Fotografo de Bodas, Santiago

May 29, 2009

We are leaving Chile next month!

Yes, as Mei guessed in my last post, S. is leaving his job and we’re going around the world…or something like that.

As we speak, S. is working the final hours at his job. His last day is today. The basic story is that a few months ago there were rumors at the company that everyone was getting fired. A lot of people did get fired, my but they kept S. on. Then, more rumors began about the company lowering everyone’s salaries and taking away company bonuses. So while we’ve sort of known this was coming we weren’t sure if it would ever actually happen, or if this was just crazy talk from disgruntled employees.

Then last week the company brought around new contracts for all the employees, lowering their salaries by 10%. Anyone who didn’t sign would be fired. Guess who was the only person who refused to put their John Hancock down? Yes, S.

So at the end of June we’ll be backing up our bags, selling all our stuff and heading out to see the world. We’re leaving with much less money than we had originally wanted to have saved, so our plans have changed slightly.

Our itinerary is still pretty up in the air, but I’m guessing most of our travels will be in Latin America and Asia. We’re planning on spend the whole month of July in one country, a cheap flight away (maybe Peru or Ecuador? Anyone know of any good deals from Santiago to anywhere for July?). Then we have to be back in Santiago at the end of July to catch our flight to the U.S. Our U.S. itinerary is still exactly the same, and we’ll be working photographing sessions and weddings most of the time we’re there. After that, we’re not really sure where we’ll head between September and November, but we have to back in Santiago towards the end of November because our first wedding of the summer season is November 21st.

We’ll be flying to Buenos Aires to shoot a wedding there (!!!!! SO EXCITED !!!!!) on the 29th, and then back in Chile again for a tentative wedding in Concepcion on the 6th of December. I think from Concepcion, we’ll continue on down to the South of Chile to do the Carretera Austral and Torres del Paine before coming back to shoot more weddings during the summer here (booking up quick, if you know of anyone considering hiring us, have them email me, ASAP!). One of S.’s best friends is getting married in Santiago in Feb. so we’ll stay through that, and then from there, I’m guessing Asia, although, really, who knows.

I’ve quit/put in notice/been let go from all of my blogging jobs now so I won’t be working in anything besides photography as we travel. That was also not in the original plan, but honestly, I’m ready for a little break from blogging. I got burned out from doing so much.

When we got the news that S. was finally being fired after having talked about it for so long, I almost didn’t believe it. At first I felt a little shocked and it still doesn’t seem real. But the time is now.

We’re leaving!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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39 Comments

Wow, well congrats! I hope you have some great adventures and that, of course, you write about them every once in awhile and post pictures so we can know what youÂ´re up to!

Comment by Leana — May 29, 2009 @ 2:58 pm

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OMG! I'm so excited for you. This is so great! I can't wait to read about all your travels. My husband just got back from Peru and loved it there. That would be a cool place to start. Keep us updated. This is awesome!!

Comment by Lori — May 29, 2009 @ 2:59 pm

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Kyle, I can't believe I guessed it! If you remember, I was the one who, months ago, couldn't handle waiting for the surprise news.

I'm wishing you and Mr. S. the very best. Have a wonderful time, and please take a ton of pics.

Comment by Mei — May 29, 2009 @ 3:00 pm

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Mei, I know, you were SPOT ON! I do remember when you couldn't handle waiting…and how do you think I felt waiting to find out whether it was going to happen or not?!?! I was DYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by kyleracine — May 29, 2009 @ 3:02 pm

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THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhh, Lori I'm so excited I can't stop typing in ALL CAPS!!!!!!!

Comment by kyleracine — May 29, 2009 @ 3:02 pm

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Thank you Leana! Don't worry I will be blogging a lot here since I no longer have professional blogs to keep up with

Comment by kyleracine — May 29, 2009 @ 3:03 pm

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I'm so excited for you guys! As you already know, when the idea of you leaving before December first came up, I was NOT a happy camper. But now that it's sunk in, I'm happy that you get to follow your dream sooner rather than later (even if the itinerary is slightly modified due to budget constraints). And especially happy that you're not leaving forever just quite yet

I can't wait for post and pictures from the road!

Comment by emilyinchile — May 29, 2009 @ 3:30 pm

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I know you've been waiting forever for S to be fired so congrats! Are you still checking out europe??? u better or else!! But ya I also recommend Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos (vang vieng), Australia.

