Una siesta, por favor! -- Allyson Bostrom

The newness of Chile has worn off and the smog has settled in and I would pay an unspeakable amount of pesos for a nap. Its been a wild ride, like an entire month happened in a week.

The school has been so wonderful. My students are seriously some of the cutest kids I've ever met. One of them runs to class just to show me new pictures of his hedgehogs because he knows how much I love them. At least 20 times a day, I have to remind myself that I can't actually just pack them all into my suitcase next week (and that actually breaks my heart).

I am teaching, primarily, 7th grade and 10th grade English grammar and literature. We read novels, work through grammar lessons and just have a blast together. Last week was spent preparing for English Day, which was held this Thursday. All of the U.S. high school teachers were able to judge the competitions, while each high school class participated in games that demonstrated their skills in written and spoken English. It was so fun! I don't have any pictures, but check out my friends' blogs because I'm sure they have some really fun ones!

Wednesday, a group of us teachers went on a wine tour. I don't drink wine but it was an exceptionally fun time with some very sweet, very sassy teachers. We got to learn about the wine-making process from the owner of a very small vineyard. Its such a long process & so you can imagine how bad I felt when I accidentally spilled a glass of wine that came off the vine over a year ago, and was now rolling off the table. He clapped for me, though, so I think its okay.

 These people are seriously just so fun. I've heard from almost all over the 20-somethings, that we all came here with a bit of anxiety. We were all nervous that we wouldn't get along with others or would be the odd one out, and it just isn't that way. Maybe its just because we're all in another country and struggling through the same awkward language barriers, sicknesses, and homesicknesses...but I will forever be thankful for the 24 other people with whom I have shared this Chilean experience.

We had a tiny taste of true winter this week with the tiniest amount of rain. I wasn't ready for the fog, though. It set in so heavy that the cute Andes Mountains were totally invisible. It still wasn't the coldest day we've had thus far, but it felt necessary to venture out to the closest Starbucks for some warmth.

I have been enjoying my time with my host family, as well. Its so crazy during the week, since the kids are so busy with their after school activities and such, but it has been well worth the running around and stacks on stacks of grilled cheeses.

I have grown to love these sweet boys as my own family and we've already talked about how sad it is that we've only got another week together.

Baltazar is one of my host brothers. He, his older brother, their dad, and I all got to go to the helado shop at Mall Sport (next door to the school) for a little after school pick-me-up. I love getting to be a part of the every day activities with their family.

Back in the states, I hate sushi. My family doesn't like it either, so it works out. I was a little nervous about going to a sushi place here just because I didn't know how serious they were about their fish, you know? My family was so kind and struggled with me through some very awkward minutes of explaining "I just want teriyaki chicken". In the end, it was a great night with great laughs and great conversations. 

(NOTE: The chicken teriyaki here was better than ANY I've had in the states. Seriously, SO. GOOD.)

Word on the street is that we are going to catch Buscando a Dory (Finding Dory) sometime this week, and *FINGERS CROSSED* traveling to Valparaiso tomorrow!

But for now, its pepperoni and bell pepper pizza and lots of laughs here in Santiago.

Can't wait for what my last week has in store!
Lots of fun final projects headed our way.

Ciao, for now, Amigos!