A young girl coming from the world’s end is heading to represent its country at Miss World pageant in Puerto Rico. At least, that was the feeling at the beginning of my journey to the enchantment island. It wasn’t my first time abroad, but it was the first time I was doing it all by myself. I just knew ,that one of my biggest dreams was about to become real, and I wanted to give the best of me. In my home town, Punta Arenas, family and friends said good bye at the airport when I travelled to Santiago, and then a few days later, finally this adventure began .In Santiago not only a few friends were there to wish me the best, but also many supporters , many of them I did not know in person ,where there for me. And that was a power punch to start the journey. 

The flight was amazing, I was blessed with an upgrade to business, thanks to United Airlines and Copa Air staff, they were so kind to me. Once I arrived at Puerto Rico, I had the chance to meet in person lots of other candidates. It was exciting that we could finally hug and get to know each other. 

One thing that impressed me most was to arrive at the hotel and see this huge and amazing resort, with some amazing views and top class facilities, and the service, it was the best! Later we knew we were facing days of hard work, but after a long day, to be able to relax and rest like a queen, is priceless. Thank you Miss World for taking good care of us!

 But then… I wondered whom my roomie would be, and there she was Miss Costa Rica, Tamara, a great woman that not only became a big friend of mine , but in many ways she was my family during this journey, taking care of me with love. Thanks for all hermana! , I do miss you!

Some of the activities I can specially recall were our first meeting with all the candidates with Miss World Organization. The tour to Old San Juan , located at the historic district , with a unique architecture, declared world heritage by UNESCO and the Tapia Theater. At both places we recorded the Dances of the World. I felt specially touched when I got lost inside the theater and discovered that one of the ballet dancers I admire most, performed there many times, as well as lots of famous artist, the old hand scripts of classical plays, the costumes used then. That filled my heart with joy and a blessing feeling.

And more exciting activities surprised us every day. The local authorities of Rio Grande received us, and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico performed for all of us and afterwards a very significant Thanksgiving dinner was held, my first one. A nice tradition where the value of all types of families are celebrated.

I’m convinced that when you travel abroad, you change for good. But what makes that change possible is not a landscape or a museum, is the contact with people. The Boriquas around us made some serious efforts show us the best of the island. And I can say now that they are the biggest treasure of the island: the kindness of their people, the joy that glows in every smile, their willing to help, the “sazón” in their spontaneity and many other features, are things that make the enchantment island unique.