It’s been a long, LONG time since I have updated this blog,
cueeK!
I’m going to make it quick, no edits, no thinking… just
writing.
I couldn’t be any better.
I am in a great spot, physically and emotionally. It’s always scary to find yourself smiling
while walking down the street because you know that your state of blissful
happiness will soon take a tumble…but I have learned to enjoy it while it
lasts.
I’m a busy woman these days. I have made my weeks my
weekends and my weekends my vacations. I
play soccer on Monday’s and Tuesday’s and I rock climb on Wednesdays.
Thursday’s are social days and Fridays I like to rest. I have spent almost
every weekend away from Santiago rock climbing.
I haven’t done a lot of partying. Or maybe I have…just not a lot of
drinking. I have been enjoying my
weekend get-a-ways way too much to loose a day to a hangover. I also don’t like who I am when I drink a
lot. Shit, I’m growing up.
I am still teaching English.
This year I teach 1, 2, 5 and 6 graders and an after school high school
class. I am already restless feeling
trapped with the strict routine and I don’t find the job very rewarding.. but
whatever, I need money. At least, so
far, I haven’t had any children grab my breasts asking for milk.
Maté, big sweaters, empañadas. Rock climbing? Sarah, what? Since
when? Well, to be honest, the first time
I went climbing was in Pucón (the south of Chile). I met some guides while hiking a volcano and
they invited me to go with them to climb.
As a person who never turns down an opportunity, I gleefully accepted. We
went, we climbed, we repelled, and we fell.
The rope ran out and SPLAT, I fell about 10 feet right onto my
back. Luckily, I only suffered severe
bruising and a few days of intense pain.
However, I can’t play it off like it didn’t affect me…it scared me, a lot. Just thinking about the details of that night puts a knot in my stomach.
Anyway, I started rock climbing after that. Not sure why.
I guess the fall motivated me. I
have been learning slowly, taking every detail into account-no more accidents! I
spend all of my free time outside in the fresh air. Nature is my new
religion. It gives me energy…it fills my
lungs with air, brings me to peace, and it takes me to new limits. I sprawl out in the dirt, I hug the rocks, I feel childlike. Over the past three months I have been to
many breathtaking places. I
have met amazing people. I have pushed
myself to meet goals. I have been
frightened, felt uncomfortable…but there is nothing better than finishing a
route. Taking a few seconds to look
around at your surroundings. Your body
is shaking and you’re exhausted but it doesn’t matter because for one moment,
you feel on top of the world.
I have met an entirely new group of friends here in
Santiago. I find that they have a very
positive influence on me: less drinking and more activities, overall, guiding
me to find a healthier lifestyle. I am
learning a lot from them. I feel
comfortable with them. I don’t need to
try. They are simple and they don’t expect anything from you, just respect and an equal friendship…an
’I’m here for you and you’re here for me, kind-of-thing.’ Sharing moments
together is enough.
I am now living in a neighborhood of Santiago called,
Lastarria. It is smack dab in the center
of the city and has a very artistic vibe to it. The apartment is old and has a lot of character. I am living with a musician.
His name is Diego and plays the guitar in a flamenco
band.
No boyfriend right now, BUT I have met someone that gives me
butterflies for the first time since my ex left me for Europe. It’s a fun feeling. I like him.
I have so many awesome stories but I have been writing a lot in my journal. I like pen and paper. It’s so old-fashioned and basic.
I'll end with a few random photos from weekends away:
With Maru, my other favorite climbing companion. The 'nice' one that stands up for me when Claudio and Oscar are picking on me!
I could never forget to add a picture of my best friend, Katie, and me! She's not only my best friend in Santiago she's also a friend of all sports....and food! She introduced me to both soccer teams I am playing with and we both started climbing around the same time. We also tend to go on a lot of friend dates together trying out new restaurants and bars around Santiago.
Well, to be honest I am getting really tired. I have to take my laundry out to put it on the line and I really want a tea. Sorry for falling off the face of the earth. I hope to stay in better contact. Updates are welcome.
Chau.