First Impressions

Hola from Chile! It's been about ten days now, and this is my third day with internet access. From now on I should have daily access to the web, so I'll try to make my posts regular (and entertaining, of course).

Since I've started to dip my toes into the pool, so to speak, I'd like to share some of the first things I found noteworthy here: 

1) Coming from grey, dreary O'Hare and an already-dark Atlanta, I was blown away by the vibrant colors of the landscape here. We had a four-hour drive south pretty much immediately after arriving, and despite my exhaustion (I am awful at sleeping on planes and the Atlanta-Santiago flight was no exception) I simply could not stop looking out the window. The sky was a deep, practically cloudless blue, the plants and grasses were brilliant greens, I could see wildflowers everywhere, and even the dirt seemed lovely with its varied shades of orange, yellow, and brown. I've become used to the colors by now, but it's a good reminder of the natural richness of the area. Right now I'm in the 7th Region of Maule, a rural, heavily agricultural zone that produces corn, beans, tomatoes, melons, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, apples, pears, grapes, and wine. Not surprisingly, fresh fruits and vegetables are available, cheap, and very delicious (but more on that later).

2) The dirt and dust. Here they call it tierra (dirt, earth) or polvo (dust), and it is everywhere. Given the Mediterranean climate - warm, dry summers - it's very easy for the soil to dry out and become dusty. And here in the campo (the countryside), where most of the roads are simple dirt and stones, dust is ever-present. It coats the trees and plants that live on the side of the road, because all the passing cars kick it up. And if you're walking on the side of the road and a car or truck passes you, it's best to turn away your head or cover your face unless you want an eyeful, mouthful, and/or lungful of dust. Despite my best efforts, I get dust all over my clothes and have to wash off my feet at least 2-3 times a day. When one of my fellow students talked about black boogers I didn't believe them...well, now let's just say that I do.

3) I know the topic's a little intimate, but going to the bathroom is such a basic human experience (like eating) that you can't avoid noting the cultural changes. In my first Chilean bathroom, which was in a gas station by the side of the highway, you were expected to supply your own toilet paper. I had read about this in guidebooks, but honestly I had completely forgot. Now I take a little bit with me in my purse everywhere. So for all future Chile travelers, be warned: it's a good idea to bring along a some TP, just in case the bathroom you're patronizing doesn't have any. I also can't avoid mentioning that, at least here in the campo, a person is expected to throw their used toilet paper in the trash so as not to strain the plumbing. It took me awhile to remember to do that, but now I think I'm fairly used to it. It just, you know, smells sometimes. But that's what air freshener is for, right?

Countdown

It's been building up for weeks, months. The anticipation, the excitement, the out-and-out terror...it's all about to come to a head, because tomorrow I board a plane that will take me to Chile.

Other than that, there's not much left to say at this point. Although I deeply appreciate everyone's kind well-wishing, I don't want to talk about it any more. I don't want to think or anticipate. I just want to go, and start replacing all my half-formed visions with glorious, concrete experiences. I'm ready to live the adventure that awaits.

Let's do this :)