Instructions for life

Dalai Lama-----2005

Instructions for Life:

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been.

Be gentle with the earth.

Share your knowledge. It is always a way to achieve immortality.

In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

Take in account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

Follow the 3 R’s: Respect for self. Respect for others. Responsibility for all your actions.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

When you realize that you made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Spend sometime alone everyday.

Open arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Feliz Navidad

Mi Familia,

Although, I will not be with you this christmas, I just wanted to let you know that my heart will be and that I love you very much. Despite the fact that I have no money to buy you gifts because I am unemployed, I hope you enjoy a trip through memory lane.

Love always,

Claire xoxoxo

La Isla Negra

After visiting Pablo Neruda's third house yesterday in La Isla Negra, which is not an island, I think that I would have loved to know him. Although, he was married three times and had quite the reputation with women, his life, collections, poems, travels, and adventures are all too intoxicating, as I am sure every other women has seen, sees and will see him. He is not the most attractive man, but there is something magnetic about his houses and all the stories that are still untold.....I guess it is just my luck that the only Chilean man that has called my attention is in fact a dead poet! Oh well, that is the great irony of life I guess. If you ever visit Chile, make sure to visit one of his houses, there is one in Santiago, Valparaiso, and La Isla Negra. "Love is so short, forgetting so long." -Pablo Neruda

El Accion de Gracias en Mexico

In the Northern Hemisphere we associate thanksgiving with hot comfort food, the leaves turning, chance for snowfall, and snuggling up close to the fire...... therefore, it is incredible that the entire southern hemisphere is entering their summer in this time of year and although in central america they are technically in "winter" it is nothing close to what most people would consider "winter." I have to say it felt somewhat odd to celebrate thanksgiving outside under a palapa, with a tan, and cold red wine. But, I just wanted to thanks to my family for being sooo wonderful and for everyone making a effort to meet, literally in the middle of the world, as I came from Chile, my family from california and met where my sister lives in Mexico.... it is an odd group, and yes there are a few nuts, and we fight and then make-up, and I am sure that there will be more emotional times to come as well as great fun.... but I just wanted to take the time to say, that although no one is perfect and we all definitely make mistakes and are often times more fragile than we realize, I am lucky to be a part of this family and would not have it any other way. So thank you for being there for me, for making fun of me, supporting me no matter what, and most importantly for your loyalty! It is not always easy to love and be loved and it is much easier to give up, so the loyalty that you have shown me shall never be forgotten or under- appreciated. I love you all very much, thank you for a wonderfully dramatic thanksgiving!

El Valle de Casablanca

Wine tasting in Chile is a wonderful experience and without all the commercialized propaganda that you get in the states....it seems that they generally want you to learn about their wine and that they are proud of their products. After a very in depth tour of the Indomita Bodega, a fairly new winery to the valley, built in 2001, we learned that they plant roses mixed in with the grape vines, because if disease or insect attacks the vineyard it will go for the weaker vines first, which are the rose vines, and this acts as a sort of warning system. I thought it a very attractive, economical, and clever preservation system. When we started to taste the wines, they had 2 or 3 different ingredients that they had you smell first to see if you could then find the smell in the wine, for example we smelled mushrooms before tasting the merlot which brought out all the earth tones, and we smelled dried prunes and peaches before tasting the sauvingnon blanc bringing out all the citrus flavors. I have never tasted wine this way, and what a difference, I could really smell the different ingredients and it was very interactive as well. The best part was that I bought four bottles of good quality wine for under $20.00 and then we proceeded to sit on the lovely terraza and drink a bottle all the while over-looking the spectacular valley of Casablanca, which by the way is named for its' production of white wines.

Lobos Marinos

After seeing giant elephant seals also know as sea wolves, english translation of Lobos Marinos, I couldn't help but smile.... as Sonoma States' Mascot are the Sea Wolves and I always used to think that it was sooo silly to have a school mascot that didn't even exist. Now I realize that it does exist, just got lost in translation:)) Although, spanish, english, american and chilean are all quite different dialects, it is quite interesting to learn what they have in common, I guess that is why they say language connects people.

