REvisiting Chile (4/2-6)

Deb worked a bunch while I was there. But I made a trip to Lincoln, the downtown Plaza de Armas and Pueblo Los Dominicos and experiment with the revised public transportation system. You should have seen the faces of people at Lincoln. The now fifth graders nearly died when I walked into their classes. I wasn't entirely alone either. One of Deb's co-workers was in Chile with her spouse. So while Deb and Robin worked, Gary and I went around (including the Harley Davidson store in Santiago) and ate meals together. We visited with people from church, saw Roberto and Jessica tango, rented a car and took a trip to Santa Cruz, rode the teleferica at Cerro San Cristobal and visited Priscilla, Andres and Benjamin at their new house. Unfortunately, Deb couldn't come back with me. But, we were on different flights anyway. This was a great way to spend my Spring Break. I realized how much I missed Chile and I just had to write about it again.

Postscript (4/1)

In case you didn't notice, I have only recently managed to add the last few days of our stay in Chile. It was hard to conclude for many reasons. But, a recent trip to Chile made me want to write. And so I revisited old pictures. I could have written more, but... I am glad to have add some pictures.





Deb had to return to Chile twice now. She was planning on being in Chile over my Spring Break. So I went to be with her. Unfortunately, these pictures are not of Chile. This is Atlanta, Georgia. I missed my connection, so I spent 23 hours and 40 minutes in Atlanta. My Delta flight left 1 hour and 40 minutes late from Columbus. I should have had a clue when the Gate Attendent was able to name my destination and connection departure time when I approached the counter to inquire if I should be concerned about making my connection. He did tell me that they "went ahead and booked me a flight on the next day's flight." I didn't even have a chance. But, I got meal vouchers, a higene kit and a night's stay in a hotel. Then I wondered around Atlanta on the day of the College Finals Basketball Game between the OSU Buckeyes and Florida Gators. I was entertained by all the peoplewatching possibilities. I still made it to Chile, just a day later than planned. That's a heck of an April Fool's joke!

Despidos! Boo-hoo! (1/5)

We had no idea that so many people were coming to the airport to see us off!!! Quiet exits are good, and EASY! But, there was none of that. We sure felt special!!! It was fun and time went by quickly. But, we almost didn't come home. These are good friends. I wish they could have come back with us.

Boxes and Container All Over Again! (1/3)

Yep. That time came and we were packing for home. We did all the boxes, but some fellows came to package the furniture and load the container. That was a sobering day. The empty apartment and knowing we were not returning. Living out of suitcases yet again. Not the best feeling. But, I knew we were going "home" and I looked forward to that. It made it just a bit easier.

New Year's Eve (12/31)

I've never celebrated the new year on a beach before. It was definitely a first for Deb and I. The beaches in Vina Del Mar are really nice too. With boardwalks, shells, even sand sculpting. We spend a few days in an apartment with friends from church. It was casual and comfortable. We shared the expenses and all helped out. Then we stayed up late and went to the beach when we felt like it. We also toured Valpo guided by the expertise of Jessica and Roberto. There were so many people there for the fireworks on New Year's Eve. There was a really nice show, but some of the fireworks missed their target and actually set a peer building on fire. And, then champaigne corks popped everywhere and people toasted to the new year. The next day the beach was covered in trash, bottles and waste. But, we had to go back to Santiago anyway. It certainly was a relaxing way to spend the days before heading back to the states.