Now that our intensive Spanish course has officially begun, I have actually had something semi-productive to do for the last two days. The only bummer is that the class is at a slightly inconvenient time--11-1:45. Other than class I have been exploring other parts of Las Condes and I also found out that Ellie Thomas, another chica studying here from the UW lives just around the corner (and to the right, and to the left, and to the left.. that's how directions work here) from me so we have been doing a little exploring as well! The other day we discovered a gym offering a women's kickboxing class and if we want to test it out for free we are able! Maybe we will just explore and find other gyms and "test out" their one-time, free-trial classes? Or I suppose we could just hit the pavement and run.
I have done a few things by myself which have been small victories in my book, seeing as to get anywhere in this city you need to take public transportation which can be a little confusing sometimes. A few of these "victories" include: going to the post office, going to the mall and recovering my lost Valdivia photos, making the 45-minute commute to the San Joaquin campus, going for a run and not getting lost and buying bread at the grocery store. These things may not sound exciting but this is a fairly large city with a lot of people--ergo, small victories create large amounts of joy.
Another victory was getting asked on my first date today! And no, he is not my age, and no, I did not meet him in the discotheque. After a successful trip to the correo (post office), I got off the bus at my normal stop and then decided to take a little walk around and enjoy the beautiful evening. I passed by a nice old man watering his grass (which is very common here; and not only to water the grass but also the driveway and sidewalk..I am a little unsure about this) and gave him my "Kelsey Marie smile" and he asked me if I was in a hurry. Unfortunately I had no idea what he asked me so I just kind of smiled and shook my head. He then preceded to tell me about his grass, ask me about myself (where I'm from, the whole jazz), and before I knew it he was introducing me to his son, who I would guess is close to 40 years old. Apparently he had lived in Connecticut for a period of time and speaks English very well. We chatted for a bit, he gave me his email, and as the three of us were talking Sergio invited me to come have lunch with them! I am welcome any Saturday or Sunday at 12:00 sharp. He inquired about my Chilean family and because I have yet to have a "Chilean papa" he told me he would fill that role and I am welcome in their house anytime. He seemed to be very genuine and in need of a friend. So I suppose when I feel like I want a huge Chilean meal (for free), I can just wonder my way over to 1341 IV Centenario for a visit! He seemed to be very fond of my blond hair, as he told me that the gringa (term for a white person) is so pretty and kept touching my hair. It was quite comical. Maybe I can set him up with Mama Maria? She already asked what he was like! Things are in the works..
Tomorrow Lent begins! I'm excited. Unfortunately I have been unable to find more than one church in the area but if I keep asking Mama Maria she'll keep dishing out the information.
That's all for now, off to finish my homework!
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