I guess I'm well overdue for an update... The more time that passes, the less I want to update this because so much happens each day that I can't keep up with it all!

Let's see, there have been lots of up and downs, last night and this morning it has been pouring, the first time since the night I got here, which was New Year's. Santiago really feels like home now; I'd like to say my Spanish has improved a lot, but honestly it varies a ton from day to day. Since the last post, I had my first test and big paper; yes, class does require effort but the work load does not come anywhere close to class at Lincoln. That's part of the point of study abroad though, obviously they don't want us to be in the library all the time.

Quick Summary of our day in the campo (2/5)

It’s enough to experience such a different way of life in your own language, or with friends or family. But being completely alone with a native family who speaks a different language is a whole nother story. After returning from the mountainside, I felt really tired but had an interesting day. I was thrilled to be here (and still am) but it also hit me again that everything's different and i have to look at life through a different cultural lens. I learned how sancocho is made in the country- more delicious and time consuming in my opinion.

Victor Jose, yo, y Fifi a la loma

I've spent a few nights at the colmado just talking with friends, walking around randomly, playing card games and watching movies at friend's houses. We're having a ratatouille (the movie), wine, popcorn, and ice cream night this Sunday after I get back from Santiago Carnaval, which I'm so excited for!

Being here constantly reminds me that people are people and deserved to be treated the same. Sometimes I feel like we travel to new places thinking we're going to observe and meet a new species, only to find that we're not really that different from each other. We look different and might speak a different language, but you can easily relate with, learn from, and share passions with people from across the world.

Last weekend a couple of us hung out at the colmado and a friend's rooftop, played soccer with Domincans, basically girls (+ Dillon and David) against boys, rode horses, and visited Carnaval in La Vega. It was one of my favorite weekends so far.

I really try to upload videos on here but it only works about half the time, so my apologies, you may just have to wait till May to experience some of my adventures!

Well I'd say it's about time to do something productive. Hasta Luego!