Rest and Reboot...

These last few days we’ve had a chance to recharge our batteries. After leaving Curico by train on Thursday, we arrived in San Fernando, Chile. As per the norm we were met by a group of smiling Rotarians and whisked away to a full day of activities, vocational visits, and adventure. We toured an organic apple plant (the only organic fruit producer in Chile), visited an organic farm, then had lunch at a Rotarians house which ended with a meandering stroll around his farm (this included coming upon several horses grazing in his orchard), and ending the day with a Rotary meeting.

Friday brought the rest we were all wishing for. The San Fernando Rotary arranged for us to have two days in a remote mountain cabin with no obligations or schedule… Just the team, a pool, and a lot of food and vino! Needless to say, it was amazing. On the way to the top of the mountain we passed a Waso (a Chilean cowboy) and his dogs herding sheep down the road. At one point the van was surrounded by a sea of sheep. I felt such joy looking across this blanket of moving, bleeting wool!

We have now passed the two week mark and are approaching the end of our stay. The team has grown closer than ever and we feel more like family than simple travel companions. I have acquired several nick names since arriving in Chile… Melindita (the Chileans put “dita” at the end of words and names as a term of endearment), Mas Linda (literal translation in Spanish is “the prettiest”), Cool Breeze (since I was the only one on the team to swim in the 40 degree pool water).

We have since had two days in Santa Cruz and are now in Talca, Chile. Until later, buenos noches!