March 15, 2025

There is something noticeably different about Uraguay.

The people walk with a deliberate, purposeful gait. Services feel very efficient and orderly. Buildings are well maintained and unlike other South American countries we have visited no graffiti to be found anywhere. Cars even seemed to be recently washed with older vehicles showing a pride of ownership. All in all, one feels welcomed like a warm blanket cuddling you on a cold night.

Perhaps it is because of its location tucked in between busy Argentina and flourishing Brazil that gives Uraguay it’s self-sufficient nature, but I think it has more to do with its leadership.

Jose “Pepe” Mojica was one of the most loved President’s in Uraguay’s history. He was known as “The World’s Poorest President.” He refused to live in the presidential palace but lived in the small farmhouse he called home driving distance to the presidential palace. He drove a 1987 VW beetle. He gave all of his salary away to social services living on $1,200.00 per month, the average salary in Uraguay. He had no security force and routinely stood on lines at the supermarket talking freely with his constitutes. And because of his humble nature and mentoring of good stewardship of resources Uraguay was one of the most stable and progressive countries in South America. When he left office in 2015, he denied a government pension and returned to farming his land. His legacy has had a profound impact on Uraguay. He summarized his model of leadership when he addressed the United Nations General Assembly with a long speech devoted to humanity. He said: “I urge a return to simplicity with lives founded on human relationships, love, friendship, adventure, solidarity and family, instead of lives shackled just to economic gain.”

Our port of call today, Punta del Este, seemed to reflect all those values. As this is a coastal port, you are first welcomed by sea lions who efficiently receive their lunch from the scraps thrown to them by the many vendors who skillfully filet today’s assorted catch.

I also never saw such a varied assortment of transportation. From wooden trikes to delivery bikes from homemade red wagons to bicycles repurposed for decoration everything was put to use.

I guess the summary of the attitude of the people of Uraguay is one of the country’s most famous sculptures on Playa Brava, the ocean side beach in Punta del Esta. It is simply a hand reaching out from the sand depicting that from the earth much can be gained.

We now continue our trip up the east coast of South America stopping at 11 ports in the massive country of Brazil before sailing toward Cape Verde and Gambia, Senegal and Morocco in Northern Africa.

The Tango was created in Buenos Aires and is the national dance/pastime of Argentina. One regret of our trip is that the world’s most famous tango couple was performing in Buenos Aires but unfortunately all the tickets for their performance was sold out. Luckily, we were able to capture this photo of them taken from a billboard in the city. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for traveling with us.