Goodbye my lovely Chile

As you can probably tell from the title of my entry what the terrible news was that I received just after the Christening.  But let me fill you in on everything, it began on 12th September late morning.....

After recovering from my stomach bug, still having a twinge in my tummy I had to get moving there was many things for me to sort out this week.  I took the Monday of from work and spent much of Tuesday catching up on sleep because of going back to work after being ill.  Therefore Wednesday was my day to sort everything out, change my flights, and book my ticket to Mendoza, Argentina in order to extend my visa.  I went to my classes as normally early morning then made my way directly to Lan Chile to change my flights.

I thought it was best if I told him while we were sitting down, but realising something was wrong he insisted I told him.

First of all I constructed a new plan and itinerary and sat down comfortable waiting to practise my numbers in Spanish.  Once this was done the assistant started to check times and dates.  After a bit of conferring with the boss she sat back down carry a sympathetic look on her face.  'Oh' said, 'you can't connect my flight from Hong Kong to Vietnam'.  'Oh no it’s not that.  I'm afraid that all the flights from Santiago to Auckland are fully booked in October'.  Surprised I asked her to check dates at the end of September instead, in which she responded 'no, sorry'.  Well you can imagine, I didn't know what to do, all I could think about was Felipe.  I checked when my original flight was out and to add my distress it was on the 17th September, only five days later.  My heart beating fast, my thoughts in disarray I quickly said thank you and got out of the agency as soon as possible to take a breath.  Worried with the little time I had left I called Felipe, with no answer I waited outside his work to see if he would come out for lunch, one to tell him the bad news and the other to see his face as much as possible. 

I thought it was best if I told him while we were sitting down, but realising something was wrong he insisted I told him.  I did.  We stood in the middle of down town and hugged.  You may think this was dramatic but Felipe is over the other side of the world, I have become part of his family, spending every single day with him for the past six months.  I was devastated. 

The rest of the day Felipe, his family and friends spent all the time trying to change my flights, calling anyone they knew that worked for LanChile to see what could be down.  Unfortunately not, my flight was on the 17th and that was that.  It is difficult for me to write even now.

The next couple of days were spent sorting everything out, my head pounding from thinking about everything, leaving, buying, packing and saying goodbye.  We went to Melipilla to see my country family and my goddaughter, it was lovely but emotional.  It was like saying goodbye to my family again, I received present, which I don't think I deserved and lots of kisses and promises of coming back soon. 

The last day I spent saying goodbye to my second parents, having tea like normal, organising last minutes things.  Then it was time to go.  It’s hard to write right now, and to be able to explain everything in detail as I don't want to recall the fact that I have actually left.  Patty, her sister and Pato came with me to the airport to say goodbye, they got me a lovely pair of earings, with the stone of Chile.  Tears were shared and hugs were ample.  Oh my lovely family.

And what of Felipe.  My darling Felipe.  We spent every minute together, and he helped me with everything I needed, making sure I didn't forget anything and doing anything for me which he could.  I can't believe I left him there, my lovely Chanchito.  After Patty and Pato left Felipe and I was alone.  My stomach doing summersaults, unable to eat but of course able to drink to calm my nerves.  The time has gone so quickly.  I can't explain to you what we shared, one because it’s just for me and two because it’s too painful at the moment, and I am in an internet cafe with a load of New Zealanders.  Let’s just say unable to let go, I left reluctantly bleary eyed. 

Enough.  I have made the choice to travel and that is what I am going to do.  Obviously I will see how it goes, understanding more and more as I travel how much the world is open to me.  If you want something you can get it, you can make it happen.  Oh my god have I turned into an American, I sound like I could have one of my own chat shows.  No in all seriousness it’s true.  We will just have to see what happens; you never know what is round the corner.