Are We Speaking the Same Language?

Chile has so far been a wonderful experience full of life, adventure, curiosity, and reality checks. One advantage that I came in to Chile with is that I do speak a moderate level of Spanish and it does help me navigate my way around with a little more ease on the trip. Although navigation is much easier I sometimes find myself in situations where I may not understand what someone is  saying or they may not understand me. Chilean Spanish is quiet different then the Spanish I learned as a teenager. When the situations occur I find myself thinking am I even speaking the right language at this point. Next I think do I even attempt to respond or just start speaking English. Most of the time my response is to ask questions. I realized that most Chileans as they describe it to me their form of Spanish is full of slang and words that other countries do not use. Luckily both them and I have patience as well as the fact that I am ready to learn and adapt.