JenWriter: Writing, Reading and Blogging

Back from my travels!

Posted on March 18th, 2008 by JenWriter

In Valparaiso, Chile

After a very long break from blogging and the internet, I’m finally back. A big portion of this time was spent traveling in South America where I thought I would have time to check in every few days. Boy, was I wrong! I went with my MBA program for a Study Abroad trip in Argentina and Chile, and our schedules were packed. Our free time was very limited, but I had a blast and learned a lot.

I got to explore the busy streets of Buenos Aires, go white water rafting in the Andes Mountains, wander admist wine barrels during a tour of a Chilean vineyard, stroll through the multi-colored streets of Valparaiso, make great friends with a group of people I’d never met before the day we got on the airplane to South America, and discover how life-changing it is to be immersed in a completely different culture. No longer am I satisfied to speak only English. I want to learn other languages and experience other cultures. I had always wanted to travel before, but now, I really really want to see the entire world. There is so much more out there. I want to see it all.

So, how did my writing come along while I was away? It came along zero. I had big plans to spend a big portion of the 10-hour plane ride absorbed in my novel writing. That was the crazy side of me talking. Since the flight was an overnight one, I spent most of my time in an uncomfortable upright position trying to cram as many 20 minute naps in as possible. I say naps rather than straight sleep because it was next to impossible to get comfortable enough to fall into a regular sleep. Even so, it was more than worth it once we got to South America.

So, now I need to reacquaint myself with the story and get back to writing. I have some new experiences and knowledge of places that can add to the story. I’m actually really excited about the ideas I got for the novel while on my trip. I think some of it will improve the story quite a bit.

I’m already looking forward to my next trip out of the country. I’ll be going to Italy! After that, I’ll need to plan the next trip. I’ve been bit by the world traveling bug.

I also must add that if you ever get the chance to visit Argentina or Chile, do it in a heartbeat. Argentina is full of rich culture and unique people and places. Santiago and Valparaiso are beautiful cities full of Europeanesque architecture and near beaches, vineyards and the Andes Mountains.

Here are a few pictures from my trip.