Where are we?

The beaches are world class, the architecture breathtaking, the people stylish. Gorgeous little patisseries dot every corner. People walk the streets drinking mate - a herbal tea drunk from a cup with an ornate silver straw, and serve up giant steaks from the BBQ. There are cowboys, and lots of sheep. The people are friendly and the grafitti is interesting. The population is 80% white with a smattering of other races but barely any indigenous people.

Yes, you guessed it (or probably not) Uruguay!

There is something fantastic about going to a country you know absolutely nothing about. You have zero expectations and therefore have very little reason to be disappointed. Not that we had any reason to be disappointed anyway, as it happened. Our four day jaunt across the mouth of the Rio Grande from Buenos Aires was thoroughly pleasant in every respect. The capital, Montevideo, was by far and away the quietest, most laid back capital city we have ever visited with tumble weed blowing down the main streets at night and a sleepy atmosphere during the day.

Colonia del Sacramento, a short hop along the coast, was a cute-as-a-button little colonial town with cobbled streets and charismatic restaurants such as the wonderfully named ´El Drugstore´, imaginatively decorated with a fantastic menu. We watched the sun set lazily behind the Buenos Aires skyline from the top of a jauntily painted lighthouse, then dined on a delicious cheese fondue while the live band dished up Sting, Elton and Bob Dylan covers in a dodgy English accent. Ah, Uruguay.