He is Chilean and visited Argentina with a group of friends with the prejudice of coming across “raw and proud people”.

Christopher Diaz He is Chilean, lives in Santiago and is a motorcycle mechanic. A fan of crossings and road trips aboard his Royal Enfield 650, this summer he realized his dream of crossing the mountains and visiting Argentina. It was the first time he had left Chilean territory and he had mixed feelings: he knew he would be captivated by the majesty of its landscapes but also that he would have to meet “proud and convinced peopleas he had heard it many times.

On his social networks Christopher uses the pseudonym Huaso Fish, and from there he depicts much of his journey; in which he was accompanied by his girlfriend, Constanza Gonzáles, and some friends.

“Guys, I’m from Chile and I came to Argentina with a group of friends thinking of discovering this beautiful country but with the fear of meeting proud and confident people as we hear in many places”, Huaso wrote in his first post, which was shared by the newspaper Black River. Everything that would come later surprised him and he relived it in an interview with Infobase.

The Chilean Huaso Fish with his adventure companions, through the Argentine roads
The Chilean Huaso Fish with his adventure companions, through the Argentine roads

The first destination of the itinerary was the the city of Mendoza, where they fell exhausted -literally- in the Parque San Martín. “We arrived without a plan. We were super tired and jumped up the pass to rest. The two boys who were looking after our motorbikes approached us and they were the ones who advised us where to stop since we were only guided by the notices on Google Map,” recalls Huaso. “They were incredibly helpful since our goal was to spend the night at a campsite and they explained to us that they were very far from the center,” he added.

With their tents and sleeping bags on their backs, they continued walking along Route 7 and passed by Saint-Saint-Louis, where they stopped at Embalse de La Florida, the largest dam in the province.

“The money exchange was super favorable for us despite the fact that we were moving from place to place and found price differences. We were very aware of what was happening in Argentina because In the bars, people were talking a lot about politics and complaining about inflation”, said Huaso, who was able to derive income from this situation. “In Chile, charging the tank of the motorcycle costs between 12 and 13 dollars while in Argentina we filled it with 3 or 4 dollars“, he illustrated.

Huaso Fish arrived with his motorbike at the intersection of Corrientes and 9 de Julio to take a selfie at the obelisk
Huaso Fish arrived with his motorbike at the intersection of Corrientes and 9 de Julio to take a selfie at the obelisk

When they arrived in downtown Buenos Aires, they couldn’t believe campsites didn’t exist, so they had to stay in a hostel in Palermo. The photos were taken in Obelisk and in the pink house, they went around the Japanese garden and tasted delicious Creole dishes in Port Madero.

“The first thing we did was visit Corrientes Avenue, stroll through its streets and immerse yourself in its culture. The gastronomy also caught our attention. We had never eaten pizzas with so much mozzarella and such big plates. Everything was to be shared and the toppings overflowed the plates,” Huaso is surprised. “I fell in love with milanesas and dulce de leche“, he admitted.

The Chileans could not believe this "abundant" What were the dishes they ate in a restaurant in Corrientes Avenue?
Chileans couldn’t believe how ‘abundant’ the food they ate at a restaurant on Corrientes Avenue

They also took the time to listen and dance the tango in the Caminito Street (La Boca) and live the passion of Argentine football by visiting Bombonniere. “At a gas station we met two boys who were driving a motorbike and they told us that we couldn’t leave La Boca without visiting La Bombonera, which is the home of Diego Maradona. We found this huge blue and yellow building, with this giant shield and all the streets painted with the image of 10. It was exciting,” said the Chilean.

Huaso at the door of La Bombonera
Huaso at the door of La Bombonera

Huaso was very struck by the size of the federal capital and the long journeys they had to make to get from one place to another: “Santiago is five times smaller than Buenos Aires. That’s why we always left on time.”

There were also warnings about picketing and insecurity. “The same Buenos Aires told us to pay attention to the demonstrations they make around the Obelisk and that so that nothing happens to us or to the motorcycles. They recommended us to visit the center at sunset or at night. For this reason, all of our photos at the Obelisk are at night,” he said.

Huaso Obelisk Selfie with Girlfriend
Huaso Obelisk Selfie with Girlfriend

One of the customs that caught his attention the most was that there were people picnicking by the side of the road or drinking mate under the trees. This is what they experienced on the way to Mar del Plata and it was very special for them because it is not common in Chile. “We lived it and the feeling was great. People were very affectionate and even invited us with their companion. We liked it so much that instead of asking for tea or coffee in hostels, we asked for mate cocido,” he explained.

The Chileans visited the La Boca neighborhood and walked along Caminito Street
The Chileans visited the La Boca neighborhood and walked along Caminito Street

Road to White Bay, they were plunged into the middle of an electrical storm which shocked them; especially for riding between lightning and hot rain without being so cold. They also had to overcome the fury of the wind when they reached Three streams.

“We never know insecurity. I think it was because the very people we met along the way were warning us about places we shouldn’t visit to avoid being robbed or something bad happening to us. We felt that they were taking care of us despite this stupid rivalry between Argentinians and Chileans which has been installed for many years,” Huaso remarked.

The first stopover they made in Patagonian territory was in Neuquen, where they were amazed by the dinosaur fossils and the Route of the Seven Lakes, on the way to San Martín de los Andes. There, they strolled downtown by day and savored local craft beer by night. They got to know Villa El Chocón and took the gravel road to Los Gigantes, where they watched “the best sunset”.

The first stop the Chileans made in Patagonian territory was in Neuquén, where they marveled at the dinosaur fossils and the Route of the Seven Lakes
The first stop the Chileans made in Patagonian territory was in Neuquén, where they marveled at the dinosaur fossils and the Route of the Seven Lakes

Finally they arrived at Black River; specifically in San Carlos de Bariloche, the most awaited destination of the trip for its impressive landscapes, tours and excursions. They were fascinated by the number of confectioneries in Miter Street and the local pastry, especially the delicacies offered by the Cerro Campanario confectionery.

“I was surprised by the welcome, its warm and very friendly people. I am in another Argentina, not the one you are told but the one I live in”, Huaso recanted after the experiences accumulated during his journey through six provinces.

“Before speaking and judging Argentines, you have to get to know them. Despite everything we were told, we tried to make our own experience. Never in my life will I forget the Argentina that I lived. It’s a thousand times different from what they told me: warm, loving and with good caring people. We have to stop repeating nonsense or nonsense – as you say – about Argentina,” Huaso concluded about the wonderful experience he has of our country.

Continue reading:

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