Uruguay is in top of my favourite South American countries. It was the second country I visited and the first that spoke to my heart in a particular way.
The whole month of September, I will share 30 stories with you. One story each day. You will find out how I travelled, what countries I called home and how many times I repeated a travel in the same place. But most importantly, you will get to know my comfort zone stories. Would you share yours?
Uruguay means the world to me, I visited it back in October-November 2017. I know I overstayed my welcome staying with my friend, but the small South American country taught me so much. I also made some terrible mistakes that traumatised me for months to come. Yet I’ve discovered the strength I have within me to keep going. It was in Uruguay that I started my hitchhiking through South America. And also I had my first Couchsurfing experience in Rocha. And the first time trying maté. Always too hot for me.
My Spanish was almost non-existent at the time, I could understand-ish but talk almost no words. The pronunciation of some words was very confusing to me, but I was very ashamed to try and speak. Ha, that changed very soon after! I actually loved the Uruguayan beaches so I have a whole separate article about my favourite six. To this day half of my heart is still in Punta del Diablo. The cover photos of this website it’s actually from there. But also it was then when I learned how to stop being scared of happiness. For you to understand why I have to share a snippet of what I wrote while there:
But now she understands how much she needed an experience in which everything she has to offer was to herself. It’s all about her and for her. The strong passion she feels right now increased tenfold by the soul that no longer needs a recipient. It was as if a shattered piece of her had come to life. No longer needing to hide her imperfections, she’s not ashamed to admit how many mistakes she made. The wind is getting stronger and the night more dreadful. She longed for the multitude of stars seen in, what now seems to be from, another life. The scars gleam softly in the light of the noisy ocean and the fireflies, the fireflies in her eyes look playful. She’s unshakable.
November, 2017
When I travelled to Cabo Polonio, during the same trip, the feeling was distinct, especially since I had no internet while there. Talking about disconnecting. And the sunsets, the incredible sunsets felt like something else, Atlantic Ocean didn’t disappoint.
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It’s gonna sound weird but only one week after I arrived in Uruguay it actually hit me where I am. I was on a day trip with a friend (and her friend) to discover Punta del Este. Seeing a car plate with the Uruguayan flag did it for me. ‘Wait, how is it even possible that I am travelling through South America all by myself? I get to explore the world I’ve read about since I was a kid?! Was it a prank?’ Nope! And I had these moments of gratitude for what I am experiencing all the time ever since then.
But speaking of Punta del Este, my hosts really showed me around. The famous hand in the sand, the wavy bridge, spending time at the beach and we ate the delicious bizcochos. Not to be confused with the Italian known biscotti. Springtime looks pretty in Montevideo. But the nights were still cold, that sign was freezing. During my first week visiting the beautiful capital, I was by the dock to watch the sunset. Long story short, that was the last time I used my GoPro. So sad, especially since I have also lost content from the trip to Sao Paulo. And I was planning to have vlogs from my entire trip. So that ended rather soon. But, luckily my travel insurance helped out a little.
Uruguay was also the last country I was visiting where I knew people. I visited three friends in total until then, and now it was time to continue my South American trip. Where to? You’ll be surprised.
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