Imagining Argentina

Carlos travels south to the pampas, a spread of fertile grasslands that fringe the Buenos Aires city center. Many Argentinians choose to speed through the pampas, crediting them as little more than a wasteland. However, Carlos thinks differently. As he travels through small towns and wide, open plains, he forgets the stress of urban life. The intense heat creates a mirage, and Carlos spies ranchers, hawks, and cattle emerging from the distance. 

One night, Carlos rents a room in a small hotel. Dining at a nearby cafe, Carlos meets Domingo, a gaucho who initially assumes that Carlos is a policeman. Carlos quickly explains that he’s searching for Cecilia, and Domingo shares that his nephew has similarly disappeared. 

The next day, Carlos drives further into the pampas. When a flamingo catches his attention, Carlos turns, noticing a gravel lane that stretches away from the highway. A small sign stands near the lane, indicating the distant house “Esperanza” and introducing its proprietors as Amos and Sara Sternberg. 

Suddenly, a flock of birds surrounds Carlos, and he recognizes macaws, parrots, cockatoos, and Argentine goldfinches. Carlos follows one of the goldfinches down the lane, toward the house. As it comes into view, Carlos notices the house’s bright colors.