In the days leading up to new year's eve, I was overwhelmed by the amount of street vendors selling only yellow underwear. Apparently it's good luck to wear yellow underwear on NYE.... there are a bunch of other Chilean traditions/superstitions, such as eating a spoonful of lentils or one grape with each stroke of the clock, but I didn't partake in any of them. I enjoyed a nice dinner in the campo with Felipe's family and was in bed before 3am. Hopefully I'll have a lucky year, even though my underwear that night were a pretty pink.
I've had an interesting start to the new decade. After FINALLY finding a job at a cute hostel in Providencia, I decided not to take it. The pay and the amount of hours available weren't worth it, especially since I am expecting a visit from my brother in February!
Instead of working, I've been exploring this big city and going to cultural events. I checked out the terra cotta warriors from China, which are on exhibit at one of the museums here, and have been going to different events for the month-long Santiago A Mil (a month's worth of cultural programming - concerts, plays, dance groups, etc). A highlight so far was Step Afrika, a dance group from the US.
I also went to the coastal towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso with the other HM volunteers and just barely avoided a close call with danger, thanks to the kindness and consideration of complete strangers.
I'm loving that Santiago is more culturally diverse than Chillán - it will make for a smoother transition back to the US. In Chillán I found myself surprised whenever I saw someone who didn't look "typical" - that is, someone who wasn't medium height with dark brown hair and slightly tanned skin. When the sub-20 women's world cup came to Chillan, I found myself wanting to join the crowds surrounding the buses from Africa and China, just so I could see a little diversity.
AND, I am dusting off my inner business woman (I know, I didn't know I had one either) and starting a shop on Etsy where I will sell my sock monkeys, jewelry, and other creations. I'll include the link soon.
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