orienting

10-18 Friday, our second morning in the chicitito apartment we rented from Don Carlos Mesa of Sociedad Departamentos Del Sur Limitada. Fourth floor, southern exposure, on the quiet side of el edificio Los Almendros. I haven't learned to recognize any almond trees yet, but there must be some around.

We're up on the first of two benches above the beach. You know how Richard is about tsunamis. The city hospital is in the next block, ICAP, which we believe to be a university, has a campus across the street, and we pass by a lively Catholic elementary school on the short hike to the super mercado Jumbo.

Yesterday I marched down the hill to the Costanera with an almost empty back pack for my first solo trip on the city bus out to Club Nautico Reloncavi, the marina where Abrazo is moored. I have been traveling back and forth every day with Richard this past week, but today he headed out early. We're moving off the boat a back pack at a time. Maybe today my roller bag will be lightened enough that I can manage it on the bus.
Along my way, I met Paulina, the young woman who'd shown us an unfurnished apartment with a fine view of the water. She's a "realtor," with a story about her upcoming trip to Miami ... her Cuban husband ... something about having been married for three years ... or was it separated for four years? One or the other of them will get a green card to live in the U.S. ...
If only I could understand quicker, or hear faster, or somehow get my Ipad to give me the subtitles to this story, I could appreciate better all the flashing eyes , smiles, sighs and other emotional gestures with which Paulina adorned her story!
When we met on the street, however, I was able to let her know we'd decided to rent the furnished apartment, shown to us by the elegant Yvon. Paulina gave me a momentary frown; then "No problema," she smiled. "Cuidarse!" ... Which I took to mean a casual, "Take care of yourself" ... rather than the more ominous, "Beware!"

R and I both complain about how fast these Chilenos talk, how they slur the words and sling the slang. I remind myself my English is just as sloppy. I would never say: Did you get your groceries? Instead, I would say: Djagityer gross-rees?

Before finding the right bus, I walked as far as the Lavanderia in Angelmo. We'd stayed our first week in a summer house on Isla Tenglo, a ferry ride away from the marina. This house had the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. Part of the rent included getting the sheets cleaned when we were through with them, so we'd left those sheets at the laundry on Wednesday. Rodrigo gave me a sheepish look, when I arrived, a little after 11 in the morning this Thursday. He held up the five fingers of one hand. The sheets would not be ready till five. He's probably been distracted with futbol talk, as he is very excited, along with everyone in Puerto Montt, about Chile's victory over Ecuador, and their chance at beating Brasil to get to the World Cup. LAUNDRY no es importante in esta situacion!

Tonight, Friday night, the total eclipse of the moon is probably over by now at 8:30 pm. Judith told me about it early this afternoon while I was using the marina Internet. She flew in last week from Maine to crew with Faraway John, but I don't think it's going to work out. She tells me her version of the story while I struggle to read my email and do my online banking chores. Ten minutes after she leaves Club Nautico's computer, John himself comes up to use the Internet. He's searching for a new crew, and wants to tell HIS version of the difficulties.

I'm reminded of my high school yearbook, when the junior class made predictions for the seniors' careers. Knowing that I thought I wanted to become a doctor of medicine, they predicted that I would be the Dear Abby of Johns Hopkins Medical School. I think they got the Dear Abby part correcto.

Missed the lunar eclipse, but sunset violets and deep pinks are just now fading beyond the silhouetted hill outside my living room window. One chain of street lights curves up the hill, with sporadic lights on the crest, below the cell towers. Puerto Montt seems a much quieter city than Santiago or Concepcion.

Tomorrow, I'd like to just stay home for the day ... a break from packing baggage ... Tho maybe a walk downtown to contract for internet in the apartment will work out.

May your own plans bloom into reality as you wish ...