No starker a contrast than that of Buenos Aires to Patagonia. 44 hours due south via Andesmar transit, and despite the added delays due to drug sniffing dogs and a horrid book, it was worth every hour. It’s difficult to describe the anticipation after a long bus ride and two months of endless BA nights, but it met every expectation.
Patagonia is in every way and form, pristine: the air, the land, the towering mountains, and drinkable glacial waters. I passed several weeks trekking the Fitz Roy mountain range, visiting the stunning Perito Moreno glacier in El Calafate, biking the perimeter of the lakes of Bariloche, and the magical wooden sculpting of El Bolson.
The Interior
Every busy mind needs the soul food of southern Argentina. And when you get into the quieter regions you can truly feel the pulse of the people. They’re inquisitive, open, warm, enthusiastic and eager to know. Without any scientific basis I award “Most Friendly South American Country” to the Argies, for two reasons: the economy, and mate.
The Economy
Many South American countries are relying more and more on tourism for economic stability; Ecuador has become a commonly traveled country and with the growing prominence and popularity of Machu Picchu, Peru has become inundated with tourists. As a result, the experience has become much more commercial and often less authentic. Unfortunately, locals tend to have more interest in a wallet than a person. Argentina, though touristy as well, benefits from greater economic stability than some of its South American counterparts, and as a result, there is less financial incentive in befriending visitors.
The Tea that United a Nation
The entire country is completely enchanted by this bitter yet lovely tea. It’s a morning, noon and evening staple. Argentines buy, travel, share and drink the beautiful “yerba” by the pounds and nothing is more uniting. Shared in elaborate cups, with metal straws called bombillas, it’s designed to drink in groups. The ritual is deeply ingrained; whether stranger or friend, on the street or at home, Argentines are eager to share, to chat, and to learn.
15 Months in Central and South American – Come and Gone
It was a perfect ending to an epic trip of the “other Americas” – with time to reflect on a year well spent, lessons learned, languages discovered, moments of discomfort, but many more, awe.
No sight that human eyes can look upon is more provocative of awe than is the night sky scattered thick with stars. -Llewelyn Powys
