With each stop I made to reach my destination, I moved further and further away from what I had always identified as a city: the hustle and bustle, the crowded cars, the buildings, and the freeways. Gone were the crowds and the masses of people. On the contrary, natural landscapes were making their debut and making themselves felt, large extensions of natural foliage, people in agricultural activities, multiple vegetable crops, pastures and animals at free will, mules and horses as a means of transportation, prevailing over the scarce vehicles.

Everything was soft and comforting, flowing in perfect harmony, nothing was missing. I was absorbed and wondered how so much hidden beauty was possible. Of course, the high temperatures were evident, the heat accelerated my heartbeat, I would say that the ambient temperature was over 30°C, and sweat was running all over my body. However, nothing dampened my satisfaction. Pure and untouched nature was expressing itself and manifesting itself before my astonished gaze. It was a welcome feast, just for me.

"We're here, we're here, ma'am," the driver said to me. I glimpsed a few meters away some locals who were waiting for me, with a big jug of juice (panela with lemon) and some traditional sweets from my country called "Catalinas". Hugs, words of welcome, everyone smiled. A lady named Elisa took over the leadership, she told me that she would make sure that everything in my residence was in order and that I should not hesitate to ask her anything I needed. They immediately recognized my exhaustion and politely directed me to the assigned house, right next to the place that would be my workspace. Several children proudly carried my bags.

The residence was modest, but everything was in perfect order and shone in neatness. Its interior released a heat that suffocated, that would be a purpose to overcome in the coming times, acclimatize, there was no other option. To help dissipate the heat there were only two pedestal fans, one in the living room and one in the master bedroom. Left alone in my new home, I quickly took a shower and then went to inspect the kitchen and what it contained. It was stocked with fresh, locally grown, and freshly harvested foods. Catching my eye were the fruits, they looked appetizing. So I took watermelon, melon, papaya, and mango. They harmonized heavenly, in a juicy fruit salad, that was my dinner. Almost immediately sleep came over me between yawns and yawns, and I didn't hear from myself until the next morning.

I started working hard, discovering with joy day by day that I liked what I was doing. Sometimes it was exhausting, including mornings, afternoons, and some evenings; but that didn't make a dent, I sincerely enjoyed it. Whenever I could, I would go for walks and interact with nature in all its splendor. But not everything was complete, I felt nostalgia and melancholy for my family, I missed them very much.

When the time was available, Mr. Joaquin would take me on his motorcycle to the town of Sabana de Mendoza, where there was a public telephone and there I would talk for a few minutes with those who were at home at the time, almost always with my mother. They were punctual conversations, without extension, behind me other people also wanted to use the phone. I missed the long conversations we had at home, but that was the reality, I had to accept it and accept it.

In the evenings under the starry sky, in the courtyard looking for some freshness, with my steaming cup of coffee, I thought that my birthday was approaching, one more year of life, happy and grateful for it, but it would be different, I would not be with the family...

When that day came, I remember it was Friday, a sunny and cheerful day. I dressed with special attention, it was my birthday and I was going to enjoy it in my way. I started my working day with enthusiasm. The afternoon came and it was time to go home. A few minutes after being at home, there was a knock at the door, it was Mrs. Rosa, who called insistently: "I'm coming, I'm going to open the door", I answered from the back of the hallway, trying to calm the woman down.

I opened the door and almost in unison, many voices raised their tone with euphoria "Surprise, surprise, here we are, your family, we love you!" my parents and my sister said excitedly. Everyone expressed "Happy, happy birthday!". It was a very special birthday, and we all had a great time. It is one of my fondest memories in my life. It was the surprise that dissipated the distance.