Sunday, November 8, 2015

Replay in Chile

Our Chilean experience started out similar to a child playing with a yo-yo. Disappointment rattled the crew as we moored pier side in Valparaiso Chile, but left a handful of hours later to avoid incurring damages by a coming storm, only to loiter in circles for over a day all the while wondering if we would pull in at all.
Finally, late in the evening the following day, we anchored in their harbor and anxiously waited for morning when we could snag some R & R. However, we were unable to leave the ship until late afternoon for circumstances unknown to me. When we finally had permission to leave there was still the ‘small’ feat of departing the ship.
We were still anchored, as opposed to moored to the pier, and we had sustained damage to the ladder typically used to for getting into small boats from the ship during our anchoring evolution the night before. Instead, we used a rope ladder directly over the side of the ship. It led to a small dock about 10 steps down and finally onto a small boat which would take us to the shore. Keep in mind we were originally held up due to a storm and the sea was still a bit choppy. I looked over the side at the sight and momentarily doubted my desire to leave the ship. I enjoyed being safe and unharmed…but my need to get off the ship outweighed my fears.
Though our arrival was delayed, we still had a mission to fulfil. We headed out to sea after two days to conduct training exercise with the Chilean Navy. Our training was a huge success and I was able to have a small hand in a live fire training event with Chilean, Mexican, US Navies, and US Marines. The excitement of smooth coordination between countries and a live fire event lifted moral and gave some purpose to, what can be a mundane, daily routine here. It was a good reminder of why we are out here and/or why we joined.
We made a trip back to Chile after the organized events and our time in port was much smoother. Chile had wine, soccer, shopping, horseback riding, gorgeous views, and great food to offer.  I felt like I was at a wedding during the wine tasting tour I did. There were dancers, yummy food (lots of fresh veggies, almost a delicacy to us onboard a ship), fancy décor, and beautiful vineyards with mountains in the back ground. Also, while we were there Chile played the US in a soccer world cup qualifier for their U17 teams. Tickets were sold out, but it made for friendly banter at the local bar/restaurants.
Chile was fantastic and I wish we had more time there.  If I go back, however, I will be learning more Spanish!  A day in the city can easily turn in a stressful and unrelaxing experience with a language barrier. I am so very thankful for my Spanish speaking friends!
I got news I was an Auntie while there too! Finley Paul Johnson is beautiful and healthy. I am so excited to meet him when I visit MN in January. But one feat at a time…finish deployment out strong.
NavySpeak of the Day: Berthing; the living space where we sleep and have a bathroom. I love the end of the work day when I can head to berthing and go to sleep.

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