EMBA International Trip to South America: Travel Journal, Day 2

So far I haven't been able to upload the pictures from the journal... I'm working on that!  In the meantime, I guess you will have to use your imagination.

2010 Travel Journal » Day 2 - September 5

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Santiago, Chile- a place of unspeakable beauty. Taking in the view of the Andes Mountains is almost more than we can comprehend- and to think, we have an entire week in this wonderful city. It's a place of extremes- modern and almost European in nature, yet filled with a provincial charm all its own. Most of us have had just a day to get to know Santiago, and so far the city and its people fascinate us. Santiago is the capital of Chile and a city of over seven million people. The Chileans are all friendly and happy to share their city and country with the people lucky enough to visit here. Thus, the international immersion for the Executive MBA Class of 2010 has begun.

This morning and afternoon we all had free time, a commodity that is difficult to come by during an international residence period. The day was sunny and the temperature moderate, so most people made the best of their free time by participating in sightseeing, golfing, even skiing! To the right we see Carlton, Belinda, Debbie, Brett and Brian about to board the funicular trolley to go to the top of San Cristobal Hill.

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Here's Carlton, Bryon, Bret, Debbie, Brian and Belinda at the top of the hill, with the spectacular view of Santiago and the Andes in the background. Yes, that's snow on the mountaintop, even though the temperature in Santiago today reached 70 degrees. And although there's snow in the mountains there are cherry blossom trees blooming in the city!

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Of course we are here for a residence period, which means a lot of intense learning is ahead. Tonight we kicked off the RP with a welcome reception and Chile orientation, held on the 18th floor of our hotel. Check out the impressive view from our meeting room, pictured to the right.

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It was difficult for us to take our eyes off of the majestic Andes long enough to get any work done- but work we did, as seen in the picture to the left. We had a lot of ground to cover this evening in preparation for a busy week ahead.

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In closing, here's a picture of the enitre EMBA 2010 crew- students, faculty and staff, all anticipating a wonderful week full of intense learning and comraderie.

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Tomorrow, we start the residence period in earnest with a full day at Adolfo Ibañez University. Hasta las doce, adios!