Leaving Chile

When we first arrived in Chile five years ago, we had no idea just how challenging it would be to start over in a country so far from home. Moving abroad is often romanticized as an exciting adventure, but the reality is far more complex, especially when you don’t speak the language, are thousands of miles from family and friends, and have to rebuild your career from the ground up.

Chile tested us in ways we never expected. The first few months although exciting, there were also full of challenges. Simple tasks like making a doctor’s appointment or asking for help in a store became daunting obstacles. The language barrier was a constant challenge, and there were many moments of loneliness, missing the ease of conversations with old friends and the comfort of familiar places. Professionally, I had to reinvent myself, finding a new path in an unfamiliar environment, which came with its own set of doubts and setbacks.

But amidst the difficulties, there was also beauty. Chile gifted us with some of the most incredible experiences - adventuring through Patagonia, exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Atacama Desert, and taking road trips through the rugged terrain of Argentina. We discovered a love for mountain biking, a sport we really got into whilst living in Chile, and spent countless weekends riding through forests, up mountain trails, and along breathtaking coastlines.

We met people from all walks of life, each with their own fascinating stories, and slowly, Chile began to feel less like a foreign land and more like a place where we could carve out our own space. There were days filled with frustration and homesickness, but there were also days of pure joy, where we felt truly alive, surrounded by nature, adventure, and the simple thrill of stepping into the unknown.

Through it all, our relationship was tested in ways we never expected. The struggles made us stronger, forcing us to rely on each other more than ever before. We learned patience, resilience, and the importance of supporting each other through life’s uncertainties. While saying goodbye to Chile is bittersweet, I leave with immense gratitude for everything it has taught me about myself, about love, and about the incredible adventures that await when you embrace life’s uncertainties.

As I bid farewell to the place we’ve called home for the past five years, my heart is filled with immense gratitude. Chile has shaped us, challenged us, and given us memories we’ll cherish forever. While this chapter is coming to an end, I know that the spirit of adventure we found here will stay with us. And as we set off toward new horizons, I can’t help but feel excited for whatever comes next.