Aaahhhh, Patagonia- where to begin?
To be honest, I have been putting off writing this blog for a few days now because I know that nothing I write will do the place justice.
Throughout my life, I have been really lucky to have opportunities to travel to different places- some near and some very far. All of my travels have left unique and lasting impressions on me, but I must say that out of all the places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, Patagonia must be the most beautiful piece of earth I have ever had the fortune of seeing.
This statement may seem dramatic, and maybe you’re thinking, “Alana, are you sure you mean to say that?”
My response?
-Yes. yes yes yes yes yes.
But I’m getting a little ahead of myself- let me explain the trip:
Last week, my friends and I packed our belongings in a book bag, grabbed sleeping bags, and set out for our 5 day adventure to the “end of the world.” I think several people (including myself at moments) had doubts about our sanity, I mean 5 girls with very little experience with something like this just packing up and heading 1400 miles south? The majority of the time without showers, electricity, heating, or running water? Yeah sounds a little insane, especially considering that September in Patagonia is known to be extremely rainy, windy, and cold.
However, as I looked out at Torres del Paine, sun beaming with lovely 54 degree weather, I knew that going there was one of the best decisions I would make while studying abroad.
Lago Pehoé in Torres del Paine National Park
As we spent our days hiking, exploring glaciers, and taking in the beauty surrounding us, I think we all gained a deeper appreciation of the magnificent beauty this world has to offer. Throughout my time there, I snapped hundreds of pictures with my camera, desperate to hang on to the moment forever, but realizing that no matter how hard I tried, no photograph could truly capture the unparalleled magic of this place. Regardless, here are some pictures I took in my pursuit to capture the uncapturable.
Taken on the first day in the park
Glacier Grey
tasting ice from the glacier!
Going to Patagonia was so much more than just seeing a beautiful place. It was leaving the noise and chaos of the world for a few days, it was redefining our definition of beauty, and it was pure, peaceful bliss.