Coastlines, Chaos, and Cold Toes: My Chilean Adventure
I went to Chile, survived Valparaíso’s hills, Viña del Mar’s tourist chaos, and Quintay’s freezing waves — and somehow came back with life lessons, not just sore calves and cold toes. Here’s what I actually learned from this trip:
Lesson 1: Food is better when you see how it’s made
I got to help my family cook traditional Chilean dishes, watching how every meal came together. Nothing fancy, just real, everyday food that’s way more satisfying than takeout. It made me appreciate what goes into a meal — the patience, the attention, the love. Plus, bonus skill unlocked: I can now navigate a Chilean kitchen without burning anything (mostly).
Lesson 2: Slowing down is underrated
Without work emails, deadlines, or small responsibilities breathing down my neck, my days stretched in this weirdly luxurious way. Sitting at a café in Valparaíso, wandering colourful hills, or just chilling with family became the highlight of my day.
Even grocery trips or public transit rides turned into mini adventures. Street performers, murals, and little city quirks made every errand feel like a discovery. I realized life doesn’t have to be packed with activities to feel full — sometimes doing nothing together is the most meaningful thing you can do.
Lesson 3: Every city has its vibe
Valparaíso: chaotic, colourful, steep, and full of murals. Walking feels like you’re inside a half-finished painting — and yes, your calves will hate you.
Viña del Mar: shiny, modern, touristy. Wide boulevards, fancy beaches, endless cafes. It’s fun, but more “let’s see how many steps it takes to get to the next photo op.”
Quintay: tiny, quiet, perfect for pretending you’re in a low-budget indie movie. The ocean is freezing, but the calm is restorative. Family time here made it even better — listening to stories, laughing, and feeling completely present.
Lesson 4: The ocean is magical but terrifying
Valparaíso? Cold. Quintay? Colder. But standing on the beach, watching waves crash, feeling the salty wind, I remembered why I love the ocean so much. It’s wild, beautiful, humbling — and makes everything else feel a little smaller. Freezing toes included.
Lesson 5: Effort and attention make everything richer
Whether helping family cook, climbing Valparaíso’s staircases, or just noticing small moments on the streets, I realized that paying attention changes everything. Little details — the way a mural catches sunlight, how a cousin laughs, or a small alley you wouldn’t have noticed — turn ordinary moments into something memorable.
Takeaway:
Chile didn’t just give me beautiful views. It reminded me to slow down, pay attention, and savor life in small moments. I learned that family, effort, and even a freezing ocean can make your days feel full, even without an over-packed schedule. And yes — freezing my toes off in the Pacific? Totally worth it.