April 11, 2014 - Friday - our last day
BOTTOM LINE:
Punta del este, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Lima, Los Angeles.
NOTEWORTHY:
20 hours of traveling, great service on LAN airlines, Very happy to be land in L.A. and so grateful for the opportunity to spend time getting immersed in new cultures and adventurous journeys.
BACKSTORY:
Headed back to the USA. The day was long starting with our drive back to Montevideo to return our rental car. Then we caught a short flight to Buenos Aires where we stayed for three hours. Our next flight to Santiago was about two hours. In Santiago we had another lengthy layover before leaving for Lima. Much to our surprise that flight took three hours. Our layover in Lima was one hour where we had to stay on the aircraft while they cleaned and loaded new passengers. Our flight onto Los Angeles took about nine hours, arriving at 8am on Saturday.
We are so very grateful to God for this two month adventure. We experienced incredible diversity in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay...visiting small, lazy coastal communities in Chile, seeing breath taking views of volcanoes, crossing the Andes Mountains six times, seeing towns influenced by Bavaria, Spain and Italy, witnessing the grandeur of glacial flows, mountain spires, thundering water falls, expansive wetlands, and ocean beaches. Seeing animals, insects and birds in their natural habitat being threatened by mans destructive deforestation and poaching strengthened our resolve to help in some way.
The people of South America that we met were gentle, polite, welcoming and as curious of us as we were of them. Anyone that spoke of the US did so with respect for our countries efforts in worldwide peace and freedom.
We grew to understand that we are truly all connected through God. We could have easily been born into the slums of Santiago or to an indigenous family in Uruguay, but instead we were gifted a free life in the US with opportunities and choices.
Our memories of those less fortunate living with joy in the midst of poverty have made an impact on our hearts...we could have been them. With that knowledge we have an even deeper compassion for all of Gods creation. We don't know what we don't know...but when we learn about lives in need beyond our comfortable homes, we have been given knowledge for a purpose. We are not certain where our knowledge will take us or what we are to do with it. We are certain however that the knowledge will be life changing and will undoubtedly have a ripple affect in our community.
We traveled in countries where few spoke English. At times it was isolating, but also a gift of quiet observation and deep reflection. We are excited to get home, reconnect and see how God will use our experiences/knowledge for his ultimate purpose...for his glory. We have been blessed beyond measure and are humbled to our core.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
April 10, 2014 - Thursday Solanas Resort, Uruguay
April 10, 2014 - Thursday. Punta del Estes
BOTTOM LINE:
Tennis, botanical garden, pack
NOTEWORTHY:
Today is our first born daughter, Kimberly Jean Gant's 33rd Birthday. Happy Birthday!!!
BACK STORY:
It was the first beautiful morning since our arrival so we decided to go rent equipment and play tennis. It has been a long time and even though we were both a bit rusty, it felt good to be outside playing again. We played for an hour which was long enough to break a sweat.
After cleaning up we headed to a botanical garden that was near the resort. The garden had been on a private estate. The wife wanted to plant a beautiful garden and although everyone thought that all of the plants that she wanted to plant would die in the climate, her husband humored her allowing her to order whatever she wanted.
Plans were made, holes were dug and trees, shrubs and flowers not native to the area were planted.the plants were tended and have multiplied by great numbers...in fact they thrived!
Our walk through the garden started by running back to the car to put mosquito repellant on! They were thick after the rain and were after anyone that entered their domain. Once we were lathered up we were able to walk and enjoy the scenery. We really did not see anything unusual and the garden seemed over grown and tangled.
We returned to our apartment to repack our suitcases and carry-ons for our trip back to the US.
BOTTOM LINE:
Tennis, botanical garden, pack
NOTEWORTHY:
Today is our first born daughter, Kimberly Jean Gant's 33rd Birthday. Happy Birthday!!!
BACK STORY:
It was the first beautiful morning since our arrival so we decided to go rent equipment and play tennis. It has been a long time and even though we were both a bit rusty, it felt good to be outside playing again. We played for an hour which was long enough to break a sweat.
After cleaning up we headed to a botanical garden that was near the resort. The garden had been on a private estate. The wife wanted to plant a beautiful garden and although everyone thought that all of the plants that she wanted to plant would die in the climate, her husband humored her allowing her to order whatever she wanted.
