So I owe an explanation for not posting anything for over two (2) straight weeks. I definitely got caught up in the wonder of starting my trip, semi focusing on my spanish lessons, semi focusing on partying, and enjoying my time with new friends. Being in Montevideo in one spot for three (3) weeks, I actually started making a decent group of friends who I chilled with on a regular basis (shout out to Molly, Marshall, and Kevin).
Peñarol Copa Libertadores game with Marshall and Kevin. 4-0 win! 
So. Carolina Stank Eye courtesy of Molly.
I’ve also met a bunch of great travelers that I hope to meet up with later on my trip and since I don’t have many set plans, it makes it relatively easy to meet up with friends. Missing – Mica, Jonas, Kate, Emily, Tom, Lory, Roger, Kerry, and Fraser.
Brazil, Belgium, and the USA come to the table for a drinking game 
Edmo (SF), the Irish Girls, and a Russian showing solidarity at the Women’s March in Montevideo. 
Ze Germans and Raquel!
Spanish classes at La Herradura School greatly improved my Spanish. Instead of 4 hours of group classes a day, I got 2 hours of one on one lessons (hablamos solo en español) because everyone else was at a higher level than me. The four years of french, the patience of my professors (Maribelle and Juan), and the out of school practice (again shout out to Molly and Mica) really helped me develop my Spanish skills.
Mi profesora Maribelle. 
My certificate that unfortunately got crumpled up.
If any of you ever visit Montevideo, a must stop is Parque Rodó. It’s a gorgeous park on the coast that celebrates important historical figures. So many locals frequent the park to enjoy their afternoon mate with friends. Puede estar tranquillo en Parque Rodó.
Montevideo nightlife can turn up in certain spots but it mostly follows the city’s mantra of tranquillo. I went to a couple local bands shows (my friend’s band is called Tripoli), a local legend DJ Koolt, and some random live music.
Kevin, Frederico, and I went out all night this past Saturday only to end the morning with 60’s rock and tea. Oh and Kevin’s dog was the cutest!
It was a truly amazing experience to see the number of people who marched on March 8th for International Women’s Day. Over 10,000 people showed up to march along Montevideo’s main street 18 de Julio. The march was at least 6 or 7 blocks long jam packed with supporters.
I also got to see a little of Uruguay’s Carnival celebration which is different from both Brazil’s and Argentina’s. Uruguay’s celebration is focused on comedy and an opportunity to provide commentary on local political issues. Brazil’s is obviously the most wild and extravagant while Argentina’s is more about pride (which neighborhood or city has the best mugras). It was fun to watch the mugras (performance group) at the velodromo but most of it was lost on me due to my dearth in Spanish.
Kevin invited me to a Copa Libertadores match between Peñarol (one of the best Uruguayan Teams) and San Jose from Bolivia. Peñarol won resoundingly 4-0 hopefully they can keep it up!
Sadly, I must end my time in Montevideo. The friends I made here I hope to keep for years to come (I mean, San Francisco is a great place to visit). Below is the obligatory food/building photo dump. Cabo Polonia next for some much needed beach time.
Homemade sandwich. 
Pastel, a Brazilian specialty made by the Brazilian hostel workers. 
Hostel breakfast. 
Mozzarella dip. 
Asado short rib. 
Kale quinoa salad. 
La Puleria, forever and always. 
La Pulperia again. 
Best flan of my life. 
Irish pub, Irish-ish grub. 
Chorizo and burger stand. 
Deep fried cheese stick. 
There is a hotdog under there, I swear!
1Third Travel Blog 
Yeah, but are you hats good time? 😎😜
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Hi John,
Jason shared your blog with me – what fun it sounds like you’re having! I’ll keep track of your travels!
xo
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