Rio de Janeiro I

View of Rio de Janeiro from the top of Corcovado (Statue Cristo Redentor) 

View of Rio de Janeiro with Estádio do Maracanã just left of center

Cristo Redentor

Escadaria de Selarón (Stairs of Selarón) were a lifetime work by a Chilean Jorge Selarón who fell in love with Rio de Janeiro and settled there.  He began painting and making tiles when he had time and money to do so and decorated stairs.  Eventually, the work became famous and many began sending tiles from around the world to represent their country, cause, or organisation.  

Not quite as impressive from the top of the Stairs

Preparations continue throughout Brasil for the World Cup next Summer

Arcos da Lapa were originally constructed as an aqueduct for the city 

Un abrir y cerrar de Ojos

And just like that, in the blink of an eye the semester is done.  I look at the countdown to your left and cannot believe how little time is left on it - how little time I have left here.  It has truly been a wonderful semester.  I don't even know where to begin telling how rewarding this experience has been.  I've met wonderful people, seen amazing sights, learned invaluable lessons, and there is still a bit more to come.  A lot of people like to travel, but few live abroad, and the difference is like night and day.  Part of me still cannot believe that I am even here.  Chile, you have, without a doubt, been a dream come true, and I am looking forward to my last few weeks here in La Joya del Pacífico.

Polly's done with school, too!

Going-away party for the exchange students this semester

Exposition of Traditional Chilean dances

A Walk by the Sea

This was by far one of the coolest walks along the beach I've taken since being in Chile.  Check out what I came across below!

A group of sea lions 

Around Valparaíso

Monument in Plaza Sotomayor to the heroes of the War of the Pacific (1879-1883) in which Chile gained much of its territory in the far north of the country. 

Street art is common throughout the city.  Almost every avenue and street has art work 'grafitteed' onto it.