across the cordillera

This week has been busy but productive. I got back from Brazil on Tuesday at 6am, actually getting to see my entire family before they left for work and school. I still have tons of work and I'm dreading the end of the quarter, but I realized that time is running out and there are still a couple amazing places that I need to see. So instead of staying home and pretending to work on essays while actually lying in bed and watching The Office season finale over and over, I'm going to Mendoza, Argentina, where I spent a summer four years ago through AFS. I am so excited to go back there and see some familiar sites, and maybe meet up with some Mendocinos. Tomorrow I leave Santiago and get to experience the 8-hour bus ride through the Andes, including a passport and customs check somewhere in the middle. I'm really excited for some amazing views and time to relax. Going by myself should be an adventure, but I need a break from the Stanford group and a little time alone. Hopefully the weather will be amazing, I'll meet some cool kids at the hostel, and I can get in contact with my old host family without showing up at their doorstep. I will update on Brazil and Mendoza after this weekend... when I embark on a final paper-writing marathon before I finish class. Have a great Memorial Day weekend, everybody!