Fifteen!

Today is my 15th day anniversary of being in Chile! Although I miss my friends and family, I am excited to be here and wake up each morning unsure of what the day will hold.

Here are a couple notes I have jotted down over the last couple days.

• Dark chocolate is hard to find, really hard to find. You know finding good chocolate is going to be a challenge when people think 60% cacao is dark chocolate. (For the record, anything less than 85% does not qualify as dark chocolate.)
• I experienced my first Chilean earthquake yesterday! 
• I went to my first Rotary club meeting. The people were simply lovely and I am very fortunate to be working with such a great group of people. 
• I don't think a day goes by here when I don't hear people discussing Pinochet, Allende, the coup, etc. After studying Latin American history, I really enjoy discussing this period of history with the people here. 
• One of my favorite empanada stores is just three houses away from where I live. I think it is a sign that I have ate one too many empanadas there when the owner recognizes me on the street and says hi. 
• Everything moves at a slower pace here. People generally take longer to respond to emails, you are only late if you show up more than an hour after something has started, the buses seem to be on a hidden schedule, people walk slowly, etc. 
• I feel like for every new word I learn, I hear or cannot figure out how to say five other words. 
• I have met some amazing people down here. People have invited me into their homes, out for a drink, to group dinners, and to take trips with them. I feel very welcomed and overwhelmed by the kindness I experience. 
• Summer is in full bloom here and so are the flowers. Here are a couple pictures from my neighborhood-

Much love!