So... I have to admit last week wasn´t the best of weeks here... I was really struggling as I feel increasingly alone due to the limited Spanish and also the importance of family here. But I struggled on a quite a few things have happened to make things a little better..

a) I have a better job. Although its only a few hours at the moment, I will build these up over time. I generally have a good feeling about the staff and the organisation of this school, so thats good.

b) I have been keeping myself busy... though unfortunetly not with working! I have been volunteering most afternoons and as a result, I am getting some Spanish lessons and also have been out to a few shows with the ladies in the office.

c) My new school has this thing where you can swap English teaching hours for private Spanish lessons... so I´m on to that too.

d) I now start at 8am rather than 7.30am... this has made the world of difference to my mood!

e) I helped a man in Castaño (a cafe here) as he couldn´t understand what the sales person was saying to him... wohoo! I´m not the thickest Spanish speaker in Santiago. I have also successfully navigated supermarkets and book shops. Big ups to me!

lastly... had a great weekend chilling out at the family I live withs house by Rancagua. Nice to get away and fun times. Mostly eating, and drinking a yummy wine and pomelo fruit mix. Mmmm was good. And relaxing. So now, I´m back in Santiago where things have slowed down a little due to Chilean Independence Day on Friday, with most people on holiday until next Monday.
Thanks for everyone who has left messages! Its great to read them when I´m feeling a little lonely - picks me right up. xo