Uruguay - Montevideo and Punta del Este

---

We got our taxi across town to the port to get the ferry over to Colonial in Uruguay. It was sad to say goodbye to Argentina because it was such an amazing country. A country of colour and dog poo. Colourful buses, colourful buildings, colourful people and lots of dog poo!! We made it to the port after our taxi driver stalled about 50 times, checked in and got on the ferry. I hadn’t been feeling well the last couple of days and felt bad on the boat. When we got to Colonial, we picked up our bags and then got a bus to Montevideo, about 2 hours away. Turned up and got a cab to our hotel in the centre of town. It was quite late and we popped out to get some dinner but didn’t stay out late because I was shattered. The 2 ladies in our hotel were very nice but didn’t speak any English, but wanted to keep talking to us. We managed to have a conversation in spanglish and lots of hand signals!! Got some water on the way home and had an early night. I had a rough night with a bad fever and Dr. Zo looked after me well. This meant that the next day was a right off and I spent the whole day in bed. Zo checked out what it could have been and thinks it was probably Dengue Fever, which is very common out here.

Next day we had a walk to see some of the architecture but I was exhausted. Again another day wasted and we didn’t really get to see Montevideo. We made it down to see the beach and the crazy locals trying to get a tan on the smallest and dirtiest piece of sand we have ever seen. Luckily we had a nice hotel with air con but a shame we didn’t get to see any more.

We had booked our bus today to Punta del Este, which is the Marbella of Uruguay. It was only a 2 hour journey and I was feeling a bit better. We checked into our hostel and took a walk into town. First stop was the Casino, but only to get some cash out. Punta del Este is a nice port town with a few sandy beaches. The rich from Uruguay and Argentina come to holiday there and you could tell by the prices. It was a lot more expensive. We had lunch and took a walk to the beach. We were supposed to be staying there for 2 nights and went to check out our bus options to Brazil. Turns out that there is only 1 bus a week and that was the next night. We went out for a couple of drinks in the evening but Zo was feeling sick so didn’t stay out late. What a pair we are!!

Got up and took a walk down to the port. We admired all the yachts and decided on which one we would like when we become rich. We sat out in the sun and watch all the seals and sea lions playing and eating the left over fish that the fisherman had thrown in. Was a great sight to see them playing in the wild. We took a walk by the beach and took some photos of the giant hand coming out of the sand. Had a drink before heading back to the hostel. Had paid for the 2nd night already so couldn’t get a refund but at least it meant we weren’t rushed out. We packed up our gear and headed down to the bus station for our night bus to Porto Alegre. Handed the passport over to the lady on the bus as she would be doing all the immigration for us, what a result!! The seats we no where near as comfortable as in Argentina, but they would do.

It’s hard to say much about Uruguay as we weren’t there very long and didn’t see that much but the people were very friendly and It was very safe. I can imagine with a bit more time to explore it would be a lovely place to travel - but there is a lot of nothingness and endless countryside, but that is South America for you!!

---

Comments

[Sophie]

Hello Zo & Tom
I've just got back with Catherine, Vicky and Ellie - we've been to the bridesmaid's shop and chosen the dresses and we were talking about your hair. Auntie Jen has just shown me the picture of your big hair in this blog. I wonder if you will be getting it cut for the wedding? Hope you have a lovely time in Brazil. Lots of love from your cousin, Sophie xxxx PS Auntie Jen typed this!