I really should be nervous. I’m about to turn my life upside down, yet my biggest concern is stuffing as much Thai food in face as possible. In about an hour I head off to Detroit Metro Airport and catch a flight to Santiago, Chile. About 2.5 weeks ago I started working for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, with the understanding that I would be working on the ALMA project in Chile for at least 2 years. That’s right, I signed up to live in a country for 24 months, a place I’ve never been before, a place that has a language I have no knowledge of, working on state of the art telescopes I wish I knew a lot more about…and I’m not even slightly nervous. But I am out of Thai food. Dang.
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The Derek in Chile Blog 
January 27, 2010 at 7:40 pm |
Derek!
Good luck! What an exciting time for you and my family too! As we both embark on a new journey: best of luck! I wish you well, and keep in touch!
January 27, 2010 at 10:22 pm |
Hi Derek
Great news Derek.Let me know if you spot any aliens headed this way.
Perhaps they could show us how to run a world without religious discontent. Your dad is rightly proud of your achievements as are all
your extended family over here.
Very best regards
Unc A.
January 27, 2010 at 10:24 pm |
We are most interested in following your most interesting adventure. Please keep us posted along with all your family and friends. What ever your path in life takes you you will be able to look back at all of this with the certain knowledge that you did something that almost everyone else could only dream of doing. As we use to say in the Navy “F–king outstanding” Take care of yourself and God’s speed. Mark and Karen
January 27, 2010 at 11:52 pm |
O.K. Derek – now we know what to send you – Thai food!
Did you get your luggage tags O.K.? Sure hope so – hate to think of you getting someone else’s luggage. Who knows what you’d have to wear for 2 years??!!!
You are wished luck – lots of it, but don’t think you’ll need it. Anyone who has hiked
the Appalachian Trail for most of a year can pretty well fend for themselves anywhere.
We’ll keep in touch. – Your neighbors, Betsy & Lee
January 28, 2010 at 12:14 am |
HI Derek,
This is really awesome! I understand how anxious and nervous you might be in a different country that doesn’t speak English as it’s native language…I have been there and can only tell you to absorb their culture and language as much as you can when outside of work, and you will be amazed on how much you will learn. I hope the job turns out to be something you will enjoy and hope to maybe see you sometime within in the next 2 years. Sorry I missed seeing you off and saying good-bye but know that I am was thinking about you and wishing you well. Take care and see you on FB too:)!!
Love,
Stephie
January 28, 2010 at 12:36 am |
Sure glad we had the chance to get together before the natives eat you! (That’s why they call it Chile!) Be safe! Don’t drink the water!
January 28, 2010 at 1:17 am |
Hola, amigos!
I’ve done that too! Left home for a foreign country! I wish you well.
January 28, 2010 at 1:44 am |
Derek,
I am so proud of, and happy for you! You are following a dream, and the last one (App Trail) did not disappoint. Say hi to the Southern Hemisphere for me!
January 28, 2010 at 2:49 am |
good luck derek, how exciting and what an adventure, I’m jealous.
Keep ron and I informed on your where abouts
January 28, 2010 at 4:41 am |
Hey D, hope you have fun over there, but don’t go upsetting any locals! 😉
January 28, 2010 at 1:03 pm |
Hey Dee!! Just wanted to say “hey”!!! Welcome to Chile!! Keep those blogs going so I can live vicariously through your adventures in S.A.
Hugs to ya!
Penny
January 28, 2010 at 1:16 pm |
Good luck Derek 🙂 We are all eager to visit you in Chile.
It will be an amazing 2 years for you and your family.
Hugs from Texas,
Beth
January 28, 2010 at 5:03 pm |
Glad to know that you made it safely to Chile (it’s chilly here at 14 deg F).
Looking forward to talking to you soon through Skype.
Love you, Dad
February 5, 2010 at 12:15 pm |
Hey Dee!! Just catching up and saying Hello!!! 🙂 So how is it working on a giant radio tower? 🙂 You will have to take some pics from up there and send them to me on FB! 🙂
Everyone here is pretty good. We’re all gearing up for the end of winter. It can’t get here soon enough!!!
Love ya!