Although I have been trying to take classes for only two days, I have already found myself in the wrong classroom, at the wrong campus, at the wrong time, or in the wrong part of the city altogether countless times.  And I thought I had problems with directions back in the States...People here are helpful for the most part, but it´s embarrassing to ask for clarification three or four times when you don´t understand if someone is telling you to go right (derecha) or straight (derecho.)  Well, I still have four months.

       Santiago is a city of surprises.  Today, for instance, I was walking with friends along Avenida Bernardo O´Higgins, a main street which streches through downtown, when we found ourselves in the middle of a low-income housing protest.  I was wondering why the sidewalk suddenly seemed so crowded when we noticed a large Chilean flag being paraded in front of us by a group of men in uniform.  We were surrounded by men, women and children waving banners, blowing horns, and causing a general scene.  I noticed several people along the outskirts of the crowd shaking their heads in disapproval at the backpack toting Americans apparently trying to "make a difference."  We, however, were not anxious to draw attention to ourselves.  Since the program directors had warned us numerous times of the risks of joining in a political protest, we immediately tried to step to the side, but it was impossible.  The mass of chanting people behind us stampeded through, and it was all we could do to follow along and avoid being trampled. 

     Aside from taking a political stand here, we are also discovering a variety of volunteer opportunities.  From teaching English to local children from impoverished neighborhoods to working with AIDS patients, we will have opportunities to gain additional first hand experience with the language while doing something for others as well.  Between choosing classes, exploring the volunteer opportunities, and coordinating plans for our journey to the Southern "Lake District" of Chile, I sometimes forget to relax and savor being halfway around the world.