An interesting week!

 

A quick update!!

So last week, just after Patagonia, my parents and younger brother came to visit.  It was my brother's Spring Break so it was a good time to travel south.  Unfortunately, they were only able to stay for about 2.5 days and then had to head back. 

Although the visit was short, we packed in a lot of activities.  We explored a few "Cerros" of Valparaiso:

Watched the sunset from Hotel del Mar:

We also drove up the coast, had dinner with my host family, and my brother and I were able to play "baby futbol" one night.  Overall it was a good visit and I am happy they were able to experience a little of what I do and see everyday.

Last Saturday, I was able to do one of my favorite things in Chile: Go to an Everton Soccer Club game in Vina.  Everton is Vina del Mar's professional soccer team.  The games are crazy and everyone is pretty obsessed! They are definitely the best games I have been to.  Here are some pictures!

So on to this past week.  School has been going pretty well so far.  Each week, for the most part, it becomes easier and easier to understand and communicate in class.  It definitely takes some time!  This past week though I really only had University class one day.  Our classes were "en paro" which basically means they are suspended.  Starting on Tuesday, the university students all around Valparaiso began huge, full stage protests.  The base of these protests stems from the raise in student bus fares on the Micros (buses that are used all over to get from place to place).  In addition to this, other issues pertaining to equal education, food quality, and textbook availability were also being challenged. 

Until they come to an agreement with the school and government, we are in a stand still.  I find this entire situation so fascinating.  I have never been around/experienced such passion for change.  They are upset about something and are actually doing something about it, instead of waiting for something to happen.  Although, in my opinion, some of the issues they are focusing on are quite small, they are still making a difference.

Hopefully, they will be able to resolve the issues soon and I'll keep you updated!