Post-Departure

Post-Departure: So Glad I Went to Chile!

So I realized while I was at work how that I did not do my “post departure” yet, so here I am four hours later. I remembered because was telling the kids who I work with about my trip when it occurred to me. I essentially told the kids how amazing it was in Santiago. I went on about how the weather was perfect and how it was still summer there. Then after that I told them about the food and drinks, non-alcoholic of course. This trip was AMAZING! and definitely set a new standard for what I expect when I go to travel for here on out. Since I have gotten back home I have done nothing but rave about how study abroad trips are important for college students to go on. I really am grateful to have been given this opportunity to expand my world.

My study abroad family

It was really great hanging out with everyone there, I tried to talk to everyone I could in each “clique” and get to know them. From all this interaction I made new friends in different majors and different walks of life.

 

They kind of “forced” me here, but do I look sad about it?………….. NOPE!

Lastly, I have to thank Patricia and Paityn again because I do not think I would have went on this trip had they not “forced” me… I’m glad they did!

Back in the Saddle

I am here to write one last blog post and as I try to think of the words to say, I can’t help but feel as though I am trying to describe a dream that I must have had. To think that only a few days ago I was walking in the Andes Mountains, or on Chile’s coast , is almost mind blowing. Last week, which seemed to be slow moving at first went into fast forward and now, here I am, writing this post almost a full week since we have returned. The blur of a week which can be replayed in my head at a frame by frame is now only a vivid memory that has given me the confidence to be both more independent and open to interaction with new people and cultures.

Additionally, I have caught myself thinking of the food that I ate in Santiago and have even tried to make recreations in my dorm room, to no avail. While I didn’t expect to have withdraws so soon, I am already missing the tree-lined streets, constant views of the mountains, and the cool breezes that made the city feel so connected to nature. The bleak landscape of Columbus, no matter how attached I am to this school, is just not cutting it at the moment. And of course I miss not having the same level of responsibilities, but I suppose that is to be expected after returning from paradise to reality.

I am glad to be home with my friends and back into the swing of things with only four weeks to go in my first year. The time we spent in Santiago, while only a little more than a week, will continue to fill my mind with thoughts and memories for years to come. Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible and to those who made it unforgettable.

I will let you figure out what was me and what was Mestizo.

 

 

Hasta Luego, amigos.

Reflecting on Santiago

It is always a sad day when you leave sunny weather and palm trees for Ohio in March. I develop an attachment to places when I travel, and Santiago is no exception. I started to feel a part of the city and the culture by the end of the trip. I loved the food, the landscape, the culture, and of course the architecture. My favorite buildings were the Benedictine Monastery, the Santuario Nacional in Maipu, and the two Pablo Neruda houses (in Santiago and Valparaiso).

The Benedictine Monastery blended together very well the world of the formal theoretical and the world of the phenomenological. I especially loved the entrance ramp towards the statue and the window into the yellow chapel. The Santuario Nacional was impressive for not only its scale, but site, structure, materials, and the experience of light and sound. I loved the Neruda houses and thought they were a beautiful blend of vernacular style, Modernist sensibilities, and maritime aesthetics. Of course there were many great buildings, but these were especially interesting to me.

I also loved learning and experiencing the culture. I became obsessed with the fruit juice that was sold on the street, it was so fresh and delicious I had to have some almost everyday. Empanadas were also a great highlight as well as discovering dishes “a lo pobre”.  And of course, pisco sours went nicely with any meal. And no culture would be complete without its people, and I met some very great people in Santiago. Sergio was a fantastic guide and had amazing insights into not only the places we visited, but the lives of average Chileans. There was also Alexi, the best waiter I’ve probably ever had, Martinez who gave us a very informative tour of Santuario Nacional, and the woman who sold juice near our hotel (such a saint). And of course, the many dog friends who joined us throughout our trip.

Sunset over downtown, view from Santa Lucia

Post-Departure

It had been an absolute whirlwind of homework to do and assignments to complete since returning to Columbus, but I find myself stopping and thinking of Chile and it is making these hectic days all worthwhile.  Looking back on this trip also allows me to stop and enjoy my surroundings and experience life the way the Chileans do, with ease and little technological interference.  I have found myself putting down my phone more often and trying to interact more with the people around me.  When it comes to the overall experience of this trip I can easily sum up my feelings in one sentence: amazing time with amazing people.  Getting to experiences this new city with so many great people is what made this trip incredible.  I especially loved seeing all the bonds that were formed along the course of the trip, I even made friends with people in my major that I had never had the chance to meet before.  In terms of the study abroad portion of the trip, my favorite architectural site we visited was getting to see the innovation center in person and experiencing all the different levels.  I had highly anticipated seeing this building and it did not disappoint!  Overall it was an amazing trip, and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to experience it.

¡Salud! Cheers to Chile!

Cheering at the vineyard in Maipo Valley

The Santiago trip is definitely the best Spring Break I’ve spent. Everyday was well spent and filled with many memories. This trip has exceeded my expectations. The city had great architectural sites surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Green spaces filled the city and the mountains in the view reminded me each day how I was in a whole new place. I will miss the Chilean food, how the people spent quality time outside their homes and off their phones, and the warm weather.

After landing home, I immediately felt the difference. The first meal I ate at home was campus burritos which just didn’t have the same appeal or freshness as that of Mestizo. Around campus, people had their phones out including those crossing the street. On Monday morning, I walked to work in 30 degree weather (that’s Fahrenheit) and in rain. Although I walked through the oval, the amount of green space just did not compare with Santiago’s tree filled street sides.

Sunset from Costanera tower

I will be missing Chile for quite awhile and will have to take some time to fully accept being back home. I have tried to wear some of my alpaca merchandise and lapis lazuli earrings to stay in denial of leaving Chile. This trip was absolutely an experience I’m glad I took. Although I’ve left Chile, I have been able to take back new memories, experiences, and friends. To that, I give a huge cheers to Chile.