Chilean Road Trip

So many things are happening at once that the task to blog/journal becomes daunting and I end up putting it off. And off. And off...now it's three months later. Yikes.

My friend Taylor came at the end of July and we had an eventful 6 days.

Day 1: we toured Santiago, visited Pablo Neruda's Santiago home, climbed both giant hills in the middle of the city, and ate at my favorite Peruvian restaurant.

Day 2/3: we got up bright and early and flew to the northern city, San Pedro de Atacama in the Atacame Desert. The town was tiny and quaint with lots of excursion opportunities. We went to Valle de la Luna the first night and started an early early trek at 4:30 to Los Geisers the following day. We got to watch the sun rise. It was incredible. Freezing, but incredible. I even got to go swimming in a natural hot spring.

Valle de la Luna:

Los Geisers:

Hot Springs/Drive:

Day 4/5: We had taken a bus, traveled down the coast of Chile and eventually arrived in La Serena (after many hours and some unexpected bus complications). Due to our late arrival, we explored the city our first night there. We still snuck it a late night trip to the beach though! The next day we took a guided boat tour to Isla Damas where we saw penguins and seals and even got to explore the penguin inhabited island. Everything was beautiful. I only wish we had had better weather. 

Day 6: We traveled, yet again, by bus from La Serena (thankfully much shorter than the bus ride before) and spent the next day in Valparaiso. we made friends with our roomate, walked a ton, visited Pablo Neruda's home there "La Sebastiana," and explored. 

I am soooooo thankful Taylor was able to come visit. She has supported me my entire time here and has helped me overcome so many obstacles. Despite the distance or time apart, she's always there for me. :) Love you Taylor! 

Now...where are we going next?