San Pedro de Atacama is a really cool place, but I arrived there after several days in the salt flats, took one look at the dusty streets and surrounded sandy landscapes, and my heart dropped.

I had had so many plans for San Pedro. I wanted to watch the sunset over the Valle de la Luna, and try sand boarding on the dunes. I wanted more of the incredible steak dinner at the backyard BBQ restaurant.

But not enough to stay one day longer in the desert. I booked the first ticket out of town the next day that would take me somewhere green. I’m just not built for the desert.