We are in Greece and do not have a good internet connection. But I have written a few posts I want to get to you, so here they are without photos. Thank you to everyone who keeps sending travel suggestions for Europe, its very helpful. And its fun to know you are all out there reading this when you can. We will be back in the US in 80 something days Anika tells me. I am not counting. Back in SC August first. See you soon with even more photos and stories.
South American Final Reflections
This is a part of the world I had wanted to go to for a long time. Chile lived up to my expectations, maybe surpassed them, Argentina was a little disappointing. Buenos Aires is rated one of the top 25 destinations in the world (according to Trip Advisor), which we find hard to understand. But then LA and Las Vegas are on that list too,and they would not make my top 25 either. Here are some last thoughts on my time in South America.
Our first few days in Chile left some strong images with me. On the way driving into Santiago our taxi stopped at a traffic light. Into the intersection strode a juggler and proceeded to put on a short act juggling knives. This is South America I thought, they don't just try to clean your windshield, instead they put on a show. A day or two later we were on a walking tour. In front of the Opera house, an older majestic building, I turned around to see a man finishing up taking a bath/shower in a fountain. He had his underwear on and was drying off with his shirt. Everyone just walked by an didn't seem to notice. He wasn't bothering anyone so it seemed all right.
Away from the city in Chile, there were wild fuchsias growing like bushes and hoards of young, university student, Chilean backpackers. In the city and the country stray dogs looked well cared for and were friendly, well behaved, companions. Chile overflowed with natural wonder and beauty. I can easily understand why so many people I know told me it is their favorite place they have visited.
In both Chile and Argentina people kiss hello and good bye. In Argentina men and women kiss and touch all the time. We watched people arrive in their office to work and take the time to kiss every person there hello before they sat down. I wish we could import this tradition to the US. Its so much nicer than a handshake!
I finally realized why the dogs in both countries that live on the street look so good. Its because they eat so much meat in both countries and the scraps are always being thrown away. Conveniently for the dogs the bags go out on the sidewalk or street edge, right where they can tear into them and get the goodies. So no starving looking street doggies down there. Now how the strays in Chile managed to pick up their own poop but the dogs in Argentina, stray or not, seem to leave theirs where ever they feel like, making walking in Buenos Aires like crossing a mine field, I can't answer. Over all Buenos Aires had less street dogs than Chile.
Both countries have road side altars although they have different styles. In Chile they seem to have a Saint or spirit associated with them or they are the memorial for a person who died. In Argentina many are for a Robinhood like character from their past, although some are for saints too. For the Argentine Robinhood there are always red clothes or flags as part of the shrine.
There are always images, questions and feelings that stick in your mind from a trip. People in Argentina walking around with their mate thermos in the crook of their arm and cup with metal straw in hand. Trying to understand why no one has small bills or coin change in Argentina. Never wanting to eat another empanada again or at least for a long time. Green parrots screaming around Argentina protecting their nests in pine or palm tress, sometimes in the least likely places. They reminded me of the parrots of San Francisco. Of course like all Latin countries there were churches and lottery ticket sellers in every town.
My favorite image from the whole time was from Uruguay. One night along the beach front in the town of Piriopolis there was a band playing. There was a town gathering place, not the central plaza like in the towns of Chile but here across from the beach and the beachfront promenade. The band was playing and there were several singers. All their songs the audience knew and sang along, many were requests. One of the women singers sang “I will Survive” by Donna Summer. Everyone was singing along and swaying to the music. The singer picked an old woman out of the crowd, I think she had requested the song. This lady looked to be in her late seventies, maybe older. They danced together as the singer sang. The old lady swayed her hips and she had a scarf she twirled around. She was so lively and alive. She looked so happy. Her mood filled everyone there. I thought I want to be like that when I am that age, I want to get up and dance and be happy to be alive. That was the essence of what I enjoyed in South America, the peoples joy at being alive and taking time to celebrate that.
There is more to explore. I hope we can go back to South America some day and continue to unfold what it has to offer.
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