The Best & Worst of La Vida Abroad

   After being asked by a Chilean friend yesterday regarding the "mentality necessary to study abroad," I began to think.  After a couple hours of discussion, (and a few cappuccinos) I decided that in order to truly get the most out of his or her experience, one must be able to observe and consider both the best and worst aspects of life abroad.  Thus, I compiled a list of my favorite (and least favorite) aspects of life in Santiago: 

   The Best of Santiago

   -Being surrounded by mountains! (when they are visible through the "esmog")

   -Shopping in the outdoor markets; I never grow tired of browsing through woven llama sweaters, colorful scarves, and very affordable gaudy jewelry.

  -The Chilean schedule.  As a chronically late individual in the States, I find it refreshing to be   consistently early here.  "Early" classes begin at 10 and certain professors are typically 20-30 minutes late for their own classes.

  -Living a bilingual life.  Between classes, my host family, Chilean friends, "gringo" friends, journaling, various "media influences," and traveling, I am constantly able to think, write, and interact in two languages.  This is a very rewarding (though somewhat demanding) experience.  It is particularly interesting when I forget what language I am speaking.

  -In the words of the micro vendors, "Helado, helado, helado!"  As an ice cream fanatic, I was ecstatic upon discovering the abundance of ice cream in Santiago.  Though the ice cream bars on the micros are occasionally of questionable quality, a superior variety is available at the ever-present Nestle "Savory" stands, and ice cream crepe desserts are extremely popular at cafès in  the most upscale neighborhoods.  Although it`s tempting to eat nothing but mint chocolate chip, I have enjoyed sampling the new flavors.  Lùcuma (a peach-shaped fruit, though the ice cream tastes more like butterscotch) and Chirrimoya (another fruit) are favorites.

  -Teaching at the colegio.  Although already familiar with various US artists, (Michelle Branch, Maroon 5) yesterday my class was introduced to Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Matchbox 20, and Bob Dylan, among others.  Most of them enjoyed this experience; (country music, however, produced mixed feelings.)

-The weather!  Yesterday, the US equivalent of Dec 1st, was 60ish and sunny.

-Cultural opportunities.  In addition to the obvious cultural experience of living in another country, and the "cultural events" of Santiago (another free classical concert last night) there are unexpected opportunities as well.  Tuesday night, at a friend`s house, I was able to spend hours talking with students from England, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, and Argentina, among other places.     

(While I am a perpetual optimist, I feel it is only fair to include "the other side of the coin" as well.  A study abroad experience, while exciting and completely worthwhile, will not always be perfect.) 

The "Worst" of Santiago

   -Constant attention.  While at first it was fun to feel like a movie star, smiling politely at random compliments from the local men, the novelty has long since worn off.  My female friends agree wholeheartedly.

   -Rush hour.  Micros, metro, lines, lines, lines. 

   -Fences.  Nearly all houses and businesses (in at least 48 of the 52 comùnas) are surrounded by spiky looking fences.  Although my host family reminds me this is a necessity here, it seems rather unneighborly.

   -"Spontaneous Attempts to use English."  While I am willing to help others practice their English, it is not very helpful when people feel compelled to shout "Happy Birthday" (and any other English words they can think of) as I walk by.  Friends with blonde hair are even more unfortunate in this respect.

   -And finally, the lack of free refills!  As I was told by a Chilean friend, this, (along with the absence of "put-in-a-quarter-take-out-a-newspaper" dispensers) is due to the Chilean tendency to take advantage of free items.  Apparently McDonalds`attempts to make use of the Free Refill System were thwarted when customers continually purchased one soft drink for 8 or 9 people.

  All in all, of coure, the positives far outweigh the negatives.  Preparing for my first opera experience and a return trip to Valparaiso this weekend, I cannot imagine a better place to study abroad.