Food for mind and body

I had set me a time limit in the morning, when I wanted to leave, go outside and finally see a bit of Montevideo! Now, the rain was over, I had no desire to stay inside any longer. Took the city bus to the central market… always love to see what is over from the former farmers markets and what they become.

The first bus had a female chauffeur, she advised me to go two stops further then I intended: would be easier to find the way to the market. Really tried to deal with my (low) level of Spanish. The market was almost completely a travelersmarket: all the things you do not need in dayly life. Didn’t seduce me to buy anything. Though, I went to the next stop to find the bus to the busterminal to buy my ticket to Buenos Aires (couldn’t buy this one online). It helps, when you go to the right busstop, not just the next one 🙂 Waited for almost half an hour for the bus I wanted to take, then realising, I was at the wrong place. Didn’t get bored for a second: At the busstop, I clown (Yes! Really!) prepaired his next act. And tested his jokes on me. First in Spanish, then in English. For my answers, he waited until I had sorted the words in Spanish in my head. Friendly, pationedly. Had a really great time. At the moment, I realised my mistake, he went to the school, a few meters away, to entertain the kids. One of the best moments of the day!

Here in Uruguay, they are used to expats. One of the countries strategies to bring money into the country: make it easy for digital nomads and reteries. Basically, they try for families, too, but as I understood, finding a good job is still a bit an issue. Anyway, most people here speak a bit of English, German, even Dutch. Limeted chances to practice Spanish. 

For the trip to Buenos Aires, I had two options: a boat directly from Montevideo. Or with the bus to Colonia, and then from there with the boat. I choose the second option. Loved to see a bit more of the country; and it was cheaper, too. Within minutes, I had my ticket, decided to have a little icecream for lunch and watched, while I was eating, the pet-shelter at the busstation: a little patio to let your 4-legs travelcompangien have little playtime. 

Time to do some sightseeing! I took the bus to the old city center. A bit the same picture as in the rest of the town, as far as I have seen it: a few nice old buildings got sandwiched between modern, quite ugly once. What a pity! Strolled trough the streets, main streets and the blocks behind those and decided at some point, that I would like to have a proper meal before I go back to the hotel.
At that very moment I spotted a really nice, old, classic, charming bookstore… with a vegetarian restaurant on the first floor. Bingo! Really took my time at this place. Even did some writing for my business. Afterwards, I walked to the pier, came along the cathedral, had a quick peek, lighted a candle, took a moment of BEING. And went on. 

A bus brought me back to the right part of the town, walked the last blocks to the co-living.