Catemu, Chile

Ran through the vineyards with the Andes and wild horses in the background, and the 3 brothers of my friend running along side me, one on a bike. Took a cold shower because they have no hot water and had breakfast with the entire family, 6 kids, one grand kid, and the widowed mother. Seeing as the majority of families do not have cars, my car was a big hit, the brothers took almost 2 hours washing the car, drying it, and observing every detail....I assume the highlight was when Manual asked me if he could move the car into the shade, and I said yes....it is probably a good thing that none of them have a driver's license! Later I took the family to small local cemetery in the hills, bought some flowers and took in the entire scene of all the families walking, biking, to bring a little color to the ones that they had lost. (Nov. 1st -dia de los muertos en Mexico, en Chile se llama dia de los santos.) Afterwards we all ate lunch together, chicken, rice, salad and bread, simple but delicious. As it was my friends b-day party, turning 26, we went to set up for the nights' festivities, while the girls put up the decorations, I played futbol with the boys who are all amazed that a girl can be good at a sport:)) I felt like I was in high school again, the kids were sooo excited to have music and beer in the middle of a field away from the parents and the cops. The party didn't really get started until about 1am, and one of the brother's was the DJ, he played typical latin reggeton, but a couple hours later everyone started dancing a more organized dance called cumbia. It is like a slower version of Salsa and a lot easier and really fun...We all took turns dancing with different people and before I knew it it was 7am!! I left and went back to my house near the beach, but the next day my friend informed me that they stayed until 4pm and had a BBQ. The thing that amazed me the most was that everyone was sooo happy and content and never once did I hear a complaint or snide remark about the town or the people, my friend was proud to show me her home and her town despite what I might think.

Mendoza, Argentina

After 8 hours of driving on a route that is only about 300 miles, I very much appreciate the public roads in America......crossing "La Frontera" into argentina wasn't so bad but coming back into Chile we waited 2 hours in a line of cars only to park and wait in another line on foot for another hour. However, my mission was accomplished, I changed my visa status, drank and ate myself silly for ridiculously cheap and the route through the Andes is truly spectacular.

All in all, I think that argentina is second to Italy for the most gorgeous people and the culture is reflective of the Italian influence, restaurants are full until about 1 or 2am and then off to the bars and discos for some dancing....Although Chile and Argentina are close on the map they are worlds away in culture and lifestyle, but after driving through the Andes I can see how this division maintains the separation between the two countries.

La Misa

After attending mass to support the loss of my roomate's father, it has become quite clear how quickly life can change, and how important it is to be with the one's you love. Although I love to have my life full of adventure and travel, in another 6 months I will have spent 6 years quite far from the family that I cherish sooo much! 4 years in SF, one in Spain, and one in South America and although I am fully capable of continuing to live on my own and sometimes feel that the american culture pushes us to live this way, after having some wonderful life experiences and still yet more to come, living amongst a culture who values family and friendships above anything else has really allowed me to see that what I want is to be close to the people that I love and who love me. I am so lucky to be getting to see the world, work, study, and travel abroad and have a family to come home to and share it with. Because, what is life if you've no one to share it with?

Change

How quickly life can change, and without your permission, I am not sure that I believe in fate or even that we create our luck. I am certain that we do have about 90% control of our lives and the other 10% can be accounted for variable change. Yet, it has become apparent to me that the more we "live" the more we "risk." While some fear the unknown, I fear the familiar and while I like order and routine, I need the satisfaction of knowing that I am in a routine because I chose it, not because it chose me. Sometimes we do things because they are easy or because they are comfortable, but if the right opportunity presents itself I need to know that I can take it without a second glance. Each time I move to a new place and make new friends I learn more about myself and who I want to be. Life is not black and white or about right and wrong, sometimes good people do bad things, sometimes bad things happen to good people. I would like to think that my life has a greater purpose that I am not yet aware of, but as I am a realist I am fully aware of the distinct possibility that my ordinary life will continue to be unnoticed for its' entirety, and to tell you the truth I have never felt better about my life until now...now....now...now...now....now......(you get the idea) "Because if you don't go, you will never be there."

