Colonia
A couple of weekends ago, I went to the sweet little town of Colonia for the day with about six other international students. Colonia del Sacramento(the city's full name) is located on the Río de la Plata, facing Buenos Aires and was founded in 1680 by Portugal, making it one of the oldest cities in Uruguay. The cobblestone streets and blue and white tile signs allude to the rich history. There is not a lot to do, so a day was plenty of time to explore, but it is quaint city worth seeing. This was my first vacation since I have been here and I loved it! First, we walked to the port and took a self-guided walking tour through the city. Then, we found a restaurant with a terrace and ate a meal overlooking the water and the city-It was a beautiful day to sit outside. And then we visited the lighthouse and sat on the beach and played games. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day. (Oh, and I cannot forgot that I had some of the best ice cream I have ever had-yes, Italy, I am talking to you.)
< Some of the sweet friends I got to share this adventure with: >
Piriápolis en Maldonado
Piriápolis is a city in the department of Maldonado in Uruguay. For those of you who did not know where Uruguay was or even that it existed before you found out I was coming here, Maldonado is east of Montevideo. Because of this, the water is more oceanic and clearer in this region than where I live, and so many people travel and live there for the beaches. This specific region is also cool because some of Uruguay's hills are located here (They are definitely hills, not mountains). I probably would have never travelled to this city, if it were not for my host mom. This area is much more relaxed and rural than Punta del Este(a popular tourist spot a little further east). My host mom's best friend recently bought property in Maldonado and built a quaint, one-room cottage. My host mom and I went for the weekend with her best friend, Carla and her son. It was great to get away and do something a little different. The first day, it rained the entire time, so we just stayed in the cottage and played cards and drank tea. It was perfect. I loved that I was able to have a unique experience that many other students living here won't have. I am so grateful that my host mom has generously shared her life and her friends with me. It has opened up so many great opportunities.
< An abandoned castle located on the side of a dirt road. We just drove by because it was a cold and gloomy day, but I love how eery and mysterious it looks. >
< These are pictures of an abandoned church on the side of another random dirt road. It was perched between some houses and a lumber yard. When it was initially built, it was not recognized and accepted by the city, and so it was forgotten, while life continued to move on around it. I love this place. When I stepped inside, I was overwhelmed by the beauty and mystery it held, unknown to so many people. What a beautiful metaphor. >
Thanks for reading! More to come soon.
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