After much consideration, I have decided today is the day that I will share with you all (my familia/amigos "gringos"--an always-affectionate term) what has been perhaps the most integral and special part of my abroad experience thus far: my homestay family. I go forward, then, with the confidence and sufficient photographic support in making the statement that the people with whom I have found myself living over the past 4.5 months are some of the most authentic, insightful, and all-around hilarious I have encountered. Ever.
During my first whirlwind day in Santiago, I met each member one at a time. This is what I recall: Aranxta (23) helped my lug my gigantic suitcase up the stairs, Remo (22) made me some eggs, Juan Carlos led me to the supermarket and pointed out how to orient myself in the city based on the direction of the mountains (a tip which I soon after forgot--sorry!), and Miroslava greeted me in our neighborhood HiperLider with an ever-warm "¡Hola chiquita linda!" Having survived my initial hours of shock, when we came together for the first time as a group that night--as a newly configured family (cheesy, I know), I realized that in this home I would undoubtedly find myself feeling more at ease in the months to come.
From this point forward, my residency in the Gutiérrez household on Campoamor has been one marked by recorridos (explorations) of the city with Miroslava, fierce political debates over 9pm CNN Chile, movie watching, a few protests/marches, nights out that end in inevitable listening to Irish Folk/Punk music, Bulgarian celebrations, and daily catching up on each others lives over dinner.
I have been referred to as "Tay" from my first week here, though nicknames like "la gringa que vive en mi casa" (credit to Remo, translated roughly: the American who lives in my house), "la gua-gua" (baby), and Taylor Gang are among some of the other affectionately-held titles I have received.
Before arriving, I never anticipated that I would feel more welcomed, included, and rarely discouraged, and for that, I am extremely grateful! I have tried below to capture the essence of each member of my Chilean family's personality through pictures taken at various points throughout my stay. I hope you all can share with me and appreciate what has been such an important part of my time in Santiago.
Puppy Ciao!
Tay
Aranxta, Remo, and yours truly at the "Fiesta de los Búlgaros."
A healthy (Chilean) dose of salt...
Miroslava takes flight.
"Say: Tenedor!"
Juan Carlos vs. the dog, who will win?
You decide.
Me and Ara.
The sibs.
A casual 3am reading of Borges.
Selfie!
Remo. En punto.
