Uruguay ---> Punta Del Este

After a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires you can set foot on Uruguayan soil. From there, it was well worth 5 hours of busing to arrive at Punta Del Este- the place is a collision of yachting and surfing cultures with some of the friendliest people I've ever met. The area is exploding with development and everywhere you turn it's evident that unlike Argentina, outside companies are welcome in Uruguay with businesses including Sea Doo, Trek, Billabong, Volcom, and a giant supermarket called "English Store." One of my teachers summed up Uruguay's economic situation well when she said Uruguay is a country of economic stability in a region of financial turmoil. With the laid back culture and cheap prices nearby the point it was no surprise that an American couple in my hostel was finalizing their purchase of a home during their permanent move to Uruguay. Three things set Uruguay apart from Argentina: Philadelphia Cream Cheese, peanut butter, and being able to receive U.S. dollars from ATMs.   

The best way to travel along miles and miles of beautiful coastline.
The brakes didn't work at all and I hit an elderly lady at one point who was looking in the opposite direction when she stepped out into the street :/  The bike also broke down in between two cities, and some awesome construction workers helped me fix the thing

Pretty realistic looking fingers coming out of the sand at the point of Punta Del Este. The sculpture is called "Los Dedos"

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Casapueblo is one of the those "gotta see sites" close to Punta Del Este. It's at the end of a peninsula and is famous for its unique architecture... perfect spot to watch the sun go down