Birthday number 25

Even though I was far away from home, I had a really good time on my birthday and my Chilean family and friends made me feel special and loved. On Friday morning, June 9, my mom had told me that I needed to be back home that night at 8:30 pm for a big family dinner for my birthday and I promised her I would be there. I had a really good day on Friday: we had fun in track and field in the morning and then I spent the rest of the day with my language partner, Natalia at the big art exhibit in town (Goya, Picasso, Miro) and then we went out for coffee.
When I opened the door of my apartment at about 8:45 pm I was surprised to see all of my friends and my family sitting in the living room with balloons and lots of food. The night was filled with lots of joking, toasts, great food, music and gifts. The boys brought me flowers, Katie made me chocolate banana cake, Brittany made me fudge, my family gave me some great chilean looking jeans and the whole group got together to give me an authentic chilean bag and socks filled with lots of candy.
After the fun at home we walked down to the corner to the Plaza Nunoa where one of our favorite bars -Hachi Biachi- is located and spent a few more hours talking and sharing stories.
All in all it was one of the most memorable birthdays I have ever had and I feel lucky that I have such a cool group of friends and family here. Thanks guys! I love you all!