Punta del Este, Uruguay - 10-11 January 2009

Remember the old TV series, "The Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous"? Well, I'm sure Punta del Este (or Punta for short) would fit the bill just fine with her miles of clean beaches, large beautiful homes, white yachts, fine restaurants, high-end retails and art galleries, real estate services, exchange houses, and gorgeously-tanned people. It was surreal and a perfect setting to end my grand tour of South America here at Punta. Sitting on a sandy beach and staring out into the Atlantic with a full orange sun setting, I reflected with nostalgia on my past 3.5 months in South America.

Two things struck out on this journey of discovery:
1) People, People, and People - good and bad, they make all the difference! I will cherish with great fondness and gratitude, the kindness, help and generosity that some strangers and new friends have showered on me. Despite all the ills and problems of the world, there is still good on earth.

2) They don't call it the GREAT outdoors for nuthin'! It's true. The majestic mountains, blue-green oceans, calm lakes, white flowing rivers, ice (blue) glaciers, bright stars, gusty (and very loud) winds, fresh crisp air, peaceful quiet, sweet scent of the pine trees, chirpy birds, colorful flora, and the overall positive energy you feel when you're one with nature -- they are all reasons why I keep going back for more. South America is well-endowed in the outdoors and I know I will be back again. Next time, it will be to explore the Amazon and possibly climb Aconcagua in Argentina. :-)

Above: Pescado del dia ("catch of the day") for ~US$16 was not quite a best-value-for-money meal

Above: At the southernmost point of Uruguay where the Rio de la Plata meets the Atlantic Ocean

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Montevideo, Uruguay - 8-9 January 2009

Montevideo, Uruguay's capital and largest city with a population of 1.8 million, was a short 2 hour bus ride southeast from Colonia (Turil bus one-way 173 UY pesos or ~US$7.50). The city's long stretch of Avenida 18 de Julio reminded me of Singapore's Orchard Road where shops, restaurants and office buildings lined both sides of this main artery in the commercial center, creating a pleasant and lively atmosphere for pedestrians to walk, window-shop and people-watch. The historic old town (ciudad vieja) district, where the El Viajero Hostel (where I had stayed) was located, was separated from the modern commercial area by the Plaza de Armas or Plaza Independencia. The Palacio Salvo and the Teatro Solis were located within the vicinity of this square. A reasonable walking distance away from the rest of the centro was the Rio de la Plata and various beaches (playas) where people could stroll, fish or simply lie in the sun.

Above: Avenida 18 de Julio

Above: An antique market at ciudad vieja

Above left: Artigas Mausoleum in the centre of Plaza Independencia
Above right: Palacio Salvo

Above: Two boys and the jelly fish

Above left: With the jelly fish gone, the boys felt it was safe to go swimming;
Above right: A professional dog walker with 8 dogs

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