20 Reasons to Fall in Love with Uruguay Right Now
Uruguay is the smallest state in South America and, we think, a hidden gem. They celebrate Independence Day on August 25. It was on that day in 1825 that Uruguay declared its independence from the Portuguese Empire. In 2012, it was named The Economist’s Country of the Year with the magazine describing it as, “Modest yet bold, liberal and fun-loving.” With Uruguay’s Independence Day upon us, we thought we’d take a moment to chat about this awesome country, and encourage a little Uruguay tourism, with 20 reasons to fall in love with Uruguay right now.
1. Yerba Mate
Mate is Uruguay’s national beverage—unofficially, of course. It’s a tea made from leaves that many people drink daily. Some carry a thermos of hot water as well as a mate (a hollowed out gourd, to drink from) and a bombilla (the metal straw that filters the drink) with them to engage in the social ritual. Traditionally, the brewer can even convey moods or desires by the way it is prepared.
2. Tango
Now you may think of Argentina as the Tango capital of the world but this sexy dance also has roots in Uruguay.
3. Legal Marijuana
Like a few of the United States, in 2013, Uruguay passed legislation legalizing the production, sale and use of marijuana. If that doesn’t up Uruguay tourism, we don’t know what will.
4. Chivito
Chivito is Uruguay’s popular steak sandwich and it’s worth every greasy calorie.
5. Milonga
Milonga has the same basic elements of the Tango but incorporates a relaxed body and more freedom of movement and stance.
6. Uruguay’s Constitution
Uruguay’s first Constitution was established on July 18, 1830, and was modeled after that of the United States.
7. High Literacy Rate
Uruguay’s youth literacy rate for those 15 years of age and older is 98%. Amazing, right? We think so. In case you were wondering, 14% of adults in the United States are illiterate.
8. Museo del Gaucho y de la Moneda
As far as Uruguay tourism goes, The Cowboy & Coin Museum in Montevideo is worth a visit, for sure.
9. Calle de los Suspiros
The Street of Sighs in Colonia del Sacramento features original cobblestone roads and historic signs and architecture from a time long ago. The stories of how it got its name are fascinating, too, but we’ll leave that up to your tour guide.
10. Abortion is Legal
This is a rarity in South American countries and means that women can safely be supported with whatever their decision may be.
11. La Pedrera
If you’re hungry for a real sunny Uruguay vacation, Le Pedrera offers a more laid back, bohemian beach experience than in Punta del Este. Though that one’s good, too.
12. Montevideo Carnival
The Montevideo Carnival is an event is not to be missed. It starts in January and lasts for 40 days, leading up to Ash Wednesday.
13. Punta del Este
Punta del Este is a hip beach vacation spot for jet-setters and is reminiscent of Miami Beach.
14. Colonia del Sacramento
Here you’ll find historic architecture and a haunting feeling of being connected to the past.
15. Hot Springs
This is a must for your Uruguay vacation. Many say the hot springs have healing properties. You’ll find different waters in the springs that reportedly have different properties to help what ails you.
16. José Mujica
The President of Uruguay donates 90% of his income to low-income housing and provides his own transportation in the form of his Volkswagen Beetle. When he travels internationally, he flies coach. He’s also said, “If we lived within our means—by being prudent—the 7 billion people in the world could have everything they needed. Global politics should be moving in that direction.”
17. Marriage Equality
Uruguay became the second South American country to pass a law allowing gay marriage in May.
18. Cabo Polonio
If you really want to get away from it all and be forced to leave modern (in)conveniences and distractions behind, the rustic fishing village, Cabo Polonio boasts almost no electricity.
19. Lifestyle
Uruguay is rated in the top 10 of International Living’s places to retire thanks to the relaxed lifestyle and community feel.
20. Health Care
Uruguay has great healthcare for all with free clinics available for all residents. There’s also a higher-end privatized hospital system if you prefer. Either way, you’ll be taken care of.
La Cumparsita Tango – Gerard Matos Rodriguez – Tango Dancers
The song was originally an Uruguayan carnival march whose melody was composed in early 1916 by an architecture student in Montevideo, an 18-year-old man named Gerardo Hernán “Becho” Matos Rodríguez, the son of Montevideo’s Moulin Rouge nightclub proprietor Emilio Matos. On 8 February 1916, Matos Rodríguez had his friend Manuel Barca show Orchestra leader Roberto Firpo the music in the cafe called La Giralda.
REAL World Around YOU – Global Media Planet INFO
ABOUT US
What is Global Media All About?
We (Global Media) believe in creating change by raising consciousness and thinking outside the box. We aim to challenge the current status quo by shaking up how we currently think about the world. We encourage and inspire each other to take action with the goal of bringing to life a bright future for us all. Positive and heartfelt journalism is a big part of what we do.
Living sustainably, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, creating a spiritual relationship with oneself and shaping a better world together are all things we encourage. We value balance in our world, which means examining all aspects of our lives. We report on news, health, science, technology and an accessible, non-new-age or religious brand of spirituality.
A grassroots organization created in 2008, GM is now one of the world’s most popular alternative media, production, and community outlets that give readers an opportunity to reshape their everyday way of thinking. GM’s content ranges from full-length articles to videos, to live events, all of which share one common goal: to raise awareness about how our world functions, and to encourage conscious change that moves beyond it.
Who is Global Media Planet INFO?
All Global Media content is brought into conscious existence by an awesome, (but not too awesome) dynamic (but not too dynamic) community of writers, filmmakers, editors, speakers and other phenomenally creative minds… but not too phenomenal.
To contact Global Media for radio or media appearances please use our contact form found by clicking the contact menu button and choose your language on the right. All languages are supported.
Three things cannot be long hidden: the Sun, the Moon, and the TRUTH!
Global Media Planet INFO
Keep Us Alive With A Donation HERE:
PayPal-Me
Thank You!
Leave a Reply