I would like to first start things off by admitting that as I write this I am masticating the most delicious homemade roll I've had in a long time, well, in 24 hours to be exact. That's how long a lasted in Chile without bread. During that time period and I had to either deny the presence of, or turn down the lovely bready bread that being waved in front of my face during four separate meals. Everything in moderation is my final conclusion. Here are a two reasons why yesterday rocked:

1. A package from my family arrived stocked with gum, knitting supplies, red curry paste, gummy bears, my UW sweatshirt, among other things. Now I can knit in the evenings, share amazing US gum and sweets with my friends and family, cook Thai food for Marcelo's brother Tomas, and show my school spirit. It just seemed ridiculous that Marcelo had a UW sweatshirt that I gave him and mine was all the way in Seattle...

2. Theresa, the other student from my program who is also staying for the year came back into town from Santiago! It was so cool to see her after 3 month of us each experiencing the city life that is so different from life here in Valdivia. I am actually going to meet up with her and my host brother at a bar tonight to talk some more about how happy we are to be back!

Today I was a big blob and did nothing other than eat and take a nap, so now I'm going to head off on a stroll before meeting up with Theresa and Marco at the bar in a few hours. I have my first class tomorrow so that's exciting!!!! Really, I can't remember the last time I was this thrilled to go to school, it's a bit hilarious but definitely not a bad thing.