# 10 15/09/2012

Well been a week or so, had some troubles with gmail got locked out and had to go through hoops to get back but made it work. This past week has been fun, but full of midterms. So any one who thought that I’m not studying enough BOOM I make it happen. Felt good about them but I’ll find out after this week what I got. But more on the now, this week is Fiesta Patrias, here in Chile, which means the whole country parties and celebrates the independence of Chile.  There will be many Fondas, which are like fairs/carnivals, which have tons of food, dancing, music, games, and just all the good things that Chileans celebrate about their heritage.  I will be heading to Valpariso, city on the coast, with some friends then heading up north to Colqimbo, which is another city on the coast, but known for its great celebrations during the week of deciocho (18). Hoping to get some surf in if possible, and then if time allows in the week I would like to head south of Santiago to Donihue, a small city known for its rich heritage.  There hopefully I’ll be able to go to a rodeo and pick up a manta. The manta is similar to the pancho, but smaller and worn by huasos, Chilean cowboys, during rodeos and folk dances. Donihue is a town known for having excellent quality and make them by hand.  There will be lots of pictures after and hopefully great stories to go with them. Also enjoy the video I took of a little local fonda :)

Lesson: not always ok to refer to self as an American, because people from South America may take offense. Why uhhh, well they are Americans too, and they are, but they don’t quite get that’s its just easier for people from USA to say “American,” instead of “citizen from the United States of America.”