Charlotte in Chile!

 Hello hello!! How has it been 9 WEEKS WHAT!!!!??? This was quite an interesting week, but started off pretty normal- dance class (with my professores Mario and Diego), a field trip to this giant VALPARAISO sign, and of course, a completo. Thursday night rolled around, and as the crew was excited to take off for Mendoza, Argentina, we were left a bit disappointed. Due to extreme weather in the mountains, the border of Chile and Argentina was closed for the night. So we decided to book the bus for the next morning! It was an early 4:30am wake up, and we were off! The bus ride was long, but so so beautiful, with switchback roads and views of the Andes. We arrived to Mendoza in the evening, checked into our hostel, ate a quick dinner, and fell asleep quite soon after. A long bus ride tires one out! Here's the crew- Eleanor, Tom, Me, Alaina, Gar, and Ezra (taking the pic)! After the long ride to Mendoza, we decided the only logical thing to do was get on another bus the following morni...

 FELICES FIESTAS PATRIAS!! This week in Chile we celebrated their independence day ALL WEEK LONG. Us international students had no classes, which was a nice break (from my very difficult challenging schedule than I normally have...).  I spent the first few days resting after my trip with dad, and waiting for all my friends to come back from the Atacama. I did some trip planning, took a few long walks on the beaches, gave myself a little haircut, and got to catch up on Ted Lasso. Once everyone was back home, the party began. Near my house, there is a horse racetrack called Sporting. It was completely transformed to a fair/carnival to celebrate, and hundreds of people went. I met up with a bunch of international students, and met some new Chilean friends! There were rides, mini tiendas (where I bought a new sweater), a concert with traditional Chilean bands, and lots of food. I had some delicious anticuchos (meat skewers), some kettle corn, and of course, their traditional drink...

 Happy week 7!! This week was an extra-special week because I had my first visitor- Dad!!! My beginning of the week was boring and full of anticipation and packing. However, my dance teachers were very kind and threw us a little party for the 18th- we danced and ate food and played games ! I was also a bit sick, so I spent a lot of time with Pepa in my room, trying to get better before Dad got here!  Dad flew in Thursday morning, so I took the bus out to meet him. We decided to head to el Parque Metropolitano de Santiago, where we got endless cable car rides, a visit to a beautiful cathedreal, and a zoo (with llamas!) all for $11.50 each! Of course, we had to stop at my favorite taco restaurant, La Bestia, so that Dad could experience the deliciousness of it. Muy rico!! After lunch, we made our way back to collect our many bags, and walk the 1/2 mile to our Airbnb. It may seem like a short distance, but with 2 suitcases, and ski gear for the both of us, it was a bit of a trek ...