Inside a chilean abandoned carbon mine
Back in 2014, two years after graduating as a journalist, I found myself fitting into the role of a public relations officer for the Environmental Evaluation Service.
I had a good salary but didn't really have any clues as how to invest it wisely and make it worth my while to spend almost 8 hours of my day locked up in an office with some of the most untrustable people I've met in my life (there were cool people there too, mind you).
At the time I had already spent 8 years in a relationship that was poisoned by some events of the past and hadn't been able to heal yet. While many might have found my life worthy of much gratefulness, I just wasn't satisfied with anything.
So, I quit my job and spent all my last salary on some decent camping equipment, packed my bag and started walking. I decided I would only walk, without any attempts of hitchhiking or motorized transportation.
It was a good call as I was able to finally start to know myself and become more in tune with my spirituality. I no longer had money or comfort but I had a treasure that many usually lack: time.
During that journey I met many interesting people and lived awesome experiences such as going along with a band called "Kefu Maranha" to record a video in an abandoned coal mine, located in Región de Los Ríos, Chile.
Last night, while browsing through my old pictures I found these which I now share with you. Personally I find this to be an amazing place, and the way Nature has taken over it after years of abandonment is just mind-blowing.
This mining project begin in 1954 but was paralyzed in 1959. According to official sources, poor management, a massive earthquake in 1960 and the end of funding from the government led to closing the mine. However, between 1970 and 2001 it was active once again.
Some places, such as this one, were pretty dangerous as to the right there was a pit the went as far as 20 feet. One wrong footing and you were it.
Kefu Maranha is a jam-based band. They have a few songs which they have organized into some kind of structure, but for the most time they just improvise their way through everything. It was by playing with them I came to love improvising music as it became a spontaneous way to connect with others and journey through the passages of the Soul.
The band and the audiovisual crew.
A young and naive me of 2014. At least I had a big, white-teethed smile.
As a follower of @followforupvotes this post has been randomly selected and upvoted! Enjoy your upvote and have a great day!