Keri Mast shares stories of South America at Wilson Public Library event

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COZAD — Keri Mast captivated the audience at the Wilson Public Library’s monthly Armchair Travels event Tuesday with a detailed presentation of her family’s trip to Chile and Argentina in November 2023.

The presentation provided attendees with a glimpse into the stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences and personal connections that Mast and her family encountered during their 13-day adventure.

Mast’s journey was sparked by a special connection. In 1977, her family hosted a foreign exchange student from Chile named Juan Barria, who became a lifelong friend.

“When he came, he didn’t know any English,” Mast said. “His first memories of Nebraska were arriving in the dark on a big farm and getting out and smelling the countryside.”

Over the years, Barria had maintained close ties with the Mast family, and he was eager to share his homeland with them.

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The trip for Mast and her family began with a 25-hour journey, including a layover in Atlanta, before the group arrived in Punta Arenas, Chile, at the southern tip of South America.

Mast described the initial challenges they faced, such as finding the right electrical plugs and navigating the local currency. But these obstacles were quickly overshadowed by the captivating sights and experiences that awaited them.

One of the first stops was a visit to a local cathedral, which Mast described as “beautiful” despite its location in a less-than-ideal area.

The group also explored a renowned cemetery in Punta Arenas, which Mast said is one of the largest in the world. Mast marveled at the intricate landscaping, with lines of trees all over the place in the cemetery.

The group’s exploration of Chile’s southern regions took them to Fort Bulnes, a historic site that once served as a strategic outpost protecting the area.

Mast was impressed by her tour guide, a young man who had learned English by playing video games. She said he provided valuable insights into the fort’s history.

One of the highlights of the trip was the group’s visit to the Torres del Paine National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder near Punta Arenas.

Mast described the stunning mountain landscapes, crystal-clear waters and the challenging hike they undertook to reach a vantage point overlooking the park.

“The mountains were just gorgeous,” Mast said, noting that the springlike weather, with temperatures reaching around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, was considered warm for the region.

The group’s adventures continued as they ventured into Argentina, visiting a town that Mast likened to Estes Park, Colorado.

However, the true highlight of their time in Argentina was the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, which Mast described as 18,000 years old and “still growing.”

The group was fortunate to witness a dramatic moment when a large chunk of ice broke off from the glacier, creating a thunderous sound that Mast likened to a cannon.

Over the years, Mast said, the former exchange student, Barria, became a successful individual, owning a gym and working in government land appraisal. She said Barria’s own children had also participated in exchange programs.

Throughout the presentation, Mast shared numerous photographs in over 70 slides that captured the stunning landscapes, unique architecture and memorable moments of her South American journey.

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