Gaston Ciarlo (born September 30, 1945, Montevideo), singer, guitarist and songwriter Uruguay. Also known as Dino, from his artistic beginnings in 1960, has cultivated a remarkable career, integrating different groups beat music, candombe or rock, as well as his long solo. His career over 40 years in the Uruguayan cultural level, making it one of the most relevant figures of popular music in our country.
4/4/2013 Salto to Rio La Cuisilla
D104, T9, Av16.86, Max 42, Tot 605, 26105
Hot, cross wind
Camping under bridge
A refreshing sleep was had in the “dog box”, last night’s meal was superb.
Its nourishment saw me leave after only having a coffee.
Up early, the blog was updated.
A ride along the river front was taken in, it’s kind of weird that only across the river, life is so different in many ways.
From here fruit and bread was bought, and a huge carton of chocolate milk consumed.
The day was already hot.
I had energy to burn, all was good, the music was resounding from my speaker once out of town.
Once again, the big farm that Uruguay is commenced outside city limits. There is little roadside shelter as most trees are behind fences on private property.
I now carry at least 3 litres in my MSR bladder plus whats in my 2 bottles.
Traffic now has thinned out, the road has also got alot narrower with a nonexistent shoulder.
My skin again is sporting a bit of a tan and my feet look like a brown zebra where the sun has tanned stipes through the sandals.
I can feel the sun burning burning my face, so my neck warmer is now worn beneath my peak hat, this protects my ears and slows the constant down ward flow of sweat.
The road was really quite flat, with more pastured land with cattle grazing.
No dwellings were passed. Come about 1330, the bus stop at Constitución offered some shelter, here, coffee and mate were enjoyed with some chocy bics.
I still wasn’t hungry.
My water was now getting low.
At times, the road could be seen for miles ahead, this is when one has to just chill and think about all the good things to come.
Because here in UY, there is not much in between. Though, wherever the road takes me getting there is always enjoyable, even if it just flat featureless topography.
In that respect it has to remain enjoyable or it would be a case of “what am I doing here!!!!!”
Riding really was getting hard, an endurance test aptly describes it.
About 1700, hunger set in, fatigue and to some extent dehydration were already companions of sorts.
I found a concrete slope leading down to a flat area amongst tall flowering weeds.
Here all I could do was make a couple of rolls with sardines.
My state, though I was in control of, it was rather distressing. Though spirits were still high.
Whilst eating the rolls I remember just being mesmerized by colourful butterflies frequenting the many flowers infront of me.
It was a time of escape from my weariness.
Climbing slowly back up to the road, nothing had changed from a landscape point of view. Though the cloud cover had slightly increased, those shadows moving down the road were divine in their protection from the sun.
At 1800, my water was gone. Though, never one to be concerned, because in reality a vehicle can always be stopped.
Well as fortune would have it, up ahead was a vehicle with a small caravan pulled up.
The guy was waiting for a mate to bring a new tyre back, he had two flats.
He was a livestock vet from near Salto, a really nice guy, we spoke for some time, he had bugger all water and gave me just a drop.
He did tell me there was an estancia just down the road.
After saying goodbye, I pulled in at the property and asked for water, they filled my bladder, whilst there, heaps was also drunk.
They were cattle farmers, the young guy had this unique pair of leather knee boots on, very traditional and so stylish.
It was so good to be loaded with water.
Though once dehydrated, re hydration is a slow process.
It had thankfully begun for me.
Stopping further down the road, for a drink, a car went past and hit a quail (codorniz).
It was still alive and only had been stunned.
I love quail, this was to be dinner! It was secured under a cargo net.
By now my energy was zilch.
A bridge was up ahead, really there was nowhere to camp except in long grass on the roadside. At least this may offer some refuge, there were steps down one of the battered banks.
Under the bridge was the perfect site to camp on a metre wide level area of concrete above the deep brown almost stationery creek.
The gear was bought down.
I was so worn out all I could do was set up the tent. Nothing was eaten, just water drunk.
The quail will have to be for breakfast.
