El Laberinto - "The Maze"

So my first week of classes is complete. While the majority of my friends are still on their summer vacations in the U.S., I am engulfed in the Spanish language, taking classes in a foreign country, and in a constant maze of adventures.

As frustrated as I could potentially be with learning my way around a new campus and system, I can't suppress constant bursts of excitement for the twists and turns in my life here. And I am not only referring to my daily activities such as manuevering my way around the campus but also to the entire shift in perspective. Living outside of the U.S. and seeing the world from an entirely different viewpoint in a place I am still getting accustomed to is an indescribeable experience. The power and influence that the U.S. has in this world are dropping bombs into the "realization" center in my brain. We have such a responsibility as a country to be a leader....and truly a leader. What we have done with the War in Iraq and in much of our history is an absolute shame, and my time here allows me to escape the propaganda of the U.S. for a good while and have the space to think without being suffocated. After only two weeks here, I have met people from all around the world, other exchange students, and many Chileans. Like I have always said, their view of the U.S. is one of respect mixed with anger for how we have handled our great responsibility in the world. And I can only agree.

I hope to develop a stronger base for my own viewpoints and beliefs while abroad this year. Seeing the U.S. election from another viewpoint, taking business and economy classes in another country, watching the Olympics in another country, and experiencing the energy at the start of new presidential campaigns for the Chilean election will be a life-changing earthquake in my current naive twenty year old perspective.

Besos!

Marlana

Solo en Espanol

Santiago is absolutely fabulous! Each day I meet new and wonderful people from so many different countries, and we all communicate through my favorite language.....Spanish!

All day long we walk around and have an adventurous time figuring out the city and experiencing the culture. At night, we go to the "discotecas" and dance (in Spanish) until early in the morning........I LOVE IT!

I live with the most wonderful people. It's like Real World Santiago with 8 people living in the same apartment. We have the French boys, an Italian, and several Chileans. Que bien!

Orientation for my university is on Thursday! Hasta pronto!

Awaiting Takeoff

So here I am sitting in my house one last time for an entire year.....It's such a strange and awesome feeling. I have no idea what to expect other than a year that will never be forgotten. Each day I have said goodbye to new friends and family, and with each goodbye comes a rush of sadness followed by an infusion of excitement. This emotional process is preparing me with the strength I will need for this upcoming adventure. Other than a few people that I wish I could pack up and bring with me because they are such an intricate part of my life, I am SO ready for this adventure.

Welcome to my adventures in South America! Feel free to visit anytime : )