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.