Buenos Aires
Date: May 18, 2002

Hola !

I hope this email finds you all well.

I am writing form Buenos Aires. Yesterday I arrived on the ferry from Colonia, Uruguay. I rode my bike through downtown at night. The vibrancy and architecture of the city reminded me of Manhattan. This is the perfect place to end my Latin American adventure. The steak that I have been pursuing is waiting for me at two different restaraunts. I devour the first one tonight. Spiderman is playing in the local theaters. Tomorrow I go clothes shopping. There are some amazing bargains. The realization that I MADE IT is slowly sinking in. I can be a normal tourist/ person for the next 3 weeks. I want to thank you all for your support. I could not have done this alone and I hope you enjoyer the ride.

I rested my chin on the clothes line that was strung across the roof of my hotel in Paysandu, Uruguay. I dejectedly watched the ominous black clouds that boiled above the Uruguay River. Scott approached and asked if we should ride today. A flash of lightening and an instantaneous crack of thunder sent me scurrying for the safety of my hotel room. Fate had spoken and I spent the day reflecting on my bike trip through Latin America. It is difficult for me to encapsulate my adventure in one email. Some of my most lucid moments were when pen and paper were not available.

I asked myself. What have I learned ? How have I changed ?

I recall a movie. I do not remember the title. I only remember that Danny Devito was the actor that delivered the lines. A younger actor asked Devito if he ( the younger actor ) had character. Devito's response was no. He said, " You are too young to know what you regret. It is only when you are older that you will know true regret. When you realize with all your heart that you wished you had done something differently. Only if you still choose to dream with this burden will you obtain character. When out get out of bed in the morning to pursue something that on the day seems crazy. " From this definition I do feel that I have gained character.

I have been humbled. When I left home I considered myself a generous person. During my travels I have been shown kindness on a scale beyond what I have ever given. As a stranger I have been welcomed into home and family. In most cases I did not ask. They found me and offered what they had. They were proud of my presence in their home. From their example I understand that I have much to learn.

I have become aware of the stereotypes that I believed. When I crossed the border into Mexico I feared what I anticipated. Latin America is dangerous. Crime is rampant. The police and military are corrupt. Americans are not welcomed. If anybody asks I should tell them that I am a Canadian. All of my fears were gained second hand. What I found is a people and culture not radically different than my own. During my 8 and 1/2 months I never felt threatened. ( except by the crazy bus drivers in Guatemala ) Through countless military checkpoint I was never asked for money and my bags were half heartedly searched in only one instance. The oddity of my appearance seemed to alliviate the soldier's boredom. I was robbed in Quito. A fate that I could have easily suffered in the States.

I have gained a greater respect for my own country. The principles embodied in The United States Constitution are inspiring. These ideals foster a spirit of enterpenuership and a desire to rise above. I believe that I am free to alter my future. In Latin America this spirit seems stifled by a belief that nothing will every change .

I also realized that I desire to be happier and more fullfilled in life. One of my regrets during my journey has been the lack of time. I felt I was passing through instead of truly exploring and becoming part of a greater whole. Too many times in life I have chosen to not make the effort. The bumper sticker, " Jesus is coming. Look Busy. " is a disturbing mirror of my own life.

For those who enjoy reading People Magazine I give you my best and worst list.

My favorite country- Bolivia
The most scenic country- Bolivia
My favorite people- Argentina
My favorite place- Machu Picchu, Peru
The best food- Central Mexico ( Tacos )
The most interesting culture- Central Mexico
My Favorite day- Skinny dipping in the moonlight Juchitan, Mexico
My most frightening momment- Crashing in a tunnel El Salvador
My fondest memory- Ramiro's family, Argentina
My favorite gesture- The soldier that saluted me La Paz, Mexico
What I missed the most- Family, friends and my bed
My biggest regret- refusing an invitation to lunch to ride in the rain. Duh !
My biggest frustration- pollution and the Spanish language

I want to welcome you all to join me on the Fish and Chips Tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland. I intend to depart London on the 10th of June.

I will see you soon,

Dennis