The Warm Welcome of Chacabuco

Today started with another breathtaking red sunrise, visible right as I opened my eyes in my tent. The peaceful setting among the trees provided me with a restful night, leaving me energized for the day ahead. As I packed up my gear and prepared to leave Tres Sargentos, I couldn't help but take a moment to soak in the beauty and tranquility of the place one last time. The straight road out gave me the perfect opportunity to reflect on my time there and feel gratitude for the kindness I had experienced.

My goal for the day was to run to Chacabuco via Highway 7, hoping to find a place to do my laundry, catch up on my social media, and perhaps even enjoy a much-needed shower. The running felt smooth and steady, and along the way, I had friendly chats with a few cyclists passing by. Around 2 p.m., I reached Chacabuco's central area, which boasts a beautiful park, but not before an interesting encounter about 10 miles outside the city.

There, I met Richard, a cyclist who kindly invited me to his place for laundry and whatever else I needed. However, when I arrived at Chacabuco's entrance, where he said he'd meet me, I couldn't find him. After waiting for about 30 minutes in the heat, I decided to move on, as I had a long to-do list and limited time.

Once in the central area, I found a shady bench to rest and started looking for accommodations online. I booked a place but realized I was running low on water, so I wandered around to find a store. That's when I met Mili, the owner of a small kiosk, who sold me some much-needed water. Her father, Marcelo, was sitting in front of the store, and I joined him for a while. Though we didn't speak the same language, we communicated in other ways, simply enjoying the breeze, the quiet surroundings, and the lovely view. Soon, some of Mili's friends stopped by, and we all chatted together—it felt like being part of a little community for a brief moment.

With some time to spare, I tried my luck at withdrawing cash from an ATM. As I've come to expect in Argentina, this turned into a bit of a challenge. After trying three different banks, I came away empty-handed, but thankfully, I still had enough cash for the essentials.

As I approached what I thought was the location of my accommodation, I stopped to double-check my directions. A woman sweeping the floor offered me water right away—Argentinian hospitality never ceases to amaze me. Some boys playing nearby became curious about my buggy and my journey. They asked questions, brought me a chair to rest in the shade (despite my polite refusal), and soon began playing drums and percussion instruments. Their rhythm was infectious, re-energizing me instantly. I even recorded a video of their performance—what an incredible welcoming concert to Chacabuco! Thanks amigos!

Amid all this, the owner of my accommodation called to let me know I was at the wrong location. Frustrated and tired, I was initially annoyed, but when he and his girlfriend greeted me with warm kisses—a typical Argentinian custom—all my irritation melted away. Their kindness and the kisses (which I absolutely adore!) made everything better.

The accommodation turned out to be perfect. It had strong Wi-Fi (finally!), and I could hand-wash my laundry and hang it out to dry in the garden. I also enjoyed a refreshing shower and finally washed my hair. With my devices recharged and a productive evening behind me, it’s time to get some rest.

Thank you, Chacabuco, and thank you, Argentina, for another day filled with warmth, rhythm, and unforgettable moments. Goodnight!