Beaches, Palm Trees and Mass Demonstrations

Yes that’s right I took a boat over to a whole other Country to get a bit of peace and quiet and perspective on my travels so far.  Uruguay, known to be the most laid back Country in South America, Mr Chill. 

Being reasonably cheap I booked myself into a hotel and put my feet up, determined to get back into the mood of travelling and to get over my upset stomach.  I didn’t manage to see the beaches while i was there but i had a good walk around and it was exactly what i needed.

The noise of violent chanting was getting louder and the sounds of broken windows was getting closer .....i decided to peer through my blinds from my second floor window and investigate

Little did i know that the day that i decided to go for a few days to Uruguay was the day that President George W. Bush was visiting.  Normally this probably wouldn’t be a problem if the public of Uruguay actually liked Mr Bush.  However this was obviously not the case.

At first there was speeches followed by clapping, cheering and chanting.  Not taking any notice, as i had already realised that a small demonstration was taking place after finding the road that i wanted to walk down barricaded off with metal frames and hundreds of armed policemen.  On my discovery I quickly turned on my heals and found an alternative route.  I thought that my brisk walk back to my hotel after seeing the police was me bearing on the side of caution.  And it seemed that the side I was on was the right one as I was flicking through the channels and came across some local news i realised that the demonstration was not over it had only just begun.  The noise of violent chanting was getting louder and the sounds of broken windows was getting closer and so being extremely brave i decided to peer through my blinds from my second floor window and investigate.  I felt like i was watching a revolution taking place with a gang of boys running through the streets with bricks in their hands, kicking the shop windows as their passed.  Crazy!  My sternness didn’t prevail however, and i decided not to investigate further after the gang of men pursued the next street.

My time in Uruguay was not totally a waste of time, seen as I did go there for peace and quiet, as I still experienced the demonstration and got some well needed solitude. 

Back in Buenos Aires, six hours later than intended after not realising that Uruguay is an hour ahead of Argentina and missing my boat I am ready to make an effort again.