Vane, 32

On the same Playa Larga, on our traverse back to the hostel, we ran into a young woman who asked us to take her picture. We got to talking only to find out that she too, is from Córdoba. She lives in Río Cuarto, a small town that I know through various friends. She said she used to live in the city, but that someone in her family is sick, so she had to go back. We exchanged numbers with the idea that we could meet up during our vacation and adventure together.

Who knew it would be the very next day in which she and I would bike all of Tierra del Fuego National Park.

And like with pretty much everyone here, we shared our lives. I explained the work I am priveliged to be a part of, she explained more of her life.

She´s back home in Río Cuarto because her sister has contracted cancer. Which means she had to leave behind the job she loved in the city (where I live), her boyfriend, her home that she had grown accustom to.

But she was so joyous throughout the day. Perhaps the better term is hopeful. She loves her sister and doesn´t want her to suffer. Her sister clearly loves her enough to let Vane enjoy a month of vacation to be away from all of the stress life can bring.

I hope to stay in contact with Vane when I return. One of the perks afforded by Facebook allows us to stay in touch. Well, apart from the cell phone too. All that to say, how blessed for us to run into each other. And what a blessing to go to the end of Route 3 at the end of the park with her (picture to come!).