It has indeed been a long journey; if you had been faithfully following me on this trip, you must had read 27 pages of this series of blogs (it took me nearly 6 months to complete). The corruption of my SD card of course did not help but I somehow managed to recover about 90% of my photographs with the help of my colleagues (thanks, Ryan, Alvin & David).

A lot were accomplished during this trip. This was the first trip in my life where I was on the road for a month. It was also the first time (would there be a second time?) where I stepped into South America. I visited the great Cataratas del Iguazú where one of my tear drops had became part of the waterfall. Also been to the Andean north where I rubbed shoulders with the Quechuas. This was followed by a 4-day journey where I traverse across the 8th largest country on Earth to reach fin del mundo.

I observed how street names (i.e. San Martin, 9 de Julio, 25 de Mayo) tend to repeat themselves among various cities. In typical cities/towns, there would at least be a plaza in the center of town with a monument about one great war hero (usually it is San Martin). The Argentines love their yerba mate (pronounced as mah-tay, a kind of tea-like beverage), bringing a thermal flask everywhere so that a warm sip of the greatness is always within reach. I kicked myself but not finding the courage to try it until it was too late. There were other regrets as well like not be able to watch a football match in Buenos Aires or to visit Evita's tomb. Perhaps I should stop here; going on and on about my regrets would really sound like me focusing on the 2 bad bricks!

There were days where I stood still and watched the world go by. I especially missed those afternoons where I did my afternoon beer and a good nap. But deep down inside, I perhaps knew that this kind of life was not feasible or practical though I only realised that when I was in Cachi. My inner feelings was so complex at that stage; feeling sad and happy at the same time. Perhaps contradiction is really the devil that is making life so interesting.

I felt so relieved when I boarded my American Airlines flight back to USA as I was finally on my way home. Just before the flight took off, I took a hard look from whatever I can see in Argentina from the tiny airplane window. My mind (as usual) asked me if I would ever come back again. At this moment, I suddenly felt a tinge of sourish feelings up my chest. Yes, all these contradictions is acting up; all encouraged by what is inside each and everyone of us - the feeling of not letting go.

End