You learn much quicker when you make mistakes.

Mistake #1. "Getting around the city"

Two days ago, I took the wrong bus home. I usually take bus #2 to the centro, but I can take either #1, 2 or 7. I was never told where to find the bus stops for the return trip nor what numbers to take. Everything I learn is by trial and error. Of course i ask questions. I ask my family, "where is the bus stop? or what number should i take?" But they always give me a confusing answer. Such as you can take these ones sometimes. They dont draw me a map or show me in person.

So i assumed i could take the same bus back home (#2) as i took to the city. The name of my barrio was written on the sign attached to the bus window. After a few minutes, i noticed that the bus was going in the wrong direction: back into the city and around, instead of in the direction of mi casa, behind the hill. When i noticed, i was only slightly annoyed because I was hungry, but I thought the bus would get to my stop eventually.

After 30 minutes of driving throughout the city and into an unknown area, I began to get more distraught. "Where am i?" I thought. There was a map on the back of the drivers seat, but it looked more like a plate of spaghetti. I could not tell where we were because the streets arent clearly labeled, and I didnt know if we were coming or going. Out of the window, the homes were getting more desolate: I was in the slums. Also, I noticed that there were fewer and fewer people on the bus, as if I was approaching the last stop.

After about 15 more minutes of minimal panic on my part, I was the only person on the bus. Only me and the driver. In the middle of nowhere. The bus driver stopped the bus to ask me a pertinent question:

"A donde vas?" (where are you going?)

"A Villa Rauguen. Parada 8" (To this area, stop 8)

He then continues to explain that the bus does not go there. and that we were very very far away from that stop. (el otro lado)

I asked, "Por que?" I simply did not understand how the bus would not reach my destination, when my part of the city was labeled on the sign..and i had taken this bus to the city, that same morning.

The driver seemed bothered by my ignorance and told me that i needed to get off and catch another bus back to el centro, and then take another to my stop.

So, from my mistake, i learned that I can take #1,2,7 to the city and only #1 back home. I hadnt realized that every other time I had come home, I had taken bus #1..or a collectivo.

Mistake #2. "Hablando Espanol"

I was talking to a group of girls in Spanish this past week about where I live in the city. I live in a quiet neighborhood very close to the school I teach, thus many of the students live nearby and want to know my exact location. One girl told me that she lived very close to me.

I responded, "Que bueno!" Which means "how good!"

The entire group of girls burst into laughter. I asked "Que paso! " "Que?!"
They explained that I could not say that because it means "i dont care" "no me importa". or
"oh ok." They thought it was funny because they knew I was being sincere, but I didnt convey that with my spanish.
I told them i could not understand because it means how good!
Anyways, its hilarious because I had used this expression on many occasions. I wonder if everyone thinks im rude!

Mistake #3. "My family"

Chileans are very open. Especially when you are living with a family, they automatically adopt you as one of their own and expect you to converse with them like you are one of them. I am asked questions about my beliefs, my weight, how much money i made in the USA, if i kissed some guy last night, etc. They want to know everything. So, if i want to go out, I have to be ready to combat at least 20 questions. This is fair because its important for them to know i will be safe. This I understand.

But I have found that some of my beliefs are more liberal than theirs. It is difficult to express some feelings about things because I feel obligated to be like them, when they treat me as their own daughter in their house.

My family does not drink any alcohol. ever. So when they ask me if i drink, I am honest and say yes. I got into a tiff with Haydee (the 76 year old woman) here because she didnt want me to go out and get drinks because I was taking allergy medicine. She had "made up" that I couldnt drink for 20 days, which would mean i would not be allowed to drink for a month! I told her i didnt believe her. I said i needed to read the directions on the medicine to confirm her request.

The directions did not mention alcohol at all. But that night after our disagreement, I compromised with her and told myself that I would not take the medicine if i wanted a drink. I think it would have been better to humor her and do what I want, considering it still safe. It is not appropriate for me to disagree here.

After our small argument, Haydee had a scare. She was in a lot of pain and needed to lay down on her bed with her feet propped up. I was afraid that our fight had caused her this stress, and had increased her heart pressure. I felt like it was my fault.

My family here is more conservative, but I am making huge efforts to meet them halfway.