My lovely and thoughtful birthday cake

 

6 Months in Chile and turning 19

Hello, hello, hello! 

I apologize for how dry my blog has been lately. I pinky promise it's about to get a lot more exciting because I leave in about 3 hours for my trip to Patagonia! 

I am so excited. 

For those of you who don't know, Patagonia is actually a region in South America. Think basically the whole southern tip of the continent. There is an Argentinian portion of Patagonia and a Chilean portion and we will be traveling to the Torres de Paine, which is part of the Chilean part. 

There will be lots of beautiful photos to come so please keep checking up :) 

Today marks an official 6 months in Chile and also happens to be my 19th birthday. Kinda funny how those dates coincide, isn't it? 

I'm not going to blab on for too long because I do still have a few last minute things to prepare before we head to the airport, but I do want to say that I am so grateful for all the love I received from everyone back at home. 

OH MY GOSH HOLD THE PHONE I JUST FELT MY FIRST STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE! EVEN THE GROUND IS WISHING ME HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Sorry haha that was dramatic but it was so cool, my whole bed rattled. 

Back on topic. 

I got so many text messages, emails, fun little emojis, voice memos, and photos wishing me a happy birthday today that I don't think my phone stopped buzzing the entire day. You guys really know how to make a girl feel cared for, even when she's on a different continent. Thank you for that. 

My host family took me out to dinner last night to celebrate, which was so kind of them. I ate some yummy salmon and we all chatted and had a good time. I tried my best to just slow down for a minute and take in their laughter, their smiles, and just the way that they exist because I know that one day I'm going to reach for that memory and I want it to be as clear as possible. 

Tonight, they surprised me with a beautiful and equally delicious cake that was decorated with farm animals and a little barn and purple letters because they know that is my favorite color. I think it may have been the most thoughtful cake I have ever eaten in my entire life. 

So for those of you wishing me a happy birthday and hoping that I had a good day, just know that it was a really really good day. 

Like I said, I'm keeping it short tonight because I have a couple little things to take care of, but I promise you'll be hearing from me soon. 

Much love always, 

Anna