Highlights - The People - People in every country and from every country were warm, welcoming and helpful. We came away with new friends and warm feeling from the people we encountered. When possible, people went out of their way to help us. When language was a barrier, everyone made efforts to communicate in anyway possible. They were interested in us, our culture and our travel experiences, including how we were enjoying their country. Their concern for our enjoyment of their country was often expressed, by common folk, to the police. A common question to us was "what you think of our country?" I guess ours might be the same…
Low-lights - The Garbage - It was sad to see the garbage strewn along the roadside and in towns and in ditches, creeks, rivers and the ocean. Plastic bags caught on shrubs, and trees,, plastic bottles everywhere. Many countries in South and Central Americas used the roadsides as garbage dumps, dumping everything from plastic to building materials. They just don't get that everything that floats will end up in the ocean. The mountain of plastic in the South Pacific ocean is growing at an astonishing rate. What is going to be done about it and when?
Unexpected Surprises
1 - Wind - I expected Patagonia wind to come in off the ocean but it flows from the west and out towards the ocean. I guess its because of the earth's rotation, but I thought the mountains would stop the wind, apparently it doesn't.
2 - The temperature in South America - I expected it to be warmer! We had to use our electric jackets to keep warm for many and most of the South American countries. Partially due to the elevations we were traveling at 3500 - 4000 meters throughout the Andes Highlands, but apparently due also to the Humboldt ocean currents that bring icy waters from Antarctica up to the Equator and circulate it throughout the South Pacific. Even the Galapagos Islands ocean temperatures were cooler than expected.
3 - Driving and Drivers - Initially I thought the drivers were crazy, but after driving as the locals drive, it became apparent that they were very good drivers for very good reasons. Insurance is very expensive so many and most can't afford insurance so they have to be more careful while scooting in and out of traffic. The weaving of drivers didn't seem to bother other drivers and there was no "Road Rage" as in North America. If a driver wanted to get ahead of another, there must be a good reason. Motorcycles, while small and maneuverable, were able to drive in between cars and trucks, thus not plugging valuable road space. Accidents were much less common because people while driving quickly and closely, were more attentive to the conditions instead of being distracted by unnecessary hand-held devices, eating, putting on makeup, reading the newspaper and the likes, in North America. If there is a "Fender bender" it is dealt with on the spot instead having the person's insurance agent getting involved.
4 - People take responsibility for their own actions - For example in South and Central Americas, Guardrails on roads and walkways are virtually non-existent. If you walk or drive off a drop-off its your fault for not being careful. Its not someone else's fault for not putting up a guard rail….. The guardrail is a respected courtesy instead of an expected necessity.
5 - My riding partner - While Michael is my son, I didn't know what to expect being in close proximity with him for 6 months. I wondered if our opinions, interests and riding styles would cause us conflicts, but it quickly became apparent that I had chosen the best possible partner for this trip. About 2 months into the trip, I noticed that we were finishing the other persons' sentences and stories, just like an old married couple. We never had a fight, but snipped at one another occasionally. Then again, who doesn't. I was very proud of the way he interacted with everyone we encountered. He was always respectful and engaging. We went away as father and son, came back friends.
Conclusion
A common question to us has been about our security and if we ever felt threatened. My answer is no. In all the countries that we visited, we always felt comfortable. I don't know how many people told us that we were traveling to the most dangerous city in the world and each place was always warm and friendly. As mentioned earlier the people were universally wonderful. Had we heeded everyone's advice about the dangers in different countries, we would never have started this trip. Of course if we went looking for trouble, I'm sure we could find it. But then, I'm sure we could find trouble at home if we went looking for it here as well. South and Central Americas are much more current and up to date than we thought they would be. I am sure that we can learn as much from them as they can learn from us. My advise is to travel. Be respectful and use your manners. Please and thank-you, go a long way. Remember that you are a guest in their country, respect their traditions and culture and have fun.
