today was another very relaxed day. i spent quite a lot of it sitting around, as i'm in the final stages of the recovery process. i feel a million times better than yesterday. since lori left for la serena on saturday, it has just been me, gladys, and simoné. the apartment has been very quiet, and while that should be optimal environment for study time, it just makes me extremely lazy. for once, gladys and i had hot dogs (she actually called them hot dogs versus completos) and teacito. afterward, she offered to read to me tejas verdes, the book we are reading right now for sem. all day i have been complaining (maybe not complaining, but i can't think of a milder way to say it) about how i have to read a ton and how much i struggle with understanding the spanish. glady read to me for at least an hour after once. it was SO sweet. i understood a lot better because she explained things i didn't get and emphasized certain words (and at times, included actions) to get across the message. plus, it gave us a valuable opportunity to talk about some important (and controversial) issues in chile's history. i enjoyed hearing her viewpoints - she is a very wise, compassionate person. because gladys is always commenting on my dry cracked hands, after reading together, i bought some of the oriflame hand lotion she sells. i can already feel my hands getting softer. :)

laterrrrrr.

things i enjoy:

1) "cómo amaneciste liiiiiiz?" every morning, without fail.

2) the pull down ceiling light i always hit my head on.

3) how much gladys says "adelante."

4)  how quickly this home's apple supply is depleted when i'm here.

5) the concierges at the entrance to the apartment. adorable.