Chileans are incredible chatters, and they don’t slow down for anyone. It can be pretty difficult to keep up, especially with all the Chilenismos and “po’s” thrown in. Within hours of my arrival, I humbly accepted just vaguely understanding most things in the coming semester. When I don’t know how to respond, or if I get lost …
Tag Archives: Culture
Mary, not Martha
I’ve learned that I’m a pretty task-oriented person. If you would have asked me before I came here, though, I would have said that I appreciate the journey. However, even thinking in terms of a journey implies that there is a direction and a destination. That’s different than simply being present. In Chile, people are …
Surprise! Congratulations! We’ll miss you!
Last night I walked in on a bridal shower/going away party. Honestly, I had no idea my host mom was hosting one. I just had finished making the long trek up the hill to our house and, worn out from my first day of classes, I was looking forward to relaxing on the couch in …
Continue reading “Surprise! Congratulations! We’ll miss you!”
Faithfulness and Ebenezers
Back home I have a rock that sits on my bedside table. Written on it is the word “faithfulness.” My rock’s role is to remind me of God’s faithfulness. Though I didn’t really intend this, that rock has become my Ebenezer. In the Bible, an Ebenezer is a physical representation of God’s goodness to remind …
Yeah, I can do this
As I brought my luggage to the bus, where the other students were waiting, the mountains greeted me like an old friend. I thought, “yeah, I can do this.” A few minutes later, I panicked, the scene on the bus like a flashback to middle school. Where do I sit? Who looks friendly? Can I …
Why Soccer Players Should Study Abroad
Balancing academics, athletics, and social life is no easy feat. Student athletes certainly have a lot of on their schedule and often overlook studying abroad as it is seen as something unobtainable. The thoughts of, “My coach would not allow it” or “I would be missing spring workouts” often come to mind. This blog is to …
Shredding the Pyrenees
From the beach one day to the mountains the next, Catalonia is full of surprises. Earlier this week I travelled north to La Masella, a Catalonian-Pyrenees Alp that stands just above 8,000 feet tall. With bluebird skies, stunning panoramic views, and solid company to ride with, this trip could not be any better… Then again, …
Fútbol, Football, Soccer
Camp Nou. The vibrance erupting through the stadium, the echo’s of yelling fans, the articulate yet free flowing style of Barcelona football, is all simply magnificent. A few days ago I had the pleasure of experiencing this firsthand as Barcelona FC played Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal. Barcelona triumphed Bilbao 3-1, winning …
Barcelona: First Thoughts
What’s up guys! I have finally made it to my study abroad destination, Barcelona, Spain. The time change has taken some getting used to, as well as the lifestyle of Catalonians. For instance, mornings last until 2 pm, dinner is at 9 pm, and the daily dose of tapas is a bit overwhelming. Tapas, for …
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