Getting to Know My Chilean Family

The past few days have gone by so quickly! It has been difficult to find time to update my blog. As the final day of orientation came to a close, it was time for everyone to find out about their families. We got to see photos of our family and our program directors gave us a brief description of each of the members. I was so excited to meet mine!

That night, we had a cocktail reception where we each got to meet a member of our family. I felt a little extra special because I had 2 people there to meet me! I met one of my new cousins, Javiera, and my host brother, Cote. Cote lives in Santiago, but he came to visit for the weekend to get to know me and spend some time with the family. It turns out that Cote is married to Carol, the host sister of one of the other girls in my program! They are expecting a son, Nicolas, in December--unfortunately I will be back in the US by then.

On Saturday, I finally moved in with my family! My host parents are incredible!!! They are such kind, welcoming people that I felt right at home. My room is cozy and has a terrific view of Valpo, as you can see below.



Cote showed me around the beaches of Viña and the surrounding area. We picked up Carol and Kerry, another girl from my program who Carol's family is hosting, along the way. It was such a gorgeous day! I was so glad we took advantage of it.






My whole family ended up eating dinner at Carol's family's house. We all went over to talk and spend time together, but as it got late, the decision was spontaneously made to stay and eat. I love how close all of these families are!

Yesterday, I went to a soccer match with my host dad, Cote, and Cote's godfather Pavo in Playa Ancha. The men in my family are huge fans of the Santiago Wanderers. The club is based in Valpo and is the oldest soccer club in Chile! Although it wasn't the most eventful soccer game I have seen, it was incredible to see the energy all of the fans brought--it reminded me of being at a Duke basketball game (except all the chanting was in Spanish)! There is even a man who brings tons of tiny scraps of paper to each game and distributes them so that everyone can throw confetti. The Wanderers ended up winning the game 2-0!