flying back home

After 10 days in the US, 2 days in the UK, and 2 weeks in Argentina, I’m now flying home. Despite sounding like I’ve done nothing but work, I’ve also learned to fish (though failed to learn the crucial step - the one that involves actually catching a fish); eaten the equivalent of at least one whole cow, assorted pigs, goats, and other, more unidentifiable, food; seen and photographed wild guanaco; seen a night sky over the Patagonian desert that was so clear that the stars extended almost down to the horizon; spoken less Spanish than I should, but more than I could; and sat at the edge of the Rio Nequén drinking maté. The 28 hours flying time (to Patagonia and back) was worth it. As was the Ambien. And the rug, knives, leather bag, artwork, and other assorted souvenirs essentials that I brought back with me. And although happy that I’m about to see my family again back home, I’m sad to have left behind what feel like my other family, in my other home.

my last day in Argentina

... and it’s a sad indictment of my life that I’ve worked each day of these two weeks, except for the two days spent driving from Neuquen (in one part of Patagonia) to Bariloche (in another part, in the Andes) and back again. I processed around 40 manuscripts for the journal, finished and submitted a journal article, and worked on the 2nd draft of a grant proposal. Sad sad sad.

SAD.

Patagonia

Yep - that’s where I am just now. Got back from the USA on a Friday morning, and flew to Argentina on the Sunday. I had therefore set foot on three continents in under four days. I think that’s a record for me.

The weather here is fantastic. It’s early autumn, so it can still get up into the late 20s (celsius) during the day. Unfortunately, the healthy glow I’d feel from the fabulous weather is offset by the vast quantities of equally fabulous food that are being forced into me. I now know what those poor geese feel like:

Gerry de Foie Gras