Any Way the Wind Blows
I love the movie Chocolat. You know the one where Juliette Binoche plays Vianne, a mysterious woman who, along with her young daughter, blows into a small conservative French village and opens a chocolate shop during Lent. Mayhem ensues, along with Johnny Depp looking mighty fine as her gypsy love interest.
But the part of the movie that resonated most with me was a short scene that reveals the story of her female lineage of wanderers. Whenever there was a strong wind from the north, she, as her ancestors before her, felt compelled to pack up and move to a new locale.
I feel that calling in the wind, too. Frequently. A quiet restlessness at first, but if I wait too long to heed the call it reaches gale force strength that can only be calmed by going walkabout.
Sometimes the wind even catches up with me during a journey. Like the time I was staying at explora en Patagonia, a gorgeous gem of a hotel surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty I’ve ever seen. A highlight of staying at explora is their menu of daily excursions into the wild and rugged Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia.
On this particular occasion, I was on a hike with a small group of guests and one amazing guide that led us along a steep ridge. About the time we reached the top, the wind kicked up so fiercely that we were struggling to stay on our feet. I thought for a second that the tiny, elderly husband and wife from Spain walking behind me were literally going to be carried away on the next gust. Our guide was quick to respond, instructing us to hold hands (or in some cases, arms; I had nail marks on my biceps from the Spanish wife).
Here we were, a collection of people from all over the world, banding together in the moment to support each other across the ridge, facing down the wind as one interlaced entity. Together we were strong, and made it quickly and safely off the ridge to a sheltered area, and then to the van that awaited us at the end of the trail. Afterwards, one of our group, a journalist from LA, said, “I feel cleansed by the wind; I need a beer!” We burst into simultaneous laughter and gave “high fives” and hugs all around. That evening, during social hour in explora's lovely Explorer's Bar, we regaled the other guests with the story of our triumph on the ridge. For what's a great adventure without an equally great tale to tell? And, the journalist got her beer.
When the wind calls, I answer. It reminds me of Queen's iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” (paraphrased to suit me) - any way the wind blows, doesn’t really matter to me. It’s all an adventure.
About explora
explora has three other luxury boutique properties set in remote, stunningly beautiful locations - Chile’s Atacama Desert and Easter Island, and their newest hotel in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Each blends designer chic with rustic, homey touches that seamlessly flow with their natural environments. Visit: explora.com.