Things were secured, in case cats were about.
There were no caymens this far south, that I knew. It was a luxury after the road above all day. So far the best campsite in UY.
My handlebar towel was used to wash the days sweat off me with water from the creek.
It was so good to sit on the waters edge and just swing my feet in the cooling waters.
I am really enjoying the ease of communication the phone gives me.
Friends and family were spoken to from the comfort of the tent without the fly. It has mesh only. It was still about 26° at 2100. Air freely moved across my spent body.
Today was good training for what lies ahead. I am under no illusion as to how tough it will get making forward progress as latitudinal numbers get smaller toward the equator and Brazil. The heat and humidity will be my constant companions.
Looking on them as friends more than hindrances, with be the only way to ease the passage.
Northern Colombia, near Puerto Escondido, has prepared me somewhat for that ahead. Remembering when a farmer helped me push my bike up a hill because I was to weak to do so on my own.
I hope so anyway.
The night sky was clear, with familiar stars out and about.
Unfortunately, every time a truck crossed the bridge the sound was overcoming as the tyres made contact with the quite wide expansion joints in the concrete structure.
At least it didn’t shake.
Comatoseness was upon me in no time after the last words were spoken on the phone.
5/4/2013 Rio La Cuisilla to Bella Unión, UY
D47, T3, Av16, Max 29, Tot 662, 26152
Hot, cross wind, 31°
Hotel Bella Unión, (livin’ it up!!)
Waking up with renewed energy, breakfast was quite a banquet for under a bridge in the middle of nowhere .
That of coffee, mate, porridge with honey and raisins and of course portioned quail fried in oil with garlic.
Fish in the creek were fed with some left over bread, they to were well fed at days beginning. For them it was a feeding frenzy, mine was more a savouring experience.
From my point of view "this is living"!
It was a healthy bird, whilst cleaning it, a full crop of wheat was revealed, maybe that’s why she was so slow to flit across the road. Much to my good fortune.
I have now added an Opinel size 12 knife to my kit, it is mounted in a pouch on the stem. Its blade large size is great for cutting all sorts of food. It is accessible and is big enough to slash undergrowth.
I feel the carrying of a machete, may have portrayed the wrong message to some people.
Once all the gear had been hauled up to the road, I had comfort in knowing there was only 45 km ahead. Yesterdays effort had seen to that.
Stringing two big ones together is not a good idea at this point.
The day was already hot with the same nor east wind.
During the night, some people had come down under the bridge, it was like an apparition, I heard a girl go “ooh” and they left.
Care?, I could not.
Once again just flat roads, no shoulder and searing heat with, ample humidity.
A stop was made under some trees just to rest, it was not long before a gas station was seen, here a big bottle of fanta was enjoyed in the air conditioned shop.
Town was only a couple of km away.
Once here, refreshed best describes my state.
It had taken me nine days and 662 km to ride the western border of UY. It was an enjoyable ride in a country not often visited by cyclists enmass.
A word of advice to those who may want to do this. I found that up north there were few places to buy drinks, any towns were at least 10km off the highway, so carry plenty of water. The stream water is questionable at best.
Yesterday was over a 100km with a tienda.
Rice and sugar cane were now common crops along the way .The rice had been recently harvested.
In town there were a few large modern Duty Free stores offering all leading brands of drink, cosmetics, food, clothing, watches and sunglasses.
Some Crocs were bought, that did not have holes in them. They are light and are perfect night footwear to keep mossys of my feet.
My cross trainers are too hot around camp and are difficult to dry once wet. These new shoes also have a sole on them. Ideal for meandering about in around a camp with possible sharp objects about.
Having a few spare UY pesos.
The Hotel Bella Unión was booked for two days. It is sheer luxury for me, AC, ceiling fan, towels, shit the list goes on, even free brekky in the morning.
At $34 a night, I did not care, a rest was needed.
The ferry to AR leaves on Monday morning.
Dinner was had at the Los Amigos parradilla, a carnivores paradise. Eating outside at 2100, it was still 26°, comfortable but scary.
