I wanted to see stars.

I was changing jobs and had an unexpected week off in between.  I try to have an intention for every trip.  Something I can find.  Something I can feel.  Something to explore, be it inward or outward.

For this week in particular I just wanted to go somewhere and be grateful.  I was about to embark on a lot of transition and spending some time just acknowledging that I have it pretty great seemed like the best use of my time.

I've always loved the desert.  The vastness has always held a special place in my heart.  And Atacama is one of the darkest in the world, giving me the chance to see the edge of the Milky Way.

On my last night, I decided to walk from town to my hotel, about 15 minutes. There are no street lights.  Not many cars. Just a dirt road and a lot of sky. It was probably not the safest choice.  Just me and the desert, but about halfway back, a car drove past, lighting the path just enough.

And as the vehicle disappeared around a bend, and the headlights no longer were visible, the entire earth went black. I stood completely still and looked up and saw an expanse of stars stretched over me.  Bright and brilliant and vast.  I felt so grateful at that moment.  To stand there, tiny and alone.  Just a speck on a speck in a shining sea of emptiness, reminding me just how special every bit of it is. 

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