Pergamino to Buenos Aires
A short ride into the big city. Got to Motocare around noon and after turning over the bike and repacking bags I was ready for B.A. Mariano (at the bike rental) had made a reservation for me at the hotel I stayed at the first night in Buenos Aires. I had decided to call the airlines to get a flight out on Sunday instead of Tuesday as orginally arranged. I didn’t need the two days of “padding” on my journey so why not go home and be ready for the November 4th elections.After making the revised flight, I discovered that I was missing my Passport! OMG! Panic! I knew I had it at the Pergamino hotel and after looking everywhere in my room and the front desk and calling Mariano at Motocare. Nothing! More Panic. I found the address for the American Embassy and jumped in a taxi. The embassy was about two city blocks in size and formidable to get into. Fortunately I had a copy of the lost passport and was shown the way to a waiting area for passports and visas.
My blood pressure lowered when I was told that they could create a temporary passport. After only two and a half hours I had the new passport and was on my way back to the hotel.
I spent Saturday and Sunday walking around the area of the hotel and found it to be similar to Salta. Really nice architecture and interesting stores. Very comfortable. The hotel was located about 4-5 miles from the center of the city of Buenos Aires. My flight was to leave at 11:30 Sunday night so I killed time until about 8:00. I needed every bit of the nearly 3 1/2 hours I allowed! Every point that required to see a passport (3) apparently hadn’t seen a temporary one and a supervisor had to be consulted. I was the last person to board.Well I’m home and rested now. Wondering if I’m too old for another adventure.
Summary of South America Adventure.
Miles total 5100 miles.
While this trip wasn’t anything like Che’s, it was an adventure. I think the ride itself was much less intense than the Central America one. However I realize that riding “solo” and knowing there is no one to turn to added an intensity that I didn’t have in ‘06.
I realize that world travelers surely resign themselves to not being able to converse with many people as they cross the globe with many languages encountered. However, even though I made an effort to learn more Spanish, it wasn’t enough to converse with the people I met. I've now visited eight Latin countries with one common language. I regret not making a greater effort with Espanol.
While there were many differences between the ‘06 and ‘08 journeys, the poverty of Latin America was nearly overwhelming in both trips. The memories of the conditions and poverty are with me. I’m reminded by images of waste here in the U.S.
I think a significant benefit the 9346 miles of adventure has had for me was refreshing my sense of being “alive”. Retirement and health issues have weighed heavily on me and the planning and execution of these journeys have been good for my mental health.
Below are images of Buenos Aires close to my hotel.
