How amazing, I think, that in this age of broadband and satellite TV, places can still engulf us so thoroughly, that they make their world our world. -Eric Weiner, author of "The Geography of Bliss."
That's exactly what has happened to us... we've been engulfed in the beautiful simplicity of this little part of Uruguay. With Cerro San Antonia behind us and Rio de Plata in front of us, we continue to explore what's behind us, to the north of us, to the south of us and in our own back yard.
So, where in the world are we? Our latitude is the same proximity as Tasmania, Australia. Our longitude is similar to Nova Scotia, Canada. Uruguay's western border is Argentina and it is bordered by Brazil on the north and north eastern side. The Atlantic and the Rio de Plata (which is part of where we are located) borders the south western part of the country as well. The Rio de Plata is HUGE! It's why we don't have big, big waves here. Piriapolis experiences the estuary-type of ocean/river mix. When you go up to Punta Del Estes, you see the Atlantico Ocean; the waves and the wind are fierce. Here, in Piriapolis, the water is calm, the fishing is great, the beaches are extraordinary and the living is good. We hear that way up north, a place called Punta Diablo has great surfing. It's close to the Brazilian border (we hope to drive there in a few weeks).
Today we rented bicicletas in Piriapolis for 2 horas. At first, we weren't too impressed with the bikes out front, but the rental guy took us in the back of his store and we found two Trek mountain bikes with gears. (Heavy bikes, but good ones). So we rented them and had a great ride up the north coast to Punta Fria, Punta Colorada, Morgan Bay, Plata San Francisco and on to Punta Negra. Imagine riding along the coast of California minus the houses! Yup, that's what it is like here... hundreds of beaches, no people, no condos------ just one spectacular natural sight after another. (Punta Del Estes, on the other hand IS like California----overrun with tall condos, stores, yes... even a McDonalds.) The wind and our legs pushed us past the beaches, the sanddunes, the little villages, the fishing shacks, the lifeguard shacks on stilts, and the stunning beauty of nature. We were in heaven. We encountered a few cars, motorscooters, and others riding bicicletas. Even our headwind back to Piriapolis was pleasant as the sights took over our minds.
After returning the bikes, we walked to our favorite restaurant for mejillones, beer and an empanada carne--- all for about $15.00 US. We walked back up our hill to our little part of the world... so thankful to be here.
We hope that you are enjoying your little or big part of the world. Life is good.
Adios,
Mary and Bob
Hi Mary and Bob,
ReplyDeleteMy Bob will love reading this post about bicycling, eating, and drinking beer! (That's a spiffy red Trek!)Your pictures are fabulous.