SORRY ABOUT THE MONTH LONG ABSENCE!!!

First of all, sorry about my one month long absence from my blog. The problem with this whole study abroad thing is that you get so busy with class, traveling, soccer that your blog takes a back seat. But then I spoke with my mother today and since she is using my blog to show her students pictures of my trip because the school district has blocked my photo site from the district network I guess I have to get back on track with my blog. So much has happened since I last updated I don't really know where to start. First of all, I FINALLY started classes. I finished at Pomona in mid December and then didn't start here in Chile until almost a couple weeks into March. I have four classes, two at la Universidad de Chile and two at la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. At la Chile I have one class called "Análisis de discurso y manejo de crisis" (a Political Science class focusing on Political Discourse with a focus on Chilean topics), and another called "Chile, L@s Chilen@as, y su cultura" which is a class that covers various topics regarding Chilean culture and includes going to museums and various places throughout Santiago. At La Católica I have two classes one called Desarrollo Político de Chile (Political Development of Chile), which is class on the political history of Chile since Independence. Also, Poesía Chilena de fin de siglo XX (Chilean Poetry from the end of the 20th century), which I like a lot because you don't just study Mistral and Neruda but actually get a better overview of Chilean poetry as a whole. All of my classes are going pretty well and I have no complaints. So that I can finish this post and still have time to study, I will leave the subject of classes at that. But if you want to know more just let me know.

Also, a very integral part of Chilean life is fútbol, or soccer as you folks call it back in the States. I have been two three games so far and have had such a great time. The passion is contagious. I went to one game between one of the best teams in Argentina vs. the most popular team in Chile (Boca Juniors vs. Colo-Colo) and the Chilean team upset the Argentinians 2-0 which resulted in massive celebrations throughout the city. Also, last night I went to the game between Universidad de Chile vs. Colo-Colo, which is the biggest rivalry in Chile. Colo-Colo was definitely favored but Universidad de Chile pulled the upset 1-0 and it was quite amazing the spirit they have for their teams. I was especially happy because Universidad de Chile is the preferred team of my family, and so I don't get thrown out of the house it is mine as well. There are fireworks, chanting for the entire game, especially since we sat in the gallery section that is notorious for their spirit.

I also took a week long trip to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, which is one of the most recognized tourist destinations in Chile. It is located in Patagonia at the very southern end of the country. I went with three other students from my study abroad program and we took our backpacks, a couple tents, sleeping bags, and food and trekked around the park for 6 days/5 nights. It was my first backpacking experience, which was challenging to say the least but the geography is incredible. The first night we camped with a view of a glacier...the first time I had ever seen a glacier up close and in person. It truly was an amazing trip and a unique experience for me. We also saw flamingos, which was interesting because I did not expect to see flamingos in Patagonia. I also got to see the Straits of Magellan, being that far south seemed totally mindboggling to me, but it is part of the glory of Chile.

Now I am back in Santiago in my host family's apartment. I am still really enjoying living with my Chilean host family and am having a great time getting to know the fellow students on my program. My family is so welcoming and hospitable...and the food is still amazing ;)

As for things to come: This week I should be starting to volunteer at a school to teach English to Chilean students at public schools because resources to teach English in the poorly funded public schools are scarce. I will report more about that when I get started.

I guess that is all for now...I better get back to studying. I hope all is well and if you have any questions about anything just let me know!

Jonathan