Comment by Jonathan Fren — May 29, 2009 @ 3:37 pm

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Wow, very exciting and scary and amazing all at once… Your work schedule just gave me a headache and I'm sitting AT work thinking about doing some other work on the sly… But I feel like having those little anchor points (not to mention cash infusions) can only be comforting when you're blowing in the winds…

You say you're only going to be doing photography, but can we all safely assume there will be periodic updates about your travels here?

Congratulations to S. on his unemployment… If you've got any pointers about that please let me know…

Comment by Brendan — May 29, 2009 @ 4:14 pm

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The best life experiences come about in ways like this! Ridding yourself of all the 'stuff' and just going is the greatest feeling there is – I can't wait to read about it, and am super jealous (three months back has been plenty for me !

Comment by Allison Macsas — May 29, 2009 @ 4:15 pm

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congratulations on something slightly inesperado, but hopefully all good. Sometimes the things that turn out best are a little different than how we'd originally planned. Have you told Papito yet? I'm sure she's very excited.

Comment by eileen — May 29, 2009 @ 4:15 pm

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Downsizing is fun!

Comment by Matt — May 29, 2009 @ 5:09 pm

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Downsizing is fun!

Comment by Matt77 — May 29, 2009 @ 5:22 pm

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aweeeesome!!!! you know you could really do a TON in bus during a month. you could check kayak buzz that lets you click the starting city and lists the cheapest flights from there … looks like lima, bogota, sao paolo are pretty decent around then! yayyy. i checked back today just to find out what the surprise was

Comment by lydia — May 29, 2009 @ 5:55 pm

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How exciting for you and S. I can't wait to read about your world travels.

Comment by Katie — May 29, 2009 @ 6:31 pm

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Congrats K & S!! I actually think that doing some photography work in between the traveling will be a better balance anyway. I'm so excited for you guys (and jealous too I'll have to admit).

Oh, the Places Youâ€™ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
Youâ€™re off to Great Places!
Youâ€™re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.

Comment by Ritamae39 — May 29, 2009 @ 7:05 pm

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Congrats, Kyle!!!

I hope you do keep up this blog during your travels. I think this is an amazing experience. I hope to live it vicariously through your blog?

I hope you don't mind a piece of advice. I used to work for an ad agency and we hired freelance photographers from time to time. Two were travelling. So, don't be afraid of cold calling, networking on the way…it may land a job or two.

What will become of the amazing Papito??? Also, I'm planning a trip down to Chile/Argentina in December…do you mind if I email you questions?

Congrats!!! I'm very happy for you!!!

Comment by Michelle — May 29, 2009 @ 8:40 pm

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Holy crap Kyle! I am so out of the loop since I am completely immersed in wedding stuff but I just saw this post! I wonÂ´t get to see you before you guys leave….booo! But how exciting to be packing up and heading out so soon! Best of luck with everything!!!

Comment by La Chilenguita — May 29, 2009 @ 8:46 pm

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That's exciting! Have a wonderful time and I'll look forward to reading all about it!

Comment by Abbyline — May 29, 2009 @ 9:05 pm

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AMAZING! I am so excited for you and S. though I have to admit, I am sad…going back to Chile for a visit sin la kyle will be very very triste. I'm not sure when a visit will happen, but fyi I am trying my hardest to plan an extended trip to brasil for serious portuguese learning/adventure time, perhaps our plans may coincide! and I of course expect to see you in the US!
lots of love and congrats on making the final decision

Comment by Emita — May 29, 2009 @ 9:51 pm

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Congratulations Kyle I'm so happy to hear that the big move is happening for you. Plans are good, but so many of the wonderful things happen unplanned, as you are certainly one to know!

I know you're on CouchSurfing already so definitely make use of it on your travels! I'm not just shilling because of my job…….it's incredible the people you can meet while saving money and going farther. Let me know what country you end up heading to, I can put you in touch with people there!

Comment by Meredith — May 29, 2009 @ 11:29 pm

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Hooray!!!!

Comment by Ray — May 30, 2009 @ 2:20 am

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Good for you!!!!!!
Smart decision, after all it's only the two of you and no other people/attachments.
Please do not stop blogging and letting us know where you are and what you are up to…

Big hugs

Comment by Flo — May 30, 2009 @ 6:50 am

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Yay!!! This is so exciting, Kyle. You will have a FABULOUS time. And you'll probably be pleasantly surprised at how far the money goes. Seriously. Yay!!!

