So here it is!

Sorry, sorry a million apologies for the long wait for an update!  So here it is.  I have officially been in Chile for 2 weeks as of yesterday and it has been an amazing experience so far!  Things are crazy, chaotic and stressful sometimes but very enjoyable!
 I arrived here on Sunday September 19th after travelling for close to 24 hours.  My mom and Max dropped me off in the Airport in Seattle and my flight left at 1:30 pm.

I arrived in the airport in Santiago and immediately culture shock kicked in.  There were no familiar faces, I was incredibly jet-legged and everyone was in essence speaking gibberish.  I was able to make it through security and customs and get a taxi to the bus station in Santiago, it was VERY expensive, about 24 dollars for less than a ten minute ride.  I then bought a bus ticket to Vina, much more affordable, about 6 http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=451629391626384034dollars for an hour an a half trip.  The bus ride took us through the cordellera costa, or coast mountain range, to Vina del Mar, the city I am staying in.  My supervisor for my teaching program, Leonore met me at the bus station and took me to my host family's house.  They live in a naval base on the top of a hill.  It is very safe because you have to be a part of the military, or an invited guest to get in through the gates.  My house has the most amazing view of the ocean from our front window.  I got settled on the first day, showered (boy did I need it after 24 hours of travelling) and then we went to the beach.

yup I live here, be jealous :)

The following day we spend a lot of time exploring Vina, and yes, more beach! It is so beautiful!  Chile is just entering its springtime and it is not too warm yet.  It has been in the mid to high 60's and should start getting warmer in the next few weeks.  The water is pretty cold, too cold to go in right now. My host mom said that most people don't actually go in the water because it is cold and there are dangerous riptides in most places.  There are so many cool little mercados de artasanias or art markets here that are fun to explore!  The other day there was this man making sand sculpures on the beach, they were amazing!

 








There is also this awesome house that is build into one of the cliffs on the side of the ocean! it has a swimming pool and a light house and would be so amazing to live in, or even just tour.

Hope that's enough of an update for right now! I love and miss you all!!
Miss Ehlers