Rainy Santiago.

Today is a rainy day in Santiago, and I’m feeling some weird parallels to Pittsburgh.

Why? This is why.

First of all, it is raining. That enough should be enough of a relation to Pittsburgh. I spent my morning dragging myself around in oversized jeans, an oversized neon green Pittsburgh sweatshirt that has DEFINITELY seen better days, carrying a mug full of hot tea, and getting soaked on the way to class. I'd say the only difference here is that I was surrounded by palm trees and Spanish, not tall buildings and the overuse of the words "yinz" and "pop".

Secondly, I had no umbrella. I have really bad luck with umbrellas. I don't know why. I forgot to bring my one from home to the DR... however, my host mom had an extra so I was doing fine... until I left it in a movie theater after a Miley Cyrus movie. The DR isn't big on the Lost & Found idea, so there goes that.

I bought one at La Sirena (MAS DE UNA EMOCION), and we had a nice long relationship... but then one day I was in the middle of using it as a Lightsaber or dancing with it (...or something) and it split in half. Now, it only works if I hold the handle AND the top part... as I'm walking. Needless to say, while doing this, I look like more of a tool than I already do for simply being American.

Anyway, where was I? Right. Pittsburgh.

I don't have anything more to say about Pittsburgh.

Classes are winding down here. Our last day is next Weds, so a bit over a week left. And I feel... barely any stress. This is in contrast to the semester as a whole, where I felt... absolutely no stress*.

*The stress I am referring to here is school-related stress. Visa-related stress is a totally different story. A horse of a different color. ...wrong context for that last one.


Wizard of Oz reference

Seriously, though. I've got...

A swimming final.

A mini paper due for film, a class in which profe has already practically guaranteed us all As, as long as you A) Come to class B) Don't fall asleep during class and C) At least attempt the homework.

A group paper.

A "research" paper, which is only 3-5 pages.

A 2-3 page paper, in English. (And I already did it. It took me under 45 minutes. Funny how easy writing in one's native language is.)

A take home final. Also in English.

Everyone should study abroad. Cultual benefits, language learning, blah blah blah it's also the easiest course load you'll ever take. I'm getting all sorts of credit at Pitt for taking classes I just breeze through.