Ah, yes. Tomorrow (∞)

[sigh]

I'm determined to cut down on the amount of time I spend roasting like a little enchilada in the stuffy transit system. And these boots are made for walking, so... it's easier to get to know my way around the city if I walk, anyways.

So I set out, once again, for the [nearest] metro station today. It's not worth it. I should just move closer to the metro. Two hours later, I find myself at Escuela Militar--and it looks familiar, because that nice man from Maipu brought me here a week ago.



As if that wasn't enough walking for the afternoon, I get to my destination, La Moneda, and I spend AN HOUR looking for a shop donde se toma fotos carnet. I need photos* to add to my personnel file.

*I already had these photos taken. Twice. The first time I looked like a yahoo, so I had them retaken at another shop. And it was only after the second time that I realized that my passport number needed to be on the photo. UF.

I promise you-- I was walking with my eyes opened. I was sincerely and earnestly looking. These shops come a dime a dozen. When I finally found one, it was closed.

Of course it's closed, I thought. Why would they be open on a Monday afternoon, anyway?

A little more hunting, and I found one. And then another. And another. And another. And now EVERY store also takes passport photos.

Whatever. Things are (still) coming along. I find it somewhat comical (somewhat really irritating) how poor the communication system is around the Instituto. When I went to take my photos in to the woman who hired me, she asked if I had talked with so-and-so about getting some training. ... "I thought I introduced you to her last week?" she says. I remember. I met her in passing. Was I supposed to intuit that I should ask her to set me up with some training? I mention that I was supposed to observe some other teachers, and she says, "Oh. I don't want to do that now." Okay. I know they are all very well meaning, but... eh? I'm new here. I kind of feel like the freshman in high school being directed to the "elevator just around the corner."

I am taking a psychological test tomorrow morning. What if they find out that I'm crazy??? And, hopefully, she says, I should have a class assignment by then.

Oh-- P.S. It was the highlight of my day when I was walking through an office at the Instituto and this woman jumped up and said, "Sara! I was just calling you!" This person knows who I am! And I am supposed to be here after all.


As a side note-- this is THE La Moneda, which is the capitol building of Chile. The street that the Instituto Norteamericano is on is the same that this building is on. Apparently, this is the only capitol building in the world where any visitors can walk around inside if they just feel like it. Haven't gone yet. :)