Jan Update!

this is about my trip north to Santiago,
We arrived on x-mas eve and went swimming. And then met up with family at their home for dinner and presents at midnight. (Something tells me Chileans like to be up late) After we opened presents we just went back to our hotel room and went to sleep. I expected to spend time with family on X-mas day, yea I was wrong. We woke up early and went to the city and rode a cable car up to the top of a mountain where there is a statue of a religious figure and a really good view of the city. And after we climbed the mountain and took photos we headed back to our hotel room for a swim in the pool. I am still trying to wrap my head around going swimming outdoors in the middle of the “winter for me”, god I love reverse seasons! And for dinner I was soo happy we went to Applebee’s! Something strictly American! I went to town there, ribs, fries, cokes, and a chocolate cake for dessert! Doesn’t get more American than that! I was so happy!
On the 26th we went to the world’s largest pool in Vina Del Mar. all I can say is WOW. I wanted to go swimming but because it is part of a private establishment I was not able to go swimming just walk around and take photos. O well still I can tell my swim team coach I went to the world’s largest pool! And on the 27th we came home all 8 hours of the trip I slept because the scenery is soo boring.
The next interesting thing to happen to me was December 29th. Tuesday morning at 8:30am, I woke up to the sound of a bomb going off about 1000 feet outside my window. After the “blast” the house started to shake and my bed started to move about my room, while my mom ran past my room going to check on my brother. I was so scared I had no clue what was going on. After the house stopped shaking 30 seconds later my mother explained to me that it was just a little earthquake. And then about 20 minutes on the news they were reporting it was a 6.5 tremor and a 7.0 is when houses and buildings start falling down. Something I don’t want to experience again.

I hope everyone back home is enjoying the snow while I am getting sunburned and spending time on the beach!
chao!