5 Reasons Why I Freaking Love Argentina and Chile
LOVE – EL AMOR! After reading ‘5 Reasons Why I Freaking Love Japan,’ I was not only frothing from the mouth about the bottomless snow I was missing out on, but I was also inspired. Inspired to jump on a plane and fly to Japan ASAP, yes. But, also inspired to share those feelings of ‘love’ you get from discovering a place. That is why I would like to share the defying moments I had when I left to head south with little money and a big heart. A little more than a year ago I set off to explore Argentina and Chile, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. So here it is…my version of “Why I freaking love … Argentina and Chile”
1. REFUGIOS
Or in other words, cozy little cabins scattered in the mountains to supply a warm place to sleep after a long and many times grueling trek. I discovered my first refugio after an 11 hour hike down in Patagonia. After crossing treacherous bridges (like the ones you see in movies, above a raging river with missing panels and sketchy wire holding it together) and climbing 13,000 feet, my legs were jelly and I was ready for some mate. Refugios range in all different styles and shapes, but the refugio we had stumbled across at the peak was a gem. It had a plethora of books, cooking tools, warm blankets, and the best shower. No seriously, the world’s best shower! Outside the refugio was a quaint room made out of logs with a furnace that allowed us to burn wood and heat our own water. Water would then pour from the ceiling and I was suddenly standing in a steamy log room, 13,000 feet on top of a mountain in the middle of the woods. Pure bliss. I highly recommend seeking these incredible havens if you find yourself trekking in Patagonia.
2. THE SURF
Ah surfing, how humbling of a sport you are. After 48 hours of hitch hiking from the south of Chile, I found myself in a small beach town, Pichilemu. Piche has a special place in my soul as I was not only moved by the town’s lovely structure and it timeless manner, but I had also made a family. The locals in Piche are some of the most genuine and bright individuals I have ever come across. I was fortunate enough to spend three weeks with a native to Piche, who was not only an awesome surfer, but a reggae rock star. The water was freezing and waves gnarly. But we surfed our hearts out anyways, swallowing mouthfuls of sea and getting tossed wildly. I love you Picheeee!
3. BEFRIENDING A K9
If you have traveled in and around Argentina and Chile, you know there are a lot of stray dogs. And if you are an animal-lover and total pushover to furry cuteness, you give into the ‘Don’t Feed The Strays’ and befriend every K9 you come across. Often these stray pups were a point of contention with crowds, annoying tourists and hassling business owners. But I was grateful for them. In fact, when I found myself completely lost and emotionally exhausted, these kind K9s comforted me and became a temporarily friend. They act as guides and never judge you based on your appearance…which in many cases was a struggle.
4. STRANGERS
Growing up we are often told to never talk to strangers. Hearing it reiterated in the schools, I inherently knew that would lead to isolation and closed doors. I also was fortunate to witness my dad talk to anything that moved, from strangers on a chairlift to the trees and plants surrounding us. Upon my journey down south, I found hostels to be distant and repetitive. I had little patience for the ‘tours’, and constant reckless partying. I also ran out of money. I had hosted a few couch-surfers back in the states and thought I would try surfing as a new way to dive into the culture. If you are a close friend, then you know that I preach couch-surfing as a way to ‘save’ this planet. It is the most rewarding and sincere thing you can do, all it requires is being ‘open’. I was fortunate to travel several months by couch-surfing. I stayed with a variety of hosts including a gaucho, a physics professor, a biologist as well as many local surfers and students. All of them had the most life-altering stories and biggest hearts. Even if it was for a night, they became close friends and I truly thank them for their hospitality. Please, couchsurf! It will open doors and give you a whole other perspective on what it means to live life to the fullest.
4.5. EMPANADAS
That’s right, don’t think for a second I was going to leave out these little, doughy, cheesy, flaky pockets of divine goo. You can find them on every street corner and they are cheap! I loved them so much I legit wrote a business plan to open an empanada truck when I would return to the states… a girl can dream.
5. VASTNESS
There is nothing I love more than looking out as far as I can and just seeing nature. It’s magnetism and energy fuels my curiosity and undeniable passion to protect it in all ways possible. I explored several places that allowed my eyes to dance around the landscape and allow my mind to relax as I would just sit and soak in natures peacefulness.
There ya go, get inspired and go to South America! I hope to return in the snowy season and shred the Andes next.
What are YOUR 5 reasons why you love a particular area, whether that be your home or place you have visited. Share and motivate people to book their plane ticket NOW.
love this, great stuff. it sounds like you had an outstanding experience.