Passenger Life (Arrival)
Traveling requires contemplation; life takes contemplation.
I expected to film in Chile – another never accomplished expectation. From the beginning, there were indeed several anticipations. In all ingenuity, I thought once the documentation started, access and view numbers would skyrocket, frequent comments would steer the project towards the correct decisions, and supporters would contribute with personal costs. None of these expectations were ever reached, and disappointment certainly made the reality harder to acknowledge. It took months to realize, but the mentality had to be changed if pre-established goals were ever to be achieved. One inevitable question cleared the truth: who rather than what.
Passenger Life (Layover)
You walk, you fly, you run, you sail, you travel; in life, we are all just passengers. Where to stop, when to continue, how to enjoy the stay: the intensity of the ride is exclusive to each individual. Amidst such maze of paths and possibilities, the final destination becomes a distant contemplation for those focused on the journey; and the precise certainty of such imminent arrival maintains our wondering heads above our moving feet.
Traveling requires planning; life takes planning.
The contact in Chile did not go through. The documentation was supposed to start during the week prior to my departure to Easter Island; yet, because of the rainy weather, the plan went down the drain (one of the reasons behind the unplanned trip to La Serena). After returning from the Northern Chilean coast, I was stationed in Santiago for another four days, solely waiting on the organization for further scheduling details. The period coincided with national vacations; thus, most of the children who participated in the organization’s activities, as well as staff members, were off during that week.
Power Walk
Right upon arrival in La Serena, initial suspicions were confirmed; one cannot stand motionless in the quest for objectives. Opportunities come and go for those who nurture the occasions. While I struggled to understand the functionality of the local taxi system, two teenagers approached and asked whether I needed assistance. I detailed the situation and they offered to walk me to the proper taxi stand; I agreed. Halfway there, they said the hostel was located within walking distance, and they could further accompany me. I immediately suspected from their good intentions. It was obvious I was carrying film equipment, and the prospect of being escorted by two teenagers in the middle of the night amidst unknown streets seemed indeed suspicious.
I could not find ways to appropriately turn down their offer; and so we walked. Dark alleys, empty avenues: I expected a street gang to attack me at any given moment. But there was something about them that brought fluidity to the conversation; and we kept walking. Thirty minutes and five kilometers later, I was properly delivered to the doors of my hostel. It then occurred to me that they could possibly be expecting some monetary reward; turns out, they were just two good-willed teenagers – one singular pairing these days.
Weather Talk
Another continent and one country nearer to encircling the globe. Back to familiar grounds, this second visit to Chile comes under different circumstances. The recent Earthquake seemed an interesting topic to explore; yet after several emails and no responses, I landed in Chile without any solid contacts. After talking with some friends, recommendations surged from left to right. Within a week period and two meetings later, the project was back within concrete paths.
“Un Techo Para Chile” is a massive organization, which also acts in several countries around Latin America under “Un Techo Para Mi Pais.” As the name suggests, houses are provided for underprivileged families as well as social assistance. Due to the extent of their work, it was concluded that filming would require further time than just one week; hence, the organization “Futbol Mas” appeared as an alternative. “Futbol Mas” works mostly in Santiago and surrounding areas, and utilizes football as a form to promote youth integration. Leagues keep the teams focused, and the youth away from possible drawbacks. Documentation should start within the week period.
