I'm practically a local.

As my assimilation into Spanish society continues, I have learned several ways to avoid being labeled a tourist.

#1- NEVER EVER SMILE IN PASSING. This is for you, Emily, lover of being friendly to complete strangers.
#2- Limit your wearing of color. Think black. Maybe gray on a sunny day.
#3-Use the absolute minimum of words to get by in situations. The more you talk, the more people catch on that there's something slightly...off.
#4- Nod when you are completely lost in a conversation. Spanish people love to talk, they'll steamroll through your lack of speech with gusto until you find a point that you understand what's happening.
#5- NO MAP. Wander with a purpose, even if you're completely, totally lost. Maps=bright, flashing sign that says, "I don't belong! Please take advantage!!"

By following these rules, I've become pretty comfortable so far in Santiago. Minus the fact that right now I'm in a cafe and have no idea how I got here, or how I'll get home. I'll think about that later.

Anyways, here are some pictures of my awesome piso (apartment) that I share with 11 other people from the United States, Colombia, Spain, Germany and even Kazakhstan. We have individual rooms, but share a kitchen, bathrooms and living area.

My room. Soooooooooo cold. While that window is beautiful, it lets in cold air and allows me to hear literally everything on the street below as I go to sleep. For example: A leaf blowing across the street. I'm not exaggerating, that happened last night.

The view from my room. I live in the Old Zone, which is much more picturesque and quaint than the the busier New Zone.