Photo Contest - Fall 2006

First Prize

"Sunset Spectacular"
Quinn Scarborough
Valley of the Moon - San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Essay:

Many say that the Valley of the Moon is the best place on Earth to watch the sun go down. I'd definitely agree. This Grand Canyon-like terrain displayed a rainbow of colors across the sky as day turned quickly into night. At the top of one of the cliffs you can see volcanoes and mountains in the distance that border Chile and Bolivia, and below you can see sand and rocks that have formed this beautiful land. You can stand among these great land masses and feel complete with the world; as if you have seen it all, which is what most of us on the tour kept saying. "This is the most beautiful place on Earth."

The volcanoes in the background guard and keep peace with the people who inhabit the land. They are sacred in the eyes of both the Bolivian and Chilean natives as its power dominated the everyday activities of civil society. An eruption would take over the land completely, wiping it fresh and society would have to start over.

The colorful sky goes through stages of dull, pastel colors that sweep over the mountains and cliffs, but soon turn into intense and brightly shining reds and oranges that burn into the land. The spectacle is over in a matter of minutes as the sun rolls behind the mountains and says goodnight to this mysterious land, only to begin anew tomorrow.

Return to the Fall 2006 Study Abroad Photo Contest