“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.”

Dalai Lama

I cannot begin to write this piece without saying how truly humbled I am by the comments and feedback I have received about my first post. I’m not sure I’ll be able to write anything that provokes such fond memories for so many. That post was written from the heart, with the love I have for the 413, and clearly, I am not the only one who has discovered what a special place it is.

I love the above quote by the Dalai Lama, its one I try to live by. I was lucky in 2019, having traveled to two places I’ve never been before – Cuba and Lake Louise, Canada. Both beautiful and memorable in their own way. That’s what I love about travel. Each place is unique, each has their own customs, traditions, food, music, and culture. Today I start my journey to Chile. I thought I was prepared for this trip, in my typical type-A fashion, booking tickets early, getting money exchanged, and lying out clothes days in advance. Then I got sick, our itinerary has changed, and when I looked at the weather there is a 40 degree temperature fluctuation each day, 50s in the morning, 90s by the end of day. I consider myself an experienced traveler, but right now I feel like a rookie. I overpacked, and never thought to bring a travel yoga mat even though yoga is on the agenda each day. I’m just happy my bag was still under 37lbs

While on the plane for the first leg of my trip, from Phoenix to Dallas, I read an article given to me at work that appeared in the Wall Street Journal on January 2, 2020 in the Opinion section, “Latin America’s Oasis’ Descends Into Chaos” by Axel Kaiser. It talks about the current political climate in Chile. How one of the most stable Latin American countries is now in a free fall. The protests started in October shortly after a fee increase in public transportation was implemented. Clearly, a fee increase isn’t the sole reason for the chaos, according to Mr. Kaiser, it stems from “Its elites lost confidence in the principles that underlay its successes”. I’m not a political person, I leave those debates to my sister who’s passion for politics will always be greater than mine. I am happy after reading this article that I will be away from Santiago until the last day. I’ll be curious to hear what the locals feel about their current situation. Is there truth in the media? Is it fake news? Are journalists reporting on how the people there feel about their current situation? Every trip is always a new learning experience for me, and this trip will be no different. At the end of the article Mr. Kaiser writes, “The result is a full-blown economic and political crisis. Other nations should take note: This is what elite self-hatred can do for you”. Again, I’m not a political person, but given the political climate in our country, it makes one think.

My co-workers have had some fun asking what ransom they should pay if I get kidnapped, who will fly down to save me if I get in trouble, and I have bequeathed my beloved BMW to a person who doesn’t really need it – just in case I don’t make it back. Am I nervous, no. Although I love travel, I don’t travel to places where I feel I will put myself in danger. My love for travel is a love to discover new places, try new foods, meet new people, learn about cultures different from mine, and see some of the most beautiful places in the world.

While in Chile, I will be four hours south of Santiago. In a remote area, which is why I packed my own mini pharmacy, more clothing than I will need, and still feel like I forgot something. I will be in Vilches, San Clemente, Chile. From what I understand this is a very remote area, and we are about 45 minutes to an hour from any large town. If you look at the aerial view of our Hosteria, there is nothing but trees. The whole purpose of this trip is to disconnect. I don’t consider blogging to a breach in that purpose. For me, if I can write something about a place I’ve visited, that sparks the travel bug in someone to explore someplace new, I have achieved my goal. I want people to not be afraid to travel to someplace new, to explore new places, new ideas, and new ways of thinking. To realize we are just one very tiny piece of a huge universe.

A few facts about Chile before I sign off and board my plane for the final leg. You do not need a visa to travel to Chile if you are a US citizen. Travelers from the USA used to pay a reciprocity fee for a travel card, but that ended in 2014. The country has over 17 million residents, and it borders Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and the Drake Passage. The UV index will be 11 around mid-day, which is why I packed copious amounts of sunscreen. The ozone in Santiago is all but deteriorated, they say the safest way to travel is by subway while in the city, for health reasons, but given the recent political unrest, that may not be the best option anymore.

Ciao!