“Re-encounters of the Homecoming”

Traveler, your footsteps are the road

And nothing more.

Traveler, there is no path.

The path is made by walking. - Fragment of Cantares, Antonio Machado

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to return to Chile after 5 months away from the place where I was born. Walking down the streets that I knew like the palm of my hand and noticing from small transformations to substantial changes that have been generated due to Chile's awakening. Observing walls that speak through its writings, expressing what thousands of Chileans do not dare to say out loud.

At times I felt like a tourist walking around my city, feeling that it is no longer the same, perhaps because I have changed too. However, I am truly grateful I could visit such must-see places, such as the municipal market in Chillan, which fills me with a unique energy every time I go. All the vibrant colors and delicious smells of fruits and vegetables and people visiting "El Arca de Noe" the oldest bookstore in town. Others walking around the handicrafts, seeing people working hard from very early morning and people who greet you with a smile even if you don't know them. These are the things that form the very essence of the real Chile, the memories I miss the most.

I also enjoyed the afternoons I shared with my grandmother who to receive me, was waiting for me with freshly baked bread and freshly picked cherries and figs. Then, I would enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the garden with my dogs, feeling the fresh herbal smells of the orchard.

Some harsh realities were present in my trip. Still, I am deeply grateful I spent the end of year celebrations with my family. On New Year's Eve, we took over old Chilean traditions that would give us "good luck" for the coming year. We ate 12 grapes that represent each month of the year, drank champagne with pineapple ice cream, and walked around the block with a suitcase to have a blessed year full of travel experiences.

Now, being back in Tanzania, I do miss those precious weeks I reconnected with my homeland. Still I feel truly grateful to be studying here and I know that my family feels the same way. I was able to realize how much they mean to me, gain a new-found appreciation due to inmense support they have provided me, as well as learning to appreciate small details way more, such as a welcome hug from Elena and Ximena. Without any doubt, it was a different and new sort of vacation for me, in which I could reflect on many of the experiences I've had living in Tanzania and take time to slow down and process it all. Returning home was a powerful and very much needed time to rest, ponder and recharge before beginning my second semester at UWC East Africa.

On January 11, I made my way to Santiago International Airport to return to Tanzania. I tried to pay attention and embrace every detail in the landscape one last time and look out the window of the plane to say goodbye to Chile in gratitude for the memorable re-encounters. Not as a goodbye, but as a see you soon.

You can also find this article on the UWC East Africa Student Magazine started by our friend from Guatemala Ken Baeza. Go and check the link and you will read many other articles written by UWCEA students!

Link for the magazine: https://issuu.com/kibo112002/docs/uwc_east_africa_student_magazine_issue__1/1?ff