My trip here was long but without any problems. I met two women (Heather and Jessica) on the airplane here that were also from Madison so I already have two friends.
My Chilean family is currently on vacation they will be returning on February 19th, so I am currently living with my host mother´s aunt and uncle. They are both great! Manual speaks perfect English, because he spent a large part of his life working in a very large hotel in Santiago. He has helped Heather and me out a ton already. Gladys knows a little English but does not speak it with me. I have been spending most of my day talking with her. She is very patient and is teaching me a lot. The first day we did not understand each other at all, but my Spanish is improving every day. Well at least she understands me most of the time now! I start a two week intensive Spanish course on February 19th and my regular classes start March 5th.
My new house is great. Every room has large double windows that a fresh breeze is usually blowing through. My room is large and very cute, and I can even see a little bit of the mountains if I lean out my window. When I go for a walk to the grocery store I get a great view of the mountains (they are supposed to be even more beautiful when they have snow on them.) I live in a neighborhood about 20 minutes from downtown, so I have not noticed any problems with pollution around my house. However, I have been downtown where you can taste the smog at times, but even that it is not as bad as I though it would be.
So far my major excursions have been walks around my neighborhood (Nunoa), downtown, and Heathers neighborhood (Providencia.) I have been very good so far my only purchases have been an ice cream cone, shampoo, and a very cute pair of sandals.
Take care everyone and do not worry about me I am having a great time so far!
