Odds and Ends of the Week.

Today has been a busy day! It's a feriado tomorrow, or day off, because it's el Dia Del Virgen del Carmen. (Day of Vigen del Carmen). Since this being a predominantly Catholic country they get a lot of Catholic holiday's off. Any ways I digress...

Today I went with M to register our diplomas with the Ministry of Exterior.. This completes the legalization process. It takes only two minutes to do.. After you wait in line. So, if you want to get in and out of there in a timely manner come about a half hour before they open, and wait in the line that forms outside the door.

After that M and I had an  hour and a half to waste before she had her appointment at the Extranjeria to figure out her visa stuff. To pass time we attempted to sit in Plaza de Armas ,but they were "restoring" it and it was all closed off. Even the Cathedral was closed for restoration. But Plaza de Armas is apparently getting Wi-Fi. That should be interesting.

 Now, I have to start getting my visa stuff together... I'm not thinking about that tonight though... I'll worry about that in the morning.

After we figured out M's visa issue she showed me how to get to Chicureo (I had an interview out there). I had to take the Green line to the Yellow line and then take the Yellow line to Vespucio Norte. From there I had to catch a small coach bus (that's not apart of Transantiago o you pay cash to get there). which came every hour. M asked around and this security guy helped us... (down here, most of the time, people like to help gringas... or just stare at them).

 I am so grateful that she came with to the bus terminal! I am actually so grateful for everything she has done for me these past few days. I don't know where I'd be if she wasn't here. I don't know how I'm going to repay her for her generosity and patience as I get my footing here.

Chicureo, Santiago

I arrived to my interview 35 minutes early so I sat at a bench outside and read a little bit... then walked to the place where my interview was supposed to be. The security guard there showed me to where I could wait for the deputy headmaster of the school.

View of Andes from bus

My interview lasted a grand total of 20 minutes. It was the shortest interview I had. The deputy headmaster just asked me about where I got my degree, my experience, and what I would like to teach, and if I was in Chile with anyone. After that she told me that they needed someone to start August 1st right away, and that I need to have a psychological exam, and meet with the head of the elementary school. I also had to write a letter and include my signature on it. I'm assuming it's for a hand writing analysis? But I don't know. .

The whole interview seemed rushed, but they need some one ASAP. I've been thinking about this job... It's just so far to commute everyday by bus... I'm sure I could find some one to carpool with.. I guess well have to see what happens. It sounds like they're going to offer me a job, depending on the psyc. exam, not that I', worried about. it. We will see...

View of the Andes from the school. 

On my way back to the city I had to wait like 50 minutes for the bus to come back. Meanwhile I just sat on the bench with my book, and tried to ignore all of the stares from the male passersby... I'm still getting used to be gawked at by men. And in Chile they don't hide that they're staring at you... You even get whistle at...Oh, to be a Gringa. Eventually the bus came. It was a smooth ride home. Nothing excited happened.



Chao,
Leslie