Hola, Amigos and Familia,
We are in the beach town, Punta Del Este which is located in southeast Uruguay north of Montevideo.  There is a a population of 14,000 inhabitants, but during the summer months, the inhabitants swell as Uruguayans, Brasilians and Argentinians come to relax and have fun in the sun. In many ways, the beaches on the Atlantic side, reminded us of Rio but less sophisticated and expensive. This city was established by the Portuguese and the name comes from “I saw a mount”. The Portuguese were here first in 1680-83 but the Spanish took the city in 1724.  Before we arrived in the city, we stopped at Piroapolis a city a few miles south and up and coming. After our short visit in the new city we stopped at a former home of an artist named Carlos Paez.  He knew Picasso, and other prominent artists in his life.  He designed and built his home which is now a museum and hotel.  It is about 20 miles south of Punta Del Este. Here is the artists home and some of his art.

As we drove around Punta Del Este, we saw the first hotel built, now derelict, and the new tower being built by now President Trump. Next was the point in the city where the Rio Plata and the Atlantic Ocean meet. We drove through the city and had a wonderful lunch at the restaurant Napoleon.

Our hotel, the Sisac, was lovely and well located within walking distance to the river or the beach. For the 6 days we were in Punta Del Este, we explored the beaches and the restaurants. One thing we learned about life here, is that people eat breakfast late, and lunch late and dinner very late.

We also learned that the spotlight attraction is the beach.  The ocean had waves you could body surf or regular surf in and also boogie board. The beach was crowded with families everyday.  Fathers teaching their children how to swim in the waves or boogie board and mothers watching their children play in the sand.  Babies were there also and many spent the whole day at the beach  It was really fun to be a part of the daily life of the people here. Oh and vendors would walk up and down the hot beach selling their wares be it ice cream, coffee, clothing, swim suits, etc.

For our last day, we will again bask in the sun, before we begin our journey to Ushuaia, Argentina to go to Antarctica and COLD! But there will be penguins and other animals to see as well.  So tomorrow, we will go again to the beach and watch the local life and then enjoy a lovely meal here locally. Before the secret allure of Punta Del Este gets out, you had better put this small lovely city on your travel list. It is worth it as is Uruguay. We are really glad we revisited this lovely country. Until our next entry, don’t forget to be good to yourselves.

Cheers,
Susan and Jim