This is a picture of me, Nora (who I am living with now), Erica (Nora's best friend since she was a child), Erica's boyfriend (her husband passed away a few years ago), Carlos and Margarita (Erica's children).

Nora made "porotos granados", a typical Chilean soup. It was delicious. We of course had Chilean wine. It was a fun night and I learned a lot of Chilenismos.



I've officially ended my job as "English Teacher" or conversing with Chileans in English and my job at Bellavista Hostel. From left to right in this picture is Kika, me, Eli, Camila and Tamara. This was my favorite job I've had so far. I always looked forward to going to work. I was able to use my Spanish and English eveyday and meet people from all over the world. Today I met 2 guys from Israel. They told me about how they were in battle and their side of the story that is going on between Israel and Gaza. I loved this job and the people I worked with.

I am now heading off on a 7-9 day trip to the souther part of Chile. My itinerary is as follows (you can look some of these cities up on google to get an idea of the beauty I will see!):

Pomaire, Rapel Dam, Pichilemu (surfing capital), Punta de Lobos, Santa Cruz, Pucon, Villarica National Park, Villarica Volcano, Huerquehue National Park, Lican Ray, Panquipulli, Puerto Montt, Possibly the island Chiloe, Alerce Andino National Park, Puerto Varas, Llanquihue Lake, Saltos del Laja and Vina Balduzzi. I will be traveling with Pachamama (pachamamabybus.com) and they gave me a nice discount for having worked at the hostel. Other backpackers will go and I will probably meet some fun travelers! I am really looking forward to it.

I hope all is well at home. I am looking forward to seeing friends and family, but am also sad to leave good friends that I've made here. Life can be bitter sweet at times and when I leave on the plane to come home, I will be leaving some great memories and a beautiful country. Yes, I will probably shed a few tears. But right when I see family and friends, it will be all worth it in the end to come home!!! Love and miss you all back home! xoxo

Street artists are quite common in Chile. This is right outside the metro station "Baquedano". Chileans tend to be quiet and seem mad/sad on the buses, so it´s a breath of fresh air when people start singing or playing.

JD and Mary - Congratulations!! These travelers agreed to giving you two an impromptu congrats, there was no rehearsing. :) Mary - they forgot to say your name, but they meant it for the both of you.

Lots of love from Chile! Here is another video of me with 2 Chileans I work with telling them about how many nieces and nephews I have:

Jaime (the president of the Young Orthodox Group) and Katia (just came from the US to spend a year in Chile teaching English) are in the middle holding Irene. They are Irene's God parents. Irene was baptized this past Sunday, the same day as my new niece Hannah. Paulina and Carlos are the parents and Carlos is the one who corresponds with people from the EOC (Evangelical Orthodox Church, the church I belonged to when I was younger). Paulina and Carlos have been two of the most hospitable people since I have been to Chile. I am truly blessed to know them.




Here Padre Fransisco Salvador is baptizing Irene. He didn't dunk her all the way under. He put her bottom half under the water and put water on her head. She was completely calm during the whole process. Also, they wait about 15-20 minutes after liturgy (church service) to do the baptism. The closest family and friends stay for the service.

Before I had to rush to work at the hostel, I got to hold Irene. She smiled for me! It was as if I was holding little Hannah. It might not seem a big deal to you all, but it was just what I needed that day, a smile from a 2 month old.