The End

It's now January. I have officially been reverse culture shocked, and back in the US of A for 20 days, almost 3 weeks.  It's still weird to walk down the streets and to not hear Spanish in every direction I go, to not be able to get an empanada from any street corner I want, and to not be able to walk 10 minutes to the nearest beach (my tan is unfortunately fading, slowly but surely).  I miss my host family so much; they're honestly some of the kindest and most loving people I have ever been lucky enough to come across in my life, and I think of them every day.  Over these past 3 weeks, I have thankfully already seen most of my DU Chile gente, and have even been lucky enough to see Rachel, Geneva, and Nolan as well along the way.  I think our bond and the shared memories we have will be something we will always cherish and been able to remember together.  Tomorrow I drive back to Denver to move into my apartment, and then I start back at DU on Monday. Life is moving on, yet every day I think of my life back in Chile and how it has made me who I am now and will be in the future.  I may not have noticeably changed to some people, but I feel changed, and even as if I am a better and stronger person than before my 5 months there.  I have to admit that there are many things I love about being home... consistent hot showers, ranch dressing, my family and friends, snow, being able to eavesdrop, you know, the usual.  But I know that no matter where I go in life, Chile will always be a part of me and an unforgettable experience. Thank you to everyone who read this blog and encouraged me along the way, and for now, I'll say goodbye, or as we said in Chile, ¡Chao!