General Artigas of Uruguay

This Montevideo-born national hero (known as the father of the Uruguayan independence) is immortalized in almost every central plaza of Uruguay. An obnoxious amount of main plaza's throughout the country bear his name and a statue of him riding his valiant horse.

Artigas was a fighter for the indian population as well - quoted as saying that they should be given their land and that they 'have the principal right'...definitely a very progressive man for his time. But in the end, he was actually pushed out of his newly founded and independent Uruguay. Intersting stuff...and an interesting (somber/perplexed) facial expression Artigas wears in this statue outside of Minas as well.

Oh ya, Artigas is said to have always kept a copy of the USA Constitution with him.

My Montevideo Apartment

Well, it is finally done - well, almost. And I couldn't have done it without some very good friends of mine in town. My place in Montevideo (Ciudad Vieja) is now a reality. It is a smart studio with a modern bathroom, done-up kitchen with all of the conveniences, and a chill living/bedroom. Oh yes, and don't forget the view of the ocean from the breakfast/dinner/writer table.

*sidenote: the blinds have been changed to a more fitting color for a male...in case you were wondering. I would have been wondering.

Uruguyan Pesos and Psyche

A friend of mine from the States commented on this 100 peso (about 4 US dollars) bill. "Why does he look so concerned?". Fabulous question.

Uruguay is a beautiful country with a lot going for it. But it is also a country with a few worries and somewhat of a pessimistic outlook. More specifically, the idea of "we are so small we can't do anything" permeates through the society.

So I gander that having an important figure printed on your 100 peso with a very concerned facial expression is fitting. Verdad?

Mario Benedetti - Dies at age 88

One of Uruguay's most treasured authors has died yesterday, Sunday May 17th, 2009.

Uruguay Relaxation

There are certain levels of relaxing or taking time slowly. Gathering everything (or nothing) in and experiencing the moment is relished, and rightfully so.

And Uruguay takes this "in-the-moment" level to new heights.

This moment, in my estimation, captures a part of Uruguayan times. These two aren't going anywhere soon, haven't been a block away in awhile, and are not outside of a 10-foot radius of mate.

Good on you guys.

La Pasiva - Must Eat Food

Hot dogs at one of the many La Pasiva locations is a must when visiting Montevideo. But the dogs would not be complete without using the secret sauce. This sauce is usually already on the table, in a mustard-type looking squirt bottle. People say that the exact ingredients are not known for this sauce; most believe it is made with a mixture of beer and flour among other things. Try it, great stuff.

The Revered Chivito

This is Uruguay's dish. It is not from Argentina, or any other part of South America. When "chivito" is spoken about, it's understood or soon understood that this is Uruguay's property.



It's basically a steak sandwich - with ham and sometimes with an egg or other veggie goodies, along with cheese and then fries on the side. It's fabulous, and it the ingredients don't really vary too much from town to town or restaurant to restaurant.

And in case you couldn't tell, it is not on an individual's diet plan - if that diet plan is aimed at keeping a fit figure.

Cross Dressing in Montevideo

So I noticed the legs of the transvestites in Rio. Here in Montevideo I have seen a few manly feminine sorts, but been let down by the lack of legs. That sounded weird.



Having seen men, dressed obnoxiously in skirts or wigs, I had to figure out what was going on. "What are you guys doing?" 'This is our buddy, he is getting married soon!'

It's customary for the bride's friends to take them out with the soon-to-be-married dressed up in provacative wear. With the groom, his men take him out dressed up as a female figure. And it's not that uncommon to see. Especially as the grooms go out once with each of their different friend circles to celebrate the upcoming wedding...

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Uruguayan Gestures #4

Our model Joanna was feeling the moment and flushed out two hands with this gesture, although it is usually given with one hand alone. Holding up the fingers, the demonstrator will usually give a negative look to their subject as they express the idea, "What? What are you doing? What are you talking about? Etc."



Maybe I am off with not recognizing that all of these gestures are already flaunted in some small town of Italy. But I have never seen them so utilized, and so universely understood...between 3 million citizens in Uruguay anyways.