Chapter 4 <Lover︱Argentina Travel>

After the big bus carrying us drove through the Great Plains for the whole morning, it finally turned into a boulevard with towering ancient trees. A small wooden sign was nailed to an old tree, which read: Sleepy Ranch. The grassland under the clear summer sky is scattered with cattle and sheep that look like toys. At the end of the horizon, the pale gray huts are emitting green smoke. There are herds of unbridled horses at the edge of the woods, and a happy black dog is chasing on the grass. , and the creek that runs through the pasture binds this piece of dream land like a ribbon. At the bottom of the road, dust was raised, and several horses galloped towards us.

There was a commotion among the tourists in the car, and they all leaned out of the window to shake their hands, and the tiredness of the long journey disappeared in an instant. When did my window already have riders, the beauty of the muscles of those horses is dazzling. The name of the ranch is as sweet and unreal as the scenery in front of you. How can there be such a paradise in the world? Facing the ranch that has already entered, I still don't believe it. Looking at those flesh and blood Gao Qiu, how can I understand that they are also people like me! For a moment, my heart was overwhelmed by a huge and soft joy, and the beauty of life was once again proved to me.

Others were in a hurry to get out of the car, but I held my chin with both hands and didn't dare to move, for fear that I would burst into tears for a moment. Isn't the day you dream of in your life just to put it here? A man on horseback was watching me attentively, his piercing gaze was scorching even under the shade of a tree. Come down!still sleeping?little girl!The guide shouted from the grass. In the eyes of foreigners, I look like a little girl in overalls with pigtails, who knows what I am thinking! I straightened my clothes and finally got out of the car. The man on the horse reined in and bent down to help me. My hand slipped through his and I smiled at him.

Joining a tour group to do a one-day tour is the first time in the four and a half months of long-distance travel. This stop in Argentina only wanted to see the ranch, and there was no private connection, so I had to ask a travel agency to arrange it, and I agreed to go only where there were horses to ride. When I bought the ticket, I asked again and again whether the movement was restricted. If I had to follow the guide, then I would not participate. As long as you come back during lunch, if you don’t want to watch other performances, you are free, and you are not restricted! When the tour guide saw me get off the bus, she immediately showed me again, with a very kind and pleasant attitude.

After getting out of the car, a group of Gaoqiu were already playing the guitar and singing the song of the prairie beside a large row of racks of steaks, lambs, and sausages grilled over charcoal fire. Saddled horses stood in the woods far away. The noon sun was not hot, and clusters of copper plates fell on the horses grazing quietly. A large number of tourists around, including Misha, mostly entered a thatched hut to drink frozen wine and lemon juice. I was not in a hurry to ride a horse, and watched the costumes of the high furs, and watched them intently. Gao Qiu is a special kind of resident on the Argentine grasslands. Earlier, this word meant: a child without a father.

In 1580, the Spaniard Arias moved cattle into Argentina, a land of nearly 3 million square kilometers in South America. At that time, due to the difficulty of management, the cattle herd spread and grew, and finally became tens of thousands of bison. At that time, a kind of people who lived in an uncertain place, called Gaoqiu, began to live with the bison. They did not graze, did not occupy land, and lived by water and grass.Their way of life has evolved to the point where it has become synonymous with cowboy life on the ranch. The Gaoqiu people still wear ancient black jackets, lantern trousers of the same color, wide belts with silver coins on their waists, cowhide boots, and a silver sheath knife as long as an elbow inserted in the back. A fedora hat on the head and a handkerchief tied around the neck will always follow.

A hole is dug in the thick material, and the jumper fur that is worn over the head is a coat in winter, and it is also a blanket for sleeping in the cold field. In addition to these things, the people who live in the prairie may only have a guitar besides a horse. In the past, Gao Qiu had no family, no regular women, and as a result of being merciful everywhere, a group of children without fathers were born. I drank two glasses of fine purple wine, and then asked Misha if he would go horseback riding. Sunshine, besides riding a horse, I will die of soreness tomorrow! Let's enjoy it first!No pain and no joy, right?

don't go!He said. Then I went!In a while, you will take pictures of Ma and me! I left the crowd and ran over to the horses. I couldn't hear my own footsteps on the silent grassland. The horses saw me and there was a slight commotion. Don't be afraid, baby, come on, come on, I leaned up gently and whispered next to a brown horse. Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, be good!I tried to stroke the horse's nose slowly with my hand, but it didn't move. I put my arms around and kissed the horse, it looked so comfortable against me, and looked at me tenderly with big eyes.

