I started my trip in Chile by venturing down to Valparaiso. I probably wouldn't have gone there until the end of my trip but one of my classmates, Kate, really wanted to go there. I am glad that we went because I truly enjoyed the city. The street art was so vibrant and full of life. The ascensores were exiting to ride and I even got to visit one of Pablo Neruda's houses. It was an inspiring way to start the trip.
I then ventured down to the south were we were joined by Rachael and Madeline. We explored Torres del Paine, Puerto Nateles, and Punta Arenas. The landscapes of Torres del Paine were amazing and we were blessed with some wonderful weather. We did blow out a tire in the rental car and had to change the tire in the middle of the National Park, which is pretty remote. I was a little nervous on the drive out with no extra spare, but we made it back to Hotel Altiplanico just fine. I was most impressed to be traveling with these three amazing ladies and their love of nature and science. Everywhere we went they were constantly viewing the world through eyes of childlike wonder in an effort to understand every aspect that influenced this spectacular environment. I learned a lot and had so much fun, I didn't think the trip could get any better. A fire at the airport in Punta Arenas delayed us a day, but it afforded us the opportunity to truly explore the city. This wasn't high on my list, but it ended up being such an inspiring place. As a professional mariner, I have spent my life in awe of the old explorers who ventured out into the unknown oceans. Magellan was one these visionary explorers and as I walked through the park with his statue, my love to explore and adventure into unknown territories was reinvigorated. Even the delay turned out being an amazing day!
After getting our flights rescheduled, we continued onto San Pedro de Atacama. The sunsets were incredible and we went on even more exciting adventures. We toured the Valle de la Luna and went to the Termas de Puritama and then went on a bike ride to some ancient ruins. My time at Termas de Puritama was a day of pure joy and for that moment in time I was completely content with life! As I walked around the ancient ruins and thought about the destruction of the natives, I was solemnly reminded of human's destructive nature. It is inspiring to me to be surrounded by so many dedicated individuals that are seeking to find ways to lessen that destruction. My adventures around Chile were amazing, but the next step was the most exciting/nerve racking for me by far.
I finally got to fly to Conecpción and meet the wonderful family that opened their home to me. They are such an awesome family and have two sons. The one not pictured was at the University taking a test. After he got home, we went to the Campo, which is their country home. It is really an amazing farm. We spent the weekend talking, cooking, eating, and working at the campo. There was some video game playing in the evenings as well. We found that we all love to play Pro Evolution Soccer! The hospitality and kindness are beyond measure and my heart is filled with happiness to get to know them and spend these weeks with them.
Today was the first day at the school. It felt just like going back to high school for the first time all over again. I am paired with a science teacher, Javier, and a P.E. teacher, Carlos. They are both great teachers and very patient with me. The thing that impressed me the most was how much the teachers care for their students. There was way more of a bond than I have ever seen at any school in the U.S. between the teachers and the students. Today I was in a 7th grade biology class helping on a lesson on microorganisms. The students were working on their presentations and had a lot of questions for me, and wanted to take some selfies of course!
P.E. was the highlight of my day. I was so excited when I realized that Dylan, the younger son that I am staying with, was in the class I was helping out with. We learned how to play handball and did some drills. After that Carlos turned on some music and we played the Chilean version of dodgeball, which was way better than the U.S. version. Both games of dodgeball ended with me taking out Dylan as the last person, so my team won both games and a sibling rivalry was born! It made me happy to hear Dylan excitedly tell his mom about having me in his class. We laughed and talked about the game on the way home. This trip continues to get better and better and I feel honored to experience the culture and kindness of this amazing country and wonderful people!
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