For me, however, memories of 2009 are still very much fresh in my mind. We had the opportunity to travel Chile & Argentina for almost a month in Oct/Nov of 2009 and are still on a wine-high. Chile provided its own challenges that only biking 80 km a day can provide. Rewarding, exhausting, and emotionally draining, our time in Chile was fantastic. We had a wonderful tour with Ecotours Chile, who facilitated a fascinating journey through the lakes and volcano district of Chile’s southern half.

Once the tour (complete with hot springs and fantastic seafood) was over, we were game to explore their neighbour to the east.  We hopped a bus through the Andes, landed in Mendoza and within minutes were pounding the pavement in this small, bustling city. Many wines were tasted. The steak was amazing, fit for my 6’3 travelling companion who made sure to order everything ‘a pobre’ (a side of 2 fried eggs, french fries & sauteed onions). We explored Buenos Aires next, experienced the craziness that is a Boca Juniors football match, and definitely learned to Tango. All in all, these two countries wet our appetite for future excursions down south. I doubt if we’ll be allowed to travel elsewhere now that Pete’s experienced his favourite place on earth.