Back from the South/Starting Classes!!!

I spent last Wednesday to Sunday in Southern Chile in what is called the Lake District. It is definitely a really awesome part of the country. It is where Chile begins to break up and lakes dot the entire country until you get down to Patagonia and the ocean breaks through. I went with five other students from the program and we had an awesome time. We began our trip in Valdivia, which is recognized for the considerable German influence in the city (as in many places throughout the south). My closest encounter to the German influence came by way of the kuchen, which is german cake with various types of filling (usually fruit) which is absolutely delicious. From there we visited the coast in a town called Niebla, which has black sand, my guess is that it is of volcanic origin. Regardless it makes for an interesting beach, much more similar to those you would find in Northern California, while the beaches in the north are more similar to those found in Southern California, most geographic features are just reversed. We then went down to a town called Entre Lagos which is right by a national park called Pueyhue and hiked 22 km (11 in each direction) to what we were told was a lake, but was more of a pond than anything else. The scenery was still worth the trip. From there we went to Puerto Varas (another german town) and went to Parque Nacional Pérez Rosales and kayaked in Lago Todos los Santos, which has an amazing emerald color and sits at the foot of a huge volcano (Volcán Osorno). After that we finally had to return to Santiago because this week was full of orientations are the two different universities we are attending and classes begun at one of the universities. The two are Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC or La Católica for short) and Universidad de Chile (La Chile for sort). They have distinct characters. One has the wealthier student body, greater resources and a relatively uncontroversial existence (La Católica), while La Chile is known for its independent spirit, diverse student body, controversial past (opposition to Pinochet, common student protests). It is very much a Stanford/Berkeley type of dynamic. I am going to take classes at both so I can see how the dynamic manifests itself in the social sciences and literature which is where my classes will be focused. My specific schedule is still in the works, but I will post it when it becomes available. I hope all is well in the States. I am doing great and enjoying Chile and getting used to taking advantage of the public transportation system on a daily basis :) . I am going to cut my post there because I have lots to do (including figuring out my schedule and going to a welcome party for international students at la Católica) but more to come soon!