Plans were made, holes were dug and trees, shrubs and flowers not native to the area were planted.the plants were tended and have multiplied by great numbers...in fact they thrived!
Our walk through the garden started by running back to the car to put mosquito repellant on! They were thick after the rain and were after anyone that entered their domain. Once we were lathered up we were able to walk and enjoy the scenery. We really did not see anything unusual and the garden seemed over grown and tangled.
We returned to our apartment to repack our suitcases and carry-ons for our trip back to the US.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
April 9, 2014 - Wednesday. Solanas Resort, Uruguay
April 9, 2014 - Wednesday. Punta del Estes, Uruguay
BOTTOM LINE:
Exercise, walk the town, cinema
BACK STORY:
We felt so good after exercising yesterday that we decided to go for round #2!
While exercising today we met a man whose daughter had attended American University in DC majoring in communications like our daughter Leslie. It seems that with her in DC he decided to start up a gelato business. Ten years later he has expanded to six locations and believes that his gelato is the best in the WORLD! ...nothing wrong with thinking BIG!
He and his wife live in the resort six months a year (they have a house within the resort) and six months in Washington DC. He was very open in saying how completely safe it is in the US. I guess comparing it with Buenos Aires where he had spent most of his life, we understand.
After cleaning up we drove to the modern art museum of Carlos Veralo. The museum sits on the slope of a hill on the coast. The entire building is white stucco and is a modern art sculpture itself. It has been described as looking like a bunch of pizza ovens on a hill. At first I was curious, but after walking around...it's weird. The artist was friends with Picasso who greatly influenced his art. The colorful modern art pieces seemed to mainly be astrological in nature.
We then ventured into the city of Punta del Estes to walk around before it rained again. Again, the city had been described as an upscale French Rivera. There were a handful of high end clothing shops with the rest being souvenir and cafes. Once again our timing was off as most everything was closed.
There are very few things that this area are noted for. One is the giant sculpture of a hand coming out of the sand. It seems a number of years ago there was an art competition. A particular artist missed the entry deadline and by the time he applied there was no more room. Not to be discouraged, he appealed and asked if he might show his work at the beach. He was granted permission. His sculpture of the hand was to represent the dangers of the ocean. He won the competition and his art piece is the only one that is still standing...or grasping!
We grabbed a light dinner and headed to the cinema where we saw the English version of The a Grand a hotel in Budapest. I just have one question...did anyone see George Clooney during the shoot-out seen??? He had no credits but I swear it was him!
BOTTOM LINE:
Exercise, walk the town, cinema
BACK STORY:
We felt so good after exercising yesterday that we decided to go for round #2!
While exercising today we met a man whose daughter had attended American University in DC majoring in communications like our daughter Leslie. It seems that with her in DC he decided to start up a gelato business. Ten years later he has expanded to six locations and believes that his gelato is the best in the WORLD! ...nothing wrong with thinking BIG!
He and his wife live in the resort six months a year (they have a house within the resort) and six months in Washington DC. He was very open in saying how completely safe it is in the US. I guess comparing it with Buenos Aires where he had spent most of his life, we understand.
After cleaning up we drove to the modern art museum of Carlos Veralo. The museum sits on the slope of a hill on the coast. The entire building is white stucco and is a modern art sculpture itself. It has been described as looking like a bunch of pizza ovens on a hill. At first I was curious, but after walking around...it's weird. The artist was friends with Picasso who greatly influenced his art. The colorful modern art pieces seemed to mainly be astrological in nature.
 |
| Museum are the white buildings |
We then ventured into the city of Punta del Estes to walk around before it rained again. Again, the city had been described as an upscale French Rivera. There were a handful of high end clothing shops with the rest being souvenir and cafes. Once again our timing was off as most everything was closed.
 |
| Punta del Estes on horizon |
There are very few things that this area are noted for. One is the giant sculpture of a hand coming out of the sand. It seems a number of years ago there was an art competition. A particular artist missed the entry deadline and by the time he applied there was no more room. Not to be discouraged, he appealed and asked if he might show his work at the beach. He was granted permission. His sculpture of the hand was to represent the dangers of the ocean. He won the competition and his art piece is the only one that is still standing...or grasping!