Los Perros

So...I do appreciate that I have been learning to adapt and find a soft spot so to speak with animals (I am still working on the human race:) But I have to admit there is an overwhelming large population of street dogs here, not to mention a large majority with only three legs that to say the least give me the creeps. And of course I still cringe when I see a dead dog on the side of the highway, but I can't help but feel that it just might be for the best. Now, I know that you probably think me a monster, but these animals are starving, probably crazy, and just plain suffering through life. So, although their death is quite tragic, it does seem to be better than their former life.

10 years Later

While we may not be able to see into the future, we can definitely evaluate the past and live the present. I feel as though I am being given another opportunity to start my life, because although age 23 in the states is usually the time we begin our young adult lives, here it is acceptable to live at home, travel, play outside, and you may do so until whenever.....So in a sense, I have been reduced to about an 18 year old again, and while it is a great feeling to be cared for and looked out for, I feel as though I have lost some control over my own life, not in a bad way, just that I am dependent on other people which is something that, aside from finances, I have not been for quite some time now.

Another blast from the past is the music that is played here, the availability and variety of technology, and that kids still play outside here until the wee hours of the morning....mostly because the majority of the population cannot afford to buy an individual computer for each of there 8 children! But, it reminds me of my childhood and how I used to play Darby McClar for hours with Toph and Courtney or make a fort in the backyard, and here in Chile the children are still taking advantage of these types of activities.

Another shock is the fact that it is still very much illegal to get an abortion here, and when my friend told me about a friend of hers that had a dilemma with a pregnancy, my response was to consider an abortion, not knowing the danger and risk for women who seek this illegal operation.

Although, this country seems advanced in many ways there are many things that make social climbing as well as equal rights for the sexes a harsh obstacle. For example, I am accustomed to traveling and exploring sola and I am really not permitted to do that here, because every time I mention to one of my co-workers that I want to visit this place or hike this mountain they say well I will accompany you because it is to dangerous for you to go alone! And while, it is nice to have company and friends that are willing to try new things with you, I am not used to being given restrictions.....not since I was in High School anyway.:)) Thanks DAD!!

I guess the bottom line is that it is quite ironic to travel to South America sola, speaking a foreign language and then be told that you cannot go to the supermarket alone because it is too dangerous:)))

Traduccion

He pasado el día

Con mi cabeza en las nubes

Pensando sobre mi vida

Imaginando otra mundo sin limites

Donde existe la mágica......

Yo escuché Cachai

y pensé Yes, I understand

Yo escuché doble por la izquierda

y pensé turn left

Yo escuché concha tu madre

y pensé son of a bitch

Hay un gran diferencia...

Pero es exquisito para tratar a traducir

Los dos sentidos.

Happiness

If you could wake up everyday, with the sunrise gleaming onto your front porch and have breakfast, lunch and dinner with your family, make your living with your own two hands, see all your sweat, blood and tears transform into profit, would you be content? Or would you miss the bright city lights, exquisite restaurants, theater, and all the "pretty things"? I guess we must ask ourselves if we are happy and not fear the truth, and then decide weather we truly desire what we have or if we are left wanting.......It's never to late to "be the Change you wish to see in the world." -Ghandi

El dia Patria

SEPTEMBER 18th is the Chilean independence day from Spain, and an excuse to eat, drink, dance and celebrate the change of the seasons. Winter is like a dark period of life for Chile, so the saying goes that if you survive the passing of august (end of winter) then you have survived the year. I am truly amazed at the pride and loyalty that the Chilenos have, it is quite inspiring. Not only do they treat Futbol like religion, but the local dance, food, and Independence day are treated with the utmost respect. Since we have tomorrow off from work, my company had a BBQ and show for all of its' employees at lunch time. La Cueca is the local dance, and it is like folklore, a simple dance that gives simple pleasures and an overall feeling of happiness. The work weeks may be long here, but I feel that they make an effort to treat their employees well. Providing the employees in the packing house with a lunch that only costs the company about $2 per person but for most is better food than they would eat at home, also there is a van that provides transportation to and from work for people that live in the area, allowing employees to leave a half-an-hour early on fridays, and bonuses at Independence day and Christmas are all pretty nice benefits of working at propal. It is a breath of fresh air to see other people caring about other people and their quality of life!

