Author: Megan Nerici

Post (best trip of my life) Departure

As I sit here in studio, I cant help but stare at my sandal tan lines and miss everything about Santiago. The week I spent in Chile was one of, If not the most valuable trips I have ever taken. I would not trade my experiences there for anything in the world. I loved how the city resembled one located in Europe, but was an entirely different entity. Unlike in Europe, Chile was so connected to the people living there. I loved how proud of being a Chilean most everyone was. Despite their past with dictatorship and cruelty, the city has a feeling of hope for a better future. The lack of censorship with their street art really made that message clear for me. Whatever the citizens are feeling, they have the freedom to display that message publicly and visually, which in many cases created beautiful pieces of art that truly reflected the city. The feeling of connectivity expanded to the metro and bus lines. I also noticed that traveling with bikes was very common. The city felt accessible, which for me made me feel very at ease as a newcomer. Overall, Santiago is a place that one can feel at home at very quickly, and will forever make a lasting impact on anyone who visits.

human rights

Walking through the museum of memory and Human Rights was a very heavy experience. First of all the museum itself is visually very beautiful. The building was unlike the surrounding buildings,making its clear that the content inside was important. When you first walk in the building, the photos that pictorially create the landmass of the world set up the narrative the museum wants to tell. Human rights is a global issue, and the atrocities that were committed in Chile are in many ways similar to other happenings around the globe. It’s a terrifying thought that a single person could suggest the killing of thousands of people, and have a large portion of that country’s society get on board with that idea. It goes to show how fear and hatred can be the fuel for horrific acts, and how we need to learn from those acts for a better future for all human beings. It made the problems in our country seem very scary, and I just hope the American people do not let the fear and hatred many are feeling towards certain groups fuel those kinds of acts.

Pre (kinda) departure

As I sit here writing this blog in Dallas, I realized thatI have never been to Texas before! Even though my first impression of the city was over priced airport hummus and Donald Trump merch, I’m sure the city is great. Speaking of new experiences, I’m soooooo stoked to finally be in chile! It feels like I’ve been waiting forever (since October is esentially forever) for this! Although my Spanish is truly pathetic and I get way too uncomfortable in new places, I’m so excited to emerse myself into Santiago and let it makes its mark on me. Although I’m mostly excited, I’m also more nervous for this trip than I have been for other international trips I’ve taken in the past. Chile is a very different place than Europe, and the culture is very brand new and unfamiliar territory to me. I’m trying to see the benefits of this new experience, but overall I can’t help but be a little nervous for this adventure we are about to embark on. I’m trying to remind myself that most everyone has the same fears as I do, and we will help each other overcome those obstacles. See you in Chile compadres!

Dia dos!

Day two in Santiago was amazing to say the least. Starting the day on the Paris/ London street was a great way to start the day. I got to reflect on the horrors of human society and how even though everything may seem miserable and hopeless, true beauty can come from the darkest and most wretched of times. On a lighter note the best part of that walk were meeting the precious dogs! I loved how they followed us to the Pre-Colombian museum and then waited for us at the door of the museum. It was a high point of my day and explained why Chileans are so happy!
Analyzing the Plaza de Armas was most difficult than I thought it would be. The plaza appeared to have a very irregular set up at human scale upon first glance. When you looked into the placement of the palms and other trees, there did appear to have some sort of loose grid organization that then set up the organization for the circular planters. I also appreciated how the planets functioned as seating to add another layer of depth to the landscape. Overall analyzing the ladscape allowed me to better understand how and why it worked.
The group dinner was delicious and I had so much fun getting to know some new people! Chile is wonderful and I can’t wait to see what else it has to offer the rest of this week! Audios!

Mi biografía!

Hola everyone! My name is Megan Nerici and I am a sophomore Landscape Architecture Major in Knowlton. All anyone basically needs to know about me is that I love everything about the great state of Ohio. I am from a suburb east of Cleveland and have lived there my entire life. I am the middle child of three girls. Although I live in Columbus now, Cleveland will always be my favorite city in the world because it is home.

I also LOVE to travel more than anything in the world. My grandparents are from a small village by the name of Crasciana, Italy. My childhood summers consisted of dancing the “Tarentella” while exploring the ancient village where all my ancestors resided. From a young age I have always loved experiencing other cultures, so visiting South America was a must! I am so excited for this unique experience. I have never traveled anywhere outside North America that was not in Europe, so this will be a very different trip for me.

Other things I like are: cats, anything coffee related (I have a severe mug addiction), Italy, drawing, anything striped, and thrift stores.

Please enjoy this “candid” picture of me drinking the best cup of coffee I have ever had.

I cannot wait to travel with everyone!