Marti Walker - Chile 2009

On November 24, 2009, three months almost to the day before the devastating earthquake/tsunami that hit Concepcion and other parts of Chile, I participated in the event "Toma Mi Mano, Somos Hermanos," which was organized by Conciencia Con Amor, a human rights and peace group based in Concepción. I am honored to say that this event was inspired by my song "Take My Hand/Mano En Mano." It was a city-wide celebration and declaration of peace and unity, as people from all walks of life were linked, hand in hand, in a procession through the city, ending with a concert in Parque Ecuador. It was a statement of the power of MUSIC to heal, uplift, inspire and UNITE! Click here to see a list of generous sponsors. I am so grateful for their kind assistance, dedication and love! I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Chile. I found the people to be very hospitable, open & friendly. It was an honor and a blessing to be part of this event, and part of the culture for a week. I found it a bit odd to enter a city and already be somewhat recognized & known by people I've never met before. It was a very humbling experience. Devahuti (Carolina Colla Castro) and her family - parents, Juan (who sadly passed away in 2011) & Edith, and her sister Esther - were such wonderful hosts. They took the time to educate me on Chilean culture, history & customs (including Pisco Sours, the national drink!), they fed me, entertained me with stories & jokes & provided needed transportation! They are now my adopted Chilean family! I must also include Marcos Vargas a beloved "adopted" brother, who also left this earth in 2010. Thanks to all of the musicians who showed up for the rehearsal & of course who performed with me at the final concert on November 24th. They were gracious & talented brothers (and sister) in music & peace. Let's see if I remember the names... Diego Solar, Camilo Colection, Erik Raul Jara, Edith Castro Moya, Raúl Ramgeet Navarro, Nicolas Garros, & Erick Branada.
Chile 2009 High above the clouds...flying from Dallas to Santiago. Had to take a photo of the "reciprocity fee" sign upon entering customs in Santiago, Chile... Evelina, the customs officer in Santiago. She was very sweet & we even had a little conversation...my first glimpse that the hospitality & spirit of the people of Chile! Genaro Zavala, from the Departamento de Física, Tecnológico de Monterrey, MX. He & I waited for about 5 hours in the Santiago airport, for our respsective flights. Rodrigo Carmona, from Concepción, Chile. He was my travel-mate from Santiago to Concepción. Rodrigo is a professor of political geography, and also owns a mid-sized farm! My first photo of downtown Concepción... My host family & friends: Juan Colla, Edith Castro, Esthér, Niccolo, Devahuti & me. Me & my soul sister Devahuti (Carolina Colla Castro). She was the one who spearheaded "Toma Mi Mano." Esther, Marcos Vargas & me. They were very sweet young friends! Juan preparing his scrumptuous seafood dinner (served cold). Juan displaying his seafood dinner! Interesting & odd forest leading to the beach, where we gathered for "Tambores por la Paz." Gathering at the beach for "Tambores Por La Paz." (Drums for Peace) Street scene on the promenade in downtown Concepción. Flower vendor cart on the promenade. Pia Villalobos playing the bombo. Me jamming on doumbek with the musicians. This amazing old tree just spoke to me... Parque Ecuador. Erik Raul Jara and his interesting guitar case with a Minnesota license plate attached to it! Banner for "Toma Mi Mano." It was so inspirational making this sweet homemade banner! Nicolas Garros & me holding up a sign that says "We're 1." We Are One World! (Nicolas also played djembe with me at the concert.) Ah...the police came...to hear the music from the concert at Parque Ecuador! Too bad we had just finished - but they did ask if I had CD's, or if they could download songs from the Internet! What friendly police! Devahuti & Pia Villalobos Meta. Pia was also a huge part of the organization & planning of "Toma Mi Mano." A beautiful tree in Parque de Lota in Región Bio-Bio. This park was sadly destroyed in the tsunami/earthquake. Photo of children looking for change in the wishing pond... Beautiful tree at Parque de Lota. Reflection of previous photo... Devahuti merging with a statue at Parque de Lota. The beautiful & generous Edith Castro, the mom at my host-home. Parque de Lota Devahuti, her mom Edith & me at Parque de Lota. My first flower shots ever! Parque de Lota. Me smelling an exquisite blossom at Parque de Lota.
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