Shabbat Shalom!

This Friday I celebrated my first Chilean Shabbat!!!!  My friend Aliza Belcourt from yearcourse is studying abroad in Valparaiso.  She came to Santiago because her sister is visiting her, so I got her invited with me to my friend, Daniel's house for Shabbat dinner.

First we went to services.  He goes to an Orthodox Synagogue where the women and men are separated.  I actually wore a really cute outfit that consisted of clothes that I bought from Chile.  Looking back, I bought a lot of clothes here and I cannot wait to show everyone back in the states!  I was so surprised to know a lot of the tunes for the prayers.  I swear I felt like I was back in Beth Yeshurun for a little.  Made me miss home, for like 10 seconds!  Just kidding!!
After services the family of the Bat Mitzvah girl organized a huge spread of desserts and snacks.  I ate these brownies that were so moist and delicious.  I swear I had about 5 pieces!!!

Then Daniel drove us to his really nice apartment, where is parents, brother, and cousin of his brother-in-law where all waiting for us.  I have to tell you that all Chileans have this fascination for people from the USA.  They love trying to speak English as well as hearing how we speak spanish.  His family was super nice and so welcoming.  We did not start eating til 9pm.  It was a late meal...we had two types of sauces for fish, Israeli salads, and knish.  Everything tasted amazing.  All the while we were also drinking wine with the meals.  Of course there was no water because Chileans hate water.  For dessert we had lemon pie and chocolate covered almonds.  For some reason his parents thought that I have never had pie before, I was like I am from Texas I have had so much pie.  Then Aliza and I began naming all the different pies we've had.
We didn't leave the house til like 1230am.  Daniel was going to drive us back to my house and from there Aliza was going to her hostel.  So Daniel drives a stick shift and I have always wanted to learn because I think the coolest cars have stick shift.  Daniel preceded to teach me how to drive, he got out of his car and we switched seats.  I must say I am a pretty fast learner.  I need a little more practice, but then I am good to go!!!