En viaje (1881-1882)

by Miguel Cané

"En viaje" by Miguel Cané is a travel narrative written in the late 19th century. This work chronicles the author's experiences during his journey through South America, including significant stops in Colombia and Venezuela, while serving as Argentina's Minister in those countries. The narrative combines personal observations with vivid descriptions of local culture and society, reflecting Cané's insights as he traverses diverse landscapes and interacts with various communities. The opening of "En viaje" sets the stage for the author's travels, detailing his departure from Buenos Aires and the journey across the sea to Burdeos. Cané describes his experiences onboard ship, complemented by picturesque descriptions of destinations like the bay of Rio de Janeiro and the city itself. He conveys a sense of both excitement and mild frustration with the travels, hinting at his ambivalence toward the typical romanticism associated with travel. This portion effectively introduces Cané's observational style and sets up his intent to provide insightful commentary on the cultures and places he encounters throughout his journey.