Saturday

When i left my apartment this morning, i was greeted by some 50,000 chileans, 200 carabineros (police officers), and one giant french puppet. It was the talk of the town all day, and i was there. here is the evidence. After watching the pequena gigante, i headed over to la fiesta de sandia en the la reina ward. While the ward changed so much in the past years, it was so fun to spend the day there. I played some basquet and was on the winning team both times (unfortunately they had me play with the 9 year olds). It was great relaxing with the familia palma, they took me in as an orphan and it was a very fun activity, with bingo, noodles, corn, and watermelon. As i write this i realize how much time i spent in the sun today. I am burnt so bad, but when i return to ithaca, i will be cool looking because they haven't seen the sun for 2 months.

I even had time to think.

The night was finished off with a time honored tradition of the mission (though it had to be changed due to 10 year developments). Elder Quintana, or should i say Stake President Quintana was in Santiago and we were able to get together for a meal at Shopping at what was once TGI Fridays (It is now a Schopdogs, with specializes in Beer and hot dogs, please note that column-like drink in the background is the house specialty beer). It was so great to remember all of the fun things that happened on the mission (like marrying a sister from the mission, not me him (though it was legal, President Gardner set them up)). We laughed a lot and really had a great time. So Quintana, I know you are not ready this, but in case you are, the skunk sends his regards.