Monday, July 30, 2007

Monday, July 30, 2007

Technically, today was my first day of class. However since I’m an extranjera or foreign student and have no idea what classes I’m taking, I didn’t go. I had a meeting with Hector, one of our resident Directors about what classes to take. He told me my grade from the Spanish exam, which sounded about like “eeeehhh” with a so so shake of the hand (you know, palm down, rocking back and forth). Basically I did well enough to not be required to take the Español para extranjeros, but it would still be a good idea. Basically what I’ve been saying all along: that my Spanish isn’t nearly as good as it should be after 7+ years of studying the darn language (told you Dad!). After my meeting I spent 3 hours searching through huge binders of course reviews from previous CIEE students.

Once I couldn’t take it anymore, I went with some other CIEE students to a marketplace near the metro stop Estación Central to see the sites and help Tom buy a hat. Then I went home and went for a nice long run. This is the first time I’ve been able to run more than 30 minutes and it felt great. I ran around the old, still functioning horse racing track and Parque O’Higgins, a HUGE park, Santiago’s equivalent of City Park in NYC.

I ate dinner with Olga then headed out to Salsa Class with all the girls that went out dancing for Calli’s birthday. The class was a lot of fun and great exercise. I learned a few moves but really just realized that as long as the girl can keep the beat and has a general idea of what’s going on, the only thing she needs to do is follow the boy! But I did get to watch a type of Salsa square dancing. The dancers stand in a circle with their partners than the leader calls out different moves and every dances in and out and around and through and across, the whole time switching partners. It is incredible to watch and unbelievable how well all the dancers moved together. I’d love to learn! After class I came home and spent another 2+ hours trying to figure out my stupid schedule before I fell asleep with the course catalogue in my hands.