Exploring Isla Negra: A Journey Inspired by Pablo Neruda

Isla Negra, a coastal paradise in El Quisco, Chile, has captivated hearts, notably that of the esteemed poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda, who chose this idyllic spot as his sanctuary. Eager to immerse ourselves in its charm, we set out for a leisurely stroll, with a visit to Neruda's home and a delightful lunch on our agenda.

Arriving unannounced, we were greeted with open arms. Stepping into his abode, we felt the cool touch of carefully placed stones beneath our feet, a thoughtful gesture by Neruda for his cherished guests.

Nestled amidst rocks and the deep, mysterious waters of the Pacific Ocean, Neruda's house offers panoramic views from every corner. Each intricacy was shared with meticulous care and affection, accompanied by poetic narratives that transported us to another realm. Though we longed to capture these moments through the lens, Neruda's request for no photography was one we gladly honored, embracing the opportunity to fully absorb the experience.

Yet, the vista before us was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The perpetual breeze, the rhythmic dance of the waves, and the graceful flight of birds overhead painted a serene backdrop as we indulged in the freshest seafood delicacies, forever etched in our memories.

As Neruda's life story unfolded before us, we were enchanted by his simple yet profound perspectives. From treasures gifted by the sea to tales of his worldly travels, each anecdote infused our visit with a sense of wonder, turning ordinary objects into relics of extraordinary significance.

In the embrace of Isla Negra's natural beauty, with the sea as our silent companion, we found solace and inspiration, a testament to Neruda's enduring legacy and the timeless allure of this coastal haven.

Exploring Chile's Contrasts: Pain, Unusual Symptoms, and Lush Landscapes.

One of the first things I noticed upon arriving at Santiago Airport was a captivating photographic display panel, accompanied by a sentence stating, 'Chile is a country of contrasts.' Immediately, thoughts of vibrant colors flooded my mind, but what I didn't realize was that those words served as a subtle warning, much like 'enjoy in moderation.'

San José de Maipo was about a two-hour drive from Santiago de Chile. Beyond that point, time seemed to fade away as we ventured along a dirt road towards Cajon del Maipo, revealing magnificent landscapes at every turn.

The temperature plummeted sharply, and the icy wind, swirling with dust, became almost unbearable as we walked. The humidity was extremely low, and with each ascent, the typical symptoms of high altitude emerged — headaches, shortness of breath, dry eyes, nose, and mouth, among other indescribable sensations. Nevertheless, I was determined not to miss any detail; I wanted to capture every moment.

Gradually, I emptied my pack: coat, scarf, cameras, water, and food. Everything became essential, especially gloves, which, unfortunately, I had forgotten at home.

The landscapes were indescribably magnificent, revealing a surprising diversity. Valleys, streams, springs gushing water (believe it or not, it was at a temperature of 20°C), makeshift bridges with wooden slats, snow (at a time when it doesn't usually snow), ruins, cliffs, among many other things that made the photographic experience both painful and unforgettable.

In short, pain, unusual symptoms, and lush landscapes — that's how I discovered that Chile is truly a country of contrasts. And precisely because of this, I want to return, even if it meant needing to visit Santiago's hospital the next day. It's all part of the adventure.