hola desde chile!

i only have a few minutes to spare and a lot i wanted to blog from chile, so an abbreviated version will have to suffice.

we arrived about two and a half days ago and yet it feels like weve been here for awhile. i have to admit that i am disappointed with chile thus far. our tour guide, lorena says that the chileans steal everything from other countries so it is hard to see their own unique culture. there are 22 starbucks stores, and some neighborhoods look just like like a picture from a US suburb. im thirsting to get a taste of authentic chilean culture but its been a challenge to find.

the past day and a half we have been doing some volunteer work for a small organization in santiago that provides a home for at risk children. most of the work consists of painting their home but the kids and the staff have been so sweet (even though most of them dont speak english). its nice to see how warm and welcoming the people can be.

this morning my roommate and i stopped by a small cafe across the street for breakfast. it was the most adorable place that served tea, coffee and a few pastries. that was the kind of small shop i was hoping to see more of here.

the rest of my group is calling so i must cut this one short, but will post again soon! adios!