It's raining...

So today was supposed to be my day to do all the touristy stuff, but it was pouring so I didn't get to do nearly as much as I wanted. Somehow my rain jacket did not get into my suitcase, so all I have is two zip up sweatshirts...but Pamela, who I'm staying with, gave me a jacket to wear out in the rain. 

I have been doing everything on my own since I have been here, and haven't really been eating dinner cause Im not sure of where to go or what to do. And honestly, I probably wouldn't have gone out today if Pamela hadn't come home and talked to me and told me where to go and what to see. So I did go out, and I had lunch in a restaurant all by myself (which is something I havent even done in the states, so you can imagine how difficult it was for me) but I am getting a lot of good reflection time, so at least there is some positive aspect to it. Before I left I didn't really think about how hard it would be to travel alone, and how much I would miss companionship, so it has kinda hit me hard since being here. 

I think the reason I havent met more people is because I dont look like an American. I went into a Starbucks today just because I figured there would be tourists/Americans there that I could talk to and make friends with. But no one thinks I am an American! This guy started talking to me and I was really confused as to why I couldn't understand what he was saying, and why  he wasn't understanding me. Then he asked me if I was Italian, and I was really surprised, cause he had been talking to me in Italian and I just thought I couldn't understand his Spanish! But I told him no, and then he asked if I was Spanish, and again I said no, that I was from California (and yes, it pains me to say that, but everyone understands California no matter what language they speak, Washington, not so much) and they were really surprised! He told me that he thought I was Italian because I was very beautiful. Haha, I dont know if that was a compliment for Italians or for me! But it is pretty interesting, because people will see me with my little map trying to figure out where to go on the metro and they look at me puzzled, because they think that I should know my way around. I feel like strapping on my backpack and tennis shoes just so I can get a little more help! 

Yesterday I went to the super market with Belen, my host mom, and that was probably the most stressful time since I have been here. She kept asking me what I want, and I had absolutely no idea! I knew all the words, it was just that I didnt know what everything was, and I didnt know what I should get. Then she took me to the milk section and it wasn't in a refrigerator! And I asked her, how can the milk be ok warm? And she said that once you open it, then you have to put it in the fridge. I was so confused! I asked her if it was leche de vaca (cows milk) and everyone around laughed, Belen was absolutely hysterical. She was laughing so hard she couldnt even get words out. And I just stood there wondering what the heck was going on, and how in the freaking world they could drink milk that had been sitting in their cupboard for a month. I still dont know what they put in it to make it preserve like that. Needless to say I have been feeling a bit out of my element, and am excited for the time to come when I feel a bit more comfortable here. 

One great thing is that I have slept through the nights since being here, and have not really had much trouble with being jet lagged. I think its because I have this uncanny ability to sleep where ever and whenever, so my body must not get as affected. Weird, huh?! 

Besos y abrazos

(kisses and hugs)