Pucón

Hello trusty followers,

This past weekend CIEE took us to Pucon, which is in the IX Region. Generally it takes about 9 hours by bus, but seeing as the earthquake did a little bit of damage, it took 12. So, last Thursday night we boarded the bus, and got there Friday morning. Martin came with us, which was actually really fun. So here's the low down on my weekend:

We got there around 9am on Friday and went to our super nice cabins. I was in a cabin with a really chill bunch of girls, so that was good. They gave us breakfast then we were on our way already, we wasted literally no time. We went to a Mapuche village for the whole day. The Mapuches are an indigenous group here in Chile, the most populated and well known group. We divided up into two groups, and I got to go into the museum first. I took lots of pictures! I found their language to be one of the most interesting parts of the tour. The Mapuches believe in the holiness of land and the earth, so their views on things are also super interesting. Their art and instruments are beautiful, pictures to come. The tour ended in a room with a huge stove where they were cooking "sopaipillas". Pretty much, its fried bread. It was soo good. and the other group didn't get any, hehe. They also explained how you have to throw the first bite of a special bean they have to the ground first, in thanks for the food it provides. Then we got to go to the little souvenir shops. I bought a lil sumthin sumthin, but I haven't decided who its for, so I won't say what it is! After that we went for a traditional Mapuche lunch. They gave us mashed potatoes and lots of fresh vegetables. Not bad, but I missed Mama's cooking, actually. Then we went to play Palin (not like Sarah, theres an accent on the i), which is a Mapuche game like field hockey. I did not participate, obviously. When we finally got home, my cabin made dinner then went to bed early because most of us had signed up to climb a volcano Saturday.

So its Saturday at 7am and the guide told us it was a shitty day to climb the volcano. However he had assured us it was going to be a gorgeous day, so when he said that about Sunday we didn't believe him. It rained for a lot of Saturday which sucked, but I signed up to do canopy. We were all pretty upset about not being able to climb, we had heard its amazing. The sun came out so we went into the center of town to kinda explore and shmy around. It was cute and fun. Then it was time to canopy. I was so brave!!!!!!!! The first time I went with the guide because I was terrified of the height and, you know, flying over a river. Then it was really fun. Until i pulled the cable too early and was dangling over the river on one of the runs. Then, around the second to last run i got the hang of it hahaha. My friend took a video, so hopefully that will get on facebook soon for you all to marvel at. So that was Saturday. Sunday we went hiking and to hot springs!!!! The hike was gorgeous, I have tons of pictures of waterfalls. The hot springs were so cool! I have never been to any before, so it boggled my mind how these little pools were like natural jacuzzis. We we there for at least 2.5 hours and it was super relaxing. When we returned to the cabins i was forced to play a game of soccer. Big weekend for me, eh??? Then we ate dinner and boarded the bus for the journey home. We made it back at around 830 monday morning. Perfect because I had class at 1145 then a test at 520, ha!!

I failed the test, fyi.

Today, I had practice with my group for my folklore dance class cuz we have a test monday. I am dancing Diablada. Its me and 5 chilean phys ed majors, all guys. Its interesting, but they have been really nice so far. Then I went to CIEE class which was dumb. The Gloria took me to the school where I'll be volunteering. I am assisting an English workshop for 15 and 16 yr olds on Tues and Weds. I think its going to be really fun!!! On the way to the school i dropped my phone on the micro, way to go me. So i need to go buy another, terrific. i should be reading for the test I have thursday, or researching for the paper due friday :). On that note, please keep on sending me things. oh wait, no one does except mommy. So facebook me things about life and exciting news!!!!! miss everyone!

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