Taking a minute to catch up on what's happening on a daily basis, here in VIÑA:
This weekend 5 of us went to Olmue with some friends which is about a 45 minute micro ride from Vina. We went to La Campana which is a National State park where our mission was to climb to the top of "a hill". Little did we know it was a mountain to our standards. It was a straight 8.5 hours of pure climbing. The first part was difficult because we were trekking straight up a hill in the middle of a forest setting. We got up to the half way point and were already tired and sore. 2 girls decided to stay and wait for us there while we continued on. The rest of it was even harder. It was rock climbing, vertically climbing up huge boulders with no end in sight besides the distant point of the mountain. After a total of 2 hours more of climbing we reached the top. The boys kept us on a schedule more or less so we only had around 15-20 minutes to enjoy the view, but it really was incredible. For me, the hardest part was going down. It took all of my muscles to support myself going down those rocks since it was as if you were going down a ladder the wrong way. It was terrifying. I could handle the cardio workout on the way up, but this was a whole different thing. We were constantly falling on loose rock and Anna's hand was all cut up. It was definitely the most difficult thing I had ever done. Once we met up with the other two, we still had more than 2 hours to continue to descend. That was the worst part, thinking of how much time there was still left! But after we made it past the half way point, the ground was a little more stable but the hills we went down were still steep. All in all it was an incredible accomplishment and the view was totally worth it. Looking up at the "hill" when we were done was an incredible feeling. I really enjoyed the town of Olmue, it was the country side and had a beautiful landscape, I definitely want to go back there.
Besides the "notable" adventures I have been on, the daily adventures are equally as important. School is going pretty well, we had our first grammar test last week and got the results back today. Not as good as any of us had hoped for, a bad way to begin the week. However, since the teacher could clearly tell we were all upset she continued to explain that with her experience with Americans we take grades too seriously. She said that she would rather we enjoy our time, study, do homework and learn something rather than worry about our grades. It was an interesting way of looking at things. She would rather us understand for our personal curiosity rather than for the grade. A total USA cultural thing-progress, numbers, getting the best...Seeing the grade as the least important thing in the classroom is an interesting tactic. And it will be difficult for our group especially. It doesn't mean be lazy, just put your energy into other things. Learn for learnings sake. Especially if she's giving us that opportunity. I also love going to the work out classes here, Power Jump on Mondays, Spinning on Tuesdays, and Pilates on Thursday and Fridays. I actually have learned a lot of vocab from going to those classes. It's a good way to work off all the "pancito" I eat here! I miss dance a lot though, no one really understands what it really is so it's hard to explain my passion here.
Also, St. Peter's is going well. This elementary school is nothing like anything I have ever been in, especially the responsibility of students and teachers. The main goal for a class period is to get through one more page in their work books. The kids don't listen and have so much energy and there are no consequences. They are incredibly bright and know both English and Spanish. I begin teaching them within the week, and I am going to try to use everything I've learned at home to really help them learn something, but I think it'll be a challenge, but I'm so excited! The 2nd and 3rd graders are so cute. I speak to them in English and they speak to me in Spanish, and when it's the other way around, we have something in common, struggling through our second languages together.
I recently made plans to go to Peru and Bolivia after my program is over, which happens to be my birthday...So I will be celebrating in Vina, have to leave it on my birthday :[ and then be in Urubamba, Peru for the remainder of my birthday. I'm sure it'll be a 21st that I'll never forget! haha
My mom is arriving in 3 weeks, I am working on making plans for her arrival, I'm so excited to show her my new life and I think she's really going to like it.
My grandfather had emergency surgery 2 weeks ago now which has been really hard for me to be away from. I feel guilty that I cannot be there with my family while they struggle through it alone and I am here enjoying the beach and warm weather. I can only pray and send my love as often as I can and hope for the best.
My family here is amazing, I love spending time with them, I learn so much. They are incredible.
6 of us have been working on a dance to "Danza Kuduro" which is a really popular song here. Our University's anniversary was last week and there was a talent show, so we decided to enter...Little did we know it was a big deal, with judges and in front of the whole school. So here are these 6 gringas dancing in front of the whole school to this popular Spanish song..It was nerve racking! But a total success and everyone loved it, it was one of the highlights of the trip thus far I think. People have been recognizing us everywhere, Sophie even got recognized in Mendoza!
I also received a package in the mail from Travis and Kelly, it included chocolate, coffee, and a drawing from Ella. It was perfect. Everything I love wrapped up in one package from across the world. It meant so much to me, plus, what's better than a fresh cup of Caribou coffee with a Dove chocolate on the side? It continues to brighten my day.
The days are getting warmer here, finally! I have really bad sunburn from climbing the mountain and my face is getting a little more color to it, finally!
My favorite thing to do is sit by the beach, observe, take in the incredible view, not believing I actually live in this paradise, eat ice cream or read. It is one of the best therapies out there. I am so Lucky. <3
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