Magallanes, te quiero

I have to say that in spite of the cold, I truly love it here. Punta Arenas is a pretty clean city--the tap water is devine and the air is pure. Santiago definitely had a better nightlife and more action, but it was a pretty congested city. The one day I went running, I began to taste the pollution (no exaggeration) a mile into my workout. I guess people don't normally run on the streets of Santiago, because I have never gotten so much attention in my life! Workers were spilling out of their semis, whistling up a storm, and macho men were honking the most ridiculous sounding horns I have ever heard (a horse/mustang neighing and a elaborate wolf-whistle that went on for at least 20 seconds). It was great for my self-esteem and reminded me that I really need to get the car horn that plays the godfather theme song, I have waited long enough! Speaking of working out, I have joined a gym! I had a serious talk with myself after I could no longer zip up a pair of the jeans I brought without having...a muffin top....gross. Turns out that eating copious amounts of fried foods, bread with every meal, and 2-3 dinners are not the key to a hot body. Who knew? For those looking to gain weight, come to Chile.

I figured that I had better get a serious action plan because no one wants to read a blog entitled: "Sad, chubby gringa in Chile."
Step 1: I am walking to and from school every day so I will get at least a 45 minute walk in every day
Step 2: I joined a gym that has a nice array of machines, classes, and good-looking men
Step 3: I will force myself to brave the elements and walk (eventually run?) to the gym in the mornings/afternoons which will add another 30 minutes

When I went to sign up at the gym yesterday I was told that everyone has to have an evaluation with an team member/instructor who measures your body fat and weighs you....mine is tomorrow....can't wait! The good news is that I have already been able to use the machines and plan to get a nice workout in tomorrow as well because there is no school tomorrow. My plan is to kick my gringa status up from hot to fiery.....I at least have to look good for the disco-themed birthday party I intend to have!

My School!
I love it! I have been placed at a high school that is notorious for having 'rowdy' students (especially the girls). They aren't too particularly fond of school/working/learning, but I intend to play into their interests to motivate them. Once you get them talking about things they like, they won't stop! I have had to introduce myself to around 8-10 different classes and it is really funny/cute to here them try to pronounce my name KEA-lee? KYE-lee? Oh, KEEEEE-LEEEEE! I have gotten asked in the most awkward way if I have a boyfriend, if I'm married, and if I have any children. "How old is your boyfriend?" "You have babies?"
-My answers: no, No, NO!

There are some students that are particularly fond of greeting me in the mornings, especially this one student who's rocking a mullet like there's no tomorrow. "Hello miss! Good morning miiiisss!" (pronounced ('mees')

I will begin teaching this Thursday and I will have my own room, that's long, very narrow and robin's egg blue. Since all of the walls are bare in my room, feel free to send me English-related decorations, I would like it a lot! I am going to look for some cheap markers, poster board, and other miscellaneous art supplies. Email me and I'll send you my address!!!!! I will be working with students at all levels, which I am excited about because I will be able to use my Spanish to make the time we spend together more meaningful and worth-while. Yesterday both the teachers and the students started teaching my 'bad/dirty' words and phrases---apparently there are a lot of them and then a mountain of other words/expressions that when used in the wrong context are also bad! Good thing I have 2 Chilean diccionarios thanks to my new friend who will remain anonymous!

¡Besos y abrazos!

Keeley

Pictures featured in this post:
-Sunset from outside my house
-Downtown Punta Arenas with the ocean in the distance!