Starbucks in Chile

STARBUCKS....there are few here in Chile, but one happened to open in Vina del Mar, very close to my home in Renaca. Attempting to ride by bike from Renaca to Valparaiso on saturday was a comical affair, although I did not get a flat tire, the inter-tube came out and luckily I hadn't gotten very far. Trying to explain this occurrence over the telephone in spanish is no easy task especially when I don't have my dictionary in front of me. Thank goodness for body language, after I got the bike back to my apartment, my roomate finally understood me, but did not have the tool to fix the tire. So...I continued my journey on foot, passing by the beautiful Sea with my ipod in my ear turned out to be just what I needed that day. Feeling a little blue, I noticed the newly opened Starbucks, and couldn't help but give in to my American tendencies and take advantage of a little guilty pleasure. One has to admire how a company such as Starbucks adapts to its' cultural surroundings, by having "manjar" (a chilean dessert) and an outside patio for smoking, they definitely do there homework. One thing that struck me as quite odd, is that you had to pay extra to add milk to your coffee, because every Starbucks in the states and in Europe have a small table where you can choose from 3 different kinds of milk for your coffee. I have to admit, it was quite lovely to sit and sip my coffee with my book and my journal in hand and observe all the unusual social behavior. I guess making out in Starbucks is just as acceptable as making out in the subway, in the streets, in the clubs, just about any public place is ideal to suck face!

Love is short, para olvidar cuesta tiempo

The comedy of our past is quite tragic.
Light-hearted and romantic,
Dark and deceptive.

Secretive to the core,
Every optimistic plan, every loving thought,
a selfish lie.
Act IV reveals your true form.

The final scene appears
A typical tragic cuento del amor......
NO.........
VIVO con compasión, con amor,
sin casto corazón.

!GRACIAS! porque me da
La oportunidad para vivir.
Encontré la luz y la felicidad.
Deje el oscuridad y el engaño.

Inhala, exhala, poco a poco
No olvido el amor
Ni olvido el ausente y el dolor.
Ya, no te quiero, es cierto.

No sufro por mis lagrimas
Escucho el ritmo
Ando con confianza
Ojala que celebro
La belleza esplendido
de una nueva VIDA.

Futbol

So the company that I work for rents out a Futbol field for its' employees and they play every thurs. night. Last night was my first match, and it was awesome, while the guys team is very good, there is a lack of organization in the womens' league and as a result all the girls think that I am a superstar......Because, what I have come to realize is that although futbol is the most popular sport in Chile it is still primarily a man's sport here, which I would love to change:)) Also, after the girls and the guys match everyone gets together for a BBQ and there is ping pong, music, and laughter it is sooo fun!! Overall I would say that the there are three key elements that made my first chilean futbol experience a success: I scored 4 goals, dislocated my hand, and had blood seeping through my socks from where my toenail was stepped on. (graphic details are courtesy for my brother.) Tu eres una Estrella!!

Tienes que Vivirlo

Two big accomplishments today: One I managed to overcome my nerves and ask my boss in formal spanish for permission to take a week off in november for thanksgiving (el dia accion de gracias). He said that it would be no problem, but considering that I have been here for less than a month, you could see how it is a little bit intimidating. Secondly, I somehow stumbled upon a cost that is out of the ordinary in one of my comparative analysis, and my boss was very happy to say the least, as well as talking with all the clients that love to hear the sound of their own voice, I am saving him quite a bit of time. Which we all know, time is money. I am pleased with myself, and feeling better about a career in produce everyday.....Tomorrow, I am playing soccer with a group of girls from the office vs. the girls from quality control should be a good match. I love how dedicated everyone is here, it gives you a sense of purpose in your life even if it is only to belong to a small social network. Saturday is a big match between Chile and Venezuela....it could get crazy here!!

