The Sun Always Shines! (In Montevideo, Uruguay)

True to my word, I have returned yet again to post, this time about the happenings during my weekend in Montevideo, Uruguay! I packed up after class on Thursday and headed to Retiro. I got a ticket for the midnight bus and waited for its arrival! I boarded the cama ejecutivo and settled in for the ride. I watched part of The Taking of Pelham 123 before I fell alseep. I awoke to the sunshine of Montevideo, the capital city (2 million inhabitants) of Uruguay. I got to the station and after I acquainted myself with my surroundings, I headed to the Claro's house (my CS host). He was a friendly guy who welcomed me in and told me to feel at home. I spent some time adjusting to the house and general preparations, before I left to meet a CS friend for lunch. We had a type of burger with everything on it--quite delicious! We went to the beach to see the view, and because I was feeling a little tired I decided to take a nap on the soft grass beneath the warm sunshine! We got up and headed out. My friend had to go back home, so I decided to take a bus through downdown. What a great ride! I spent an hour on the bus just going through the centro and old city; all very pretty I must say! I got back to the house and hung out with Claro. I talked to my rents and went to bed, ready for a full day on Saturday!

Saturday we got up and headed out at about 10:30--ready to see some insider spots in

Montevideo! We got out at Plaza Independencia and walked towards the old city. The area was really nice, with a couple of pedestrian streets and a nice welcoming vibe. We passed through some museums and fun plazas before arriving at Mercado del Puerto (Port market). This was the mecca of parrilla, or barbeques! What used to be an old fish market had been turned into a barbeque frenzy!

Claro and I found a good spot and grubbed out! We returned at about 3, and since there was a fútbol match at the stadium 4 blocks away, I figured I would attend :) Peñarol, the local team, unfortunately lost their match, but I didn't mind--it was a good game! I returned home and hung out. Claro and I left for a drink, and there was a popular bar that served Artesan beer. I had a "Diabla" which was pretty good! I got back and talked to my wonderful girlfriend Laura.

Sunday included a big one day "feria" or artesan fair. I got up around noon (slept a little late!) but headed down.

There were SO many stands full of merchants selling almost everything. I spent some time there before returning back to to go to the futbol match with Claro. Again, the home team, Defensor Sporting, got beat :/ We headed back to Claro's house and had some dinner. We then rented a movie and watched it, but it wasn't very good :/ Ah well! I headed to bed and was ready for my last day in Montevideo.

The sun continued to shine Monday when I left the house at 8! I got to the bus station tres cruces and left my backpack there, so I wouldn't have to lug it around all day! I hit up downtown, walked through another large market (with lots of soccer jerseys..oh how I love soccer jerseys!) and just walked and saw what there was to see! I met with the manager at CLC Books, which is an international organization that I learned about when some missionaries came to GCC! I met with the manager and learned a little about the organization (working on those contacts dad :p).

I continued exploring and seeing new places that I hadn't before, as well as taking mental notes of fun places to return to ;) I head to the bus station and loaded the bus. I was actually taking the boat, but before getting to Colonia I had to take a bus! The boat process was quick and kind of fun!

I returned to Buenos Aires at the dock a little south of Boca. I asked where to find my favorite bus, the 152 (that takes me everywhere I need to go) and made it back home, content and ready for the work week! I'm planning to be in Buenos Aires for the next couple of weekends, hanging out and having Francisco (a friend from GCC) visit! Thanks for reading :p ~Benjamín