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Fatiga
Fatiga
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Montevideo Beaches: Heaven’s Illusions

  • October 11, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by SeenThat from Tel Aviv, Israel
Montevideo Beaches: Heaven’s Illusions

Visiting small countries and secondary cities is a problematic issue for the average worldwide pilgrim; more often than not, they offer just a cheap reflection of the nearest big city.

However, sometimes such a visit can be justified. For example, if it is on the way between two main cities, as Montevideo is between Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires; or, if the city has a special attraction missing in the nearest big city, as Montevideo has the beautiful beaches missing in Buenos Aires.

Subtler reasons exist as well for such a visit; like other South American cities, Montevideo is frozen in a faraway past, an ill-defined period between the late 19th century and the early 20th one. I have heard many theories trying to explain the curious fact, but nobody disputes the observation. Well, no traveler disputes it; locals fiercely claim they live in a modern country of European heritage. Since few of them visited other continents, I learned avoiding the topic.

Locals mention in every conversation that Uruguay is the South American Switzerland. Having visited Switzerland in the past, I can’t see any substantial basis for the claim. I can’t remember reading about Swiss military coups, about Swiss citizens disappearing in their own country or about foreigners’ graves being discovered a generation too late. However, saying that seemed to be an unwise step. Could those events still be part of an unreported reality? I didn’t want to check that out.

The wise traveler carefully studies the history and politics of his next destination and then avoids falling into such local delusions, since accidents are easy to fake and cover, as Uruguayan history teaches. However, these topics seem secondary to the beautiful beaches. The local awareness on their importance is demonstrated by local regulations prohibiting high buildings’ construction. In my hometown, the sunset takes places over the romantic Mediterranean Sea. However, across the Atlantic Ocean, the sun disappears behind low hills and thus keeping the buildings low allows enjoying a few extra minutes of sun

Rambla
This is the name of the gorgeous and wide promenade along the riverside; during the evenings all the denizens seems to be there enjoying the last rays of sun, the wide, horizontless river, working out extra-calories or just meeting friends.

Ramirez
This beach is in front of the Parque Rodo, the main green area of the town, east of the old town. It can be reached by bus from 18 de Julio Avene, or by any bus traveling south from the terminal through Boulevard Artigas.

Pocitos
Pocitos is one of the most central beaches, surrounding one of the most exclusive areas of town. Its closeness to downtown makes it a bit too crowded.

Buceo
Placed next to an old port, Buceo is the most picturesque beach in town; although it is of lesser quality than others.

Malvin, Ingleses, Honda, Verde, Punta Gorda and Carrasco
Further away from downtown are these beaches; their position makes them less crowded and thus more inviting.

From journal Montevideo: The City That Was

Beach Time in Montevideo

  • April 30, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Fatiga from Montevideo, Uruguay
Beach Time in Montevideo

In summer, Montevideo´s beaches are very crowded with people of all ages. You can play volleyball or maybe a beach soccer game with other friends or locals.

The sand is very nice, and the water is sweet.

After the sun goes down, many times fireplaces are lit and people gather around them with guitars and a beer to enjoy the summer nights.

From journal Montevideo, Little Beauty by the Sea

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