Countdown to Chile!

March 10th 2007

Well, hello everyone! Welcome to my recently created blog where I'll post all my pics and stories about teaching English in Chile through Alliance Abroad, the Chilean Ministry of Edu (MINEDUC), and the English Open Doors Program. (whoo-- but you can just remember I'm teaching English in Chile). Thanks to everyone who gave me such great send-offs from Boston, and Palo Alto!!! Loved my bistrocake from Hamersley's, the Artful Hand necklace, night at The Liquor Store, and my big dinner with family and friends in Holliston and Palo Alto. Can't beat Moscato d'Asti and tea leaf salad (to name a few favorites!) =)

To those whom I didn't get to say an official goodbye, moving from Boston was a trip. My mom arrived on Friday, dinner in Holliston on Saturday, dim sum and shopping on Sunday (day of rest!), skiing on Monday, packing on Tuesday and out!

And now I only have three days left in California before my departure! I've been trying to get in all the things I think I'll miss while being away... sushi, a little shopping, a good haircut.... I know I'll be able to do some of these things while I'm down there, but having a tendency to stick to the familiar, I wanted to get them done beforehand. All of that will change once I'm transported! I really am looking forward to a new perspective on life and hope to absorb life in Chile like a sponge. I'll meet everyone in my program for the first two weeks for orientation, and then I'll be driven to my host family and teaching site (yet to be determined). The idea of being on unfamiliar territory makes me a little anxious, but at the same time, I know there is only so much that I can do to prepare for an adventure like this. Plus part of the fun is being able to conquer my fears and become open to the unknown! (little bit of pep talk for me and those reading this!)

So, thanks again for everyone who wished me well in Boston and Palo Alto. I promise the next postings will have more excitement as I'll have started my trip officially! I'm also posting pictures of where I'll be and what my travel plans look like!