Day Uno (Saturday)
The whole group had lunch at the Casa then left for the airport at around 1pm. We get to there with about an hour to spare (keep in mind that there were 60+ people in our group) and we all waited in line to get checked in. Nate, Cody, and I were the last ones at the check in and when I went up to the counter, gave the guy my ticket, and was soon told that the plane was full and I had to take the next flight out to Calafate... the next morning. By this time, Nate and Cody had already been checked in so they came over to see what was going on. Luckily, the guy spoke english so I could express my anger and frustration easily. I told him that I was in a group of 60 people and that flying out the next day was not an option. He then told me that it was "impossible" to fly out with the group and to that, I responded with "impossibility is not an option." I thought that was pretty good. When I realized that this guy was not going to let me on the plane, I told Cody to run and get Rafa (everyone else was already at the gate). Rafa sent our travel agent and director of this trip, Sylvina, down to fix things and she must have threatened the guy or something because the next thing I know, we're running to security trying to make our flight. Oh, but wait. There's more. We get to security and Cody and Sylvina show their tickets and Sylvina asks me where mine is. I told her that I thought she had it and she said she thought I had it. OH. NO. Sweet, sweet Cody literally sprinted back downstairs to the counter and got my ticket. Literally an angel. After all of the commotion and confusion, we all FINALLY got on the plane (with an hour delay, I might add) and landed in beautiful El Calafate 4 hours later.
After we landed, we took a 3 hour bus ride to El Chalten where we spent our first 2 days and we stayed at a beautiful 5 star hotel:
Day Dos (Sunday)
This day was by far the best day of the trip. We got up early and began a 8-9 hour hike up to Fitz Roy. The first 2 or 3 hours were very easy, mostly flatland hiking. But then we got to a spot and our guides told us that the hour long hike up to the top was going to be very steep, very windy, and very cold. I was pretty reluctant to go but with the nagging of some friends, I began the long trek up to the top. Of course, I ended up being one of the people in the back of the group and if it wasn't for my two friends Lauren and Paige, I would have stopped and gone back down. Lauren and I kept repeating, "Lord give us strength" the whole way up and let me tell you, He definitely did. When we got to the top, I my jaw literally dropped. I couldn't believe the majestic beauty that was right in front of me. Right before my eyes was the most beautiful blue lagoon I had ever seen and in the background where snow covered peaks.
beginning of the hike
Fitz Roy
at the top!!!
We did it! (me and Lauren)
me and Paige!
Seriously, God? You are too cool.
We spent a little over an hour at the top, just soaking in the beauty before we began the long trek back to the hotel. I had no idea that the hike down would be harder but it was! My body was in SO much pain within the first 30 minutes and I had serious doubts that I was going to make it back in one piece. About halfway down the mountain, I started to have some chest pain. But I just brushed it off, assuming it was change in altitude. After the 3 hours back to the hotel, it started to get worse but again, I kept telling myself that it was the altitude. When I got to the restaurant for dinner, I was in serious pain and Rafa could tell. I told him that I had chest pain and he thought for a few minutes then called an ambulance. Of course, I was freaking out because Rafa never makes a big deal out of things and I didn't even consider the fact that it could be serious. When the ambulance arrived, Rafa and I got in and took the 3 minute drive (literally) to the hospital where I was led to an empty room with nothing but an operating table and a large oxygen tank (yeah, totally freaking out). The doctor came in and told Rafa to wait outside while he asked me some questions. Luckily, he was an American doctor so I began to feel a lot more comfortable. He asked me a bunch of questions and then did an ECG (echocardiogram). When he got the results of that, he said my heart looked good but he still wanted to do a chest X-Ray. After that was done, he called Rafa into the room and told both of us that the chest pain came from muscle spasms due to the altitude, the heaving breathing, and the wind. I'm still not sure exactly what that means because as soon as he said I didn't have a heart attack, I was filled with relief and stopped listening. Within 30 minutes Rafa and I were in a taxi headed back to the restaurant. I told Rafa that I felt really dumb for complaining and going to the hospital but he reassured me that chest pain is not something that you take lightly and that it was better to be safe than sorry. At least I got to keep the X-Ray :)
Day Tres (Monday)
Despite being sore in every part of my body, I decided to join the group on another hike. Thankfully, it was much shorter but the view was beautiful.
amazing
Me and Kendra
After the hike, we left our beautiful hotel and headed back to El Calafate to stay at another wonderful hotel. That night, we went to a super nice restaurant and had INCREDIBLE steaks! Lucky for Nate, he sat by two girls who couldn't finish their steaks so he ended up eating a ton of carne.
Bridget, me, and Kendra at dinner
Day Cuatro (Tuesday)
This day was our chill day. We woke up later than usual and went into the small downtown of El Calafate and shopped around. Later that afternoon, we headed to the first ever ice museum in South America. It wasn't made of ice so to be honest, it was kind of boring. After that we were picked up by 4x4's and were driven to the top of the mountain to see even more amazing views. We are so spoiled!
standing in awe of His creation
breathtaking
me and Rafa (:
Day Cinco (Wednesday)
This was the day that we walked on a GLACIER! When we got off the bus to begin our trek to the glaciers, it was super rainy and super cold. Sweet Kendra decided to have our whole group stand in a circle and pray for sun. Within a few minutes after our prayer, the sun began to shine through the clouds and for most of the day we stayed dry! Oh, the power of prayer. Walking on a glacier was an amazing experience. Although I was completely terrified that at any moment the ice could break and I could fall to my death (okay, I'm exaggerating a little) I couldn't help but think about how blessed I am to have an experience like this. If someone told me a year ago that in my lifetime I was going to walk on a glacier in Patagonia, Argentina, I would have laughed in their face. But there I was, with ice clamp-ons on my shoes, trekking through the ice!
before the sun
yay for sun!
standing on a glacier with Lauren!
Day Seis (Thursday)
I woke up that morning almost in tears because my last EFT was almost over. We ended our incredible trip by watching sheep get sheared! It was weird but kind of interesting and also a relaxing way to end the week.
sheep hearding
shearing the sheep
This EFT was by far the most incredible trip I have ever been on. I was pretty reluctant at first because last semesters EFT was so great, but this one definitely topped it. I have never felt God's presence more than I did on top of Fitz Roy or on the glacier. Standing before His creation every day that week is something that I will never forget. I have been immensely blessed by this opportunity to study abroad for a year and go on life changing trips with incredible friends. Lord, THANK YOU for everything you have given me! I am undeserving.
Besos xoxo
