We're BACK and the Countdown has begun

So, we have no good excuses for our total absence from this blog. Just apologies if you've checked it in the last three months and wondered what in the world happened to us. We're fine - actually we've settled in quite well to our lifestyle in Santiago. Which lead to our lackadaisical blog updating, I think. Here is an overview of what we've done since September, incase you want to know: 1) Worked - mainly with a focus on Chile's wineries, Chile's near-shore fisheries, and California's Sacramento Delta, and 2) Played - experiencing many wonderful things, such as a weekend at a friend's family friends' dairy, traveling to the Pisco Valley, seeing volcan Osorno and Chiloe Island, NOT seeing penguins but enjoying a furious Pacific storm, and many memorable times with friends in Santiago. Truely a shame that we will not be able to post about all these things, but that brings me to my next point.

We are coming home to California in 18 days. So Strange. So if you remember who we are and want to have something to talk about when we get home, feel free to ask about any of the above things that we've done since we last posted! We promise we will be able to tell you some good stories, and they will likely be much better in person than if we were to try and write about them all here.

Our imminent departure also brings up a resolution that we have made...tonight...we'll see how long we can stick to it. Everyday a fellow fulbrighter has been recording something she will miss about Santiago and something she is looking forward to when she returns home. We've modified that, and will try to post something everyday that we recognize as unique about our life here in Santiago. And hopefully how that specific thing will be different (for better or worse) when we get home. So today's thought (from Anna, after a few beers with close friends):

I live on the 20th floor - when I ride the elevator up to my apartment, my ears usually pop. It has been awesome to have such a great view of Santiago, but it will be great to be home and have dirt and grass outside my window again.

Much love to everyone, and we look forward to being home in 2012!

PS:  Zack notes that we will be wandering through the Andes for a few weekends before we fly home, so posting a thought 'everyday' is not really feasible. But we will get online every time we have internet and share a reflection with you all!