Some acts, actions or things that previously went unnoticed take on curious meaning. Specifically, I am referring to the value that objects acquire when you live traveling, and especially when you have a great limitation in terms of your luggage weight. This type of adventure requires us to rationalize our belongings as much as possible, since every gram we carry counts, it is felt in every pedal stroke, and much more so if one is in mountainous terrain or climbing at more than 4,000 meters high.
The act of incorporating or exchanging objects has taken on an emotional and practical tone, unthinkable at another time in my life. The relationship with luggage has been changing with the passing of the days, the climate, the geography and the needs. These unpredictable and changing factors have taught me, against my will on several occasions, to get rid of objects or clothing and to select only what is really useful and necessary to continue traveling. If I told you right now that you had to carry your closet, your kitchen, your bathroom, and your bedroom on a bicycle, where would you start?
The first fifteen days of traveling through Argentina were extremely demanding and not precisely because of the road or weather conditions, but because we had our bicycles too loaded. We began the trip transporting clothing and objects under the motto of “just in case I need it.” This approach necessarily changed, and perhaps one of the first and most important learnings when it comes to traveling by bicycle arose: you only take what is really necessary and basic. So it was on those two weeks after starting this adventure that we had to do a practical and relieving cleaning of our luggage, carrying only what was essential to eat, sleep, clean ourselves and repair the bicycles.
This forced detachment caused a change in our mentality and life, and forced us to forget what has been directly or indirectly instilled in us since childhood in modern societies: buy, accumulate and continue buying. It was an extremely difficult change, but necessary to be able to continue with our goal of reaching Mexico.
The little we have, we use, we need it, it becomes truly essential for our daily lives and that is why we take care of it and appreciate it greatly. This is not part of our luggage because of its monetary value or its resale price, but because of its usefulness, because of the practical or even sentimental value that it may acquire. Not only does the object have an emotional imprint, but the act of exchange also carries a very particular emotional charge. In this way, the simple giving of a gift brings within a display of affection, love and respect, which is only understood by those who see that element as a symbol rather than a commodity.
I find it difficult for these simple moments to be appreciated in the course of a “normal life”, where needs are superfluous and are created at every moment, where things quickly acquire a market value and what is practical or really necessary remains in a second flat.
The trip constantly teaches me to value not only the objects, but also the people and the moments that surround them; to avail myself; to solve my daily needs with the few, but practical tools I have; to not desire what I do not possess; and enjoy what surrounds me. The trip simplifies life and the development of the days enlivens the feeling, keeps me focused on what really matters, strengthens my spirit, makes me nobler and awakens a sensitivity unknown to me. We are owners of feeling and thinking in our lives. Making it simple makes us great.
From the book `Notes from an announced trip. Reflections of an adventure cycling through Latin America´ de Fermín Lago Passucci.
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