Soccer - not the only passion in S.A.

I don't know why the amusing movie 'Nacho Livre' about the passion of Mexicans towards 'luta livre' came into my mind. I guess it is linked with my perception of how 'southern' men are passionate with sports, especially when it comes to soccer. In Europe we don't know much about the 'Copa Americana', but travelling down South along Patagonia's majestic landscape, emotions quickly rise with Chile being the reigning bi-champion (and Argentine only runner-up).


Eventually i want to tell a different story, but meeting Zé Pequenino has something in common with that unconditional competitive spirit. Yesterday was my day to hike the first leg of the famous "W" in the 'Parque Nacional Torres del Paine', reached by a two-hour bus ride from Puerto Natales, served by three bus companies. I got my ticket at my shabby hostel - "cheap", as my host told me, although someone else did not use it and he simply wrote my name over the previous owner and changed the date of departure. No worries, down south people are flexible to overcome some written regulatory framework.


Arriving early morning at the bus terminal, I only could identify the other two carriers. Oh, five minutes to shedule mine appeared too - not one of the newer semi-sleeper coaches, nor as big as the others. But we had Zé Pequenino as driver. And although we departed last, it quickly became clear Zé was on a mission - his competitive instinct to show the big guys he's still the man to beat.


I don't know if you ever travelled by bus in South America. At least I have lots of experience from Africa - so again: no worries, you anyway have no access to the stearing wheel, nor the breaks. Soon after departure we overtook two busses at once, and most passengers were smiling, as this means we are first in the lane to obtain an entry ticket to this most popular park. When we catched another one, most passengers were relieved in hope Zé Pequenino will control his lead. But than we saw far ahead in a sharp U-turn another bus ... oh gosh, the race was far from over - and Zé confirmed it indirectly as he got into an emotional conversation on his radio.


It took us some time and some sweat, maybe some tears on the seats far back, but as I write these lines you already do guess correctly that he did it. Still there was already a long quew in front of the park's administraton, and somehow I had the feeling, Zé Pequenino has his personal race each day, and showing up late with his old bus is part of the game ...


Oh, for the day out in the park I may conclude: never underestimate the four-seasons within a day ... who made it up to the lookout got soaked on the way down. And who did not sit on the bus of Zé Pequenino and arrived an hour later, never made it up ... lookout trail closed by park rangers due to strong winds.

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