Transitions
Submitted by Amanda Cannata on March 16, 2012 - 6:18pm
Written Monday, March 12:
Things are much better in Santiago now that I've left my apartment. I had a lovely weekend after moving, and even got to spend yesterday afternoon in the mountains. It was beautiful, and if I come back here I will need to plan a longer excursion in that area. The mountain road was about a 9/10 on the scale of terror, but the bus driver seemed very capable and got us up and down safely. The views from Valle Nevado (3000m) were amazing and I'm so glad I got to see some of Santiago's surroundings.
The weather in Santiago has cooled off, which pleases me immensely. It's now in the low eighties/high seventies instead of 90+, so it's just more comfortable and pleasant to be outside. I'm also feeling much better health-wise, probably thanks to my more comfortable residence.
I got through boxes 8 and 9 today at the archives, and will finish up my work there tomorrow. I have a bit more work in the national library to get through, but I'm planning on taking Wednesday off (mostly) and squeezing in some final tourist activities before I leave for BsAs on Thursday.
With this transition, my trip is nearly 50% over, and I've got mixed feelings so far. Research-wise, the last three weeks have been very productive, and I think I'm in good shape for my dissertation (at least re:the 1875 expo). The initial transition to a new country was challenging, and the unfortunate experience with my apartment definitely colored my attitude over the last 10 days or so, but I'm trying to move beyond it so I can enjoy my last few days here. Santiago is growing on me, slowly but surely, and I would definitely like to explore other parts of Chile in the future. Most of the people I've met here have been incredibly friendly and kind, and I've felt welcome by most everyone I've met -- especially the woman who works in the library cafe. My Spanish is also improving more and more each day, so communication has become much easier.
Overall, I'm glad that I've challenged myself with this trip, even though it has had some difficult moments so far. We'll see how the next half goes and I'll reevaluate then :-)
I'm off to bed -- goodnight!
The weather in Santiago has cooled off, which pleases me immensely. It's now in the low eighties/high seventies instead of 90+, so it's just more comfortable and pleasant to be outside. I'm also feeling much better health-wise, probably thanks to my more comfortable residence.
I got through boxes 8 and 9 today at the archives, and will finish up my work there tomorrow. I have a bit more work in the national library to get through, but I'm planning on taking Wednesday off (mostly) and squeezing in some final tourist activities before I leave for BsAs on Thursday.
With this transition, my trip is nearly 50% over, and I've got mixed feelings so far. Research-wise, the last three weeks have been very productive, and I think I'm in good shape for my dissertation (at least re:the 1875 expo). The initial transition to a new country was challenging, and the unfortunate experience with my apartment definitely colored my attitude over the last 10 days or so, but I'm trying to move beyond it so I can enjoy my last few days here. Santiago is growing on me, slowly but surely, and I would definitely like to explore other parts of Chile in the future. Most of the people I've met here have been incredibly friendly and kind, and I've felt welcome by most everyone I've met -- especially the woman who works in the library cafe. My Spanish is also improving more and more each day, so communication has become much easier.
Overall, I'm glad that I've challenged myself with this trip, even though it has had some difficult moments so far. We'll see how the next half goes and I'll reevaluate then :-)
I'm off to bed -- goodnight!
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