Pamela Snyman

Okanogan School District

Okanogan, Washington

The gradual dawning in the eastern sky revealed the cut-out silhouette of the majestic Andes, reminding me of home - Colorado. The comfort of the familiar combined with the anticipaion I felt about this trip to an unknown place with an unknown group of people and I felt open to the possibilities of Chile. I have not been disappointed. As the last selected for this trip, I felt it must have been destined to happen. Now I know it was.

Thank you Nancy and Raul for being there when I arrived.

Chile is a land of contrasts: crowded cities, small pueblos; smog, mountain air; traffic noise, ocean roar; dry desert, icy cold. The masses of people on the Santiage streets contrast with the friendliness and openness of the individuals you meet. Everyone we met was happy to answer every question and anxious to meet every need. I have made friends here, not only with Chileans, but with the Fulbright group - an amazing combination of personalities and experience that reminds me of how lucky students are to have such people dedicated to learning. And we have learned so much. All these pieces of learning will be turned into teaching and eventually bring more understanding about people from all over the world to our students. Then they will come and see and learn. This is the greatest result.

The approach of sunset in the western sky as I sat on the gigantic rocks overlooking the Pacific at Zapallar brought me full circle from my arrival. I had a feeling of reverence for the sight of the immense ocean before me, the beauty of the sun low on the horizon, the sound of the crashing waves on the rocks, and for the destiny that had brought me here. I already had a certain nostalgia for the time, the place, and the people. Yes, it was destiny. I will take all of this beauty with me, hold it, share it, and return to it one day.

Adios Zapallar.

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