Heading out on a trip to South America that will take Kathy and I to three amazing countries in South America - Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. Time to get out the old Spanish class notes and start to practice my Spanish. This will be my first time exploring Paraguay, but before that - first stop Montevideo, Uruguay.

Republic of Uruguay

is a country in the southeastern region of South America. It borders Argentina to its west and Brazil to its north and east. Uruguay is home to an estimated 3.45 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the metropolitan area of its capital and largest city, Montevideo. With an area of approximately 176,000 square kilometers (68,000 sq mi), Uruguay is geographically the second-smallest nation in South America.

It’s All About The BEEF

This was my second time visiting Uruguay. I’m going to say it has become one of my favourite countries in all of South America. Friendly people, thriving economy (including wine), and many interesting things to do and see. Certainly not on most peoples list as far as planning a trip to South America - but I’m saying give it a serious look. A short stay in Montevideo was packed with a visit to a beautiful winery with a six course wine paired lunch, Bar Fun Fun (Tango night club) and the traditional visit to Mercado del Puerto for lunch - where beef rules. Uruguay ranks second worldwide in beef consumption per capita, with 53 kg per person per year . That is 117 pounds or 1,870 ounces of beef per year per person - yikes.

First Steak - 1 & 1/2 lbs (for lunch) Two more steak dinners to come…..

Bar Fun Fun

This is a must for anyone looking for a very entertaining night out. Opening its doors in 1895, this is one of Montevideo’s oldest bar cafes. It is now home to one to the most popular Tango shows in Uruguay. Tango, a distinctive tango dance and the corresponding musical style of tango music, began in the working-class port neighborhoods of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Montevideo (Uruguay).

Before the Tango performances got going - a rock/cover band got the place totally rocking. All & All , a great night out. Half the crowd were Brazilians, they came to party.

Juanico Familia Deicas

is a beautiful winery located about 30Kms north or Montevideo. A great way to get an introduction to the very popular Tannat grape, one of Uruguay’s most popular wines. The tour and then the lunch paired with their wines - makes for a great trip out of the city.