Uruguay - New Beginnings
Uruguay, bordering Brazil and Argentina, a country that had never crossed my mind. I was kindly invited by my boyfriend’s family to spend 2 weeks enjoying the countryside, the food and the lovely people. Now, my knowledge about the country was sparse. When I first mentioned I was going, I received a mixed response; nodding heads at the sound of an exotic country, furrowed eyebrows trying to pinpoint where in the world it was. My favourite response was “Uruguay…where is it in Europe?”. I didn’t feel as bad about my own knowledge after that.
So I packed my bags, stocked up on some good reading material, and after a wonderful week in the UK celebrating my sister’s graduation, headed into the South American winter. Flying to the capital city of Montevideo wasn’t the most ghastly journey I’d endured. 3 hours to Madrid followed by a 2 hour layover then another 12 hours to the city. However, if you’re flying from Hong Kong, as my boyfriend’s mother Michelle was, South American is literally the furthest place on earth you can possibly go. Literally. 12 hours to Madrid, a 14 hours layover, then another 12 hours to Montevideo. Not fun.
But when we landed we were greeted by a heartwarming reunion at the airport and a cold, wet and windy welcome from the Uruguayan weather, then carried off into the city to a warm cup of tea. Because lets face it, tea makes everything better. Ready to explore after 3 months of anticipation, I was shot down by the stern talking to. “No handbags, no backpacks, no phones in public, keep everything locked away and hidden. If you want to bring something out, make sure it is held in something hands free. A cross body bag or a fanny pack so you are ready to defend yourself. Someone was mugged just outside this house across the street. If you see someone suspicious, they are suspicious so move away. If you’re being mugged, don’t resist. Same if you’re held at gunpoint.” Silence settled. I didn’t think it was possible for my eyes to get any wider or my back any straighter. I hesitantly nodded in understanding. Maybe I’d bitten off more than I could chew?
