we also have what is called the "American Corner." It's a room in the library for students studying English, and also American students. So we will continue to have classes there until the other building is no longer occupied! That's the plan as of right now, at least!

Sign on the door entrance to the University - I should have read what it said because now it's a bit difficult to make out!

It's hard to completely summarize this last week (I realize I need to make a stronger effort of posting more regularly!), so I'm going to finish up with just a few brief things!

Things that have intrigued me:

     * In Chile, lighter skin is considered more beautiful, in contrast to our American ideas of using means to attain a darker complexion!

     * So many people keep telling me to put a coat on because they're considered I'm going to get sick! In 65 degree weather. That's nearly freezing here!

     * Although I'd only seen it in old movies, at the stores here, there are baggers and it is expected to leave a tip. We probably shouldn't tell the kids working at Fareway!

Things that just make me happy inside:

     * I love a clean house. And because we live in a desert, my mom cleans the house nearly every day! I've been learning how to help, but this is seriously great!

     * I'm loving the food! Nothing so far has been too strange and I'm gaining an even greater appreciation for the food my dad cooked while I was growing up.

     * I love all the hugs and kisses around here when you meet up with people! This is such an affectionate culture and I am a fan =)

     * Seriously, I still feel like I have some Latin American blood in me hiding out somewhere! In some ways, I fit in better with this culture than I do my own! One more silly thing that just got me all excited: wedding rings. I've long had trouble imagining wearing a ring with any gem atop. It's just not appealing to me! So I've also thought it would be great if it were more socially acceptable for women to simply wear wedding bands, similar to the way men do. Designs are great, but that silly thing poking out just isn't necessary! It's seems like such a hassle, and a very expensive one at that! But here, although there are women who have gems on their wedding bands, many of them do not; they wear a simple band! I like the way these Chileans think =) I still need to ask about it to make sure I'm understanding this right, but even the sight has been encouraging!

Things I'm learning:

     * Where north and south are! I can't believe I was struggling with this for so long; I'm in Chile! There is an ocean on one side and a mountain on the other! But I couldn't figure out where North was?? Not to worry, I haven't had a problem since I realized my folly.

     * The people here are very artistic and expressive of their emotions. As I've been learning more about the goodness in emotions over the last couple years, this has been great for me to be immersed in a culture where I'm encouraged to better understand what I'm feeling and how to express that. But I still have a long way to go!

¡Gracias a Dios por todo que estoy aprendiendo!