El Viaje sin Final

I began my journey early yesterday morning. I was of course not yet packed when my family arrived to pick me up at 6:30am Bellingham time. I had to rush to get ready and get all my things together. We were off around 7:30am. At this point I was looking at a long day of traveling...not excited at all. I was only excited to see the end...if there was an end.

When I arrived at the airport, it still didn't hit me "I'm traveling to the other side of the world". Still now I can't believe I'm here in Chile. El sur del mundo! No puedo creer eso. Anway, I got my ticket, my mom was a little emotional but I was on my way none the less. She couldn't stop me now! I was able to meet up with my friend Maggie whom I traveled with. The trip was so much better to have a friend around. I can't imagine my trip without her now. It would have been scary and boring (well more boring).

I'm getting to the interesting part. We boarded the plane and the first thing I saw as we lifted up in the air was an amazing view of Mt. Rainier. I'll post the picture, it's literally breath taking. I felt it was a good sign. My trip was going to go well and I was happy. On this flight I met a lovely couple traveling home to South Carolina from Alaska. I didn't get the man's name, but the woman's name was Susan. She was delightful to talk to, she had a southern accent which caught   my attention right away. She ended up giving me her information so I  could find her on Facebook. Now I get to share my travels with yet another person. The flight to Dallas was about 4 hours. Too long for me, but we finally made it.

I was in Dallas, somewhere I had never been before. The first thing I saw was a TGI Friday's. I wanted to eat there, but realized it actually isn't my kind of food. So Maggie and I went to a little Cantina where I had Enchiladas de Espinaca! They were delicious. We had our minds on the trip and the long flight ahead. We finished eating and went to the gate. I then had my first panic attack (I was on the verge of crying during this time).

I realized I didn't have my passport!!! I remember being in the bathroom and putting it down on my luggage. I watched it carefully, but at this moment I didn't remember putting it away after that. So I had lost my PASSPORT! The first place I went to was that bathroom...running at this point. I looked around deleriously, it wasn't there. I ran upstairs to the Cantina, also wasn't there. I was really worried at this point and went to wait in line at the front desk hoping someone had turned it into the gate (oh and my boarding pass was with it)! I then went back to check my luggage one more time...just to make sure. It was in my backpack! I got myself worked up for nothing. In those few moments I realized how important this trip is to me. It's so true when people say "You don't know what you got til it's gone". I thought my dream was gone at that point. All turned out okay though, it was just me freaking out! haha

Later we boarded the plane with no problems. All I wanted to do was sleep and I did, for the most part. I woke up about every 2 hours then I would stay awake for at least 1. I read and just sat there in between. The most interesting part was when I woke up around 6-6:30. We were flying over the ocean, Chile and the Andes to our left. I saw the most beautiful view, the sun was rising over the Andes. It was incredible. I woke Maggie up right away, but she wasn't very happy with that. Opps :( I just had to share that view with somebody! It was the perfect way to wake up. I watched the sunrise for about 30 mins before they came out with breakfast. To top it all off I was able to watch my favorite show, The Office as I watched the sunrise. It was an amazing moment for me. No other words besides happiness could describe it.

After the 9 1/2 hour flight we were in Santiago trying to find our way to immigration and then customs. I had another freak out! I was suppose to bring these documents, that I simply left at home. Luckily enough they just let me go through. We then went to get our luggage. I was nervous they lost it, but no it was all there :) One of my favorite parts of the trip...we grabbed our luggage and walked through these sliding doors that you could not see through. So that you cannot prepare yourself for what's behind the doors. As soon as the door open I heard "Taxi? Quieres Taxi? Luego necesitas Taxi?" I had about 10 people trying to get me on their taxi. It just started busting out laughing and said no. No gracias.

Then we had to check in to our domestic flight to Valdivia...Finally we were just 2 hours away. When we finally arrived I was so...not even sure what I felt. Perhaps it was excitement. I'm not sure. haha I was overwhelmed with so many emotions! I still can't believe I'm here speaking Spanish and hearing it every where. I love this town so far.



I just had dinner with my host family. Words cannot describe how wonderful they are. They are willing to cook w/out meat, talk slower for me, they gave me a phone for down here!!...the list just goes on and on! I know someone has been looking out for me. Who ever that is...Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Until next time :)
Kelsey

P.S Sorry for the length...I just found everything so interesting.
Buenas Noches.

This was my first Chilean friend, Nina :)