Three days wasn’t enough to explore this city and much like the departure from Santiago, tears welled up when I had to say goodbye to this place and its people. My team mate Erin and I stayed together with host parents, Pedro and Yoli Schmol. 
They were so kind and funny and when Pedro walked us back to the private two bedroom cabin that sits on their property we squealed like little girls. This kind of privacy is rare, so we were thrilled! We also got to ride in his 1957 Apache truck. All three of us squeezed into the front seat to drive through Talca and Erin and I giggled all the way. I was also caught by Pedro waving to complete strangers as we drove by. We were quite the spectacle!
Our time in Talca has been documented since we both visited and were interviewed for the news. Apparently a cluster of gringos invading Talca is prime for the 6:00 news!
We also visited a Hydroelectric Plant, which was absolutely fascinating, as well as the University of Autonoma, both the family and civil courts, and a social services office. My university visit as well as some contacts I made with the University of Talca was really spectacular. As a team we were able to visit and speak with classes of students about what we do, why we are in Chile, and different issues regarding both of our home countries, like politics, education, and socioeconomic concerns. It was the first time that we have really been able to sit down with a group of young people and have a dialogue. I also connected with Administrators and the Dean of Education at both Universities. Both were eager to begin working in coordination on an exchange program for student teachers! What a great opportunity for all of our students!
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