Last weekend, was spent wining and dining through the streets of Valparaiso y Vina del Mar with my lovely sister and her gregorio. Friday night we had sushi chilean style, avocado tempura(deliciosa). Saturday we walked through the house of Pablo Neruda, a famous chilean poet, in the hills of Valparaiso. Valpo as it is referred, is a photographer's paradise, the colors are gaudy and the ascensors that take you up into the hills go to mansions as well as shacks without electricity. This city is truly diverse, colorful, and artisitic to say the least. After our large relaxing lunch we shared a bottle of wine and good conversation, toasted to the success of my sister and her husband's wonderful life, they have truly made it bigtime! I am sooo proud of them and so lucky that everywhere I go there they are.....sonoma, spain, san francisco and now Chile! I am truly lucky to have such a wonderful family! Congrats court and gregor, I AM SOOOO PROUD OF YOU!! xoxoxox

Living in Latin America without the Manana attitude

This morning I woke up at 6:30am went for a run along the beach, showered, ate some cereal, then got a ride from my co-worker to start my 40-minute commute to work....after speaking spanish for 3 weeks I am definitely getting more comfortable with my foreign life, but it is still mentally exhausting at times....then I have an espresso(one of my favorite parts of the day) and begin working on FOB comparisons and calling different clients to obtain sales reports and liquidations. Because I can speak English I have been given a lot of english speaking accounts as well as a couple Chilean accounts, it is all very interesting to me because I am improving my spanish and learning a third language, the exportation lingo, which at times I am not sure if my spanish is lacking or my business sense. Anyway, then I go to eat in the "Casino" which is the cafeteria, and there is usually some kind of mystery meat or blood sausage, salad, bread, and dessert, this is always fun because none of the departments mix together and I have eaten lunch with everyone! Speaking spanish in a noisy cafeteria with a lot of people and distractions is one of the hardest situations, but it is entertaining to observe and interject when I can. After lunch I have another "cafecito" (I try to limit myself to two a day) and converse a bit more before heading back to work. The work day starts and 9am and ends a 7pm with a one hour lunch break. I usually get home around 8 or 8:30 eat some dinner and try to go to sleep around 11pm. As you can see the days are quite long, and everyone truly works hard the entirety of the day, so I guess you could say that Chile is somewhere in between Espana and the US....but it is definitely not the typical latin attitude of manana, manana.

Pololos y Pololas

Boyfriend and girlfriends are pololos y pololas en Chile (Novios y novias refer to a more serious relationship or engagement) So overnight, my roomate has a new "boyfriend," they met friday night and have spent every morning and evening together since then, it is now wednesday afternoon. He is a nice enough guy, but it is incredible the difference in dating here. There isn't the casual american attitude of, well let's see how things go and talk about our status later. It is basically all or nothing. This is such a foreign system to me and you would think that maybe it would require people to be a bit more committed, but the divorce rate in Chile is just as high as the divorce rate in the states...... So I guess I have to ask the infamous question... "Can two people really stay together forever and be happy?" By no means am I trying to be cynical or pessimistic, it's just realistically speaking, if people all over the world are experiencing similar results then it makes you wonder if it is really possible.......I guess the best thing that we can do is appreciate each relationship for what it is, try and learn from our mistakes, and love the one relationship that will always be there, the one with yourself.....

Santiago de Chile

Bus systems great, metro fast and easy, all museums free on Sundays, free live music ranting about the political struggle of Pinochet, political student involvement, barrio londres/paris y barrio bellas artes, great restaurants y vino, happy hour till 23:00 (2x1), political demonstrations in Plaza de Armas, the view of the Andes with snow on them from pretty much anywhere in the city...... FABULOUS!

However, I could have done without all of the Teen-age Make-out sessions in the metro full of people and getting ripped off in restaurants (make sure to check-out your bill before paying).

It is really great to see that young people in Chile, Santiago in particular, have such a political involvement and the affects from the Pinochet era that the Chileanos are dealing with. Most public speeches, music, and student efforts are in regards to a political movement. It is really inspiring to be a witness to that.

