Christine's BBQ and early birthday celebration

What a fun weekend it was! Friday evening the volunteers from Antofagasta and the cities of Tocopilla, and Taltal gathered for a BBQ. We first met the mayor of the region and after formal introductions were made, we headed to the south for the BBQ. It was chilly that night but it was fun to be around friends, new and old. Below were several of the volunteers gathered around the BBQ waiting for the Chorripan, grilled zuchini, and beef to be ready. Rico!

Below I'm pictured with Rachel and Amy, other volunteers from Antofagasta.

After the BBQ was over, myself, Jennifer, Sasu, and Kristina headed for Tequila. It's a pub not far from where we live. I've been there for Saturday Salsa nights but not for a regular hangout.

We stayed for a couple hours mingling and Jennifer and I shared this yummy manjar (caramel)crepe and ice cream dessert.

So that was Friday. Then Saturday rolled around. I had a great morning, met some friends in the afternoon to plan our vacation, and then got ready for the night to celebrate my birthday a little early since my birthday is actually Tuesday (tomorrow).

At 8:30 I met some friends at a spot close to the restaurant. It was that spot that I had an interesting moment. A rugged looking, almost homeless looking, man was bothering us and something happened to my voice and I just started shouting "Sale, sale, sale" (not pronounced the same in English). That pumped a little adrenaline in me.

We walked a block to Mochica, a peruvian inspired restaurant. The group surprised me with a present from Lush and earrings that Amy handmade.

And the wrapping even goes with my outfit!

Close up of the soaps and bodywash from Lush, taken the next day. They use popcorn as a filler.

All of us at Mochica right before heading to my FAVORITE salsateca, Candela! There we danced the night away! It was SOOO much fun. Even those that don't dance salsa danced!


Then when I came back from getting my water (yes I got a water as my second drink during Happy Hour) they had a SURPRISE birthday cake for me!! It even had my name on it! It was AWESOME and such a nice surprise.

It was so delicious. It had a layer of manjar and fruit. Rachel brought forks and plastic cups and we enjoyed!



Joe, Willian, and Paul. The two gringos I take salsa classes with and our profesor in the middle. Title of this photo is three muskateers.

Paul and I.

The live band was great and the singer, Oscar, even gave a couple shout-outs to me for my birthday. A great time was had by all and I left around 3am thoroughly happy and tired.

Wahoo to birthdays and turning 27. It's going to be a GREAT year!

CW