We grabbed a light dinner and headed to the cinema where we saw the English version of The a Grand a hotel in Budapest. I just have one question...did anyone see George Clooney during the shoot-out seen??? He had no credits but I swear it was him!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
April 8, 2013-Tuesday. Solanas Resort, Uruguay
APRIL 8, 2014 - Tuesday. Punta del Estes, Uruguay
BOTTOM LINE:
Exercise, mall, dinner
NOTEWORTHY:
We're celebrating our 36th anniversary today!
BACK STORY:
The day was another rainy day and we're both having to lift each other up with humor. There is not much to do here and we're both in a holding pattern to go home. Soooo to get the endorphins going we decided to go to the resort's gym and work out! Good move!
The gym actually is one of the best parts of the resort. The equipment was new, operating and the room had good air circulation. We were there for an hour before putting up the umbrella and running back to our apartment.
Trying to think of things to do that would be inside, we decided to find the shopping mall. We spent a couple of hours walking around and window shopping. Nothing new to report on that scene.
We had eaten dinner at the resort restaurant for three nights and decided that we just couldn't do it again so under the recommendation of a resort worker we went to Media y MeDia (half food and half jazz). We arrived about 9pm and were the only people there for our hour and a half dining. Talk about personal attention! It seems that we are in the midst of off season. Two weeks from now during Easter/Spring break reservations will be needed each night of the week. Our experience in the area was entirely different than those visiting during season.
The food was excellent and well wishes from friends and loved ones on Facebook about our anniversary were greatly appreciated!
BOTTOM LINE:
Exercise, mall, dinner
NOTEWORTHY:
We're celebrating our 36th anniversary today!
BACK STORY:
The day was another rainy day and we're both having to lift each other up with humor. There is not much to do here and we're both in a holding pattern to go home. Soooo to get the endorphins going we decided to go to the resort's gym and work out! Good move!
The gym actually is one of the best parts of the resort. The equipment was new, operating and the room had good air circulation. We were there for an hour before putting up the umbrella and running back to our apartment.
Trying to think of things to do that would be inside, we decided to find the shopping mall. We spent a couple of hours walking around and window shopping. Nothing new to report on that scene.
We had eaten dinner at the resort restaurant for three nights and decided that we just couldn't do it again so under the recommendation of a resort worker we went to Media y MeDia (half food and half jazz). We arrived about 9pm and were the only people there for our hour and a half dining. Talk about personal attention! It seems that we are in the midst of off season. Two weeks from now during Easter/Spring break reservations will be needed each night of the week. Our experience in the area was entirely different than those visiting during season.
The food was excellent and well wishes from friends and loved ones on Facebook about our anniversary were greatly appreciated!
Monday, April 7, 2014
April 7, 2014 - Monday, Solanas Resort-Uruguay
April 7, 2014 - Monday. Punta del Estes, Uruguay
BOTTOM LINE:
Laundry
Ride to Rocha, Uruguay
NOTEWORTHY:
The only wildlife we saw today was a large tarantula spider crossing the road. We stopped for a close up picture as neither one of us has seen one "in the wild" in California.
BACK STORY:
At the risk of offending someone, we had to do some laundry. It wasn't that our clothes were terribly dirty, but having fabric enclosed in a suitcase with little air circulation, they begin to smell...and the smell is not necessarily a human smell.
We found a place in Maldonado that opened at 9am. We left our things at the Lavendaria and Maria said that they would be ready at 4pm for pick up. Two crates of clothes would cost $6.00 each!!! There were no "do-it-yourself" laundromats and if there were the cost of washing and drying plus soap would be way more expensive. We were happy for the service!
While the clothes were being taken care of, we ventured east along the coastline to the town of Rocha. At one point without warning, the road ended at a lagoon. There was a small ferry that could transport two cars at a time across the water. Luckily with high winds we chose not to take it and cut north to another highway. Later we found that the road on the other side of the lagoon never reconnected to the road we needed to take!
We found an information center outside the town of a Rocha about 1:15pm for the sole purpose of a restaurant recommendation...we were hungry. After being given a map with ink markings we wandered into the city "centro." Unfortunately our timing was off and businesses as well as restaurants were closing for siesta!
