Uruguay

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Last week, we went on our first 'side trip' and visited Colonia, a UNESCO world heritage site, Montevideo and Punta del Este in Uruguay. I have to admit, I didn't know a lot about Argentina's tiny neighbour, but we do now. For instance, did you know that:

- Uruguay is 4 times as big as The Netherlands

- Uruguay has 3 million inhabitants and 12 million cows

- After the economic crisis in 2002, 25% of all Uruguayans (1 million) moved to live outside of Uruguay

- Uruguay has the largest consumption of whiskey outside of Ireland and Scotland

- In 2013, soft drugs, gay marriage and abortion were legalised in Uruguay, all in the same year

- Uruguayans love tourists - they wonder why anyone would want to visit their country...

We actually did have a really nice time. Colonia is a quaint little photogenic village. Montevideo is a large city with quite some history and Punta del Este a posh beach town (one downside: Donald Trump is building a luxury apartment tower). Funny detail: we did a guided tour in Montevideo and our guide was called Manyana (her second name, but still)! Apparently, I'm not the only one in the world with a 'crazy' mum... :-)

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Comments

[Gabi]

Nice! I didn't know these curiosities... You forgot to mention Mujica, are you a fan already? I've been in Colonia (only), for a day trip and loved it. I don't know if it changed, but the water in BsAs has a strange flavor, but in Uruguay is good. Stupid comment, hahah... I just remembered it because I used this day trip to drink much water as possible... =]

[MiandMa]

Mujica
Mujica as in the former president you mean? YES. Seems to be a great guy - quite a character. Shame that he doesn't want to run for presidency anymore... Btw, what do you mean by the 'blue drink'?

[Andre]

Nice experience
I appreciate reading all your updates here and that you are really having a great time in South America.