Uruguay - Journey to the sea and country

Destination: Punta Del Este. The “playground for the elite” is known for its gorgeous coastline and its reputation as THE holiday destination for South America’s wealthiest. This winter, it would be blessed with us. Our Punta tour started with the harbour, the peninsula welcoming us with the crisp ocean air and the winter breeze migrating through. A great introductory spot. Families were out and about enjoying winter ice-creams, playing alongside the fishing boats and the children gleefully pointing at the seals readying themselves for the first meal of the day; the fisherman’s leftovers.

We visited ‘La Mano de Punta del Este’, or ‘Los Dedos’ (The Fingers), a piece of artwork by Mario Irarrázabal depicting five human fingers rising from the sand, a tourist hotspot and pretty unusual sight to capture! Another piece of art that attracted hoards of attention was ‘Casapueblo’. This Grecian style building was constructed by Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. Nestled on a hillside in Punta Ballena facing west, the sunset from that point was a marvel. Being clever businessmen, the owners of the building charged an entry fee and drinks were double their regular price during the hour of sunset. So naturally we snuck round the side and watched in awe as the sun set over the distant hills.

To distance ourselves a little from the buzz of the city, we stayed in a house in the country. Fitted with a lake, 5 horses, a pool and miles and miles of greenery all around us, I couldn’t think of anywhere better to unwind and enjoy the winter. I thought the beautiful sunsets would end at ‘Casapueblo’, and the only place to be was by the sea when watching them. How wrong I was. Every singly night we were bless with the most gorgeous skies and the atmosphere was just incredible.

Driving through the countryside was actually one of the highlights of the trip. On one ride, we became cow herders, sheep herders, olive farmers and adventurers. Coming from a bustling city like Hong Kong, it takes a second (or maybe a few) to really slow down and adjust to life in Uruguay.

On our journey we met a woman who had worked in a bank in Montevideo, had a steady income and was rising in her career. But one day she just had to stop. She packed her bags, moved to a village of 75 people and opened a coffee shop, which I might add, SHE BUILT HERSELF. It was made from wood, mud, straw, aluminium and really any materials you could think of. She held her plates and mugs in old window shutters, had empty bottles streaming green light into the room and cosy furniture to complete the homey feel. And to top it all off; the best chocolate cake I have ever had. It was one of those times where you reevaluate what you think success means. She was happy with her own business, her family with her in a little town of 75. She was one example of all the wonderful people I met in Uruguay.

And that was it. Two and a half weeks had gone by in no time and I was heading back to London fuller, fonder and happier than ever.