Running, Dancing, and Kindness Under the Stars
Today began early—very early. After just four hours of sleep, I forced myself to wake up and pack my buggy before the heat set in. My tired eyes were met with the loud barking of the otherwise friendly dog at the gate. Navigating my way past him without losing a hand made for an interesting start! By 6:20 a.m., I was on the road, running through Chacabuco's industrial zone. Even at that hour, I waved to cheerful truck drivers, sharing smiles that helped shake off my grogginess.
Once out of the city, I turned onto Highway 7, where the day took its first delicious turn. The smell of freshly baked bread from a roadside stand was too tempting to resist. I bought a loaf, still warm, and savored the first bite as I packed the rest for the miles ahead—a perfect snack for a long day of running.
Highway 7 presented its challenges today. Unlike previous stretches, some parts had no hard shoulder, leaving little room for me, my buggy, and the passing vehicles. But the road also had its moments of joy: a hitchhiker shared a laugh as I joked about giving him a ride, and a curious cyclist pedaled alongside me for a while, asking about my journey.
The morning was overcast—the first cloudy day since I arrived in Argentina (excluding that thunderstorm on January 1st). The cooler breeze was a welcome companion, making my steady pace feel effortless despite the fatigue from limited sleep. Around mile 11, I took my first break to hydrate and nibble on the bread, appreciating the tranquil atmosphere.
At mile 24, a gas station appeared on the other side of the highway. Crossing a grassy patch to get there, I recharged my phone and took advantage of the Wi-Fi for a short while. By then, the clouds had cleared, and the sun returned with full force, making the final miles into Junín much warmer.
Just before reaching the city, I encountered Sergio and Eduardo at a roundabout. Although neither spoke English, Sergio managed to convey that I could stay at his house for the night—a gesture that instantly lifted my spirits. After a brief sightseeing detour in the city center and a quick trip to the grocery store, I made my way to Sergio’s beautiful home.
From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed. We chatted (as best we could) and shared stories, bridging the language gap with smiles and gestures. Then came an unexpected invitation—Sergio asked if I’d like to join him at his dance practice. Why not?
The dance hall was alive with music, laughter, and the warm camaraderie of people of all ages. I initially hesitated when they asked me to join in, but with Aldo, an experienced dance partner, I gave it a try—and ended up loving it! The rhythm, the energy, the connection—it was a reminder of the beauty of human interaction, even in unfamiliar settings.
After the dance session, Sergio whisked me back to his home on his motorcycle. (Yes, I rode without a helmet!) Under the starlit sky, Sergio prepared a simple yet delicious dinner, and we ate while enjoying the peaceful night and each other’s company.
As I reflect on the day, I’m overwhelmed by gratitude—for the friendly drivers, the curious strangers, the warm bread, the beautiful dancing, and most of all, for Sergio’s kindness. Days like today remind me why I’m doing this journey: to connect, to share, and to celebrate the kindness that exists everywhere.