EARTHQUAKE!!!

SO, Chile is known for having earthquakes. I have now learned that if an earthquake happens, I should go in a doorway. Good to know. ANYWAYS ,there was an earthquake with the strength of 6.2 this morning. Guess who slept through it? Everyone else in my house was out of their rooms, one girl crying, the mom on her cell, the other gringa wondering what all the noise and shaking was about, and I was asleep. bummer. Oh well, maybe next time.

I love the culture of SALSA. I've been three times this week and plan on going next week as well...no, i still do not have rhythem, and yes, I still stick out being 2 feet taller than everyone, but I have SO much fun dancing the SALSA. The music is fun, the dancing is fun, and the colors are fun! It's a different culture. Something that we aren't used to in the US. Its not just a dance, its people interacting with their bodies and their eyes. I love watching the pros after the lessons at the club. Its such a vibrant expressive dance and I am determined to learn. I went to a place last night where the salsa dancing was on the roof...all the walls were bright yellow and it was just a neat environment. The culture is so much more relaxed here, people are born with rhythm and they just move to the music, its incredible. In general, the people here just seem to go with the flow. ...they spend 2 hours after dinner enjoying time with the family, they don't stress about small decisions, they are more affectionate and laugh more. Its great! I think I've learned a lot about how to enjoy life and not always need to be on a schedule, or busy....although I have been going a little stir crazy :)




Ok, so more stories about my quest to get some sort of physical activity. The other day I decided to go lift weights at the university...so I got up early, determined to get there and get some work done. I opened the door to the weight room and stepped in, and looked around , and realized that I was surrounded by about 30 chilean men in a small room with machines I had never seen....yikes. So I sat and thought for about 5 seconds and then decided that doing sit ups on the beach sounded like a much better idea. I t made me think how the international students at our school feel when they walk into the caf and look around and realize they are different. SO today I went to the beach to do some strength stuff. It was BEAUTIFUL, the sun was going down and the waves looked incredible. So I started doing squats and this guy and his nephew who were playing soccer started laughing and mimicking me....I couldn't help but laugh with them..I should've put out a hat to collect money or something seeing as it was entertaining for anyone who passed by. SO tomorrow I will visit another gym. I have realized that I am about 100x happier and energetic with some sort of physical activity, hopefully I'll be able to run soon!!!
This morning I went to a German Lutheran Church in Valpo. It is up on one of the prettiest hills in valpo, Cerro Alegre. It was nice to visit a church, something familiar where I know I am welcomed even with the label of GRINGA (from the USA). After the service we got chocolate cake and talked to the pastor. ....i enjoyed the service, and the cake :). This week it has really hit me how beautiful valpo is. I have attached a few pics for your enjoyment!!!!

These pics are from cerro alegre. I'm not sure how to write around them or why this is in blue but thats ok. The above pic is of all the Luther girls next to a mural. There are TONS of murals in VALPO. Below are pics of other murals and of the colorful houses in the city.







I wish i knew how to put the pics in and write captions under them, but i guess you get the idea. Well I suppose that's all. Miss you all! Hope everyone is doing well!
cristina