Posted on

“I feel lucky every day”

On Sunday I took the bus to Montevideo and was picked up by my friend Javier. I met him and his dad Hugo while walking the Camino de Santiago last year. It’s amazing to think that we only met for 4 days but have stayed in contact. One of the great things about Facebook!

We went straight to the 40th anniversary of Hugo and his wife, which was held at a winery just outside of town. I enjoyed a Uruguyan steak, wine, dulce de leche, and meeting many amazing people who were interested in speaking slow Spanish with me. There were even opera soprano and tenor singers who performed.
I think we look better than we did with hiking clothes and back packs!
I have been lucky enough to be hosted by Javier, his wife Mari-Noella, and his 3 kids (Juan Agustin – 8, Felipe – 6, and Mari-Amelia – almost 2). They live in a huge home with a live in nanny (from Peru) and a pool. The boys have been learning English is school so we practised speaking together. I guess afterwards Juan Agustin said, “Dawn speaks much better English than papa.”. Too cute.
On Monday we drove along the coast of Uruguay past Punta del Este, a beach city. It feels very European here. I kept having to remind myself that we weren’t on the Mediterranean. The coastal views are spectacular and we had the chance to go to a house built by a local artist (looks like a mix between Santorini and Gaudí architecture). We also had the famous Chivita for lunch (a thin, very tender piece of beef in a bun and garnished with lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon, and a fried egg). I enjoyed spending the day with Javier, Emelia, and Javier’s Uncle Milton.
At one point we were sitting, watching the waves and I said to Javier, “Do you feel lucky to be able to be sitting here?” and he replied, “I feel lucky every day.” Me too. I’m so grateful for this amazing life.
Today I went into the center of Montevideo to check out the ‘old town’ area. It’s a mix of old buildings and new buildings and reminded me a lot of Havana. I was enjoying wandering around until it started to rain in sheets! I took cover in a cafe, then eventually made my way to Javier’s office, lunch, and the airport. I’m ready for the long trip home.
Next blog posts should be from Morocco in February. Hasta luego!
Posted on

Colonia

I arrived in Colonia de Sacremento, Uruguay last night and got right into taking some night shots of the beautiful city.

Then I got up early this morning to see the sights without having to fight through the crowds of ‘day trippers’. If you’re ever in Colonia you’ll be glad for this tip!
For lunch I splurged on a patio table in this tiny restaurant right beside the main tourist spot. I felt like I was in a secret garden because I could see these hoards of tourists walking by, but they didn’t notice my little window. At one point a brilliant blue hummingbird flew in and was checking out the plants on the wall beside me. I had the local wine called Tannat and an artesian meat and cheese plate. There was only one thing missing… and he’s singing and dancing on stage in Medicine Hat!
I had a nap in the afternoon to try to shake this cold I picked up, then I spent golden hour listening to a band play in a park.
Tomorrow I’m taking the bus to Montevideo. I’m looking forward to a couple days of reconnecting with my friends Hugo and Javier who I met while walking the Camino last year.