BYE BYE PAGEVIEWS

This is our group! We've spent the weekend in beautiful Valparaiso/Vina del Mar, and it has been incredible. I have so much to share! 

Also, wtf happened to the page view count on Blogger? I kind of miss it....

ISLA NEGRA

Today we went to Isla Negra, and toured Pablo Neruda's favorite house, his house on Isla Negra. There was no photography allowed, but it was incredible. I have never seen a home so intentionally designed, or one with so many fascinating collections. The fireplaces were beautiful, and the ocean views were breathtaking. I love the ocean. 

I can only imagine how beautiful the storms are in the winter!

The stray dog that posed for us 

Dinner! It was good, but not great. Beautiful place though. 

This is just a five minute clip with the sound of the ocean.

A MONTH + TWO MORE

It seems like I just blinked and the first month went by! I have been spending a lot of time getting to know the area and my host family, and trying to learn the language. The language part has been both difficult and frustrating, because I'm understanding probably 99% of the typical conversational Spanish but my ability to respond is still lacking and it kills! I'm a chatty person and to not be able to communicate is devastating. It has been awesome though — I had a full on conversation with a girl on the bus monday, and it was the first time I really felt confident in my ability to learn a new language.

This weekend we are headed to Isla Negra, Valparaiso, and Vina del Mar, and we will see one of the houses/the tomb of Pablo Neruda. I'm really looking forward to all the exploring! I'm so looking forward to seeing all that I can — I know three days won't be anywhere near enough. I have been reading some of his work and it is so good, so beautiful. I am envious of those who have that sort of creative ability. 

ETIENNE MAXIMUM LONG NOURISHING COLOUR 749 SPRING EN TURQUOISE SWATCH / REVIEW

This polish is another cheap one that I picked up in the checkout line, and I LOVE it. So cheap, and yet so easy. I'm always on the hunt for a varnish that I don't have to fight, one that is easy to apply and has an even consistency. This one is probably one of the best that I have used, especially when you consider the price. The brush is perfectly shaped and the color is smooth and creamy. I'm very impressed! 

The shade itself is not one I'm overly fond of — it doesn't say "Spring" to me, more of a fall shade. Other than that, I'm very impressed and plan to purchase a brighter shade tomorrow!