Though again I was told that this is exceptional heat.
Here's some information on Uruguay you may find of interest.
A Small Yet Big Country
Uruguay's full name is República Oriental del Uruguay, which translated would mean Oriental Republic of Uruguay. "Uruguay" is a Guaraní word which can be translated as "river of painted birds". This country was named after that term due to the fact that it is located to the west of the Uruguay River, being this the reason by which it was named República Oriental del Uruguay.
Uruguay is a very beautiful small sized South American country, often known as the heart-shaped country. Although the geographical size of this country is very small, it is a faithful representation of the fact that quality can not be measured based on quantity, since its people, its lands, its attractions and its coastlines are of a very good quality.
Some Facts
The complete name of this country is República Oriental del Uruguay, and its capital is Montevideo. It has a population of about 3.5 million people, and 1.4 million of them live in the capital. This country's population, composed by Charrúa natives in its origins, nowadays is mainly composed by European descendants and concentrates some other different ethnics and races as well.
The main language of Uruguay is Spanish, although many of its inhabitants are able to communicate in a secondary language as well. This country has a very high educational level population from which about 98% of the males and 97% of the females are literates, while 77% of them reach a high school educational level.
Some Of the History of this Country
After being taken and disputed between Portugal and Spain for almost two centuries, Uruguay could successfully revolt against its invaders and became an Independent Republic in August 25, 1825. After that, this country established its first Constitution in July 18, 1830.
The national hero of this country is José Artigas and the first constitutional President was Fructuoso Rivera.
Resources And Economy
The most important main resources of Uruguay are based on its live stock, agriculture and services. This country exports live stock and many live stock related products of high quality, such as meat, leather and wool, as well as agriculture related products in general. It is internationally known as a very reliable and responsible country from which good quality products can be expected.
Much of the economy of Uruguay is based on tourism and services. Due to the high educational level of this country’s population and its small geographical size, it bases an important amount of its income on the production and sale of high quality services.
The Yerba Mate Yerba mate; what is it? The yerba mate is the base of an infusion typical to the southern countries of South America, mainly Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The yerba mate is a type of herb or plant which grows in South America, and which must be dried and chopped before it is ready for the infusion.
The mate The typical yerba mate infusion, and the way it is drunk in Uruguay, is by placing some yerba mate into a special type of cup called mate. The mate is a natural cup consisting on a type of calabash which is dried and carved through a particular process, and is one of the main elements of drinking yerba mate in the typical way.
How to prepare it In order to make the yerba mate infusion ready to be drunk, there are a few steps which must be completed and which might vary slightly from one region to another or even from one mate drinker to another. Generally, the yerba mate must be placed into the mate filling around 3/4 of the cup space. Then, the mate is slightly shaken towards one side in such a way that the yerba mate forms a diagonal line in it.
Once the yerba is ready in the mate, a next step would be to insert the bombilla in it. The bombilla is a unique type of sherbet, typically made of metal and which is indispensable for drinking mate. The bombilla can be inserted into the mate filled with dry yerba as well as the yerba can be watered with cold water before taking this step.
How to drink it After the bombilla is inserted into the mate, it is time of putting water into it in order for it to be ready to be drunk. The first time the yerba receives water while it is dry must be cold water. Once the cold water has been absorbed by the yerba, then it is ready to receive the hot water which will actually be drunk by sipping it through the bombilla.
Uruguayan Football and its History Early history of the football in Uruguay Although it is difficult to know when the first football match was played in Uruguay in an unofficial way, it is known that the first formal match was played in 1881 by two English teams. The members of these teams were members of English clubs and had arrived to Uruguay through its port. After this first match, many other clubs and teams followed them and football started becoming part of the culture of Uruguay.
At endings of the 19th century, football had already become a passion for the youngest Uruguayans and football matches could be seen regularly, whether it was formal matches or matches played by groups of kids in a neighborhood.
Towards beginnings of the 20th century, football already was part of the Uruguayan society and daily life, and on March 30th in the year 1900 the Asociacion Uruguaya de Futbol (Uruguayan Football Associacion League) was founded.
