two days of summer.

We did it! Packed, cleaned and cleared out the house. It wasn't until after we moved into the waiting area for the plane that I cried. There's something more final about leaving Patagonia. When I left the States, I might have choked up a time or two, but it never felt final. Of course I would return to visit--if not to live.

Puerto Natales is where S + I met, where we started a life together, where we've been living the past few years with the odd support system of other expats and a few locals. Our comfort, our makeshift family. And now another leap into the wide open. (Let's not even think about the part where we become parents.) This next leap we make together. Yeah, we can face anything.

{photo by rishi menon}

We arrived to Santiago last night. It was windy cold when we left Patagonia, so the green spring blooms and magnolia trees outside our window now are a welcome change. We can walk around outside in flip flops and T-shirts. Sunshine's so good for the heart. Never mind the smog; on the way in we could see an outline of the Andes. Today we're off to enjoy the summer before we head back into winter--again.

{photo by pilottage}

For the past few years, we've been smartly following summer, not winter. This works out well, because Patagonian summers are on par with California winters. Sun sets in Santiago nearly two hours before it does in the extreme south of the country, so it's a good transition to moving into dark before five. Dear Nordic friends, I don't know how you manage near total darkness for months at a time! For now, we're off to soak in the sunshine.

39 comments:

E. Charlotte said...

What an adventure! I imagine it would be difficult on many levels to leave Patagonia. Such memories there! I'm excited for your journey back to the states though to start your new adventure. :) Good luck with your travels! I wish you a safe trip to your new home!

Jude said...

What richness of memories you must have from your life chapter there! It seems so amazing how much must've changed since you were last living in the States...I'm so happy you guys are now truly on your way - thrilling, scary, exciting and awesome :)

Safe and speedy travels, Heather! I know things will be busy, but look forward to hearing more of your adventures whenever you're able to post on it!

k said...

awww heather, how exciting - such an adventure. When we were leaving the states all i can remember is looking down through a lot of pairs of legs, shoes, trench coats to the ground and thinking "here i go!". it's so vivid in my mind...weird pic to remember from the airport :)

a little black cloud in a dress said...

safe travels! :] I'm excited to see where this new chapter will take you.

LatteLisa said...

Enjoy your time in Santiago and have a safe trip to the USA :-)

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Wow, what an amazing adventure you are living, enviable and exciting. It's good that are able to make little families as you go along. Can't wait to hear more and share your journey a little bit.

Anonymous said...

That sounds amazing!

Claire Kiefer said...

I'm so happy to hear that you're on your merry way and will be sitting on my couch soon. Can't believe all that's happened in your life just in the past two years, really. Call me as SOON as you get to California (your aunt's, I assume?) since I won't know how to call you.

Gorgeous Glam said...

I just came accross your blog and am loving your writing and your stories are great! What an exciting new adventure you are on ;) xo

Valerie said...

It's always so hard to leave a place that you've grown to love. I hope your move is going well. Safe travels!

A'n'G Johnson said...

Yay congratulations on the move. It is always so difficult leaving something behind even if we know the future holds great things in store. You have lived an incredible life - I am jealous of all your adventures! I can't wait to journey with you on your blog and see what new ones are around the corner... baby and all!!

Eileen said...

I would think it would be difficult to leave. What a wonderful adventure to have had - and now another in the making. Enjoy the sunshine.

Gudrun and Iris said...

the first image is amazing. calms me down immediately... what an adventure, i am so jealous, i need to do that too. all the best!

londonviennacologne.blogspot.com

Joyti said...

Ooo, good luck!

yourstrulydear said...

oh wow, what a big change! keep chasing the warm weather, i'm a little jealous i won't lie! we are probably going to be moving soon and i am dreading all the packing and whatnot. so kudos to you, and have safe travels my dear!!

Aileen Kim said...

i hope you settle in nicely in your new haven! It is always difficult to say goodbye to something so wonderful. Sadly goodbyes are inevitable, but the possibilities of the new will always have its charms. Btw, your pictures make me wanna take a plane and fly there immediately. It's just breathtaking!Take care!

Stacey said...

