I'm going to PUMP YOU UP

So today I went spinning for the first time in my life. Let me tell you , what an experience. I got to the gym and started out in the wight room. The gym was filled with the guys who had arms that were as big as my waist...yes, filled with that guy. The guy that walks around slapping the other guys on the back, constantly talking about how much he benched the day before....that guy. Ok, so maybe I'm making generalizations, but it was pretty comico. There were about ten women....3 of whom clearly came from the US. ANYWAYS, back to spinning. So I get in the room and spend about 5 min. trying to adjust the bike. So I hop on and start peddling. The instructor then enters the room very PUMPED UP. He had all his biking gear on and was jumping up and down like he was getting ready for a boxing match. So he gets on the bike and cranks up the music (side note: it was a great mix of 80s workout music..haha). So if any of you have seen Dodgeball with Ben Stiller, this guy reminded me of that movie. Throughout the workout he kept hollering and whooping. I had trouble keeping a straight face. ANYWAYS, it felt great to do something active...haven't been able to run which was defiantly taking a toll on the mood.

Ok, so let me think about this last week. On Friday I went to the embassy in Santiago. I was supposed to wake up at 5:30 to catch the bus....two hours later at 7:30 I jumped out of bed in a panic, threw on jeans, and was at the bus station and on a bus by 7:50. I got to Santiago and realized that I needed to show up with 2 passport photos. So I squeezed onto the Metro and when I got off I ran around asking where I could find a shop to take my picture. I really lucked out and was ready by 10:30...the embassy closes at 11:30. So then I took a taxi to the embassy and had to go through some intense security before they let me in. AFter getting in, it was a breeze. I filled out new paper work...paid $100....blah...and my new passport is on its way. It was so weird talking to people from the US other than students. Afterwards it was only 11, and I didn't ride two hours only to turn right back around. So I met up with some friends and we went to....mark you may not want to read this...STARBUCKS. Now, usually I'm not a huge supporter, but it was something familiar...with real coffee and chocolate. Why go to Starbucks while your in Chile you ask? Because after a long week, something familiar like that really just turns the day around. That night I went SALSA DANCING! The person that was teaching me said I was a fast learner...what a lie. No, I still do not have rhythm, but am working on it!

On Saturday I got to meet up with my Israeli friend that we met in Ushuaia!! It was so fun to see him and hear about his adventures! I think my next place abroad will have to include Israel. Otherwise , this week has been filled with homework so far. I had to write a paper on cinematography! Anyways, yesterday I was taking the Micro (bus) home from class when a huge group of elementary kids got on....and I was sitting there thinking, in certain ways, these kids grow up a lot faster here. It was so odd to see a bunch of 6 year olds paying to get on the bus, clinging to the poles inside the bus, and getting off at the appropriate stops. Hmmm. Well I guess thats all. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARCUS!!! CONGRATS ON FBLA NATIONALS!!!
Love
Cristina