"Life is a journey, not a destination" -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Life is a journey, not a destination" -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday, May 11, 2012

Uruguay

I had zero expectations of what Uruguay would be like when I arrived. I hadn't even planned to go to Uruguay on my trip, but I am so glad I made the spontaneous decision to hop a boat from Buenos Aires and take a look around in this beautiful, underrated country.

 I first landed in Colonia del Sacramento, the oldest town in Uruguay. The extremely photogenic 17th century historic quarter is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colonia is the epitome of charming: cobblestone tree-lined streets, abundant flowers, antique cars, and an old lighthouse: all right on the waterfront. It was perfect fall weather when I was there: sunny blue skies, a crisp breeze, and colors starting to show on the trees. All this to say, it was beautiful. I'll let the pictures say the rest:
 







 (See the rest of the pictures in my facebook album here!)

 
 Next, I spent some time in the capital city, Montevideo. A typical big city, it has plenty of plazas, museums, parks, nightlife and shopping. It was very nice but, after falling head over heels in love with Colonia, Montevideo was only that: "nice."










"Hand in the Sand"



 I also took a quick trip east to a resort town of Punta del Este. In the summer, this is where the richest of the rich in South America come to be seen and enjoy their exquisite summer homes.  Although the town was nearly empty because it wasn't beach weather, there were still miles of scenic rocky coastline to marvel at.







And that about wraps it up! South America, it's been real, but I'm headed home now. I promise I'll be back someday. There's still just so much of you that I want to see.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Buenos Aires: Let's have some culture!

Ah "Baires": A city that has been on the top of my to-see list for years. It's said to be the Paris of South America, not only because of the strong European influence, but also because a lot of the beautiful architecture strikingly resembles Parisian architecture.

I have already seen so much natural beauty in Argentina, so in Buenos Aires, I was ready for some culture! Naturally, I spend a lot of time doing the typical touristy things and the stereotypical "Argentinian" things. So here's my checklist on how to be a tourist in Buenos Aires:

1. Visit the colorful neighborhood of  "La Boca"




2. Find Eva Peron's grave in Recoleta Cemetery




3. Grab a café con leche at the famous Cafe Tortoni




4. Take siesta in one of the many plazas.




5. Eat steak. Drink red wine. 




6. Take tango lessons.




7. Stay out til the bars and clubs close at 6am (sometimes later). 



8. Watch some fĂștbol! (Pay a guy who knows a guy to sneak you into the game if it's sold out)



9. Cross the world's widest avenue, Avienda 9 de Julio (16 lanes!) to 
see the iconic Obelisco and Congress building. 




10. Spend Sunday afternoon at Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo wading through 
antiques markets, street performers, and live tango.



12. Visit the president's offices, Casa Rosada (Pink House).



11. Grab a choripan at a local street parilla (grill).




13. Make new friends and new memories.