Championships Uruguay, known as La Celeste (“lightblue” as the color in the players t-shirts) was champion in 19 official FIFA competitions: 15 times in the Copa America, once for the Gold Cup in World Champions, twice in the Olympic Games (the predecessor of the current world championship competition) and in two World Championships.
The first world championship won by Uruguay was in the Olympic games of 1924 played in Paris, winning again in the following Olympic games of 1928 played in Amsterdam. After this, Uruguay and the South American football became greatly respected around the world.
Due to its victories, Uruguay was chosen as the country where the first World Cup championship would be carried out in 1930. In this championship, Uruguay became world champion again, after defeating Argentina 4-2. This way, Uruguay became the first football World Cup Champion and the protagonist of one of the most important moments in the history of football.
Twenty years later, in 1950, Uruguay became world champion in Football again after winning the Word Cup Championship carried out in Brazil. In this occasion, Uruguay defeated Brazil, becoming one of the most famous moments in the history of football again.
Asado The asado is the most typical Uruguayan food recipe, and although it is traditionally prepared in a typical fire wood oven called "parrillero", which provides it with a unique flavor, it can also be cooked in a common oven as well. Therefore, the recipe we will detail next can be used to prepare an asado in a parrillero and in a typical one as well.
Asado recipe In order to cook asado, it is necessary to count with the following main ingredients: water, salt, cooking oil, garlic, and asado meat. First, you should prepare a "mojo" consisting on some water with salt, which you should spread all over the asado meat half way while cooking it. Then, everything will be ready to start cooking the meat under medium temperature in case it is a regular oven.
Once the asado is ready, you should serve it next to a recipient containing “chimichurri” sauce. The chimichurri sauce consists on cooking oil with some oregano, salt, and garlic (chopped in very small pieces), all mixed together and without cooking. Each person can add as much cimichurri as they wish to every portion of asado. Besides this, a typical Uruguayan asado would usually be accompanied with a salad of tomatoes and lettuce.
Uruguay's food recipe: Alfajores of maizena with dulce de leche The alfajores de maizena with dulce de leche are another typical Uruguay’s food recipe and can be eaten as a desert as well as to accompany a cup of tea or coffee. We will tell you how to prepare the alfajores as well as how to prepare the dulce de leche in case you need to do it your self as well.
In order to be able to cook the alfajores de maizena you will need: 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of maizena, 1 egg, 140 grams of butter, 1 spoon of powdered lemon peel, 2 spoons of sugar, and 1 1/2 spoons of baking powder, (also grated coconut and dulce de leche to use after they are baked). You should slowly mix all the ingredients (without the grated coconut and dulce de leche of course) until it looks like a soft paste. Then, you should stretch it until it shows a width of about 1/2 cm, and cut it in circular shapes as if they were cookies (you could use a cup for it).
Once you have cut the alfajores, then simply put them on a bakeware with very little or nothing of butter, and bake for about 10 minutes or until they are done but do not show a toasted color. Next, once they are out of the oven and colder, you should put some dulce de leche in one side of one of them and cover it with another as if it was a sandwich. Then roll the side of it (where the dulce de leche shows) over grated coconut, and this Uruguay food recipe will be ready!
Uruguay's food recipe: Dulce de leche Here we provide you with the Uruguay's food recipe for dulce de leche in case you need to cook it. You just need the following ingredients: 4 liters of milk, 1 kg of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and some drops of vanilla extract. First, you should heat the milk in a large saucepan until it is boiling. Once the milk is boiling, you should add the other ingredients and cook it in a medium temperature until it becomes consistent and shows a caramel like color. It is important to remember turning it around with a spoon as often as possible while cooking it.
The Geography of Uruguay Location of the country Uruguay is located in South America, bordering with Argentina on the west and with Brazil on the north. The east of Uruguay is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, offering several beautiful beaches and amazing landscapes. At the southern area of Uruguay there is the Rio de la Plata, which separates this country from Argentina over that region.
