The first few days back from Chile were pretty rough. After getting home around 3, I spent 13 of the next 15 hours sleeping, most of which was unplanned. It took me about three days to unpack all of my stuff. I’m grateful for every second of the trip, but it was hard getting back Sunday evening and not even having a full day to recover.
Going through my daily routine Monday felt bizarre. The cold wind and rainy overcast was a most fitting welcome back to Ohio. I found myself in a state of wander, subconsciously awaiting the voice of Sergio to direct me. Sadly, those directions never came.
Looking back, every day of the trip was it’s own adventure. It seems like we were there for way longer than a week! The amount of activity crammed in to everyday was truly impressive, but that did tend to come with a lack of sleep. I’m glad to be back home where water and bathrooms are free, but I do miss the amount of cheap ice cream we regularly had access to. I’m glad to be back in my own bed, but miss waking up the Bryan’s face every morning and a hot and ready breakfast just down the stairs. Although it’s nice to back home, I will treasure the memories and friendships that were made abroad.
When we got back from the airport, I also slept for around 20 hours. I went to take a nap at 4:00 pm after showering and did not wake up until 10:00 pm, and at that point decided to just got to bed. I’m not sure what It was about this particular trip, but this is definitely the most jet lagged I have ever been. I’m not sure if it is because Ohio is just really cold or if I just got used to such lush and green surroundings while we were in Santiago. Also, ever since we got back I have felt like I am in a daze. Going through my daily routine of school, work, and sleep (repeat) has been harder than ever. I am increasingly looking forward to the completion of this academic year and to warmer days. I really enjoyed being able to walk through the streets of chilly and never being uncomfortably cold. Everything about Chile was beautiful and have felt some slight resentment to the dull Columbus, Ohio. Even though I still get to wake up to Carly’s beautiful face everyday, I miss our little hotel beds and the sounds of Santiago to wake up to every morning.