Through the Andes

The first rule of traveling should be never consume tragos the day/night before going on a long distance bus trip or flight. But, this is a rule that few backpackers follow. Some miss their connections but I was determined to make mine.

With all of my worldly possessions on my back, I trudged down to the metro station at 6:30 am, made one change of subway trains and got to the bus station just in time to catch my Tur-Bus to Mendoza, Argentina. At long last, I would make the windy trek through the Andes and seem them in all their splendor. Best laid plans, indeed. However, tiredness from the night out on the town led to a sleepy ride through the Andes. What I did catch was, of course, stunning and they are a must see on any South American journey. There was only a slight amount of snow when I crossed them on June 1. The road curves through the mountain range and I saw cute little hosterias on the way.

What my tired state led me to do with beyond a doubt the epitome of stupidity. When we got off the bus after 4 hours of twisting and turning, we had to clear customs. I managed to exit Chile, but I forgot to enter Argentina! Anyways, after a slight embarrassment at the hands of the bus drivers, I admitted my stupidity, marched off and cleared customs and immigration for my destination. What is even more crazy is that I was not the only passenger to make this mistake. My seat-mate, a handsome Chilean, did the same thing. I mean, you'd think a semi-local, would be a bit sharper. But, no! Definitely the most embarrassing moment of the trip thus far!