Desert Dreams - San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Juggling with my camera on a rented bike I set off on a 19-mile adventure across the Atacama desert, ignoring all warnings regarding the heat and the dangers of going by myself. What a joy! Such freedom, to feel alone between hills, stones, shades of brown and an infinite blue sky. It allowed me to combine the indescribable feeling I get from being alone and the occasional “meet-cute” with random strangers on their way to nowhere

San Pedro’s true magic lies on its people, on their smiles, their shining eyes and their transparency. It’s mystical and magical, feels like travelling back in time. I would smile at them and take a mental snapshot, learn their story and take a piece of them with me.

This group of llamas caught my attention while being released from a private property on the side of the road. I ventured in and asked the shepherd if I could get in the herd and take some pictures. There were about 30 individuals. Little did I know how social they are. The white one got closer to me and tried to bite my face (or maybe kiss me!). I dropped the camera and enjoyed the moment, laughed for a while and continued the ride.

After the intense workout, the main street in the center of the town – almost all there is to it – surprises with invigorating colours and all sorts of creatures. Contrasting earth tones, shadows and shades of brown and deep blue decorations blend with cats, dogs, and even domesticated llamas in a perfect composition.

The vast immensity, the infinite extension of endless brutal nature right before your eyes makes you feel a renovated respect for this world. It’s unavoidable to admire the perfection, have the urge to take a deep breath, extend your arms and feel grateful to be able to contemplate such greatness. What a wonderful world.