Hail, Hail, the gang is all here!

Well, I got to the Airport way early, but it was worth it. It was great to have the opportunity to meet with the other Whitworth students: Gina, Kati and Jake.
I think they were all timed when they got here and we ended up sleeping for a good part of the day until evening. While they relaxed I went off with the Brazilians for a few hours in search of an open market. Santiago was strangely silent this afternoon, slowly trying to recover from the celebration of the night before. When we finally woke up we all gathered in the courtyard and the Brazilians finished their BBQ and shared with the rest of the people on the patio.
Tomorrow we will be able to explore Santiago together and leave in the late evening.
I've really been impressed by the Brazilians. One of them said that it was a pretty special group that happened to find each other at the hostel and that not Brazilians are as open. However he also said they are the type of people to accept someone warmly first and only withdraw that friendship if the person proves unworthy. He summed the sentiment up with a traditional Brazilian saying; "When you find yourself in hell, give the Devil a hug". Whether this is common of all Brazilians or just good luck with this group, it was a very enjoyable experience to have them share their time, culture and celebrations. The same goes for all of the different nationalities that have enjoyed this holiday together. I'd like to think that the hostel is just a special place where people of different cultural backgrounds, but similar beliefs and openness come together. I hope that I am proven correct.