09.05. - 19.05.11

Montevideo

On Monday, 09.05.11 I left the beautiful city of COLONIA in Uruguay at 10am. I was amazed about the thousands of cows and huge farms I saw on the 3 hour bus trip to the capital of MONTEVIDEO. Somehow it reminded me to "Mecklenburg -Vorpommern" en Alemania where my parents live.

In Montevideo I was invited to stay with my friend Monica at her beautiful flat in "Pocitos". I met Monica 4 months ago in Ushuaia from where we travelled for about 10 days to Argentina and Chile. So I took a taxi to Monica's apartment where I was welcomed by her sun Faustino (18) and her daughter Augustina (23). When Monica left her office she picked me up at her flat and drove me around the "old town" (ciudad vieja) and along the coast. I think it was the first time after 7 months that I saw white sandy beaches. Even though it was autumn but with 20 degrees and a blue sky I felt like on my "summer holidays"!

I was so glad to stay with Monica as I had lots of things to do which I wanted to tick of my "to do list"! So the first couple of days I spend a lot of time on the computer as I had to sort out my "credit card" issue. Furthermore I wanted to book a flight to RIO DE JANEIRO and search for new Couchsurfers in Rio. I also wanted to get rid of my tent, sleeping bag and boots and therefore I send a huge parcel home to Germany with 6 kilos. Finally….after carrying around my heavy backpack since Patagonia.

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and with its 1.5 Million inhabitants, some great architectures, numerous of museums and the old town attracts a lot of tourists.

On my second day in Montevideo I took the time to do some sightseeing. So I took my camera and went to the "ciudad vieja" where most of Montevideos interesting buildings and sights are. I got off the bus at the PLAZA INDEPENDENCIA, took a photo of the striking 26 story PALACIO SALVO and walked over to the nearby TEATRO SOLIS and the MERCARDO DEL PUERTO.

On Wednesday, 11.05.11 I caught up with my German friend Carsten who was in Montevideo at the same time then I. At night we went out to a Salsa Club which was close to Monica's flat. I was even lucky that an Uruguayan guy showed me how to dance Salsa which was sooo much fun! I couldn't believe how many people went out on a Wednesday night and partied until 5am in the morning. I was glad when I saw my "bed" at 4.30 in the morning!

On Friday, 13.05.11 I hired a bike and cycled along the 22km long "Rambla", the coastline in Montevideo. Unfortunately it was a bit overcast that day but I still enjoyed the ocean, the beaches and the exercise.

Saturday, 14.05.11 I left Montevideo and took the bus to the beach resort "PUNTA DEL ESTE". The bus ride went along the beautiful coast with its kilometer long white sandy beaches and massive gorgeous houses.