RAPE, BANDITRY, CROOKED COPS, CORRUPT BORDER OFFICIALS
 

I have read so many warnings to travelers as to the horrors encountered in Latin America. I completed last years a 60000 kilometer journey by small motorcycle (Honda 125) from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego and back north to New York. True that a fat bearded man aged 75 is an unlikely victim for sexual assault nor a particularly tempting target for bandits (better a rider in bespoke leathers on a Harley or BMW) - however, neither did I encounter a crooked cop. As to borders, all officials in some 60 crossings were friendly and helpful.
Travel with confidence, be sensible, treat people with courtesy and you will have a wonderful experience.
Anyone interested can find an account of my journey on my website http:www.simongandolfi.com
Message me if you have a specific query.

Interestingly, my Vet just mentioned to me yesterday this book. I've thought paul theroux's account of that trek by train was intriguing, by motorbike must be more so.

Curious, was there a specific country you found more friendly than others?

You are a brave and adventurous "old man" Simon !
I am guessing you loved the Motorcycle Diaries? :)

Tell us more about it .. on here.. please ~

I hope your vet enjoyed OLD MAN ON A BIKE. I found a copy of the Patagonian Express while staying with friends in Guatemala. I read as far as page 180 before moving on. In those 180 pages Theroux hadn't met anyone he liked nor been anywhere he liked! I met three tiresome people in 60000 Ks and found everywhere fascinating and mostly beautiful other than city slums. A truck broke my leg in Tierra del Fuego on the first day of my ride north. Graciela of the Hotel Argentino in Rio Grande took charge, putting a single bed in her own room for me so as to be on hand should I take a fall in the night. No, this wasn't a romance. Graciela is young and beautiful and intelligent. I am a fat old man aged 76 who has to get up in the night - and I snore!
I was there for five weeks and Graciela refused any payment. The kindness and generosity I encountered from everyone in Rio Grande has left me deeply ashamed of some of the Tabloid headlines during the Malvinas/Falklands War.
Once out of plaster and with the bike rebuilt, I headed on with crutches on my bike! That journey north is dedicated to those friends in Rio Grande.

Fantastic !!! Muchas gracias :)

I don't think Theroux found anyone he liked in any of his travels.

Attitude is everything.

Where do I start on your blog to find your Veracruz to Tierra del Fuego account? I thrashed about a bit but could not find it. Then again, I'm even older than you.

Are you going to do a book about it?

Thanks,

:-)

Simon. Now I see you did write a book about your ride. I tried Googling, but got no hits. I tried Amazon.com, but they had never heard of it. I finally tried the British Amazon site, and they had it for sale. The postage to the States doubled the cost, but I am looking forward to a good read.

:-)

My apologies, Nukesafe. Yes, Amazon anywhere: Canada, Australia, NZ, any European country - but not Amazon.com which is USA. This has to do with contract rights.

Damn! I could have saved a significant amount on shipping if I had just tried the Canadian site; plus it would have gotten here a lot sooner.

Well --- it's only money --- and money well spent, I'm sure.

:-)

I am about to open a pay pal account to send signed copies to the US. Anyway, enjoy (please!)...