First Impressions

I live in a 17 story apartment building on the 15th floor that looks over the ocean. Cannot believe it. Sure the appliances are somewhat vintage, and most of the lights don't work, but I could not be more content with my new home. At night you can hear the crashing of the waves and it reminds me of hawaii. I have two roommates, Todd and Laurel. They are fantastic. Todd is early 30s and loves nature photography. Laurel is in her forties and teaches English to foreigners in New York. I have so much in common with the both of them, its awesome.



So far in concerns with my new home, Vina del Mar, I am in love. It's the perfect sized city. Imagine the cities with one way streets and cars all parked along the sides with cafes, bakeries, street vendors, and fresh flower carts all along the sides. My walk to school from my apartment is about 9 blocks. Throughout the walk I pass under beautiful sycamore trees that shade the street and sheds its leaves all on the sidewalk. Every morning my nose is tempted by the vendors setting up their fruit and vegetable stands. You can smell the freshness. Today on the way home I bought a big bag of fresh olives wrapped up in a plastic baggy. I can never eat jarred olives again. The difference is incredible. Every fruit and vegetable that I have eaten from the cart vendors has been the best fruit or vegetable I have ever eaten. Also along the streets are dogs everywhere. These are not your average scruffy street dogs that bark and are scary to pass. These dogs are huskies, hounds, sheppards, and other types of beautiful dogs that someone would pay big money for. It is the most bizarre thing. The people of vina and the dogs of vina share the streets. They wait at crosswalks with pedestrians and look both ways till they cross when the light is green.

I love my school. There are only 3 people in my class, but there are 4 other levels with different students so we all meet outside during our recreos (breaks) to talk and drink coffee. Yesterday the school took a "trip" and we walked the coast of Vina. We passed dozens of beaches, the marine area, and giant rocks which remind you of the coast of California, as well as very old beautiful castle-esq houses, while the trip director Gianina gave us an explanation of the area. We walked to the next town Renanca, and took the bus back, which i have to say is an experience. Today we are planning on going to Valpariso to the museo de aire libre. museum of open air. Tomorrow night I plan on going to the beach to celebrate the chinese new year. It will be the first day of the year of the Rabbit. Which is my year. I really think it is going to be my year. Positives thoughts flow through my mind.

me and my roommates

my favorite street in Vina

Chinese New Years parade.

 Reminded me of Scott xoxo