As media coverage of the Pope dies down, the focus is gradually shifting to Chile`s Presidential campaigns.  Though elections are months away (October,) it is nearly impossible to ride the micro or eat at a neighborhood cafè without overhearing a conversation regarding the standpoints and popularity of the various candidates.  However, our latest attempt to enter the political realm was thwarted when Michele Bachelet´s on-campus campaign speeches were canceled.  Though it would be easy enough to participate in one of the growing number of politically oriented student demonstrations (aka riots) this is not recommended. 

   The most recent demonstration was in protest of the increase in student micro fare.  Since the increase was equivalent to less than two cents, and the demonstrations often lead to the cancellation of university classes, I have a feeling that these protests do not always indicate the presence of some great injustice.  Classes at the universities here (University of Chile in particular) seem to have a different feel than my classes in the States.  The best of example of this is in regards to my "History of Latin America" class, in which the professor nonchalantly introduced the syllabus in our seventh week of class.  This mentality, (along with my host mom`s persistent refusal to let me help with housework-I was scolded for taking a used glass into the kitchen-), could lead to some problems with reintegration in the States.

   Yesterday I attempted introduce my host family to the fine art of chocolate chip cookie baking.  Since most people buy cookies here (my host mom had actually never heard of anyone baking them at home) this led to some complications at the grocery store as I tried to locate "corn syrup" and "butterscotch chips."  The search ended with countless confused employees and some not-so-subtle glances towards the snack aisle, where packaged cookies could be easily obtained.  Not surprisingly, my host mom found my attempts to sample the dough even more unorthodox, though she polished off quite a few of the "galletas de chocolate" when they were baked. 

   Other highlights of the week included a cloud and smog-free day in which the view of the mountains was crystal clear, a trip to an awesome Italian restaurant in upscale Las Condes (where they unexpectedly adorned our pizza with asparagus and corn) and watching "Machuga" and "Maria, llena eres de gracia," two very popular and powerful Latin American films.  (Highly recommended if anyone can find them in the states.)  I was also excited to be presented with the opportunity to teach English to a class of "advanced" high school students a  few times a week.  After student-teaching high school English classes for six weeks in the States, it will be interesting to gain a new perspective.  Plans are in the making for a trip to Mendoza next weekend; maybe they sell butterscotch and corn syrup in Argentina...