Cachai

Things that I love about Chile: Cachai a slang verb that is parallel to the frase "you Know" in America and is used after almost every sentence, "Po" is an emphatic yes that is used to re-iterate "SI" or "NO," that you can park your car on the sidewalk like it is normal, espresso and chocolate after every meal, hanging out with a guy and not knowing that it was a date and then finding out from your friend that you had your first chilean dating experience, walking along the boardwalk in Vina del Mar and getting splashed by the waves because the surf is so huge, the chilean pronunciation of my name and all American labels, Pisco Sour, the techno clubs that play music from about five years ago, and the best part is how I get stared at every where I go without any shame or remorse......because apparently I am the only "Rubia" in Chile, hahahaha. The Culture here is great, I cannot believe how wonderful the lifestyle is down here. Viva Chile!

La Gringa

Walking through the packing house in Propal(the export company that I am working for) is truly an adventure....there are all kinds of things going on, shipments of fruit arriving, shipments being packed to go out, packing materials and machine problems, but the main attraction seems to be my blonde hair. It is a good thing that I don't scare easy, because when I walk through the packing house everybody looks at me as if I am an alien. Then there is the other matter of lunch, in Chile a cafeteria is called a casino (but you cannot gamble in this casino) and everyday you swipe your card and receive a ticket to eat lunch, there are usually two choices of entrees, salad, bread, and dessert. Everyone eats lunch together, but just like in any other society, the people that work in packing eat together and the people that work in the office eat together, there is very much a hierarchy within Propal. However, I am the only "gringa" and it is actually a term meant in quite and endearing way, but everybody refers to as "La Gringa" and my place in the world is quite interesting, because I am bombarded with questions about where I come from and what I am doing here. It is a good feeling to see that people are interested in you, and it is fun for me to see people smiling when I say something in spanish that might have an alternative meaning. In the United States, people think someone who is not fluent in English are stupid, but here someone who is trying to speak the language and somewhat succeeding is greatly admired. Also I went to Yoga last night for the first time with my roomate Francisca and it was sooo relaxing. I think that I enjoyed it more because it was actually in somebody's house, with a wood fire burning, candles lit, and we practiced yoga in silence. There was no religion, but it seemed spiritual to me and made me feel and peace with my mind, body, and soul. Who knew the american girl would find a way to finally relax in Chile......

Las Primeras Dias

After traveling for over 24 hours, I finally arrived in Santiago! FYI: never fly aeromexico, no matter if your bag is 5 lbs overweight or 100 lbs overweight you have to pay 100 dollars, luckily the lady at the counter allowed me to put all of my things in one bag so that I did not have to pay more than 200 dollars. In Santiago, all US, Austrailians, Mexicans, Canadians, and Albanians have to pay an entrance fee, also know as a visa fee, since they don't require a "tourist visa." Anyway, it took an hour to pay my visa fee, because they only had one person working, but luckily I mad a friend in line. She is studying in Valparaiso, Chile and she is from Ensenada, Baja California. My apartment is sooo cute and it is less than a mile from the beach, it is soo beautiful here and all the people are soo nice and warm. Everyone has welcomed me and is truly curious about what I am doing here and where I am from. Everyone is amazed that I speak spanish, and after three straight days of speaking spanish I am starting to adjust to the idea of my life en Castellano! It is amazing how quickly you learn to repeat things that people say if your life depends on it. I feel like a kid again, because every time I learn something new or master a single word, it feels like christmas! I suggest that if you want to feel loved and appreciated that you learn a little bit of spanish and move to Chile!!

Moving to the Strip

So... my brother thinks that it is hilarious to nick-name Chile the Strip and I suppose I do as well, and in reality it is better than some of the other names and ideas that people associate with Chile, at least it makes sense calling Chile " the strip" because it never gets more than 22o miles wide and does resemble a spaghetti like strip. Anyway, just for the record: please do not spell Chile chilli or chillie it really aggravates me and traditional Chilean food is not the same as mexican food. Chile is in South America on the pacific side, bordering Peru and Bolivia to the north and Argentina to the east. Just wanted to clarify a few fun facts, since recent audiences might have been confused on where Chile is in the world. P.S. Arnold we might want to re-think not offering high school geography, statistics show that general common sense may not exist within the american youth and adults for that matter. Good night america, tomorrow I will be in CHILE!! (you should now know where that is.)

