I think that maybe the most selfless, kind, and radical action is to listen to what speaks to our hearts and, in doing so, inspire others to do the same.

As I watched the cooks at FRANCA tenderly place lettuces into a bowl, keep a watchful eye over the steaks in the wood stove, skillfully dollop whipped cream on lava cakes, and measure herbs over dressings, I began to consider what it means to exhibit care, and how much that care becomes evident in the first bite, the first meeting, or the first viewing of what is presented. 

I have experienced a window into my soul and an impenetrable reminder that magic exists in the world, that I can find it, create it, encourage it, and taste it.

Again, I was pushed back and humbled by nature. Slow down. Slow down. Slow. Down.

The most wonderful part of this day is that it was unexpected and that, for each of us, as we later learned, it came at a time when we craved it most. As I wrote in my journal after that day, “Sometimes when our heart yearns for something, we receive it subtly and unexpectedly.”

Together we slurped up oysters, listened to music, and looked out at the fading sun falling into the sea. I knew in that moment that this would stay with me for years to come as all the small, profound moments stay vivid in our memories. This would be the moment I held onto as I ate that tuna and swatted at moscas outside of my little yellow tent in Caleta Gonzalo listening to the raging laughter from a neighboring campsite’s fiesta.

This person, no matter whether or not we meet again, is who I will cling to whenever I start to doubt that deep, soul-level connection is out there and remember that when I find it, I must say yes to it no matter how hard it is to let it go when the time comes.

The influencers don’t tell you. It is possible to be grateful, joyful, inspired, loving, overwhelmed, sad, frustrated, lost all at once. In fact, it is more than possible, it is entirely real.

I have found that this intention to tell stories of the people I meet has manifested quite effortlessly. Within the first few hours of my time in Santiago, I have already met some incredible souls.

I am going because travel allows me to step outside of myself and be fully present, untethered to all the conventions, aware of the harmonious beauty and chaotic darkness of the world, more willing to listen. I recognize that not everyone can dedicate as much time as I do to finding those things that light them up, that I do not have as much on the line, but the fact that I have this opportunity, to me, means that it is even more integral to go for it.