Comment by Jayna — May 30, 2009 @ 7:57 am

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What incredible news!! I am so excited for you guys!!! Traveling is really what it's all about. I can't wait for all the posts and picures and your and Seba's thoughts on your travels!!!

And I'm still crossing my fingers that fate will cross your path and provide a reason that will have you guys coming to Europe after all!

Congrats again girl!!!

Fned.

And Hubby asks me to please ask you where is Papito going to be staying while you're globe-trotting.

Comment by Fned. — May 30, 2009 @ 12:56 pm

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wow that's quite some news. No Europe for now then?

Comment by Carlos — May 30, 2009 @ 4:31 pm

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Pucha no puedo creer que te vayas….bueno pero es por una buena oportunidad, asÃ que te deseo mucha suerte amiga! Tenemos que hacer una despedida, te parece?!
AvÃsame cualquier cosa ok.

Abrazos.

Comment by Rafaella — May 30, 2009 @ 9:36 pm

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Kyle,
I'm happy (I guess) for you, as long as you are happy. Not fun to be without money and a job. Don't come to MI to find a job, none here. God has a plan for you and our prayers go with you where ever life takes you both. Stay in touch.

Love,
Aunt Judy

Comment by judy hepp — May 31, 2009 @ 10:09 am

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I wish you all the best with your travels, it sounds very exciting.

Comment by Jeanette — May 31, 2009 @ 1:16 pm

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I haven't read the other comments, so I'm not sure the airline tips anyone aid, but I always have the best luck with http://www.sidestep.com. I have bought two tickets to Chile that way. Also, when I was in Europe, I found a multicountry round trip ticket for way cheap, and on top of that it was first class. Score. (That was expedia, btw). Otherwise, does anyone know if LAN is still having the sale on flights around Chile? I got the best deal on my flights to BsAs and Montevideo through LAN.

Good Luck! Bon Voyage and all that

Comment by Sara — May 31, 2009 @ 3:48 pm

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Congrats Kyle and S! It sounds very exciting and it's cool that you guys make such a great team with the photo business enabling you to travel. Best Wishes!

Comment by Aimee — May 31, 2009 @ 7:23 pm

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Congrats! I'm so excited for you. You have constantly inspired my husband and me to follow our dreams. I even have several online positions and can move anywhere in the world. We plan on going to Europe in September to rent an apartment for a month at a time in a different city/country for about 6 months all together. Then, we'll be back to Austin to start a family and build a house!

I'll keep you posted on where we are, so if you and S are close, you'll have a place to stay.

Samantha

Comment by Samantha — June 1, 2009 @ 1:05 pm

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Wow! Bring on the world (or partial world) tour! I can't wait to follow your travels (and live vicariously through you of course)! What are you going to do with Papito?

Comment by sunny smiles — June 1, 2009 @ 5:20 pm

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Hey there!!! I am so happy for you— not the less money. But the trip. I should know where and when I am stationed on June 26.

Comment by ClareSays — June 1, 2009 @ 6:27 pm

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Oh wow! good luck to you & S. And do come to Asia!

Comment by shue — June 2, 2009 @ 12:23 am

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wow, congrats! that is so exciting. i had a feeling that was your next announcement. if you want to go somewhere that is CHEAP, central america is good. your money will go a long way! i am in japan still and always gasping about how much money i spend to travel so i guess this is not a good place. but i bet you can find some weddings to shoot here! ecuador is not that cheap. it is probably like chile. maybe a bit less expensive. it is dollarized so prices are a bit jacked up. brazil is really cool but you need a visa as an american. it was cheap when i went 4 and 6 years ago but that could have changed.

buen viaje! i look forward to your updates.

Comment by kathleen — June 2, 2009 @ 3:32 pm

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I am jumping up and down for you!!! What an exciting new chapter in your life. If you would like any help planning your travels, please don't hesitate to ask. I love to help people plan, plus I've been to a lot of cool places in Latin America and Asia and could give you some helpful advice. Buen viaje bonita!!!

Comment by Andi — June 8, 2009 @ 9:50 am

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Wow, that's awesome! Have a wonderful time!

Comment by Vanessa — June 10, 2009 @ 10:22 am

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Wow, that's awesome! Have a wonderful time!

Comment by Vanessa — June 10, 2009 @ 5:22 pm

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