Argentina

"One morning the doctor didn't shake his head in the usual way. That was enough. Within the hour we were gone, heading west toward our next destination - the lakes. The bike struggled, showing signs it was feeling the strain, especially in the bodywork which we constantly had to fix with Alberto's favorite spare part - wire." (41)

This quotation summarizes Ernesto's determination through the voice that he uses. He emphasizes that he and Alberto left as soon as possible, without absolute confirmation from the doctor, suggesting that continuing their travels was more important to Ernesto than his own health. He also talks about La Poderosa as if its struggles do not bother him at all, but that they are instead just a part of the whole journey.

"On camp beds, the only beds we'd know from now on, and lying beside La Poderosa, our snail-like dwelling, we still looked into the future with impatient joy. We seemed to breathe more freely, a lighter air, an air of adventure. Distant countries, heroic deeds and beautiful women spun around and around in our turbulent imaginations." (40)

Ernesto's voice in this passage almost suggests that he takes pride in the fact that he and Alberto will only have access to camp beds for the next few months. Despite La Poderosa's lack of functioning, they are still very excited and full of anticipation for what they may encounter on the rest of their journey. In mentioning their "turbulent imaginations," Ernesto suggests that they had a very idealistic view of what this journey might hold for them (heroic deeds, etc), which is something that will definitely change as they continue their journey in order for Ernesto to reach his epiphany.