Full Circle

Here I am, the night before one of my biggest adventures, reflecting on the trip I’m about to take. I’m heading off tomorrow for a three week trip to Chile and Argentina. I’m going to be spending two weeks in Santiago learning Spanish and a week in Mendoza staying on a vineyard.

It’s important for me to do this trip on many levels. First off all, after a hectic year, I need rest. Between work and the changes in my life and relationships, I need a break to catch my breath.

Ironically, I’ll be finishing up the decade not very far (at least physically) from where I started it. On January 3, 2000, I landed in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. It was the first time I left North America as an adult. I was a lost twenty something just starting a career in the clothing business and trying to find myself. Flash forward to 2009: I’ve added 15 countries to that list and have an amazing career in the clothing business. Even more amazing, is the fact that my job has given me the fortune of taking me to some amazing places. I’ll never forget telling an ex-boyfriend that if India was the last place on earth, I wouldn’t be interested in going. Who knew that years later, I’d have stamps in my passport from 5 visits to India?

But this 2^nd time to South America, isn’t as a lost twentysomething, but as a thirtysomething (eek) woman who lived the biggest emotional rollercoaster of a lifetime and not only survived it, but came out of it a better person. I’m looking forward to three weeks of introspection, rest and great adventure!

First stop: Santiago, Chile. The plan is to go to a Spanish school and finally refine my skills. After my month in Bolivia in 2000, I picked up a lot of Spanish, but I should “probably” learn a little more than “How much is this?” “Where is the bathroom?” and “Excuse me, do you know where I can find the sloths today” (don’t ask!) So… here’s hoping I’m not a thirtysomething amidst a slew of just out of high school trust fund kids. Wish me luck!