December 14: Making Lemonade out of Lemons

It looks like this trip is already providing me with an opportunity to make lemonade out of lemons. I had originally planned to arrive in Buenos Aires today, pick up my bike tomorrow morning, and head south to Ushuaia on Tuesday. But shortly after settling into my desk chair at work Friday morning I discovered an email informing me that my bike had not yet left Australia!

Determined to forge forward regardless, I boarded my United Flight at PDX Saturday, not knowing if my motorcycle would arrive in South America in time for me to pick it up before the customs offices close for Christmas and New Years.

After arriving at Ezeiza Airport and spending the morning clearing immigration and getting my gear, I arranged to cancel my hotel reservation near airport customs and head downtown instead.

Delighted to find reasonably priced lodging within walking distance of restaurants and shops, I spent time this afternoon strolling the busy streets, taking in the new sights and sounds.

Quaint little eateries with meat pies and freshly baked desserts, local markets displaying a bright array of colorful fruits and vegetables, and pedestrians passing by speaking animatedly in Spanish provided a cheery contrast to some of the time worn structures and streets.

After sampling some of the neighborhood delicacies I checked into my hotel, marveling at the still functioning rotary phone in the lobby and appreciating the staff’s generous hospitality. In addition to helping me carry my gear up to my room they also made reservations for a delightful day tour tomorrow.

From what I can tell, my bike traveled from Sydney to San Francisco this morning. Fingers crossed it will traverse the Atlantic and make its my to me in South America soon.