Consulting in Spanish and Cilantro in the Desert

Antiques on sale near the Antofagasta harbour

One week has whizzed by, with its share of hilarity, madness, and moments that took one’s breath away –often literally (I am not talking about the – errrr- flavourful fishmarket smells).

Last Friday, I delivered a session on Issue based consulting to our clients I have conducted similar sessions several times in the past, but this was different. I delivered the session in English, and used suitable (I hope) body language for the predominantly Spanish speaking audience; while my colleague Alfredo Moreno, ably translated it into Spanish. At the end of the session, the participants said that the session was clear to them. The credit is all Alfredo’s.

Pelicans!

Sea Lions!

On Saturday, we went walking down the Antofagasta city centre and the ocean harbour, and fishmarket. On the way, there were a lot of stores selling “Mother’s Day” ware and flowers, and interesting copper and silver jewelry that I and some “like minded” colleagues (thirty six percent of the group, to be more precise) have vowed that we must revisit. Walking down to the ocean harbour, I thought that what the place lacked in flora was made up by the fauna! Pelicans!Sea Lions! And, of course,our own diverse team!

The high light of the weekend was undoubtedly the visit to the “oasis” on Sunday. We were driven down in a car, accompanied by our NGO clients, and two rather well behaved canines!

It was truly an unforgettable experience, The Atacama desert, the driest place on Earth, stretching  endlessly and bordered by barren dusty brown mountains that look somewhat unearthly. And in the midst of it, an oasis –lovingly and laboriously created by a handful of people. There was something about the place which made one feel restful and at peace with the world – a feeling of tranquility, where time seemed to matter not. . I could not help thinking how lovely it would be to watch the stars come out here at night.  

The bright green beds of cilantro amidst all the aridity, the story of how water was obtained for the very first time, the rustic but charming cottages built by hand, brick by brick; all symbolic of human effort in the face of adversity.

 Memorable moments.

 Walk in the desert. Check.

Experiencing a desert storm, the wail of the wind and dust in your eyes. Check.

A nap in the hammock. Check.

A desert sunset. Check.

Shivering as the temperature drops suddenly and sharply. Check,

Sitting down in the swing (something I can’t usually resist), while waiting for the ride back home! Check.
#IBMCSC Chile 3