Already at home

My room

I'm so very grateful to be here and living with Milena couldn't be a better experience. For those of you who don't know, I met Mile while she was doing an exchange in Reno last Jan-May. We became conversation partners and developed a close friendship, so when she asked me to live with her during my visit to Chile, I was thrilled!
Back tracking-- orientation was great, although no real new information for me. I'm super excited to work with the wonderful staff here: Lucho, Brenda and Melissa. After Mile and her husband Hugo picked me up, we had a great lunch (cooked by their maid!) of rice, chicken, salad and spanish tortilla. Also, fresh strawberry smoothie. Yummmm. Took a little nap while Mile went to meet with a client. Did I mention that she is a psychologist? It must be why she is so patient. Later I met the other house guest, Estaban, Hugo's nephew. He's in high school, but taking a summer math course at the university. He's very polite and has competed nationally in English, so when I am totally stuck on a word, he can help out. We had once which is the Chileno version of dinner. It's very light- usually just bread, maybe meat and cheese, occasionally salad, fruit and tea or coffee. Hugo and Mile took me on a tour of the city by night. It is quite clean and with very little traffic in the summer. Hugo is just what I expected of a husband of Milena's-- kind, smart and very funny. His English isn't bad either. Hugo has vacation for one more week, then starts his 1st year of medical residency.
Santiago really doesn't feel much different from the U.S. which is the most surprising thing. No culture shock yet, but my brain does hurt from all of the Spanish. Another mellow day tomorrow- campus tour and such with the USAC kids again. I'm making friends with some of them, but I've already had a girl ask me if it was weird because I'm SO MUCH older than all of them. Charming. Although I take comfort knowing that there are at least 2 people older than I. Ha! Take that, Miss IJustTurnedNineteen.

Hope everyone is having a good week. Post a comment so I know you are out there and click on the "See My Photos HERE!!" link to the right.