Gringas en su Hábitat Natural

For the past two days we've been in orientation. Yesterday was mostly safety and security, SIT policies, and things like that. We did get the chance to meet some "jovenes" when some of Rosanna's daughter's friends came to visit. (Rosanna is the director or our program, and her daughter is our age.) By far the best part of the day! The Chileans were extremely friendly and patient, talking with us, answering all of our questions, clarifying things if necessary, telling us the best places to party, uh... I mean study. Truly, they were great! In the interest of full disclosure, however, I will you the one thing about Chilean youth that doesn't sit quite right with me: Mullets. Yes, the mullet is here, in Arica. And it is everywhere. As I told mom, she need not worry about Chilean lovers if this trend keeps up. 

Today was much different. We basically took a tour all around Arica. I will let the photos speak for themselves. (Note: I haven't posted any pictures of El Morro, but we did go there! El Morro is a monument atop a steep hill commemorating the battle in which Chile won the land that is Arica from Peru. Also, because it can be seen from anywhere in the city, we were told it can be quite useful as a landmark if you get lost.)

This beach is called "El Gringo," after the first person to win the surfing
world championship held here each year. This particular gringo was Australian.

See? I have friends. :D

A misty morning at the seaside caves

Many people think that these caves were formed by water, but actually the
rock here is volcanic and the caves were formed by magma

Graffiti in the caves.  It says, " Yo soy la luz del mundo."
Translation: "I am the light of the world."

A little seal friend

La bandera de Chile