Last night

Michelle, Heather, Tiffany! Thank you for the Vino in plastic cups and sitting on the floor of my empty apartamento talking about all the good times, I am going to miss you and SF and I am definitely coming back for a reunion! Cheers to all the great memories and future memories to be made. Good night and sweet dreams.................. Hasta pronto

Baker Beach

Went for my last run to Baker Beach this morning, I will miss the view from the golden gate and the permanent fixtures of half a dozen naked old men that seem to stay on the east side of the beach. The best memory that comes to mind is when one nude man ventured all the way across to where the houses overlook the water, what a brave soldier. I do believe that Baker Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in the world in every sense of the word!

IS it enough?

When we are not fulfilled we complain and get depressed in life, but when we have a million things going on and tons of activities we seem to feel overwhelmed. When is it enough and how do we know when have actually obtained this happy medium? Maybe we are never really satisfied and that is why humans are constantly looking for other "temptations," challenges, outlets, because maybe we are never really content with just "being." All I know is that emotions are like the weather, for the most part seasonal, but have major waves of both good and bad that always unexpected and usually uninvited.

Weather

Raining, foggy, cold, not your typical July weather unless you are in SF that is...... SF you are making it easier for me to say goodbye that is for sure, I need sunlight!!!!!! Oh well, I do love you no matter what the weather. Mark Twain's quote holds true, "the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."

SF

Just wanted to say thank you to all my wonderful friends for coming out last night, I had a blast!! I blame the martinis if i said, did or acted drunk, haha!! My last week and year and half have been amazing and I owe it all to you...... Hope to see you in chile!!

Becoming a better person

As much as getting your heart broken seems unfair and cruel at the time, it seems that if you have never gotten your heart broken then you may have never really loved. Because it is hard to know how much you love somebody until it's gone. Sometimes we all need to be put into place and after having my heart ripped out I have noticed myself to be a kinder person with more empathy for those around me. I have no regrets about my past, present, or future and am going to continue to try and see the good in love, life, and above all strive to be happy! I am sure that I will make mistakes along the way, but the bottom line is that I love life and all that comes with it. I do not believe that there is only one person for everyone, I think that love and loss is a part of life and we must re-invent ourselves and embrace the inevitable change that will occur many more times in our lives!

One more

so, the american culture can be quite addictive at times, and we all need a little TLC, but sometimes we need to realize when enough is enough. Binge drinking is a big part of the USA and I am guilty of this participation of course, but why is it that we can never get enough?? Also guys and girls seem to have a different view on appropriate behavior, FYI: just because we are drunk does not mean that we will go home with you!! DEAL with it!! Off to bed, with sweet dreams and one more week of SF!! Yeah............

Passion

When we are busy we complain that there is not enough time to do the things that we want to do, but when we have more time, we will feel dissatisfied with the lack of success and passion in our lives. I feel truly lucky to have found a passion in life that presents both challenges and satisfaction. ESPANOL and Travel!! We will all have many relationships in our lives with family, friends, lovers, co-workers, but the most important relationship of all is the one that we have with ourself. This is why I feel lucky to have learned some valuable life lessons early and hope to care and treat myself a little more gingerly in life. My passions allow me to breath and concentrate on all that life has to offer, meditation can take all shapes and forms and my form of zen stems from new experiences, people, and learning about life. I hope to develop more passions, but for now me voy a viajar y apprender una nueva punta de vista!

I am leaving San Francisco

I have two weeks left in San Francisco and I feel sad that a part of my heart will always stay here, but I am so excited for my next adventure, and I am truly lucky to have loved and lived in SF for the time period that I did. On a lighter note, I can't help but laugh as I informed yet another innocent bystander today that I would be moving to Chile for a six-month long internship, and he said, "I am not from around here, where is that exactly, I am from arizona." I just smiled and said, "oh it is in south america." He shrugged and continued on his way. I have to say, I am going to really miss SF!!