Top 10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Uruguay

Well, in no long winded way, here you go! Oh, and if you have something to add, let's hear it:

1. Beautiful beaches: Uruguay is home to many stunning beaches, including Punta del Este and La Paloma, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

2. Rich culture: Uruguay has a diverse and fascinating culture that reflects its European, African, and indigenous roots.

3. World-renowned wine: Uruguay is famous for its Tannat wine, which is considered some of the best in the world.

4. Delicious food: Uruguayan cuisine is a fusion of European and South American flavors, with dishes like chivito, asado, and empanadas.

5. Charming towns and cities: Uruguay's towns and cities are full of colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and friendly locals.

6. Music and dance: Uruguay is home to many different music and dance styles, including candombe, tango, and milonga.

7. Natural beauty: Uruguay is a small country with a diverse landscape, including beaches, forests, and wetlands.

8. Sports: Uruguay is a soccer-crazy nation, and you can catch a game at one of the many stadiums throughout the country.

9. Nightlife: Uruguay's cities come alive at night, with bars, clubs, and live music venues offering entertainment until the early hours of the morning.

10. Safety: Uruguay is one of the safest countries in South America, with a low crime rate and friendly, welcoming people.

BROU: Round 2, but with El Abrojo

I spent probably a combined total of 1.5 hours today in two BROU branches off of the main street, 18 de Julio. The goal was simple: to make a deposit. Nothing more. I COULD NOT DO IT. I had to wait in line, with a number on a ticket that was 200 out. I couldn't do it, and I couldn't believe it. Does the bank not want my money? Sure, it was a busy day today, but this left me a bit shakey with BROU and their operation. I will report the search for a new bank, or the repairing of the brutal BROU blasphemy.

Then I waited another 1.5 hours in the Brazilian Embassy (yes, I am going to Brazil for a week in January!!!!!). And Uruguyans being Uruguayans, the people in the embassy office were laughing with (read: at) me and how my number was skipped more than a few times. But enough of the whining, and onto something a bit more interesting.


Last night I went out to a town named Las Piedras. A friend of mine has been volunteering for El Abrojo - a volunteer after school-0day-care-type-joint. The kids were celebrating the end of the year, and it was a complete treat to be surrounded by the happy-go-lucky innocence and curiosity. And I think it happened - I took my favorite photo yet (above). This little girl was mesmerized by my camera, but also with me for some reason. It was a cool experience...with all of the kids at different moments in the evening. More photos to look at are here...just click.