My first day of Orientation went really well. Nacha went with me to show me how to get to school. In order to get to school I: walk 2 blocks, take the 406 or 426 bus, get off at the metro station (La Esquela Militaria), take the metro into the city, get off the metro (at Los Heroes), walk another 2 blocks to my school. All in all it takes just over 40 minutes, but it goes by quickly because there are so many changes. Also, the buses and Metro pass super frequently so there isn't much waiting. Fun fact: In DC I live on the red line and in Santiago I live on the red line!
Then Orientation where our program coordinator and director welcomed us and talked of their expectations. They are Chilean and as such speak a mile a minute. Then we had a couple hours with our spanish professor learning about Chilean culture and Chileanismos (words/phrases that chileans use that are different). Our professor assigned us homework and we were on our way.
Since class ended at 1, the other 7 students and I went to lunch at a nearby sandwich shop with the program coordinator, Paola. Thing I learned at lunch today: Chileans love mayonnaise. Next time I order anything in Chile I will ask them to hold the mayo... this includes salad.
It was a beautiful day so the other students and I walked to La Moneda, the Chilean White House. Then we went to one of the oldest churches in Santiago. Finally we went and sat for a while in the Plaza de Armas. We went to watch a street performer/comedian. Because we have 4 blonds/light brunettes in our group he called the "gringas" (gringo isn't negative, it's just a fact) over and they had to do a dance with him. I get to blend in pretty well (until I talk) because Chileans have really dark, wavy hair and fair complexion. Chileans are SUPER HOMOGENEOUS so blonds stick out like sore thumbs.
The other students in my program at lunch:
La Moneda:
Outside of the old church:
Me next to a replica of the heads on Easter Island (my Chile trip is already complete):
The contrast of old and new Chile at the Plaza de Armas:
People sitting in the Plaza de Armas:
Now I'm off to do homework! :)
Bueno Bye
I always thought you had a distinctly Chilean look about you.
ReplyDeletePS... "Pregliasco" means Katherine Pregliasco. Not sure why it doesn't show my first name :-(
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting Quinn! I love being able to catch up on what you're doing ;)
ReplyDeleteI dito Katherine... who would've thought. Irish/Chilean... same thing, right? Have a great time! Miss you!
Quinn we are going to miss you at the wedding Sat!! I'm so glad you are having such a great time!! LOVE YOU!!! Anna
ReplyDeleteHey chica,
ReplyDeleteMe gusta!! And, I recognize the Plaza :)
I'm SUPER SUPER SUPER SUPER Excited for you!! You sound like you are having an amazing amazing time! And lucky you and your blending in ;) ... I was always the one that turned the group gringa...