The sun was just beginning to rise as our van rumbled to life, shaking off the early morning chill that draped over Santiago like a comforting blanket. The sleepy streets, dotted with flickering lights and the faintest hints of daybreak, quickly faded behind us as we climbed towards the Andes. I could barely keep my eyes open, but the excitement for our adventure filled the air thicker than the mist clinging to the mountains.
Our eager tour guide, a local named Alvaro, was an animated storyteller. His voice fought against the van’s engine as he shared tales of the Andes, peppered with insights about Chilean culture and the breathtaking vistas that awaited us. It wasn’t long before he realized that our sleepy eyes were starting to glaze over, and that we needed sustenance to maintain our spirits for the journey ahead. “Let’s make a quick stop at the market for breakfast!” he exclaimed.
Pulling over to the gas station, I was pleasantly surprised to see food similar to Wawa’s in the US. I ordered a traditional ham and cheese sandwich as the sun broke through the clouds, bathing everything in a soft golden light. It dawned on me that I’d also forgotten to bring cash from the banks with Brianna, who’d been laughing at my futile attempts to withdraw money the day before. Luckily, the gas station had an ATM that worked like Easter Island, and as I took a swig of my Pepsi Black, I got some tip money for the end of the tour.
Once fueled and buzzing with caffeine, we were back on the road. The landscape changed subtly at first, with the flatlands giving way to rolling hills. Here, horses grazed lazily, cowboys riding alongside while the distant mountains began to loom like ancient giants, rugged and magnificent. As we wound our way higher, the air grew crisper and more invigorating. The sound of cascading water soon punctuated the quiet, revealing tiny waterfalls streaming down the rocky slopes—a seductive lure for any weary wanderer.
However, about halfway through our ascent, a soft voice cut through the excited chatter. “I think I’m starting to feel a little queasy… I think it’s altitude sickness,” Lily admitted, clutching her stomach. My heart sank at the thought of having to abandon this breathtaking journey. How could we call for an Uber? We were enveloped in the rugged beauty of the Andes, with nothing but vast stretches of wilderness surrounding us. But Alvaro reassured her, “It’s normal, just breathe through it. We’re almost there!” I could still see the apprehension on her face, knowing she was battling her body’s rebellious reactions to the elevation gain.
We ventured on, winding around sharp turns and steep inclines until the van finally came to a stop. Alvero announced we had arrived at Embalse El Yeso—an emerald lake cradled by towering mountains. The area was stunning, the rays of sun dancing over the water, casting a kaleidoscope of colors against the surrounding rocks. I could feel every ounce of tiredness fade away as I stepped out, completely entranced by the view.
“Let’s go take a dip!” Anna declared, her adventurous spirit infectious. The rest of us cheered in agreement, despite the cold that permeated the air. Marshall hesitated, however, “Is it really that cold?” He was soon under a light spray of water as Joann splashed him. Peer pressure won, and one by one, we stepped into the icy embrace of Embalse El Yeso, squealing at the biting temperature that stung our legs, but refreshing in its own wild way.
The laughter built a bubble of warmth around us as we snapped photos with the jaw-dropping backdrop. I carefully reached into my pocket, pulling out the leftover pesos—enough to express my gratitude to Alvaro later. The moment was fleeting, yet each splash seemed to etch itself into my memory.
I captured a music video with Marshall, Brianna, Anna, and Kate. It was an experience that blended their unique talents into a vibrant tapestry of creativity. As laughter mingled with the music, they found themselves lost in the moment, creating not just a video, but a cherished memory of friendship and artistic expression that we would always look back on with smiles. Unfortunately, being a distance away, the video only captures them dancing to a beat I could not hear.
As the sun began to dip, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, we set up a light picnic beside the river. It was a small feast of snacks we’d brought; the shared sandwich remnants and some bags of chips turned into an elaborate banquet. Stories flew around just as the stars started to pierce through the twilight sky, each person contributing to the growing tapestry of our adventure.
Even with Lily’s earlier anxiety and the chilling water, what stood out most was the camaraderie and joy we’d found amid the Andes. Alvaro raised his glass of wine, “To the beauty of Chile and friends who become family!” We toasted, surrounded by the magnificent Andes, with Embalse El Yeso reflecting the last light of day—a moment suspended in time.