Let's go play, you take me, okay?I asked. The horse didn't speak, and moved closer to me. I untied the bridle, climbed onto the iron railing, pulled the saddle again, and stepped up. let's go!Good boy!I patted the horse, and the two began to trot in the sun. I don't know how old the horse is, maybe because the weather is still too hot for it, it doesn't run vigorously, and finally it just started to walk slowly under the big blue sky. Don't force the horse to carry me to run fast, sit up straight, let the breeze of the grassland blow freely, my heart is flying here.

There was nothing around, and goshawks circled high in the cloudless sky. When that man came galloping, he first brought up a puff of smoke on the grassland, his scarf trembled in the wind like a flying white bird, and the sound of horseshoes churning wildly could be heard from far away, straight towards me catch up. Seeing that it was Gao Qiu who pinned me to look at when I got out of the car again, I turned around and stopped looking at him. The big horse rushed past me with a rush, and the whip that was held high in its hand hit my back with a strong whip. He hit my horse. The horse ate the whip and neighed, and as soon as I pulled the rein tight, it simply stood up, and I also barked wildly.

The people in front heard me yelling and reined in their horses. Seeing that I didn't fall, they turned around and ran again. My horse chased after me frantically. The chasing horse can't be retracted no matter what, let it gallop, I don't know when I will roll off the horse's back. The horse in front ran into the woods, and I saw the low-hanging branches getting closer, and I lowered my head and hugged the horse's neck. ah help The man stood where I rushed in, reaching for my rein, and the horse stopped hard, kicking its hooves and panting. I can't ride a horse, why are you making such a joke? She was so frightened that she trembled all over, and cried out as if she was about to cry. That Gaucho came over and handed him a handkerchief. I opened it with a pat, slid off the horse, hugged a tree and coughed non-stop. sorry! You did it on purpose, go away!Get out! He stared at me for a long time, with a slight smile on his face, and stopped talking. He picked up me who was still struggling, threw me on the empty horse, and walked out of the forest leisurely without turning his head. During lunch, I was sitting at the end of the long table. The Gao Qius started to play guitars.At the banquet in the ranch, the long table was filled with a large plate of rough and bloody steak. The first Argentine folk song today is Gao Qiu among us, specially designated as a gift to a Chinese girl, and I offer her the most sincere welcome Hearing the guitarist say that, he didn't look up, not knowing who he was referring to, and there was applause all around. Chinese girl, that's you!The tour guide Sylvia pointed at me and called. I put down the knife and fork, stood up and raised my hands as a thank you, and the love song drifted down the empty grassland, and I don't know who sent it. A small square table under a big tree far away is specially covered with a white tablecloth, and a chair is waiting for people to come, not a seat for tourists. The man who hit my horse sat at the separate table when no one was paying attention.Immediately, the barbeque waiter brought up a wine and steak. I glanced at the man, and he quietly raised his wine glass to me from a distance, so slight that only the two of us knew it. This long lunch just refused to look at him again. In fact, he was a very handsome man. The equestrian show was lively and lively in the grassland, and the galloping horses attracted a group of bareback horses, so many hounds rushed out of nowhere, barking along with the commotion. I sat on a wooden box, far away from the audience, and dozens of huge oleocarpus trees behind me cast a dense shade. The horse, which was particularly richly dressed, was not performing. I turned around quietly, and saw him riding a horse, standing in the depths of the forest, looking at me in a daze. We stared at each other for a long time, but neither of us would move. He rode his horse lightly and moved towards me. The horse's hoof moved one more step and was about to step on me. I stood up, leaned against the tree trunk, and glared at him. The surrounding noise suddenly disappeared, and the woods were so quiet that there was only the sound of rustling and wind blowing. come up!he said softly. I hesitated for a moment, then met his gaze again. I didn't say anything, just straightened the wooden box, stood on it, and didn't move or beg him. He bent down to mention it, and I got on his horseback. The man took advantage of the situation and kissed my hair. hug me.He