A Visit To Chile

With the cold weather we have had this winter, Liz and I appreciated having an opportunity to go to Chile so I could co-facilitate a workshop with a colleague and friend. The season is summer down there so we were able to bask in 80 – 90 degree weather.

One of the things I greatly appreciate about traveling and working in other countries is the opportunity to experience different cultures, perspectives and ways of doing things. The people were very friendly and helpful. The food we enjoyed the most was at my friend’s home, where his house nanny made authentic Chilean and Peruvian food. One of the areas I struggled with is the concept of time. I was tired at the end of the day, and being told that dinner typically starts around 9:00 pm was not exciting for me. It did afford more time to connect with others, though.

While there are many differences with other cultures, I was appreciative and validated to see that body language is universal. It was the part that helped communication be successful. I look forward to the opportunity to visit my friend and Chile again, as well as other countries, because of the opportunities traveling affords me to learn and grow.