Today we have a day off from activities, so I slept in and after lunch might go on a walk or a run or something to get outside. The sun is still shining; we haven't had a dreary day yet!

La Casa Central of Universidad Pontifica Catolica. Bonito no?!

Yesterday I "pre registered"--as of now, which is almost guaranteed to change, I am taking a Black and White photography class, two history classes--Collective Memory and The Mexican Revolution--a Chilean literature class and my spanish grammer class. Also, I dont have classes on fridays, so that I can go on small vacations!

My last few days have been nice. I like getting around the city, took the metro (train, for us new yorkers) for the first time, toured some of the other campuses and got out to a pub nearby. It's nice to think I'll really get to know another city than New York--and this one is so different! On my run yesterday with one of my sisters we jogged alongside the beach. The vista is massive and with sun and a mix of houses and beach and buildings along the coastline it was quite the treat for a jog. I'm spoiled what with getting to jog while i enjoy the Hudson or the reservoir in new york or the ocean and palm trees here. While I've talked about how cold it can be inside, during the day outside--with the sun out--it's really warm. If not t-shirt weather, a sweater is perfect or too much! It's been mid 60s a few times!

But I don't want to make it sound like this is total paradise. The city is also grungy around the edges, a bit dirty or run down in parts, stray dogs are everryywheree (although I have to admit I find i think they're cute and cool for struttin around like its nothing. i guess its a novelty for me), and most parts (so far) have felt pretty fast foody or crammed with shops. However, I've heard of areas that are supposed to be more romantic and pleasant to walk in. I just haven't gotten to them yet.

As I mentioned briefly, I have a great local. I'm near this pub "Cafe Journal" that's known for being a popular spot for extranjeros (foreigners). And while this generally makes me eek a little, the place is really awesome and artsy. It has photos and weird art all over the walls, big wooden tables and benches, and is very large and spacious. The other afternoon I went with someone from the group, Eli, who lives nearby. We had some really delicious wine (the bottle cost 13 dollars, and from the little experience i have, i'd like to presume that it was definitely better than some 13 dollar bottles i've had. the waiter recommended it!). Last night, I went back to Cafe Journal, but at night (especially wednesdays) it changes completely! Thank goodness its spacious because even with its size by 12 30 am you just can't move! I met some Chileans there, and that was great because I got to speak casual spanish and possibly make some friends! It was a hard place to be, though, because it was easy to lose people you were with and then suddenly they'd be gone. But not in a bad way or anything, the place felt really friendly, and I was so close to home!

This is during the day, when it was oh-so-quiet and spacious, at Cafe Journal.

In a bit I'm going to go to Valpo with mi mama and mi hermana, to look at some tiendas (shops). Every day is getting better with the family while we get used to each other. The language is getting better too? Maybe? It's hard to say. It certainly was with a couple drinks in me last night!