Everything is still going well. We left the city around noon today, and went to the city of where we are staying at a resort. We’re about an hour and a half north of Santiago. I think we’re here on the orders of ISA in Austin, because there was still a slight concern about safety in Valparaiso due to the small possibility of an aftershock or tsunami. However, from what I hear, Valparaiso and Vina del Mar where relatively unaffected by the earthquake, and the danger of a tsunami was almost non-existent. I’m sure you guys have seen, but there is a lot of destruction in the central and southern parts of Chile and now over 200 deaths. We’re pretty isolated where we are now, and I only know what I hear and see on the news. Is it true that Hawaii got hit with a tsunami?
Well, other than the earthquake, the second-most strangest thing in my life happened to me today. I was talking with a group of ISA students, and the topic of bird watching came up. I hesitantly mentioned that I was a birder, and someone who wasn’t from Messiah or particularly interested in biology said, “That’s so awesome! I can’t believe you’re a bird watcher!” I, of course, thought that she was just being bitingly sarcastic, but she insisted and said, “Yeah, my friend from back home and I think that bird watching is so cool! I’m going to send her an e-mail and tell her I actually met a bird watcher today!” It still seems too strange to believe, but she appeared genuine enough to be convincing. Bizarre, I know.
I learned something else about Chile today, and don’t be fooled, Chile isn’t heaven, but this fact brings it pretty darn close:

They eat avocados almost every day.

Why doesn’t the whole world flock to Chile right now, you ask? I don’t know.

But seriously, I’m ready to get to my host family, get into the rhythm of things, and stop having craziness happen. At least non-sugar induced craziness.