Who let the dogs out? (Who? Who? Who? Who?)

So, my heart is on the verge of being shattered...
For each dog I see homeless, starving, begging, fighting in the streets, my heart breaks a little.  It's a horrid sight that 4 months in Chile still is sufficient enough time for me to become accustomed to seeing. 

There are dogs roaming every street, every metro station, the University campus... The list continues.  I asked my cousin upon my arrival to Chile as to why this was such a usual occurance, and his explanation was merely that people lack responsibility.  Anyone can have a dog, but it takes too much responsibility to actually care for the pet, so they just throw the poor creature out into the streets. 
As you walk down the street you will see little bowls with dogfood or water placed otuside of shops... This makes me smile just slightly to see that these kind persons do not want to see the dogs suffering quite so much and are trying to help in their own way...

On a more positive sunny note, the month of June has been filled with birthdays and get togethers.  We have thrown surprise parties and picnics, had themed birthdays, and just random Asadas (Grill outs). 
Carmen and Pollo opened their home to 10 of us exchange students for a lovely and delicious lunch and afternoon at the very end of May.  The food was Chilean and prepared by Carmen (I helped a little) and my friends were able to experience a home cooked meal.  It was a great evening. 
We are all realizing that we have about 2.5 weeks left together, and everyone is trying to cope with the emotions of returning to "reality" and trying to fit in the final weeks worth of travelling within South America before returning home.

At the very end of June I will be flying to Perú and travelling within the country for about 25 days.  It is exciting to realize that I will be able to see Macchu Pichu, Lima, Arequipa, and hopefully Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands.  I might even roll across the border into Bolivia. Within this travelling I will be spending quality time with my dear friend Melissa who has been a big part of my life since she studied on exchange to UNCC my freshman year.  She is from England (I visited with her during my Eurotrip this past Christmas) and is volunteering in Lima at a daycare for the next 2 months.  She is learning Spanish as she goes (So proud of her!!)
I will also have the opportunity to meet up with my friend Martin who also studied at UNCC my freshman year. He always told me about his home country and Arequipa. It will be wonderful to see it through his eyes!
I have been so lucky to be in personal contact with so many wonderful people who are native Peruvians and who are willing to help show me around in their home country.  As an Anthropologists, a lover of culture and travelling, my dream was always to be able to travel as though I lived in the city/country rather than as though I were a tourist.  I cannot wait for Perú! (Not to mention the flavorful meals and INCA COLA!!)

Well, that is all for now! back to the books and preparing for my finals in 2.5 weeks! 
Mucho cariño de Chile! Besos!!xx