Since I ended with worrying about my host family I will start with they are safe. They are totally safe. A few glass cups broke and the internet is down but that is it. So since yesterday morning a lot happened. At some point in the day, I think it was morning, we had a meeting and they said that we had 3 options. Best: we would wait a few more days in Piquarquin then we would be able to go to our host families or replace / temporary host families in necessary. OK: We could go to Argentina. Worst: we would go home ie: back to the US.
None of those happened. we got on a bus super early thins morning and came to the AFS office in Santiago. There temporary host families were found for most and the rest of went to our true host families. Now back-track: yesterday it finally warmed up so I played tennis with some guys where I got too hot so I went swimming (in my tennis clothes). That night we had the option to sleep inside or outside. Most of us chose to sleep outside (with matreses por su puesto).
We were woken up at 7 and left on the buses at 9ish. On the way to Santiago we had a crazy detour. I got photos.
We got to Santiago surprisingly fast it was only about an hour and a half drive. Once at the AFS office, everyone put their things in one room and went into the tiny backyard. They had wi-fi there so everyone went online. I did not stay on too long because I was thinking I would have internet once I got to my house. I let someone else use my computer and she was on for a while but when she got off my name was called for me to leave on a bus. The bus took 4 of us headed to the San Bernando area to one of the host families houses. The neighborhood was a bit ruined from the earthquake. I have some photos.
Sebastian and Maria Teresa (mamá) picked me up and drove me about a half an hour to the house. We stopped on the way and picked up a carton of peaches (duraznos). I got to see my school. I guess there was a little damage inside but I couldn’t see it from outside. Entering their neighborhood was amazing. It is called a condominimo but is not anything like the apartment houses that you are imagining. It is a large wealthy neighborhood with big houses. Here are pictures of my house:
We had lunch (hamburger and arroz) and then went for a walk around the neighborhood. It will be great to run around when I get up the motivation to run. I unpacked all my clothes (with help from Ignacia and Reneta) and talked a lot with them. Sebastian and the dad of the family staying here went to find bread before dinner. It was very difficult because the super markets had closed. At dinner I talked to my grandma about religion which started because we were talking about school courses which include religion class. By the way Abuela and the second family do not liver here. they are both staying because of reasons with the terremoto. Ahora tengo much sueño y necesito dormir. I hope the internet works tomorrow!
March 1 9:10PM
There was just another tremble but I didn’t feel it because I was napping.
This morning I woke up about 9 and had breakfast with most of the family. After that I played card games with the girls and eventually Sebastian. I taught them I Spy first then B.S. then Spoons (or pen). The internet still is not working so I havent been able to post any blogs or talk to any one yet. Gurrrr.
After lunch and a game of keep away and some down time I went to the school with mamá, Sebastian, and Ignacia. I got my uniform. 2 red polos (1 woman’s XL 1 men’s M, because my chest is too freaking large) a gray skirt and a yellow PE shirt. The lady tried to sell me sweats for PE but they were too freaking hot just standing in the store. She showed me the girls shorts and the looked a lot like my volleyball spandex just blue so I did not get those. I might eventually.
When we came back we watched the Simsons for a while. In the middle of one of the programs there was a tremble and I jumped up. They kind of laughed at me because I had said ‘no tengo miedo’ but my jump had not expressed that. At least they are laughing rather then thinking I am the most awkward (torpe) human being born.
I decided that I was super tired so I just took a fake nap. This means I had my closed but unfortunately I couldn’t fall asleep.
I do not know what to do right now so I will share the words that I have written down to learn.
Parlantes= speakers, this word is very important for those music lovers out there.
Colet= hair tye, not rubber band if Julia is reading this.
Pinche= hair clip or bobby pin, pronounced very similar to the bad word in Mex Spanish.
Aros= earings, not aretes
Cintiros= hair band
Torpe= awkward, I just looked this up, so I don’t know if is correct Chilean.
Oh and I figured out my correct address. Está aquí:
Camino Melipilla 14200
Condominio el Cuarto
P.53 Padre Hurtado,
Santiago, Chile
March 2nd 2:00AM
So my mother had called when I was out (and confused the maid in doing so) but we finally reached each other. She said that Saturday she didn’t put down the phone so many people were calling. Ah I feel so loved. She also said that I’m in the news paper. I am completely astonished. My mom said that as soon as I can I need to put “my sory” up online because the news paper will be really interested. My story really isn’t that gripping or terrifying though. During the first night the exchange students spent in Chile there was un terremoto. All our plans were changed for Saturday (they were going to have a very structured day for us, but instead I got to play tennis). Luckily I still got to my host family on time.
My host brother however has a terrifying story. He keeps saying that he is lucky to be alive, gracias a díos. He was on the 11th floor of his friends apartments building in Viña. The whole place was swaying back and forth and chairs were sliding every where.
I went with Sebastian tonight to visit this friend, Andreo I think, but we didn’t stay long because mamá wanted us home by one. The friend only lives 4 houses down by the way. We sat outside and talked about the terremoto as well as other things. Tonight I also got 58 songs from Sebastian. Hay canciones de reggaeton y salsa y rap y electronico.
It is 2:10 now and in this house we leave doors open so I don’t think I will be sleeping much past 10. Nighty-night!
March 2nd 4:00PM
There were two more trembles last night. And I luckily didn’t wake up to them. I ended up sleeping in till 11 which was fantastic. Tere is the nanny here and she is an angle. She re-maked my bed and best of all she moved the stuff off my desk and to the
shelves so all the stuff is out of my way. She also washes my clothes and puts them in my closet.
We played on the swings and slide and practically tortured the rabbit. Then we came inside and had lunch and I taught them a few more card games. So far I’ve taught them B.S., Spoons, Spit/Speed, Rat-A-Tat-Cat, and Egyptian Rat Screw. I think now I am going swimming but I haven’t been in a bathing suit for ever....!
March 2nd 8:04 PM
There was another tremble. I didn’t even bother to go outside and neither did anybody else.
March 2nd 10:40 PM
I think I will be headed over to Andrés Colon’s house. I put both names down b/c I really don’t know what to call him. Oh well. Here I will get online. If I bring my computer or not who knows but hopefully I can get online to just say that I am safe to my friends. Unfortunately I think mamá wants us home early again.
Let me see, what else? Well because Sebastian so kindly gave me music I gave him some as well. Techno, rap, and hip hop dominate the mix of 50 songs. My family also called. If this gets up in the next day or two: Logan and the rest of the under-class men, good luck on CSAPS; and upper-class men I hope you enjoy your easy days. Here school has been delayed until the 8th. This is fantastic because other wise I would be starting tomorrow. I got to say that I’m a bit nervous to start especially with the always present possibility of a tremble.
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