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It is with a saddened heart that I write my last epistle of my magical adventure through South America. Tomorrow, I fly home to the United States, changed by my experiences here. This journey has surpassed all of my expectations, and all I can wish is that I had had the foresight to travel for at least another month! I last left the story in Puerto Natales , the day before the start of my 4 night-5day backpacking adventure along the famous and fondly known "W" (named for th

Friends, Time is really starting to fly by on my trip and I find myself writing this to you from Puerto Natales , on my "prep" day before heading out on my 4-5 day backpacking adventure in the beautiful Torres Del Paine National Park. I last left you in Pucon , after my horrific bus experience from Santiago. The following morning, I was all set to climb the mighty Volcano Villarica (2847 M). I awoke at 6am, ate breakfast, packed my lunch and set out into the dawn to walk

Much has happened these past few days... Today marks 2 weeks since I left home. Again, it feels as though months have elapsed. I´ve fallen into a whole new way of thinking...a Chilean way of thinking... Mmmmm. So, I last left you with our glorious night of camping under the stars in Pan de Azucar National Park. The next day I was supposed to leave our little "family", (we really had grown very close to one another - its always said that two days travelling with someone is

So, where did I leave off? I believe that I was in Antofagasta about to head into the Atacama desert. What day was that? This trip has been so amazing, I can´t believe its only been 8 days since we left…absolutely insanely wonderful and beautiful. So…the next morning we headed north on the highway.towards the dry of the desert, and the oasis of Peine. Along the way we stopped at a viewpoint overlooking the SALT Flats, these incredible stretches of SALT parched ground spreadin

Ok . So where did I leave off? So we took off from Santiago and headed up the coast to La Serena. We quickly saw the ocean for the first time and revelled in its azure appeal. We stopped off for lunch at a small seaside town and visited a church that has trees growing inside of it, perched on a clifftop and then feasted on the delicioso Chilean sandwich called Ava Polta - grilled chicken, avocado, cheese, and tomato on toasted buns. Over lunch I met one of our group who is a

Though this is only my fifth day since arrival, I feel as though I have already compiled a year´s worth of memories and experiences. This country, its people, and the times had thus far have more than exceeded my expectations. I look back and remember my trepidation at coming out here on my own, and I laugh at it. To any of you out there, even remotely considering having a lengthy travel experience, but you are wary of going alone- all I can say is "just go". I had forgot