Language school

Language school

Not a whole lot to report but I thought this could be a blog of photos. Started at language school and Monday and discovered that I had done my entry test far too well. They placed me at Intermediate level which is technically where my Spanish should be at and first day of class was a real brain strain. And the plan for the week included teaching me new subjunctive tenses. So I decided that the subjunctive wasn't all that important to my communication and requested a move down a level. The rest of the week has been much better. I'm finding it really good to be revising the stuff I'm confused about and feel that it's improving my speaking skills. There are six of us in my class with a German, two Brazilians, a Canadian and a Frenchman. There is a crazy number of Germans at the school and also in Chile in general. This might be the place for me; apparently there is a huge demand for German teachers! (Sorry Mum and Dad).

The cool thing about the school is that they offer a range of free cultural activities every week too. I'm trying to decide if my knee is up to learning the national dance - the cueca... On Wednesday we visited a craft market called Pueblito Los Dominicos. Very touristy but cool to look. Lots of alpaca jerseys, wood carving and lapis lazuli jewelry. A kind man also let us try some Chilean traditional instruments and I had great fun with the flutes and recorders. Nearly fainted trying to get a sound out of their version of the recorder! The workshop was also amazing to look around too, this man is really good at what he does. Plus I love looking at all the unfinished guitars and things and the smell of shaved wood is lovely...

Jersey made from alpaca wool

The charango- a bit like a mandolin. This one cost 150,000 pesos so about $370

The Andes from my window

I visited the church in this area too which was a lovely place to go into. Partly due to the much cooler temperature inside! It was a little strange being in somewhere so familiar but yet so strange because they had a big statue of the Virgin Mary right up the front of the church and then Jesus on the cross. Also places to pray to saints as well. It seems like a different religion really.

Does anyone have any questions or things they want me to take pictures of? I will do my best to comply!

My Host Family (Sammi wasn't keen to have his picture taken)