This blog closes our visit to Argentina...and hopefully, opens a visit to somewhere else.
A lovely photograph of Jenni as we make our way to the glacier and background.
Cerro Torre, a distinctive look, one of many versions.
We make no apologies for the fact we are no longer fond of cities and big towns. Yes, we have had to give up the ballet, symphonies, museums and cultural events which we suppose makes us peasants in the eyes of some or many, who knows. We’ve also given up, unfortunately not for long enough periods, traffic congestion, poor air quality, noise, crowding, daily routine and many other negative aspects of living in large cities. (Of course, we acknowledge this to be our opinion, probably a small minority view.) Instead, we’ve lived amongst people of different nations, cultures, backgrounds, most who have modest or little material wealth. Besides the adventure and excitement of our lifestyle, the relative freedom and challenges we enjoy and face respectively, pushing boundaries, occasionally a little too far, we have found people, ordinary souls, have contributed much to enriching our lives. We used the word ‘ordinary’ for effect rather than that which we believe; it’s truly amazing how many extraordinary and decent humans fill the planet. While we are not naïve, we recognize and are often depressed about the ‘inhumanity of humans’. We tend to focus on positive aspects, sometimes failing, in order to enjoy the goodness of those who make such choice of behavior.
We mentioned in various writings over the years and recently in Argentina, the contrasts we experience between city and rural life. The latter country is large with some sprawling cities and some of the most beautiful outlying regions imaginable, Patagonia being very high on the list. Our impression of the country in a nutshell or the little we saw in six weeks is that it still suffers from the political upheaval of prior years and poor economic policies and management but has much beauty and many generous people. The latter comment we make because we were on the receiving end of much kindness from many strangers. While we will not cry for Argentina, (promised not to use that line…but succumbed), we certainly have fond memories of the land and the people we met.
Many kilometers to go before we get close—stopped at a viewpoint to absorb the sight of a glacier.
Cerro Fitzroy at dawn with only marginal lighting (another favorite photo), Cerro Torre on extreme left, at dawn, too...surprise! We stood in the dark, after walking a couple of miles and then froze. When first light arrived, we got even colder, especially when adjusting the cameras, without gloves. Then we observed a daily miracle, two little people, watched in awe.
Dynamic group of mountains, nicely covered.
Not so dynamic fellow contemplating the 'long and winding road' home on a 23km day; or thinking about rock falls and avalanches; or, alas not pondering at all.
By way of contrast, a similar scene from a few miles back and of course, at sunrise the following day. It might be apparent by now how fascinated we are/were with Cerro Torre.
A couple of shots of the 'kids', well we are someone's kids. The only 'dirty' water we noticed in Patagonia.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
On the way back, we catch a glimpse of the South American 'drug scene'—it's not pretty but is colorful.
More color, this time from our 'home', after a major hike.
Buenos Aires, a large, sprawling city. Nice to see, great to leave. (Congressional Plaza)
Obelisk on a public holiday, very quiet roads.
Some perspective, Jenni stands in front of the edifice.
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