So I imagine you all have seen the movie the matrix right?!
I pretty much feel like I live in a dream world here but still possess full knowledge of my "reality" back home. I cannot..literally, cannot explain how unbelievable my life is here, at times i don't believe it, i find myself walking around numb, emotionless, from the shear fact this is seriously my life.
let me give you an example of a typical day in the life of KendallClare in Chile:
(Thursday)
woke up to my roommate making me breakast at 12:00pm
Gave oral exams in all my Basic English clases from 2:00pm-5:00pm
Sat in a plaza killing time listening to my ipod and sketching a guy sitting on a park bench. I had run out of money that day and decided I'd rather just kill 3 hours outdoors (mind you it is spring here) until my last night class started. As I was sketching away a tall young chilean comes prancing up to me and low and behold it's the infamous Jimmy..the bartender from the bar that jeanette and I have become locals. With drinks every night for 600 pesos (1 dollar and 20 cents)..how can you resist? Jimmy asks what I am up to and I tell him I am killing time until my next class. He takes my number and says he'd like invite me to a coffee later after he runs an errand. I accept and smirk at the coincidental encounter. Moments back into my sketch, a t.v. reporter approaches me with a microphone in my face. "Excuse me are you from Valpo?" (all in spanish mind you). I explain that I live here but am from the United States. Captivated by my opinion of valparaiso the cameras start rolling and he interviews me capturing the outlook of a foreigner visiting this charming bohemian city. He thanks me for my time and I slip my headphones back into my ears. As the sun begins to fall behind the buildings I rush to finish my sketch. just then someone grabs my shoulder, "Senorita!!! como estas?" ooooh if it isn't my good buddy Seba who lives in the hill right up from the plaza where I am sitting and happens to work at the coffee shop which I frequent on days I have money. He invites me to head up to his house for some tea and chit chat. I oblige and join him a few blocks up hill. The tea and company were much appreciate and I fralick off to the university to finish up my day of work. I give oral exams and when it comes to my most advanced student, Ian's, turn (fyi we happen to be really good friends now, since hanging out outside of class) I throw him for a complete loop and begin asking, "Would you rather...?" questions instead of the scripted dialogue of all the other students. I literally am bent over of laughter as I question, "Would you rather run over a box full of cute little puppies, or break your nephew's arm?"..his look of terror at first was priceless but once he understood the humor he couldn't stop asking for more. Professional? not in the least bit. Me?! you bet!
My days here are filled with spontanuity and laughter. I meet new friends everyday and run into familiar faces on the street all the time. I love my job and appreciate the neighborhood in which I live. I have been able to experience so many perspectives of chile by floating between age groups, classes, and political parties. By keeping an open mind and willing spirit I have been able to enter some of the most intelectual conversations as well as party till 9am in good company. I never know what tomorrow will bring here. With having an abundance of free time it becomes filled up with the most random interventions, if you will. I look forward to each new day and grow just a bit sadder as the days are dwindling down on this amazing adventure. Last semester I observed Chile but this semester I embraced it, became it, and love it.
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