small victories

Things I have accomplished so far:

• Tried pisco, a traditional Chilean liquor. It's really sweet and can easily be drunk by itself. My family offered me a shot before lunch (apparently that's how they roll in Chile).
• Explained the difference between Amish and Mennonite to my host mother. And I think she actually got it.
• Learned the Latin American version of Kings...although I don't know enough dirty words to play "yo nunca nunca he" (never have I ever).
• Mastered the califont well enough to take my first hot shower!!!
• Used my credit card to withdraw about a billion Chilean pesos. I think the exchange rate is around 540 pesos to the dollar or something equally ridiculous.
• Made my first transaction in Chilean pesos. I am now the proud owner of a Chilean hair drier, which will hopefully prevent me from freezing to death in the future.
• Activated my Chilean cell phone so I can feel like a real person again.
• Learned crucial Chilean vocabulary like pololear (to date), carrete (party), po (their version of "pues"), and guagua (a baby, although it will ALWAYS mean "bus" to me!)