Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Finally Back :)

Here are some photos of my incredible trip:










The trip taught me a lot about life as it was a lot of hard work. I think the biggest lesson I learned is that even when things are looking straight uphill and you are exhausted, you should keep going, because almost always there is a peak that is so worth the hike. Metaphor for life... when things are looking tough just keep putting one foot in front of the other because it is worth fighting to get to the other side. I also learned a lot about balancing personalities and how to deal with 7 girls feelings. I had some practice with leadership and also learned a lot about being a follower. It was an excellent trip!! We had such a great time, lots of laughter.. which is always fun.

Even though the trip was great, I was very happy to be back in my Chilean home with a comfy bed and sheets that only I have slept in! Haha.. also it was so wonderful to have food to eat at all times, instead of just relying on the tortillas and cheese we carried throughout the trip. Of course, it was also nice to see my host family. I really did feel like this was my home when I came back, which is an excellent feeling.

Finally, this week I have a lot of schoolwork. So I have been busy working on that as well as just getting unpacked, laundry done etc. Yesterday was my first day back of classes and it went pretty well. I saw a boy from my class out at a bar a couple of weeks ago, and so I talked to him yesterday in class. After class, he invited me and my other gringa friend Kathleen for a cup of coffee.. there we met up with a bunch of his friends and it was great just hanging out with chileans. They are all literature students so I have several classes with them! So hopefully I can make friends with them :)

Off to dance class now.. you should see my professor dance. he shakes better than Shakira ( no joke!!!)

"You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
you gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
you gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you got to sing together
all i know is love will save the day"

... Vanessa...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Vanessa,

The pictures are incredible! They just don't look real. I can't imagine what it must have been like to see it in person. I am so happy you made it home (Vina) safe and sound.

Dad

Anonymous said...

Vanessa,
Sorry I am so late in posting. Your trip sounds like it was a huge success. I love that you are having lots of opportunities to challenge yourself and go outside your comfort zone. These memories and experiences are going to be with you forever. Always there in your heart to draw strength from and give you the courage to forge ahead in difficult times. Take care. Angels on your shoulders, Sherry