The town was old and quite impoverished, but the people were very friendly and helpful. There was nothing to do but head back to the highway and begin our return. Luckily we spotted a little place. We split a sandwich and were on our way.
The countryside of Uruguay was green with rolling hills. Cattle ranching and agricultural farming created a patchwork to the horizon. The roads were well paved and maintained. Grass was cut and there was no visible litter. There were no billboards and no graffiti. The ride was pleasant and before we knew it we were approaching Maldonado.
On the outskirts of Maldonado there was a rather large cluster of shantys in the lowlands near a river. With the rain that we had during the day, the area was muddy mess of wood, corrugated metal and cardboard layered together to create a dwelling. The dwellings were small one room boxes, but home. We guessed that it was an area claimed freely by indigenous people. It was a dark unwelcoming area...a place for residents only.
We found the laundry business with a nearby parking spot. When I completed parking a neon clad guard walked over. As I rolled down my window and recognized a man that we had met two days prior...a humorous man who had taught us the ropes of parking, we began laughing in unison! He backed up and waved knowing our communication with one another would be limited. We motioned to the laundry sign as he motioned for us to go. Five minutes later we emerged, put our things in the car and handed him a tip. He smiled and said, "thank you. Bye, Barbara!" He remembered my name! We pointed at one another and laughed again as we drove off.
What a treat to pick up our warm, clean, folded laundry. It was in two large clear plastic bags. Although we put it in the trunk of the car we could actually taste the soap that was used from inside the car. It was so pungent that when we got back to our apartment we opened the windows, opened the bags and hoped that the clothes would "de-gas." I have not doubt that there is enough residual soap in the clothes to run a load of laundry at home without adding any soap.
BOTTOM LINE:
Laundry
Ride to Rocha, Uruguay
NOTEWORTHY:
The only wildlife we saw today was a large tarantula spider crossing the road. We stopped for a close up picture as neither one of us has seen one "in the wild" in California.
BACK STORY:
At the risk of offending someone, we had to do some laundry. It wasn't that our clothes were terribly dirty, but having fabric enclosed in a suitcase with little air circulation, they begin to smell...and the smell is not necessarily a human smell.
We found a place in Maldonado that opened at 9am. We left our things at the Lavendaria and Maria said that they would be ready at 4pm for pick up. Two crates of clothes would cost $6.00 each!!! There were no "do-it-yourself" laundromats and if there were the cost of washing and drying plus soap would be way more expensive. We were happy for the service!
While the clothes were being taken care of, we ventured east along the coastline to the town of Rocha. At one point without warning, the road ended at a lagoon. There was a small ferry that could transport two cars at a time across the water. Luckily with high winds we chose not to take it and cut north to another highway. Later we found that the road on the other side of the lagoon never reconnected to the road we needed to take!
We found an information center outside the town of a Rocha about 1:15pm for the sole purpose of a restaurant recommendation...we were hungry. After being given a map with ink markings we wandered into the city "centro." Unfortunately our timing was off and businesses as well as restaurants were closing for siesta!
The town was old and quite impoverished, but the people were very friendly and helpful. There was nothing to do but head back to the highway and begin our return. Luckily we spotted a little place. We split a sandwich and were on our way.
The countryside of Uruguay was green with rolling hills. Cattle ranching and agricultural farming created a patchwork to the horizon. The roads were well paved and maintained. Grass was cut and there was no visible litter. There were no billboards and no graffiti. The ride was pleasant and before we knew it we were approaching Maldonado.
On the outskirts of Maldonado there was a rather large cluster of shantys in the lowlands near a river. With the rain that we had during the day, the area was muddy mess of wood, corrugated metal and cardboard layered together to create a dwelling. The dwellings were small one room boxes, but home. We guessed that it was an area claimed freely by indigenous people. It was a dark unwelcoming area...a place for residents only.
We found the laundry business with a nearby parking spot. When I completed parking a neon clad guard walked over. As I rolled down my window and recognized a man that we had met two days prior...a humorous man who had taught us the ropes of parking, we began laughing in unison! He backed up and waved knowing our communication with one another would be limited. We motioned to the laundry sign as he motioned for us to go. Five minutes later we emerged, put our things in the car and handed him a tip. He smiled and said, "thank you. Bye, Barbara!" He remembered my name! We pointed at one another and laughed again as we drove off.
