Switzerland is in South America??

 

Uruguay is sometimes referred to as the "Switzerland of South America" due to its political stability, strong economy, and reputation as a safe and neutral country.

Uruguay has a long history of democracy and political stability, which has earned it a reputation as one of the most politically stable countries in the region. It is also known for its strong economy, which has been growing steadily over the past decade, and its advanced social welfare programs, which are among the most comprehensive in the region.

In addition, Uruguay has a reputation for being a safe and neutral country, much like Switzerland. It is not involved in any conflicts, and it has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants from around the world. This, combined with its strong economy and political stability, has made Uruguay an attractive destination for investors, tourists, and those seeking a peaceful and stable country to live in.

One Month Mark

It's close to noon, and I feel like I have already had enough good vibes for the whole day. I met with someone in a business-type appointment (not to sound dodgy, nothing illegal) at 9AM. We spoke for 15 minutes, then they invited me to a local cafe for breakfast.

I then got the story on Ciudad Vieja, the "Zona Roja" (where all the men were tended to by prostitutes), and the changes going on here. But let's not skip over the Red Light District part of this - my new acquaintence (a female) lived next to the brothels, and ended up becoming friends a few of the girls...and in one case it was a man, posing to be a girl (but doing it so effectively that he/she made cars stop on the street as he/she walked past usually wearing a bikini or something else revealing). But this is getting us on a tangent. Without the pictures of the prostitute, with his/her 5 o'clock shadow (which apparently could be seen at close view), this is going nowhere.

Wait, how could this "business-type appointment" not sound dodgy now? Haha, good stuff, but I swear it has nothing to do with prostitution of any kind. At least I don't think so?

Anyways, after the meeting, I knew where I had to go: my Calle de Alzaibar food market of Tuesdays and Fridays - located at the end of the Peatonal Sarandi walking street. And now I have found my people for this market. I go to see the sweetheart Rosana for my vegetables and fruits, and for a few moments of chatting. While speaking with Rosana today, an older lady heard my accent and spoke to me in beautifully understandable English. I asked her how she spoke so well, and got this reply, "I went to School ______ (I don't remember the exact name) when I was 12 years old." Wow, that's it? Then she told me I had beautiful green eyes, or blue, or whatever. For this she makes it into the entry as well (just kidding, sort of).

Here is Rosana. No joke, and back to the Montevideo neighborhood subject, when I was walking back to my place after taking this photo I bumped into an English teacher I met last week. Small world here.

After saying my farewells to Rosana, I headed down to the further end of the street to grab some of the cheese (sold at a better price on this side of the market). I've bought from the vendor a few times before, nice guy. He realized my accent was more Mexican than Uruguayan, and with this knew that I loved spicy foods. And then he took it a step further and knew that I liked stronger cheeses. Sold.

Over two pounds of bananas, two pounds of tomatoes, 6 oranges, 2 peaches, and a big chunk of strong cheese: US$ 4.00. Hmmm.

The Local Drunk

No, not me. There is this 40 year old guy that hangs out on my street. He drinks from a large soda bottle - it must be filled with wine. He yells. He points. He smiles. He makes many gestures. All of them are incomprehensible - whether in English or Spanish or Human.

I just returned from a run...training for next Saturday and I still lack 6KMs worth of strength. But that is another story.

I am about a block away from my place, so I slow down to a walk. There he is walking towards me. We are about 10 feet away from each other, and he casually lifts up the hand that is not hold the wine-soda. He gives me a walk-by high five like we were old school friends.

I think I am hanging out on the streets too much. But then again, this is some classic stuff...and I am off to a local artisan show tonight due to my street connections. Brilliant stuff...

Ciudad Vieja (CV)

Is it bad that I feel like throwing my wrapper on the street when walking through parts of CV (amongst a sufficient amount of litter)? I didn't do it though, I promise.


OK, so here it is not the cleanest part of town. Nor is it the safest. Nor does it offer the best parks or beach that Montevideo claims (although beaches here are nothing to stay in this part of Uruguay for).

But it has character. It has history along with its Masonic architecture. It has a fountain (that sounds weak). It's a walking street and plazas. This is my home here in Montevideo.

And today, for the first time, I ventured out with my camera...my real camera. Hence, the header has changed...Ciudad Vieja and the center of town have a lot of photos to be shot. Lo haré a tiempo...