I'm happy that you're on your way back to the States. However, i know you must have mixed emotions about leaving Patagonia, especially because you met your soul mate there and made beautiful memories there together. However, a new chapter awaits you here and i can't wait for you to tell us all about your experiences along the way:-). Safe travel. XX

Robin said...

Safe travels and enjoy being closer to the equator. Your pecans are awaiting you in CA!

Dawn said...

I am so excited for you....and I am planning to live through you and your adventures!!!!!
Cannot wait to here of them all:)
hugs:)

stylenuggets said...

Wish you a safe journey and landing. It must be beyond exciting to head back home

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

GOOD LUCK! All the best- I am excited for you!

its simple love said...

What gorgeous pictures! I can't believe you are saying goodbye to your life there! I am sure there are so many emotions running through you right now. I know when I left Peru I was very emotional and I only lived there for four months!

Rachael

LyddieGal said...

Glad you are enjoying a moment of summer, good luck with the rest of your journey!

Chic on the Cheap

Josie said...

It sounds like you have some AMAZING memories from your time in Patagonia... I can't wait to hear what happens to you next and what adventures you have!
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comment! Yours is lovely; I can't wait for more!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

this free bird said...

Oh Heather I can only imagine all you are experiencing emotionally. The best I can offer is live in the moment. When I left Canada deep down I think I knew I would never be back...and now feel like I've outgrown it, changed, no longer fit there. Yet when I leave to come back to California sometimes am filled with regrets.

Take it all in - the best is yet to come!!

xoxo,
Carrie

Signe said...

Hurray! Soak up the sun!

And actually - I am looking forward to going up north and spend a full week after Christmas. We call it the 'blue time of year' and it is not really black even though the sun never comes up. The stars and the moon reflect in the snow and the aurora borealis plays over the night sky. It is really lovely :)

Have a lovely time in Santiago and keeping my fingers crossed that this next chapter in your life will be a good one!

a whole lotta love said...

I hope you have a safe trip. Glad you could relax a few days before heading to the states. Even though this leg of your 'adventure' is over, I think you know that every day and every moment can be an adventure. It all depends on your perspective. I don't know when you will be checking this, but I gave you the Stylish Blogger award on my blog. You definitely live life with style :)

http://a-whole-lottalove.blogspot.com/2010/12/little-fall-style-and-award.html

Middle-aged Diva (Carol) said...

A new chapter ahead--actually, a FEW new chapters! This is such an exciting time in your life, savor every moment of it. Time passes in an instant, it seems, with new memories made all along the way.

Safe travels and so looking forward to seeing you in January.
xoxox

elena nuez said...

how many good sensations!
the pictures are amazing
I wish you good luck!!

hugs, elena

Jenny said...

Safe travels!! Can't wait to see you in a few weeks!
Love love love!

Lila said...

When we left our small little island we were sad to leave the beautiful beaches and people behind but looked forward to our new beginning in the states. Safe Travels Heather, welcome home.

Amy Seager said...

Wow what a brilliant adventure!

Love
Aimee
x

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY - http://www.greenpicklesblog.co.uk

Anonymous said...

what incredible memories! your life sounds amazing :)

xo Alison

kelli g. { bug miscellany } said...

enjoy your little summer respite. two winters in one year - you are brave! :)
i must say though, i'm excited to share a coast with you. safe, happy and hopefully un-stressful journey!

Kristin H said...

Stunning pictures!!!
I am going through a similar ordeal... Leaving America after 14 years is much harder than I thought. Even though I am excited about Europe.
Have a great flight::)

Anna Walker said...

Everything is going to be fine! :)
You're going to have so many new adventures and fun memories here in the states!
Keep us updated and good luck!

http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/

Di said...

I hope that the rest of the trip is good. Enjoy the sun and the Californian winter - we are in the midst of an Arctic winter here in Scotland - temperatures of -15c and 40 to 50cm of snow. Hope it melts soon -although everything does look really pretty.

Eadaoin said...

Congratulations on the move, it sounds like you had a tough time but a wonderful result with all that sunshine! I hope you are happy in your new home :)

shopgirl said...

These are amazing photos! It must have been amazing to live in Patagonia! Good luck on your new adventure in the States and look forward to reading about your return.

xo

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