Monday was the orientation for International Students attending PUC for the semester (or 2). Of the four large campuses, our orientation was set in Casa Central, the main campus, with beautiful courtyards. As I followed the signs to the orientation, I finally arrived, to see a chaotic queue of exchange students waiting to receive their very cool (and extremely helpful!) blue book, agenda, and email/temporary password for the PUC system. We then received our ID cards (for the school, only). Mine, sadly, looks like I have a bad criminal background, and PUC decided to use a mug shot..
With this information meeting (which maybe lasted an hour.. tops an hour and a half) I was reminded at how extremely shy I am when it comes to new groups. To Do list number three…. Grow up, and initiate. It is much easier to make friends when I am on my turf, know the area like the back of my hand, and have someone who needs me. Alas, here, it is the reverse: I know no one (in a sense), I do not know the area, and I am the needy one… Uff!
I did, however, manage to make a few friends, and we all went to a bar (led by 2 Chilenos who seem to be the Chilean version of what I am in Charlotte.) and we all tried Terremoto. This means “earthquake” in Spanish, and is an extremely popular drink in Chile. It is simply a beer glass filled with white wine, a shot of Pisco, and Pineapple Ice Cream. It is not as sweet as it sounds… But it is DEADLY. One glass of it and I was none stop talking… And we all know that is rare…
Tuesday was a day of relaxing, and meeting up with one of my new friends to chill at my pool (I have a POOL!) and get to know each other. It was nice…. But I need to learn the act/ART of relaxing… It lasts for about 30 minutes, and then I suddenly feel like the entire day has been wasted. Hmm… maybe some shop-therapy will help??
As I went through the process of “inscribing” to my classes for the semester, Wednesday was yet another day of epiphany. I have been self-dependent for 4 years, driving myself to and from where ever I so desired in the USA…. But here, the people depend on public transportation. It is a way of life… And I am still trying to master it. I make these “daring” moves, to try another bus route, hoping it is still going the same direction…WRONG.. Or thinking “it can’t be THAT far…I’ll just walk to the metro”…. WRONG AGAIN! With quite uncomfortable, slightly swollen feet, and two heavy bags on my shoulders… I finally trudged my way to a bus to San Joaquin (PUC campus #2) and eventually made it, with a few more hiccups…
On a bright note, my classes seem to be perfect for me. I understand the professors almost 100%, they seem to be very nice, and the workload does not seem unbearable. I will have a life in Chile! The process of life is becoming much easier to get used to, and I am much more relaxed about everything!! And tomorrow we have a Chilipan which is a sausage cookout… WOOT!
My roommate, Pilar, is a sweetheart, by the way. I couldn’t ask for anything better than this. She is a nurse, and works during the day. I feel I should cook so she doesn’t have to worry about that when she gets home, but she is set on trying to make me feel comfortable… O well. We are both relaxing to each other’s presence.
The rest of my posts will not consist of day-to-day events… This is just me blabbing when I do not have internet constantly to add and add to the blog.
Enjoy the photos!xx
Besos!
My bedroom
"Back yard"
Terremoto (Ice Cream, White Wine, Pisco)
As Dinámico and Maracuya (Juice)
I found it!! Aren't you proud?? It's so sweet of Marci's family to take you in and make you feel at home. I'm sure it thrills Marci as well. I now have you bookmarked and will follow with anticipation!! My prayers are with you. Have tons of fun, learn lots and be safe!!!
ReplyDelete