It doesnt get any better than surfing

Surfing is so freaking amazing. It is definately my new favorite sport. There is no better feeling than riding on top of a wave. Saturday I went back to Concon to try a little more surfing. Im definately getting the hang a grasp on it. I got up and rode the wave at least 4 or 5 times. And when I say ride the wave I mean ride. Those waves carry some wicked velocity. Outdoor adventure rocks:)

Bring it on Chile

I now remember why I chose this beautiful country. I wanted to be fully submersed in a culture completely unfamiliar to my own. My wish has been granted. In advance, I have to thank the people of genuine spirit and generosity of this country, because without them I wont be able to survive. My decision will be a trade off; I will have to work harder than ever before to learn a language and culture completely foreign to me, but the reward will be oh so sweet. My first week of classes has been overwhelming to say the very least. In my empreza class I am the only gringo. The teacher doesnt hesitate to point that out. He pokes fun at me sometimes by telling the girl next to me that she will have to explain to me what is going on. Wayon (dude), Im getting what youre throwing at me. We have to do a group project in the class that describes a businesses operations. Today we chose to do a local beer company in Valparaiso. It way my idea and the group really liked it (Parker 1, Language barrier 0). Today I went to my first class of Reccoursos Humanos. There had already been 2 classes before, but because I had to change my classes around I just entered. The teacher wasnt there, it was only the teachers assistent. We watched a movie about new techniques of cooking, and the obejective is to relate the movie to fundamental business processes. After the movie everyone organized into their groups (problem was I had no group). Thank goodness, a group of students were very kind to accept me into their group. I felt like such an moron sitting there, because I didnt really catch the concept of the movie. When one of the students finally asked me what I thought I drew blank. Do you know how hard it is to eleborate your thoughts in another language (Parker 0, Language Barrier 1). The two girls in my group were very nice to sit down with me after class and discuss the movie, I am going to watch the movie again and get a clearer idea about what I need to do.Yesterday, I walked into my pilates class 5 minutes late and there were over 100 students in the class. The teacher waved a familiar wave, everyone in the class looked over at me, all girls i might add. I went to sit down, but there were mats, so I had to sit on the floor. After a minute of feeling awkward and cramped, I got up and took off [Parker 0, Social insecurity 1]. Yesterday, I went to my danzas traditionales class. There are five guys and over 20 girls [Parker 1, Social insecurity 0]. We are learning a whole bunch of different dances begining from the north of Chile all the way down to the south. Today, I started class at 10 in the morning and finished at 8. I met 7 new amigos and amigas and got invited out to two different places tonight [Parker 1, Social insecurity 0]. When I got home I received a message from someone who is terrified to come to Chile and asked if I could be of some assistance. It will be my pleasure to answer questions and help her in any way I can [social responsability 1, thumbs up for me]. All in all things are looking on the up and up. School is definately going to be a struggle, but my life has given me alot of struggles. I am staying positive and I think that is the only way to go, because I am not willing to give up. Shout out to my mom for adding me to facebook. Love you mom :o

Cambio no es muy faciles

It has been a long time since I have blogged. I guess inspiration was lacking. My friends left from the summer semester. I feel like the time stopped moving and I began playing a waiting game that is all too familiar with the waiting game I played before I got here. When I think back now I can allude to the part of the bible I just finished reading. Forty years Moses and the people of Egypt wandered the wilderness. I may not fully understand the purpose of my journey, but I am sure that my feelings will better be fulfilled if I constantly evolve to become more knowlegeable and skilled in my endevours. Anyways people i´m back!!! This is the most excited I have ever been to start school. The classes that I am taking include Communication and Literatura Chileno, 2 courses de negocios, a traditional dance class, and an outdoor education class (I am especially excited for this class because we get to go on 5 field trips throughout the year). There are alot more intercambio students this semester. Students here are from all over the world. Orientation started last monday. On tuesday we went on a bus tour to all of the different campuses (The system is a lot different here because there are over 15 campuses located throughout Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. My favorite campus is Sausalito it is located in Vina above a beautiful laguna.)  My days are starting to get filled up. Kayaking and salsa on mondays, traditional dance and pilates on tuesdays, pilates on thursdays, and outdoor education on Fridays. Not to mention my other classes during the week and homework. My weekends will be filled with weekend trips with friends anbd my outdoor education class. And yes I still will find my chance to go to Argentina. The bicentenial for Chile is in September. Chi Chi Le Le Le, here we go:)