Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year from Uruguay!

I've always had a fascination with Buenos Aires. The "Paris of the South." My friend and I had 7 days and we decided to spend the 1st 4 in BA and then take a boat to Montevideo (eventually flying home from there). I'm so glad we did. We stayed at a Holiday Inn & the manager was nice & very helpful. She helped arrange tours for us. We went around Montevideo the 1st day and then the famous Punta del Este the 2nd day. I hope to visit both Argentina & Uruguay again some day. The restaurants being closed between 4 & 8 PM was a difficult adjustment to make, but I blended in very well in both countries. So much so, that people approached me in Spanish several times. I wish my Spanish was better. In both countries they say "Ciao" (like in Italy & Portugal). There is definitely an Italian influence in both countries, but I would never confuse either country for Italy.