Montevideo II: Not Just a Serotype of Salmonella

Hey Kids,

Keep the comments coming! Everyone likes a pat on the back once in a while, especially me.

Now, let's talk about how I really feel about travel. Okay, for many people, this a dream come true. The chance to hang out in a foreign country or two, or three. Yes! It's amazing. But for me just traveling is also work. Yes, It's work. It's challenging. You have to figure out where you're going next. You might have to take an hour out of your day to go buy a bus ticket. Or try to find an open grocery store so you don't have to eat out all the time.
It's alot of being alone, wishing some fun people would show up. Then again, not. Like when I have an early bus to catch and I'll really want to get some sleep but the hostel is a bumpin'. Plus you can't party all the time. I take that back - some people can but not me. Especially since I'm going to be at this for awhile and don't want to completely run out of money. So, it may sound like I'm having a great time, every single minute. But there are moments of boredom, desperation, sheer irritation, and extreme confusion. Pretty much like regular life.

Now, let's get to how things went down in Montevideo. After spending two nights in a hotel, I felt much, much better. The overall aches were gone. So, for one night, I stayed at the home of the bartender that had given me his number in case of emergency. But don't get the wrong impression. I am a lady! And he and his flatmate were perfect gentlemen. I particularly enjoyed chatting with his flatmate. My Spanish was no better than his English, but somehow we managed to talk about the U.S. election, abortion, and alternative energy. He also had time to drive me around which was very nice. We went to the ATM, to the pharmacy (they sell medicated cough drops here!), drove along the rambla (coast). Plus I got to stay in an awesome old flat. So I cannot complain. I think the flatmate was surprised how cool I was for an American so that makes me feel pretty good about being here. He kept making fun of how content I was with doing so little. For the record, my activity level is proportionate to my health so I simply can't go go go all the time.

I don't have much new to report on Montevideo except it's a nice city and extends along the coast quite far. I got to see the skatepark and attempted to take a video. We'll see if I post it. Buses are much easier (and therefore less exciting). Though there isn't a Guia T like there is in Bs. As., I guess you don't really need one as long as you have a few landmarks and a basic city map. Most buses you'd need to take have a sign saying where they're going (i.e. Ciudad Vieja, the old city). The main bus station is easy to get to and in a shopping mall. Yes, in a shopping mall. Walking around Montevideo is much easier too. Drivers can be agressive but will, for the most part, stop for pedestrians and wave them across.


Up next: Things I miss and TGfC (thank goodness for clocks!)

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