The Terminal

...sin Tom Hanks. Though it'd be cool if he walked in.

I do sort of feel like him, though, as I am passing pretty much my entire day at a bus terminal these days. I took a temporary job working for a tourism company, selling tours and promoting a hostel to the ubiquitous gringo/European/Israeli traveler, almost always carrying a Lonely Planet and a large backpack. There are quite a few, even in little Ancud, coming here for penguins and kuranto, bewildered by the rain and speaking poor Spanish. English really does seem like the international language--I've talked to people from Israel, Germany, France, Holland, and even Santiago in English.

The tourist office is also a confitería, or sweet shop. I remember passing the guy in the kiosk at the 1 station at 116th and wondering how he could possibly stand to be there all day, every day. Apparently, I can do it, too, though it's different with two other young people here and internet access. Plus, yesterday I got a free ride to the penguin beach and on the boat, where I got to practice my fledging translation skills. I'm also getting really good at saying numbers and interpreting the ridiculously rapid mumbles that Chileans use when at a store.

I thought being at a bus terminal would make me restless for travel again, but I actually really enjoy being stationary at the moment. I'm living in a little cabaña next to San Jose Hostel, with my own stove and living space, which has been pretty wonderful. I don't have too much envy of these travelers who have six countries on their list of place to go; I'm excited about going to Argentina next week (San Carlos de Bariloche is my next stop) but equally excited about returning to Chile afterwards.

Also, I'm realizing more the reality of living here in Chile... the hostel is run by a family and I work for the father and with the daughter. This is maybe as close to a homestay as I've gotten in Chile, and it's even more interesting because I've been inserted into a familial workplace as well. I'm learning to appreciate my ability to choose a career path (such as one with weekends and mobility) very, very much.

Though it's been nice to meet friendly backpackers, I shared a kuranto and Kuntsman (at the restaurant Kuranton, ah ha!) last night with John from Rhode Island, who farms in Rhode Island on a cool cooperative-type farm situation. I'm slowly building a map for my next U.S. travels, too, though first I have to get myself back into the States... which won't be for a while yet. Looking at tickets for March, we'll see.