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...but the beauty makes up for it.I’ve been in Santiago, Chile for 5 days now and I am already thinking to myself “I think I could see myself living here.” I keep telling the girls that I just may not be boarding that plane with them when it’s time to leave. Santiago is just such a beautiful city. Every day I see something that just completely amazes me. At home, when I walk places, I put headphones in my ear and tune out the world around me. Usually, I can’t go anywhere without having music to listen to. Knowing this about myself, I prepared a music playlist to bring with me (knowing that I would be doing a lot of walking here), but I just can’t bring myself to use it. I find that, surprisingly, I’d actually rather be in tuned with the world around me. There is so much to take in; the city is just so beautiful that I have to take the time to admire it as I walk. Also, there is just something about the atmosphere that is really relaxing here. On Monday we visited San Cristobol Hill and there I was faced with a small challenge. First, let me start off by saying when I hear the word “trolley” I think of something that’s sort of like a train and they usually remain on flat surfaces. So, when Dr. Patti and the girls spoke about taking a trolley to the top of the hill, I imagined that this “trolley” would maybe drive around the hill until it ended up at the top, but that was NOT the case! Turns out this so called trolley would not travel around, but go directly up the hill just like a roller coaster, and this was a huge problem for me because I am terrified of heights! I didn’t find this out until right before we were going to get on it, which was after I had already missed the chance to avoid it by choosing to go with two of the girls who decided to walk instead. When I found this out, I told Dr. Patti I couldn’t do it because I was afraid of heights and if I’d known this was the case I would have chosen to walk instead. She, of course, was really encouraging and told me it wouldn’t be that bad and that I could do it. She also told me she was happy that I am going to have an experience that I would have tried to avoid (this was definitely not something I wanted to hear at the moment, but I can appreciate it now after the fact). She was right though; it wasn’t that bad. I was okay…as long as I didn’t look down! [I don’t know how I’m going to survive trekking in the Andes on Saturday, but I’m still up for the experience!] I did mange to take a photo on the "trolley" once I got over my fear: Once I made it to the top, I saw that it was well worth it! I had already been amazed by what I see walking to school every day, but what I saw here was beyond amazing. I could look from the top of the hill and see the entire city of Santiago and it was muy hermosa! Santiago has the most beautiful trees and unique buildings. Not to mention, its skyline is completely breathtaking. Here are some of the photos I took: The beauty doesn’t stop there! On Wednesday, we visited Los Dominicos. This was an area where we could eat traditional Chilean food and shop at places with authentic Chilean goods. However, aside from this, it was just a beautiful sight to see. Take a look: While there, I found the most beautiful handcrafted bags. One of them is supposed to be a gift for someone else, but I don’t know if I can part with either of them. Yo no se; we’ll see what happens when I get back to the states!
Today (Thursday), we were supposed to visit Santa Lucia, but we couldn’t (we'll go tomorrow instead) because of protests going on in that area. So after Spanish classes, we decided on just taking a much needed break. Oh, speaking of Spanish class, I definitely think my Spanish is improving. Though, I must say I am finding my grammar class to be a little difficult. After the first day of grammar class, I noticed that we were learning what I had already knew, so I asked to switch classes. I moved a level up, but since I missed the first day, I was completely behind and I am still finding it hard to catch up! Sometimes I think that I should have just stayed where I was and had it easy, but I’m glad I didn’t! I came here to learn and I really do want to speak Spanish fluently one day, so I accept the challenge! Today, I asked my “sister” to only speak to me in Spanish. She speaks both Spanish and English (and Portuguese, her first language) and so she helps translate for my host mother and I. However, she’s only here for a week longer, which means I have one week before I have to be able to communicate with my host mom on my own! I’ll be sure to let you all know how my last week (alone!) turns out. Ciao, Cristal
7 Comments
Cherish-Marie Collins
5/29/2015 07:19:55 pm
I absolutely love reading about your travel sis. Cant wait to read more
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Kim Truesdell
5/29/2015 10:38:14 pm
I am so glad you are really taking advantage of every experience! It sounds so wonderful! The pictures are beautiful--I can't wait to see the entire album when you return home. What an amazing trip!
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Crystal :)
6/9/2015 02:46:33 am
Would you expect me not to, Dr Truesdell? :)
Crystal :)
6/9/2015 02:44:34 am
Thanks so much sis! Glad you are reading along. Love ya!
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Dr. Rafferty
6/1/2015 09:35:29 am
It sounds like you're having an amazing experience, in a magical place! I hope this journey continues to positively impact you in a personal and professional way!
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Crystal :)
6/9/2015 02:48:24 am
Thanks, Dr. Rafferty!
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Solicitar un préstamo ahora
1/23/2024 03:04:32 pm
Buenos días señor / señora,
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AuthorHello all, or should I say “¡hola!”? My name is Crystal and I’ve recently graduated SUNY Buffalo State with a degree in Elementary Education (grades 1-6) and Social Studies Education (grades 7-9). I will soon begin my studies for Literacy Specialist Certification, but not before I embark on this wonderful journey to Santiago, Chile. For me, this trip beings the opportunity for me to immerse myself in another culture, experience language learning, and adopt new teaching styles; all of which will contribute to making me a teacher who is culturally responsive and able to cater to the diverse needs of students. I anticipate that this trip wil be filled with excitement, challenges, and new understandings! So please, join me for the ride! ArchivesCategories |