Time for an Update

Paulo Cohelo, the author of the best selling book The Alchemist, (a most recent read of mine on a busride) promotes the idea that we must get rid of the notion of time and accept that everything is eternal.

I am not sure that I have quite arrived at that point, but I can confidently claim that concept of time has become very blurry. In fact, I unsuccessfully spent about 6 km of hiking Torres del Paine trying to determine the date and day of the week. Due to this situation I have unfortunately neglected to update on the latest adventures.

Multiple times, borders have been crossed between Argentina and Chile to enjoy both sides of the Andes. The stamps between the two countries are taking over the pages in my passport. Somewhere in between conquering the circuit in Torres del Paine in an impressive 6 day hike, and driving to the ˆEnd of the Worldˆ Ushuaia, Argentina; I find myself currently traveling around Chile with a cast of characters.

Chris, and one of our newest Belgian friends are still in Argentina in the pursuit of finding fish. Meanwhile, on the Chilean side of living, I am chasing penguins with another Belgian friend, and a Czech guy. In order to fully understand it is necessary travel back in time for a recap as to how we all arrived at this point.

Climbing dunes at Cahoons Hollow beach on the Cape used to be considered a strenuous hike (arguably it still is after a day of fun in the sun.) A six day hike in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile complete with strong winds, rains from all directions, knee deep mud, and cumbersome backpacks has led me to believe that there are greater challenges miles away from the mudslides awaiting at The Beachcomber.

Although the park proposed an occasional challenge, the journey was not nearly as daunting as local guides had forewarned us. During the finish, Chris and I ran into some familiar faces from Bariloche that we had met a few weeks prior (note: this happens frequently). Our numbers quickly increased from 2 backpackers to 5, and so the next leg of the journey began.

The past week or so has been spent with a Belgian couple 6 months into their around the world trip, and a Czech guy whose enthusiasm for the store TJMaxx can not go without being noticed (he has even tried to contact the company to open stores in Czech Republic)!

Our own version of a cultural exchange led us to various locations: Ushuaia- a small portside sity that is famous for being the southern most city in the world, as well as a fishing mecca. Horns from boats blare with frequency as they embark on their voyages to Antarctica. Back in Chile, the five of us (2 Belgians, 1 Czech, and one Chris Wu) will spend our final evening of traveling together tonight in Punta Arenas Chile before Chris and I head up north to Puerto Montt.

What lies ahead in the future is just as questionable as what day it is today. Time will tell...