You know that infamous question, that if you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and why? Well I just finished my meal, and luckily for me I'm about to eat dessert. 

As my dad’s car passed through the early city lights on the way to my flight to Madrid, I pressed my face against the glass window like a puppy longing for home. Just five days ago, I was on the other side of the freeway heading home from the airport, babbling to my dad about finals and college life while inquiring how he can comprehend both Google map directions and where I was going with my life.

It's a week before I leave for Chile and I couldn't be more excited. My name is Madalyn Wiefering and although this is my first trip out of the United States, I consider myself a pro packer. This past week has been filled with last minute preparations and tasks that needed to be done before my lengthy trip to Santiago. Although I haven't officially started packing, I am preparing.

Whoa, it's finally happening; I am going back to Spain! 

When my alarm went off at 3:45am, I was definitely exhausted, but hopped out of bed and grabbed my backpack, ready to embark on my trip to Thailand. It was the Labor Day Holiday break, so three kids on my program and I planned a trip to Thailand for six days.

Over 2 million ghosts of Chile's past rest in the General Cemetery, guarded by endless wreaths of colorful flowers. People are honored here from all walks of life – from former presidents Salvador Allende and Bernardo O'Higgins, to the hundreds of desaparecidos during the Pinochet dictatorship. When we walk in, I am immediately struck by the sheer immensity. Moreover, I never knew there were so many shapes and designs and construction materials in which one could celebrate the dead.

Valparaíso is a paradise as per its name, a city awash in every hue imaginable and the smell of the sea. Even with all the amazing nature to see in Chile, Valpo offers the kind of raw, manmade views that makes every tourist smile. My boyfriend flew in town to visit for about a week, and we did our first stint in Torres del Paine before taking a day trip out to the coast.

I had a sore throat in Meknes on the last day of the orientation week. I felt better after drinking some hot water. As I was packing my luggage, my host mom called me for lunch. I went back to the dining room, only to see some fried chicken legs with vegetables. I told me host mom in French, “The fried chicken is too hot.