Santiago

Written by Sydney Yovic, a Short-Term United Planet volunteer in Chile.

My quest to Santiago, Chile was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. That statement may seem over the top, but with a lot of thought and reflection, I find it to be unquestionably true. In the short 23 years of my life, I have been fortunate enough to travel to many countries in Europe as well as China, Australia and New Zealand. I have seen and experienced most of the United States and yet none of these travels can compare with the Quest to Chile. I sit here totally perplexed as to how a two-week volunteer trip could possibly impact me to this degree, and so I ruminate. Maybe it was Santiago’s terrain; a city of architectural treasures, sprouting with palm trees and flowers, yet still nestled between the majestic, snowcapped Andes.

 Or was it the food, the fresh produce on every street corner, grape vines in my host mom’s backyard, or the pomegranate tree, ripe and flourishing, outside my bedroom window? My eyes were spoiled for two weeks and so were my taste buds, but I am certain that the people of Chile left the imprint on my heart.

Every person I came into contact with made me feel more than welcome and was eager to talk to me, regardless of the obvious language barrier between us. I came to Chile knowing just basic Spanish from high school and the crash course I gave myself prior to my departure. The Chilean people did not get frustrated with me, in fact, they embraced the language barrier and taught me many Spanish words and phrases. I found myself being invited to lunch with my coworkers and their families, playing games with the children at my work site, and staying up until 1 or 2 in the morning talking and laughing with my host mom Maggie, a strong and loving, Chilean woman. My conversations seemed more meaningful because they took hard work, not to mention some hand motions and acting as well. I learned from every person I talked to in Chile, whether it was a sopapilla street vendor helping me with the currency, a child with cerebral palsy teaching me Spanish vocabulary, or my host mother explaining the history of Chile and the culture of the indigenous people, the Mapuches.

I volunteered at a Teleton, a rehabilitation clinic for kids and teens. During my workdays, I was helping the children with puzzles and cognitive activities before their doctors appointments. Although they were appreciative of me for traveling such a far distance to help them, I left everyday thinking how grateful I was to be learning from their unchanging high spirits and kindness.

Chile is a spectacular place and I have met lifelong friends there. It is dripping with culture and beauty, from the Andes, to the Pacific Ocean, to my street, Simon Bolivar. The Chilean people are bursting with life and their warmth and smiles are contagious. They have an unwavering strong nature, even in the face of the devastating earthquake in Concepcion. I can only hope to strive for that sort of strength and persistent good spirit. My only regret about my Quest to Chile is that it wasn’t forever. I could not have dreamed up a more perfect experience.

Learn more about United Planet’s Quest to Chile by visiting the United Planet website, or call us at 1-800-292-2316 – we would love to chat with you about your next journey!