What a treat to pick up our warm, clean, folded laundry. It was in two large clear plastic bags. Although we put it in the trunk of the car we could actually taste the soap that was used from inside the car. It was so pungent that when we got back to our apartment we opened the windows, opened the bags and hoped that the clothes would "de-gas." I have not doubt that there is enough residual soap in the clothes to run a load of laundry at home without adding any soap.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
April 6, 2014 - Sunday, Solanos resort, Uruguay
April 6, 2014 - Sunday, Punta Del Este, Uruguay
BOTTOM LINE:
Solanas Resort
NOTEWORTHY:
Punte del Este is a combination of the best and worst parts of Miami Beach and Palm Beach Florida (plus gambling).
BACK STORY:
With another rainy day, we chose to go on a coastal ride west of our resort. We wound our way through the twisty coastline, snooping and sneaking peaks at weekend homes of the wealthy from Buenos Aires. Many of the homes were Mediterranean stucco exterior with Spanish influences in arches and and tile roofs. Others were minimalist or contemporary using glass, rock, metal and concrete. Thatched rolled roofs on cottages resembling homes in Holland were seen frequently. Some thatched roofs had so much moss and grass on them that they needed to be mowed! ...all different and distinct in their own form.
The beaches to the west were lovely having a pale tan color. With the beaches on the Parana River there were very low waves. The European influences were not limited to architectural style. We came across a "Playa Naturalistico." ...a nude beach with a list of rules including "no fornication or sexual acts on the beach!" Gotta keep it clean!
As we drove we went through the communities of San Francisco Beach, San Carlos, and finally Paropolis. There we found the gold nugget of seafood restaurants..."Parador" a family owned jewel set on the beach and having best ratings on Trip Advisor for consecutive years. The place had no frills and was packed with local people who knew of its local reputation. We settled on splitting a plate of fried calamari and a salad made of prawns, hearts of Palm, tomatoes and pineapple. Both were delicious.
The next town had a lookout point resting high on a hill, sharing space with a lighthouse. We have come to observe that in any populated area there are "parking guards" to assist drivers. These guards wear neon vests and have laminated government issued licenses dangling from their necks on a lanyard. They help drivers find parking spaces, give them a 90 minute free parking pass to place on their dash and then hold out their hands for a tip. We aren't certain if they are paid a wage or just make the tip.
After enjoying the view we headed back to the resort. The local roads were once again filled with mopeds, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and vehicles. The majority of the cars in the rural areas are quite old and tend to have rust holes and spew pollutants into the air.
The government of Uruguay controls the gas stations. Ancap is the name of the largest gas station. Prices are fixed by the government so there are no signs advertising the prices. $6.00 per gallon is the going rate. Workers at the stations pump the gas and wash windows for their customers. With prices that high, we understand why two wheels modes of transportation are so popular!
BOTTOM LINE:
Solanas Resort
NOTEWORTHY:
Punte del Este is a combination of the best and worst parts of Miami Beach and Palm Beach Florida (plus gambling).
BACK STORY:
With another rainy day, we chose to go on a coastal ride west of our resort. We wound our way through the twisty coastline, snooping and sneaking peaks at weekend homes of the wealthy from Buenos Aires. Many of the homes were Mediterranean stucco exterior with Spanish influences in arches and and tile roofs. Others were minimalist or contemporary using glass, rock, metal and concrete. Thatched rolled roofs on cottages resembling homes in Holland were seen frequently. Some thatched roofs had so much moss and grass on them that they needed to be mowed! ...all different and distinct in their own form.
The beaches to the west were lovely having a pale tan color. With the beaches on the Parana River there were very low waves. The European influences were not limited to architectural style. We came across a "Playa Naturalistico." ...a nude beach with a list of rules including "no fornication or sexual acts on the beach!" Gotta keep it clean!
As we drove we went through the communities of San Francisco Beach, San Carlos, and finally Paropolis. There we found the gold nugget of seafood restaurants..."Parador" a family owned jewel set on the beach and having best ratings on Trip Advisor for consecutive years. The place had no frills and was packed with local people who knew of its local reputation. We settled on splitting a plate of fried calamari and a salad made of prawns, hearts of Palm, tomatoes and pineapple. Both were delicious.