said. I did it obediently. The horse trotted around the woods and slowly left the crowd watching the show. Do you like ranch? love it!I sigh. Do you like Gaoqiu? Are you a real gao qiu? Of course, children, all their lives are! I am not a child.I said. The man reined in his horse, turned around, held my hand, looked at me quietly, and looked deeply into my eyes. A woman like you, the way you talk to horses, should be a gaucha by nature, child, I have been watching you! There is no Gaocha, only the man named Gaoqiu on the ranch, not the woman.I laughed. Where did you learn Spanish?he asks. madrid. Do you know, in Argentina, how do country people like us call their wives? China.I said, laughing at the thought that the wives of Bolivian devils pronounced it that way too. Would you like to be an entry into China? She was originally a Chinese woman! He played word games, so it was hard to talk about it. Take me to see the cows.I patted the horse and it started to trot. take you to a place The woods do not go.I said. no The man galloped his horse and stopped talking. He didn't stop when he ran to the river, entered the big willow tree that was completely sealed, and waded through the flowing water. Is it true that every week when a tour group comes, there must be a woman of a different nationality on his horseback? Thinking that I might be just a sum collected by others, I wanted to get off my horse and walk. I regretted my frivolity very much for a while. No one came to this place on weekdays, not even people from the pasture.He said. After running for a long time, a large Victorian house appeared like a giant on the silent prairie. He stopped his horse and stood at a distance. That building can't be denied is a dream charm in the world, standing quietly on the horizon, with the blinds all around, under the afternoon sun, there is a frozen silence. Like it? I like it very much, very much. I'm about to cry, all of this is happiness that I can't see in my daily life! Let's take a closer look!He rode slowly. This person met by chance, but he knows me and what I want in my heart. Do you add such a program every week when tourists visit you?I said. He stopped his horse, turned around, and smiled a little. Baby, I am special to you, why do you despise yourself instead! Whose house is this?I asked. Ranchers, with this thousand hectares of land and cattle and sheep, we don't rely on tourists for food Who is the owner of the ranch? Mr Jamora. Can't live in this house anymore? His wife died, the children were separated, he can live anywhere by himself, there is no need for a house. Then just leave and take nothing with you. The ranch is his life, you know? How can you not understand it!Gao Qiu lost the grassland, is he still Gao Qiu?Gao Qiu doesn't ride a horse, so why not go to the city by bus? They are a special kind of people who cannot live without horses, cows and sky! This ranch has been visited by many tour groups. What they want to see are only those performances. Few people love and move the land, he said. I You are not, so I took you on horseback, don't you understand? I remained silent, leaning on his back, and the horse carried me closer and closer to the house. Being a Gaoqiu is a joy, although this kind of wilderness life in the eyes of others is difficult. I like. Knowing that you like it, if you live here, you won't be able to live without it for three to five years.come down!He dismounted and took me off the ground. Are you going to look at the house?I was a little surprised. The man didn't speak, and took out a large bunch of keys. How can you have the key?I won't go in. Don't want to watch it?he asked lightly. The master is not here.I insist on not going in. also good!He was dull, but he concealed it well. What do you want to see? herd.I said. very far. It doesn't matter. He lightly whipped the horse and drove me to the horizon. We didn't speak any more along the way. Tired, let me down!After seeing the herd of cattle, I don't know how far I have left the place where the barbecue is. Over there, there is a place where there is a straight log, and there is a living well. Drink some water and you won't be tired. I'll wait for you here. As he said that, he got off the horse and adjusted the ankle ring to a stable height for me. I ride alone? Try it, don't be afraid, you will like it. He hit the horse lightly, and I ran into the blood-red sun on the evening grassland. This is a way for him to seduce women. Don't be fooled. Some women can't use this method, but for me, it's completely right. The slanting sun couldn't catch up, so I yelled at the steed without drinking any water, and galloped in the wilderness to my heart's content. Sleepy Ranch, you are you, I am me, the two have nothing