From Anchorage to Ushuaia by Bike

We really enjoyed our last few days in Buenos Aires, taking advantage of its unique offerings. We watched the tango dancers in the streets of San Telmo and went to a polo game in Palermo – not something to miss since Argentineans are the best polo players in the world. We ate our last steak and our last ice cream cone, both delicious and much cheaper than in Europe.

We also visited a microfinance institution and followed Amanda for a whole morning, one of the credit officers, as she went about her daily routine. She took us to see micro-entrepreneurs around the Argentine capital, places that no tourists would ever get to see (where even the microfinance visits are done in groups). These are the areas called favelas in Brazil and villas in Argentina. Cities within cities: only a few hundred meters away, the roads are regular and paved, but in the slums, the laneways wind about, the light is dim, and the windows and doors barred. The houses are built of whatever materials can be found and there is garbage everywhere. Amanda knew where she was going. We followed close behind her in this maze, and she waved hello to a couple of people we passed. We met with Lorenza who makes jeans in a room just off her kitchen. She sells them as her own brand in the nearby markets. She was so proud when we asked if we could take a picture. We met a couple of other micro-entrepreneurs like her, making clothing in their little houses, and working 7 days a week to make it work. Far from the stereotype that one might have of people who live in slums.

Remember the article we posted on June 9, 2008, more than 21 months ago now, announcing our big departure:

The bags are packed

The bikes are loaded

The fuel for the stove is bought (we forgot about that one!)

We are ready to start are great adventure!

We could pretty much write the same thing today!

The bags are put away, the bikes are packed in their boxes, and the gas canister is empty. We are ready to head back to Europe to continue our great adventure!

See you in Madrid!

Sara & Sébastien