The next town had a lookout point resting high on a hill, sharing space with a lighthouse. We have come to observe that in any populated area there are "parking guards" to assist drivers. These guards wear neon vests and have laminated government issued licenses dangling from their necks on a lanyard. They help drivers find parking spaces, give them a 90 minute free parking pass to place on their dash and then hold out their hands for a tip. We aren't certain if they are paid a wage or just make the tip.
After enjoying the view we headed back to the resort. The local roads were once again filled with mopeds, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and vehicles. The majority of the cars in the rural areas are quite old and tend to have rust holes and spew pollutants into the air.
The government of Uruguay controls the gas stations. Ancap is the name of the largest gas station. Prices are fixed by the government so there are no signs advertising the prices. $6.00 per gallon is the going rate. Workers at the stations pump the gas and wash windows for their customers. With prices that high, we understand why two wheels modes of transportation are so popular!
Saturday, April 5, 2014
April 5, 2014 - Saturday, Solanas resort, Uruguay
April 5, 2014 - Saturday Punta Del Estes, Uruguay
BOTTOM LINE:
Solanas Resort
NOTEWORTHY:
By coming here after the season was over we found the crowds were gone but so was the fun and excitement.
BACK STORY:
Waking up this morning we had daylight to clearly see our unit. It was old, worn and dirty. There was a fist size hole in the bottom wooden frame of our bedroom sliding glass door. Termites had destroyed the door. There was no weather stripping around the front door so there was a light gap all around the door. The stove had a rusty hole in the front. The refrigerator rocked when the door was opened. There is no door on the freezer section of the refrigerator. These are not acceptable standards of the US...BUT, we are not in the US! So, we chose to air to the positive and not be critical. We are thankful for our opportunity of visiting this area and having a roof over our heads.
Tourist brochures and comments by locals painted the picture of the Punta Del Estes area as being comparable to the French Riviera where celebrities vacation, where shopping is like Rodeo Drive and the beaches and water clarity are like Hawaii!
We left our resort excited to go explore. The town of Maldinado was on the way to Punta Estes and large enough to walk around in.
Perhaps it was the rainy weather that put a damper on things, but we found the area depressing. There were three public beaches with brownish sand. The rest of the coast was rock. There was a lot of resort/hotel construction going on including plans for a "Trump Tower" by Donald. The building gave hope for growth. Unfortunately most of the existing buildings had fallen into ill repair and were boarded up or simply abandoned. Graffiti was everywhere.
We will return on another day to check out restaurants and shopping.
BOTTOM LINE:
Solanas Resort
NOTEWORTHY:
By coming here after the season was over we found the crowds were gone but so was the fun and excitement.
BACK STORY:
Waking up this morning we had daylight to clearly see our unit. It was old, worn and dirty. There was a fist size hole in the bottom wooden frame of our bedroom sliding glass door. Termites had destroyed the door. There was no weather stripping around the front door so there was a light gap all around the door. The stove had a rusty hole in the front. The refrigerator rocked when the door was opened. There is no door on the freezer section of the refrigerator. These are not acceptable standards of the US...BUT, we are not in the US! So, we chose to air to the positive and not be critical. We are thankful for our opportunity of visiting this area and having a roof over our heads.
 |
| Living space |
 |
| Kitchen |
 |
| Bedroom |
 |
| Exterior bedroom door |
Tourist brochures and comments by locals painted the picture of the Punta Del Estes area as being comparable to the French Riviera where celebrities vacation, where shopping is like Rodeo Drive and the beaches and water clarity are like Hawaii!
We left our resort excited to go explore. The town of Maldinado was on the way to Punta Estes and large enough to walk around in.
 |
| Uruguay flag |
 |
| Center of Maldinado |
 |
| church in town square |
Perhaps it was the rainy weather that put a damper on things, but we found the area depressing. There were three public beaches with brownish sand. The rest of the coast was rock. There was a lot of resort/hotel construction going on including plans for a "Trump Tower" by Donald. The building gave hope for growth. Unfortunately most of the existing buildings had fallen into ill repair and were boarded up or simply abandoned. Graffiti was everywhere.
We will return on another day to check out restaurants and shopping.
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