The drive to Lota was magical in places, despite the obvious extreme poverty once we got into the town. After arriving at the mine, we learned that it once employed practically everyone in the town. Once the mining operations were halted, the entire town lost their jobs. The streets are lined with what I would describe as shacks in disrepair, but the people are still living in them. The most interesting thing is that their location, right by the coast, is idyllic . . . a fantasy world, really. The fog in the distance clears just enough to provide a glimpse of the varying elevations in the surrounding areas.
From the entrance to the mine, the view is spectacular! Water as far as the eye can see and a large structure of rock in the foreground. It is hard to believe that boys as young as eight years old worked under this ground and ocean to mine coal for the country for decades. I was already beginning to feel my breath rise into my chest as I anticipated going under.
Trepidation does not begin to describe my feelings as we suited up and got ready to begin the underground tour. I have always had issues with confining spaces and being in huge crowds. I think it is the fear that I am not in control of where I can go. I have problems in elevators, planes, vans (full of people), etc. But, I decided to press on. I would not let the Devil´s Breath overtake me.
We began our descent into the earth. At first, it seemed fine. There was plenty of space and air circulating. I was feeling confident. Then, we reached the caged elevator where we were crammed in and closed up. Thank goodness it was only a short ride down. Once we arrived in the beginning part of the mine, the space was slightly shorter than my height so I had to crouch and I knew that at this point I probably had no options. I felt the beginning of hyperventilation. El chiflon del diablo was stifling my own breath. We were given one last chance to turn back if we were uncomfortable. You know what happens next. I gave in to my fears and took the caged lift back up to the surface.
El Chiflon del Diablo reigned victorious this time. However, I was proud of myself for simply making it underground. The sight of the sky and the breath of fresh air that welcomed me once I left the entrance to the mine served as my emancipation from the bowels of the earth. Next time, El Chiflon del Diablo . . . next time.
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