Friday, November 23, 2007 Fiesta de Despedida- Goodbye Party! Already?

Friday, November 23, 2007 Fiesta de Despedida- Goodbye Party! Already?

Work, Mass
Made friends after mass- 2 brothers, studying Engineering, from the south. Told me I’m a good Catholic (b/c I go to mass) and that my Spanish is really good! Gave them my messenger name.
Almuerzo, to Nuestra Casa to do interviews- really nervous
Went really well. Learned a lot, got good stuff for my investigation. Felt good to know they trusted me, many opened up and told me a lot about their lives. 3 guys have lived on the street all their lives. Incredible.
Rushed home, showered, dressed, Olga convinced me to wear my black flats instead of heels, told Olga not to worry, I might be out late with my gringo friends!
Went to CIEE office for the “Returning Home” workshop
Really helpful to learn about “re-entry” syndrome, reflect about how we’ve changed, what concerns we have about going back, what 3 things we’ve learned

How I’ve Changed:

Concerns I have about going back:


3 things I’ve learned:
1. The importance of language
2. JUST DO IT
3. Importance of my family in my life.

Most important thing I’ve learned while in Chile:
It’s not about what you have
It’s not about what you are doing
It’s not about where you are
It’s all about who you are with

After workshop, to Fiesta de Despedida, Goodbye party
Pisco sours, frutti drinks, wine
Delicious dinner
“graduation” ceremony, gave cards to program coordinators, said goodbye
I got up and asked people, esp the boys, to bring clothes/shoes to CIEE office so I can bring it to Nuestra Casa
Dessert, open bar, pictures, socializing, dancing
Left after midnight, walked to Avaneda Suecia, went to small club, danced the night away!
Nick and I danced with 3 chileans until place closed at 5 am!