For the last 6 days, I found myself in Argentina on a hunting trip that was like nothing I have ever experienced. Having never been to South America before, I very much felt like a stranger in a strange land. Even while I had several friends on the hunt, it was a time and place where I felt very much alone. Seeing a country with a totally different look, different people and different cultures was truly an experience to make you realize just how big the world is and how much of it I have yet to see.
Having time to think about things and see new things gives you a whole new perspective on the world and the things around you. While a lot of the time was spent hunting. there were many differences in the everyday life that I am accustomed to seeing. To see a farmer ride a horse instead of a machine was truly unique. To get to watch people cook outside on an open flame that wasn’t from a fancy barbeque grill was also very interesting. To have no wifi, internet and cell service for 4 out of the 6 days may truly have been the neatest part because I was able to get out of touch with the world for a few minutes.
It was fun to focus on hunting and have that be the only focus of how good your next shot could be and how far to lead a bird with your shot to make the best hit possible. This was definitely a time like none I have ever experienced since being an adult. The last week was truly a settling experience as I was able to settle down for a couple of days and not have my universe revolve around clients, coworkers, family and friends. Don’t be mistaken, I missed all of them very much and am glad to be back. But being – for lack of better terms – alone in a faraway place did a lot of good for my soul and rest.
Being a stranger in a strange land was very unique and truly broadened my horizons on parts of the world that were completely foreign to me before.