all tuckered out; soaking it all up

Fue un día muy largo.

I am enjoying having the chance to blog. It makes me look back and reflect and really soak it all in. I know I won't always have time to do this. Especially after today, I see the importance of slowing down and taking it all in.

It was the first day of orientation for all of the foreign exchange students. There were more of us than I thought there would be--250 total! After all the welcomes and announcements, there was food and music--salsa music to be specific. I met students from all over--Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, France, Australia and Austria! 

Also, we all took a test to gauge each student's comprehension in la lengua español. Then a break for lunch and then a second meeting (in a different location, which was a little confusing) where we were given a pretty detailed overview of all the courses as well as the rest of the week. To sum it all up, there was more information than there is space in the brain.

I tried not to let my anxiety get the best of me by worrying whether or not my Spanish is good enough, how will I do in my classes? Will I be able to keep up? Will I have friends? How am I ever going to figure out this class schedule? The list could go on and on...

Although, I am mentally exhausted and struggling to form complete sentences in english (much less spanish), I was reflecting on the day and through it all, what really mattered. And, thank goodness for cameras because now I can show you the sweet little moments where a million questions weren't racing through my mind, and I was just soaking it all in.

The sunrise that melted my heart...

I rode with a friend of Rosa's to orientation, who is also housing an exchange student from the states. Rosa walked with me to her friend, Emma's casita in the sunshine. A brisk walk in cool crisp air makes for a sweet time...

















And probably my favorite part of the day, Rosio met me after my second meeting and helped me get home. The meeting was in an elementary school in Viña del Mar (Valparaíso and Viña pretty much run together). Rosio wanted to show me a park she had told me about, so we walked several blocks to a park called Quinta Vergara. Rosio has such a sweet nature, and she is very patient with me when I don't understand something. And, she appreciates silence. Sometimes, it seems she knows my brain is tired, and we are very content to just walk without exchanging words

 We arrived at the park where, a grand old home made of white marble and pillars in the front, has been turned into a museum. However, it's in disrepair from a the last earthquake. But, the gardens surrounding the old home are beautiful. And, all of the old trees block the noise from city, so that it is as if you're entering a sanctuary. The calmness surrounds you when you enter through the gates.

Well, that's about it. My eyelids are heavy.
Oh, and, this is just a song that has a melody that seems to match the day. You know when a song seems like it matches the beat of your drum that day?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHCrFA2X26I

Goodnight..buenas noches..chao. Te amo, abrazos y besos.