Halftime

Greetings faithful,

In the last week I saw the eclipse of the 6 month mark on my invasion of South America. I'm now officially on the downward slide. I leave the country on the 29th of January, so that leaves me exactly 5.5 months of hell raising. This halfway point has snuck up on me from out of nowhere, i feel like i was just giving the 2 month update. But as I'm forced to reflect, its clear that I in fact have spent a good quantity of time here, and more importantly it has been of grade A quality.

I have experienced change. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. I have not cut my hair in over six months, its longer than it has ever been. I have also recommitted myself to regular vigorous exercise. Looking in the mirror, 6 months has passed.

I study, socialize, communicate, survive using a new language. At this point I can say almost anything, and understand almost everything (although those damn Chileans still remain super difficult to understand sometimes) with out too much effort. Speaking is much more natural.

I have met and made friends from all over the world and from all walks of life. They have all had special impacts on me. When in a situation like this, you develop good strong friendships much faster because you know that your time is limited with the people. Also, the bonds built between fellow exchange students is especially strong due to the sharing of this extraordinary type of experience.

As always, the positives have there down sides. At this point, several of my friends have left forever. Although I'm still here, its sad because I may never see them again, and I will not have them as a part of my experience anymore. There is one, however, whom is the most special, who I will be seeing immediately upon my return. Our future holds many more great adventures together.

Its almost impossible to specifically explain my experiences so far in Chile and the impacts they are having on my life. But, in a few words: magic, amazing, confusing, crazy, fun, rainy, exciting, surprising, pure.

Although the first half has come and gone, round two i expect to be all that and more. Heres whats coming up:

I started school this week, and it looks like my classes are going to consist of Quimica Inorganica 4 w/ its corresponding lab and Actividades Recriativas. Aside from these two classes, I will also be volunteering at an elementary school in Concepcions poorest neighborhood. I will be conducting english workshops for a pre-kindergarden class, 3rd grade class, and 4th grade class. I start tomorrow, but I have already met some of the kids. They are super cute, and I anticipate working with them to be a great experience. More to come on this later.

Also, 18th of September is Chilean independence day, and from what i hear it is a week long celebration of booze and food and fun! Sounds like a good ol Chilean carrete. The following week on the 26 is my birthday, so the party may just extend for 2 weeks straight. Ill be turning 24, scary i know. Send your condolences.

As for the rest of the semester, we have spring and sun and fun to look forward to. I have lots of travel plans as well. i hope to get out for some weekend adventures, before I spend all of December (alone) and January (with my folks) seeing all that i can before going back to the states. The end can be seen off in the distance, but I'm just looking down at my feet.

I hope everyone is living awesome. Abrazos y besos.

Dan