to do with each other, unless I fall off my horse and lie on this land from now on, otherwise don't disturb my peaceful heart! The horse was tired from running, and turned to look for its owner. Under the cloudless sky, there was only the sound of horseshoes resounding heavily. The distance is still far away, his gaze is the rope, and he takes me over step by step. My hair was loose, and I was lying on the horse's back and couldn't move. Then he stretched out his arm. Riding well, are you afraid?Lifted me to the ground. I shook my head, walked to a piece of grass, and threw myself on it in silence. child, will you come back?Someone behind me asked me. I shake my head. This is a life suitable for you, come and be a gaucha right away!With one hand, he gently combed my hair and tied it. I shake my head again. Follow me, live on the ranch, will you? You don't know who I am. I know you'd be a good gaucha, think about it!Um! Can't think, this cowboy is crazy. Let's go back!I said. He carried me onto the horse first, halfway up, and then kissed me on the hairline. You live in Buenos.Which hotel in Ayiles? Florida House, a very small hotel.I said. when are we leaving? Go to Uruguay in five days. I'll come to see you at seven o'clock tomorrow night. Let's go for a drive together, okay? I hesitated for a while before saying, "Okay." Give me five days to keep you So what if you keep it?I said. The ranch is yours. Is this man crazy or who? I didn't say anything, just let him lead me, put my hands around his waist, and ran into the group of people who came. The missing man is back!Thought it was kidnapped! The tour guide ran over yelling, and I leaned on the man's back without saying a word. One more lap and then down, okay?the man asked me. We nodded, he whipped the horse wildly, and there was a long howl in his mouth, this time he tightened the rein, the horse stood up straight, once was not enough, pulled again, not enough again, pulled again, the horse neighed It was so heroic that the crowd also screamed and retreated. Then he lowered his body and shouted to me: "Hold tight, let's run!" The figure on the pasture is far away, only the whistling wind can be heard on the horse's back. He hugged the person in front tightly with both hands, and he shouted while galloping, as if the feelings of this afternoon were about to be lost in the flying horse's hooves. come up with an answer love me?he asked, the sound in the wind was like a roar. Don't love me yelling. He whipped the horse again, and I screamed in terror. That century-old Mercedes-Benz, I have been holding him. Back to the tour bus, he finally got off his horse, and I asked him: Can I get off? As soon as he jumped off the horse, he stretched out his hand to pull me, and hugged me tightly in front of everyone, refusing to let go. Wait for me at the hotel tomorrow? are you serious? Are you serious? I looked at him, and slowly said: You don't even know who I am, so stop making such jokes. If I'm serious, what about him?He knew he was going to be rejected. Love is this kind of life and environment, not you.I said. I know, who am I?He said softly, loosening his arms around me. You are Jamora, the owner of this ranch, a merciless liar. When he heard me call out his name, he was slightly taken aback, tilted his head and smiled bitterly. It might as well be a lonely old man! Age doesn't matter, I'd stay if I wanted to. I was anxious and shouted. He didn't say anything, just walked away with the horse. When did the tour guide Sylvia come over.Looking at the back, he said: Mr. Jamora went crazy today.On weekdays, he doesn't care about tourists at all, a very lonely Gao Qiu! I looked at her in surprise. Really, he is very special to you, and even added a table next to us for dinner.just to be by your side usually What is normal?I've been here many times.He came and took a look and left.Is there anything else to take someone out for a horseback ride? After hearing this, I went to chase him. At this time, he put on his glasses and looked old all of a sudden. I come to say goodbye to you! Walk with me for a while? good Next time you come back, I don't know if I will live or not. Man is immortal, don't say that. As I said that, I couldn't help but kissed him on the cheek. What's your name?Well, I will always call you in my heart from now on. This Gao Qiu is really crazy, but I don't blame him at all. My name is China!I said. The bus started, and a group of Gaoqiu rode on horseback to see each other off, and followed the car that slowly drove out of the pasture and ran wildly waving. Then Mr. Jamora was on the horse again. The prairie at dusk spread endlessly behind him, and that upright and upright body became a motionless dot in the setting sun's rays.