Bien venidos a....

So, I finally conquered my task of packing, and successfully arrived in both Miami and Santiago.
I was quite disappointed that, upon arrival to Miami, Will Smith and his sexy female back up singers did not come popping out of thin air to sing "Welcome to Miami! Bienvenidos a Miami...." like I so desperately had dreamed... *tear*


When I arrived in Santiago, per usual, I was sleep deprived, and feeling quite shoddy.  I was, however, welcomed with smiles and kindness as I went through Customs, and then through Customs Parte Dos with my luggage.  It was quite pleasant.  I, of course, fail prey to the vultures who can spot a lost tourist a mile away.... Now I'm out 10 luca pesos....
Top on my "Need to do" list: LEARN HOW TO NOT TRUST THOSE PEOPLE. AND QUIT LOOKING LIKE A TOURIST.


Marce's cousin, Carmen, and her family have welcomed me with extra opened-open arms! Its wonderful to feel at home so many thousands of miles away!
I've gotten approximately 45 minutes of real sleep within the past 30 hours.... Starting to feel a bit more refreshed, but still tired.
After I pass out tonight, I will wake up tomorrow to take a personalized tour with some of the family.  YAY!
So excited, and feeling so surreal about this entire situation...


Number Two item on my Need to do List: LEARN HOW TO MAKE, AND PERFECT, PISCO SOUR.

These pictures were taken just before I left RDU. Finally, I have a picture with Papa!
Mom and Papa, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!


Besos!

Life in a bag

So, I have been slaving away trying to pack my next 5 months into a couple of bags.  I leave Wednesday, and my clothes are still strewn all over the living room floor (Sorry Mom!)
As you all may know, I am a shoe/dress/jeans/clothes in general-aholic.  I will always find a reason to buy a cute new pair of shoes, and an outfit to go perfectly with them.  It is a wonderful way to live... except when you cannot take 3/4s of these items with you.  So, today, as I watch different films via my parents' Netflix account, I sit on my living room floor, sorting through my clothes, trying to decide what I must sacrifice for 5 months, and what I must plan to leave in Chile upon my return to the States. YIKES!!

Tomorrow, my father and I drive to DC to receive my Student Visa and have it stamped into my passport. This will complete a very long, strenuous, and - lets' face it! - annoying process, but now I can travel without fear of being denied reentry into Chile, when I pop in and out of the country!

Ok! Back to work!

Beso!!xx

Titled

"Aguacate" is the dictionary Spanish translation for the delicious green edible fruit Avocado.  In Chile and Peru, the word is "Palta".  Some just call it "Guacamole", as that is, seemingly, the most common way to serve avocados in the US. 


As I soon begin my adventure of living in a new country, studying in a new educational system, and learning first-hand how another country functions, I can't help but think how interesting it will be to learn the many different ways  a person can say a particular word or phrase.  How many different ways a particular task may be carried out and executed.  


For this, I have titled my blog "Aguacate".  I will share with you my experiences, thoughts, fears, accomplishments, hopes, and hopefully the Anthropologist will begin to shine through as I attempt to paint a portrait of my new - and I am sure my parents would prefer me to point out, temporary - place of residence: Santiago, Chile.
I will also post pictures to better depict my adventures.


Thank you, in advance, for your interest and your support. 
Besos!xx
Kate