Getting On

       I can now say I´ve been to Peru, I´ve been to Bolivia, Chili and Argentina as well.  I´ve sandboarded in San Pedro de Atacama and trekked the four day infamous Inca Trail.  In Mendoza I paraglided for the first time and toured the Bodegas via bicycle.  I´ve been higher than 14,000 feet and stood mesmorized before the Andes Mountain Range.  Tomorrow, weather permiting, I will ice climb the extremely active Volcan Villarrica in Pucon, Chili before heading south east back into Argentina and on to Patagonia. 

If you could see through the window of your dreams what would lay beyond?

       For six weeks I had the best travelling companion I could have ever asked for.  Linda Batista worked for me at Tommy Bahama in Palm Desert, California.  Before she left to return to Santa Maria in the Azore Islands of Portugal we developed a friendship that would exceed both our expectations.  I had not seen her for over five years but through Facebook we managed to stay in contact.  When I told her my plans to backpack through South America for eight months her only response was, "Great!  Where are we starting?  Hoovie this will be the adventure of a small but fruitful lifetime.  Let´s go vagabonding!"  From there one we planned the trip together.

       Linda.  This blog is for you!  Thank you for your free spirited attitude and laid back approach to every obstacle we tripped over.  Thank you for you abundant laughter and always calling me on my bullshit.  Thanks for being cranky in the morning but demanding that you "shop till you drop."  Thanks for managing to trip, fall or stumble over every crack in the sidewalk or sewage drain you could find. I always waited for you to laugh first...and you always did.  You are one of the few people who laughs at your own folly before that of others.  Anyone can light up a room but you lit up entire Hostels.  Sometimes to the point of almost getting us kicked out!  Coco will never forget you.  In the next Lonely Planent book you will be mentioned as a warning to all International Hostels.  All of Ireland is in love with you and you left Brazil envious of your abs.  Colombia laments for another kiss, (if only you had drank his secret elixhar).  God only knows what La Paz and the Wild Rover would comment on.  You are a legend on three continents.  In Chili some petty thief is looking at your pictures thinking what a crazy chica you are.  They would probably return your purse just for the chance to party with you.

       I am left without a friend.  Without a travel companion.  Now I have to make friends on my own where once you made them for me.  You are the best!  Already I miss singing to Michael Jackson and howling at the moon every time you tried to carry a tune.  And I´ve never seen a person fall as much as you have.  Whether it was off a chair, into a pool, up an Inca step or over your own two feet; every day it amazed me.  But when I saw the wonder in your eyes I understood that you you are one of these magical persons who just don´t have time to look down.  Life is in front of you, not at your feet..  It holds so much wonder and excitment for you; I can almost see it going through your eyes, directly to your heart and back out through your smile.  Those who are fortunate enough to be around you appreciate a glimpse of life through your soul.

       To the family and friends that recieve gifts from Linda, enjoy them.  She had to buy a rather large duffle bag for all of her hairpins, dresses, skirts, magnets and earings she purchased.  Many Alpaca met their demise at the her demand for hats, sweaters, socks and gloves.  Now that I think of it, don´t thank her.  I think she bought it all for herself. 

Linda.  In Spanish and Portugal it means beautiful.  You are exactly that but with magic, wonder and amition as companions.  Here in Pucon where the days are as long as the mountains high I wonder, "Where is Linda?  Back to work.  Back to the Pub with fresh ideas."  Perhaps one day we will paraglide over you island.  I´m just a dish-dog looking for a laughing joke and some meager work.  Besides...someone has to tend the garden while you become an old cat lady.