Karaoke + more

The past day has been awesome! Yesterday afternoon after orientation I attempted my commute from the center to home for the first time. All was well, although it was really crowded, and luckily I caught my host dad on the bus ride back and he made sure we got off at the right stop. I spent the afternoon organizing my stuff and looking at transportation maps. We had an amazing pasta dinner with avocado (palta) and bread and cheese on the side... so far the food is great. My sisters watched Nickelodeon during dinner-- same shows like Blue's Clues and Zoey 101.

Last night we went to Isidora Goyenchea street, to the karaoke bar "Playback." This street was totally American/touristy-- it had a TGI Friday's, a Starbucks, and a Ruby Tuesdays, which we stopped by quickly to watch the championship game. Not too exciting, although I wished Bubs were there. When we arrived at Playback, we met up with 10 other Stanford students from this quarter and last. I ordered a traditional Chilean "Pisco Sour" (tastes almost exactly like a margarita) and the songs began with an old Chilean man who got up to sing "Your Song." The restaurant was occupied by our large table and one other table of local adults, and we kept sending up different members of our groups to sing. It was so much fun... karaoke is pretty much the best thing ever, especially here with a mix of Spanish and English songs and people often singing when they don't understand the words. The whole place cheered for everyone who went up, and soon we got really into it with clapping and arm-waving and the like. I sang "Son of a Preacher Man" and "Summer Nights." All in all, Stanford put up a good show and we represented with several hits of the 80s and 90s. The night ended with "Bohemian Rhapsody" and we all piled into taxis to head home.

It was a late night, so I got to the center around 10:30 this morning before 11:00 orientation. I managed the transit although even outside of peak hours it's pretty busy. For lunch we headed to Castano, a bakery and sandwich chain that is literally on every block and really cheap. I had a decent panini and then bought some international and local calling cards... so hopefully in the next few days I can set that up.

Basically, everything is going well. My family is really patient and attentive, and the Stanford center has so many useful resources. I am also really proud of myself for using resources carefully... I'm trading my 15-minute showers for "army showers" from now on! Someday I'll figure out the details of everyday life like internet, laundry and joining a gym, but for now just getting by and having fun is working well for me.