Walking4Air

I can hardly believe it’s been almost 1 month since I left the shores of my beautiful country, South Africa and with such a heavy heart the time has come for me to say goodbye and return back home.

I feel trapped. No part of me wants to leave. I tell myself over and over again, it’s time to leave the city, but each time I think about it the city attracts me like a magnet, pulling me back on her streets. I think Buenos Aires is like a jealous boyfriend.

But as they say all good things must come to an end so a fitting final Argentinian post would be to pay homage to the wonderful and amazing people who have walked this part of my journey with me.

Thank you to each one of you for the part you played in making my stay in Argentina one of the best ever, so in no particular order, here we go…

To the most amazing, inspiring, giving and caring team I could hope to climb a mountain with. Each one of you have given me something special that I have carried off the mountain. We may not have summited but wow, what a journey that was!

To our incredible guides… There are really no words for the way you look after us, for the way your care and for your passion for the mountain ~ thank you for everything plus more that you gave us on the mountain. You certainly are the finest and we got the pick of the crop!

To beautiful friendships made and old friendships strengthened and of course to countless games of monopoly wherever we could ~ on the mountain, in a tent, in the laundromat and even at posh hotels. Early morning, noon and late into the night, wherever and whenever we could, we were pulling out the cards and playing a game. Thanks for the laughs, for the underhandedness and sly moves. This is what memories are made of!

To the late nights like naught kids spent on the 10th floor balcony of our hotel. The views were gorgeous from night to morning, the Malbec red wine we sneaked up there was always smooth and the company and the laughs were simply the best.

To my incredible friends from back home, my tent mate and travel mate and the other, my mountain angel. There really are no words but the bonds we have speak volumes alone. I can’t wait to climb another mountain with you both and share more amazingness of mountain life together. I’m blessed to have you both in my life.

To Argentina, for taking me in whole and not wanting to let me go. I have loved everything about been here. The drivers aren’t that bad and crossing the road is easy, just don’t make eye contact with the driver. Yes, even after two cocktails and an unexpected two way street, it really all works out just fine!

To all those back home and to all my blog followers in the months leading up to my climb, for your support and encouragement and especially to those of you who donated towards my Cystic Fibrosis fundraising efforts, my biggest most heartfelt thanks. Thank you for helping me make a difference in the life of someone living with this life-taking disease for which we desperately seek a cure. I will continue to Walk4Air until a cure can be found.

And lastly, but certainly not least, to my wonderful parents, you are my biggest fans. Thank you for your support each time I come up with another crazy adventure. Thank you for supporting my ideas no matter how big, far fetched and crazy they may seem at first. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your love and support and just saying thank you would just never be enough but thank you anyway!

The full story of my Journey to the Top (well almost) of Aconcagua will be coming soonish to my blog once I have settled back at home and written all the posts and sorted through my photos. If you enjoyed my journey to the top of Kilimanjaro, this one is sure to have you hooked too.

What an amazing journey this has been, becoming more of who I truly am. Thank you for been apart of my journey. Thank you for sharing apart of yourself with me and mostly, thank you for the wonderful friendships and memories I have added to my pile that makes up my incredible life.

I may not have reached the summit of Aconcagua, but I certainly have reached new heights (highs)!

Now, as I travel homeward bound later tonight, it’s time for me to take my final bow from Argentina.

Thanks for the memories.