14th of January 2019 – Off again! Suitcase and backpack packed, getting on a plane to the other end of the world. Mixed feelings. Full of expectations, dreams, a little bit of fear. What will await me this time?
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Almost a year later, I sit at the Coirón checkpoint in the middle of the Torres del Paine National Park, unable to continue my trek because as it turns out I actually don’t have any reservations for the next campsites… I could give up, just head back and decide to start on another route the next day, abandoning my plan of hiking the big O. But somehow, I just have faith that things will turn out well in the end, just like they always seem to.
And as it happens, after four long hours of waiting, I get the good news: two girls I’d met the previous day hiked all the way to the next camp and managed to convince the park rangers there to let me through! I’m so happy and relieved that I give the surprised Coirón ranger a big hug and continue on at full speed, almost skipping.
As I walk on, I think of similar situations I’ve experienced along the way and of all the people who have helped me get where I am right now.
My boots fall apart, I manage to find superglue at the end of the world and when they fall apart again, a friend gives me her pair as a Christmas present. My jacket disappears and another friend gives me her spare one. I decide to hike the O trek without having the necessary equipment and piece by piece, my fellow volunteers contribute to my hiking pack. The prospect of boring pasta with tomato sauce awaits me when my new companions the porters invite me to share their food, even throwing in some delicious «sopaipillas».
And not just that: crucial conversations at the right moment, making it clear to me what I really want. Compliments that make me feel good about myself and my choices. Genuine hugs just when I need them, warming my heart. I have been really lucky and can only hope to give back at least as much as I’ve received.
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14th of January 2020 – Looking back, recalling the experiences and adventures of this past year, feeling grateful for all that’s happened to me. Slowly thinking of returning at some point in the near future, slowly tired of saying goodbye so often, wanting to come to rest for a while. Nevertheless curious to see what the next weeks have in store for me, looking forward to visiting some of the friends who’ve been there for me along the way. Trusting that it will all work out.
Looking back, it all falls into place.