Submitted by Max Carle on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Chile sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…
After spending my first week in Santiago, Chile, I can safely say that it was one of the most memorable weeks of my life. Having never left the United States prior to the program, I really didn’t know what to expect. I had seen pictures, videos, and had even heard stories from friends, but I suspected that they wouldn’t do the country justice, and I was right. The first morning, we took a tour of the city, and I was subconsciously comparing it to New York City; the city I’ve been familiar with for my whole life. While there were certainly some similarities, such as extensive foot traffic downtown and a variety of places to go, the differences were eye-opening. From the ground, the city is overlooked by beautiful mountains that at first glance seem like clouds in the distance. But when we climbed San Cerro Cristobal, a massive hill named after the Spanish conquistadors for St. Christopher, we had an incredible view of the city below. In New York City, there are great views at the top of skyscrapers, but nothing compares to what I saw in Santiago.
Later in the week, we went on an excursion to Valparaiso, a historic city on the coast of Chile. We climbed the steep streets and once again had an exceptional view, this time of the unique, colorful architecture of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, we walked around the streets that were filled with endless murals and artistic visions. I was simply fascinated. Every street, every corner, and every crevice was a unique design. I’d never seen anything like it in New York City, or anywhere for that matter.
Experiencing so many amazing views and countless displays of craftsmanship made me realize how much I was missing. Outside of the small bubble I call home lies a whole world full of heritage, opportunities, and true beauty. I feel so blessed and grateful to be on this program, as not everyone gets the chance to leave their country and explore the outside world. With that, I plan to make the most of this grand expedition and let each day be its own unique adventure. In just one week, I feel that I’ve already seen so much, but I’ve only scratched the surface.
