Montevideo

We fell a little bit in love with Montevideo after just a day there, and would recommend anyone to visit. After the hustle and bustle of Rio and BA, the city had a really chilled vibe, matched by its people who enjoy a slower pace to life. If I ever emigrate it may be to Uruguay!

When we ventured out in the morning life had reentered the city, and the streets were busy with vendors, cafés and stalls. We wandered down from the old city to independence square where (of course) we met our walking tour guide sipping his matte (a herbal tea which most Uruguans carry around all day, clutching their hot water flasks like a baby). He was the most eccentric guide yet, and had a wonderful self depricating way of describing Montevideo and its inhabitants. Uruguyans are mostly lazy, friendly and progressive. Their loves are football and steak, and that is all you need to become Uruguyans, vegetarians beware.

We followed him from one leafy square to the next untill we ended in the old market, now full of steak restaurants. With our new friends from the walking group we sat down to some more amazingly good steak and wine. We decided to meet up again in the evening and after a few drinks at their hostel, we headed to a tapas restaurant. We ended the night learning a new card game from Columbia which had been dubbed "Cuckoo". Tricky and conniving I hope we come up against more people who know this game!

Next day and we're back in BA with a flight down to Patagonia tomorrow. It will be a nice change to go from hot busy cities to a colder climate, with amazing mountains to trek!Läs mer