so...I think I'm going to try to fiind a better way to put up pictures...but for now I think this works. The first few pictures in the album are of of first few days in Chile, in Santiago. The second half are of Viña del Mar, where I live. Viña borders Valparaíso; it is a bit smaller and more touristy, but nonetheless beautiful. I live in that huge blue house and the pictures of the water were taken on my roof. The woman is my host mother Susana and the adorable younger one is my sister Paloma. I need to take a picture of my father, he is wonderful too. Today I finally began to explore the streets of Valpo. It is the coolest little city; my favorite part is that there are beautful murals all over the place.

host family

It amazing how three days can feel like three weeks when things are so new and confusing! I continue to feel entirely overwhelmed at every moment by new experiences and my frustration with my understanding (or lack thereof) of Spanish. Today however, I felt a huge weight lifted when I met and moved in with my host family. I seemed to have been placed in an amazingly unique and wonderful, wonderful family. I live with a host mother and father, Susana and Sergio, and their 20-year old daughter Paloma. All three were so warm and welcoming...I feel very lucky. Incredibly, I have so much in common with this family. All three have expereince in film-making, in fact Sergio makes science films for children (just like my dad). They are excited by my interest in politics and history and are willing to make sure I learn all that I can. Paloma and I hit it off immediately as well--I can tell we will be great friends. I now have a built in travel buddy! Additionally, their house is beautiful and overlooks the ocean! Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to post some pictures of Santiago and of the house and the amazing vista. Oh yeah and if anyone wants to chat via skype, my account is just like my AIM address, lindsaynik!