The landscape Uruguay's territorial size is of around 176,200 square kilometers. In general, the country’s geographical territory consists on rather even land extensions with a few low hills spread within some areas. The country side is full of grass extensions, providing landscapes composed by a lot of green from the grass and trees, mixed with some blue from small lakes and rivers, as well as showing some cows, sheep and horses spread now and then.
Geography of Uruguay: rivers and lakes Uruguay's geography shows many small rivers and lakes spread throughout the country's territory. Besides all these small rivers and lakes, Uruguay's geography shows three main rivers: the Rio Negro, crossing the country from east to west; the Río Uruguay, bordering part of the country on the west; and the Río de la Plata on the south of the country.
Interesting data The geography of Uruguay is strongly attached with the country's economy. Some of the main resources of Uruguay are based on live stock and agriculture, both activities depending on the nature of the territory. This way, this country's geography affects an important amount of other aspects, since it affects work resources, the population structure, trading with other countries, and many other areas.
The characteristics of Uruguay's geography cause the country lands to be ideal for live stock to be fed due to the great amount of grass extensions available throughout the country. Besides this, this country's geography is also helpful for agriculture since many of its regions are very fertile and propitious. In addition, this country is also famous by its wine production, which is also highly attached to the characteristics of the country’s geography for the different steps of the elaboration process which wine production involves.
D104, T9, Av16.86, Max 42, Tot 605, 26105
Hot, cross wind
Camping under bridge
A refreshing sleep was had in the “dog box”, last night’s meal was superb.
Its nourishment saw me leave after only having a coffee.
Up early, the blog was updated.
A ride along the river front was taken in, it’s kind of weird that only across the river, life is so different in many ways.
From here fruit and bread was bought, and a huge carton of chocolate milk consumed.
The day was already hot.
I had energy to burn, all was good, the music was resounding from my speaker once out of town.
Once again, the big farm that Uruguay is commenced outside city limits. There is little roadside shelter as most trees are behind fences on private property.
I now carry at least 3 litres in my MSR bladder plus whats in my 2 bottles.
Traffic now has thinned out, the road has also got alot narrower with a nonexistent shoulder.
My skin again is sporting a bit of a tan and my feet look like a brown zebra where the sun has tanned stipes through the sandals.
I can feel the sun burning burning my face, so my neck warmer is now worn beneath my peak hat, this protects my ears and slows the constant down ward flow of sweat.
The road was really quite flat, with more pastured land with cattle grazing.
No dwellings were passed. Come about 1330, the bus stop at Constitución offered some shelter, here, coffee and mate were enjoyed with some chocy bics.
I still wasn’t hungry.
My water was now getting low.
At times, the road could be seen for miles ahead, this is when one has to just chill and think about all the good things to come.
Because here in UY, there is not much in between. Though, wherever the road takes me getting there is always enjoyable, even if it just flat featureless topography.
In that respect it has to remain enjoyable or it would be a case of “what am I doing here!!!!!”
Riding really was getting hard, an endurance test aptly describes it.
About 1700, hunger set in, fatigue and to some extent dehydration were already companions of sorts.
I found a concrete slope leading down to a flat area amongst tall flowering weeds.
Here all I could do was make a couple of rolls with sardines.
My state, though I was in control of, it was rather distressing. Though spirits were still high.
Whilst eating the rolls I remember just being mesmerized by colourful butterflies frequenting the many flowers infront of me.
It was a time of escape from my weariness.
Climbing slowly back up to the road, nothing had changed from a landscape point of view. Though the cloud cover had slightly increased, those shadows moving down the road were divine in their protection from the sun.
At 1800, my water was gone. Though, never one to be concerned, because in reality a vehicle can always be stopped.
Well as fortune would have it, up ahead was a vehicle with a small caravan pulled up.
The guy was waiting for a mate to bring a new tyre back, he had two flats.
He was a livestock vet from near Salto, a really nice guy, we spoke for some time, he had bugger all water and gave me just a drop.
He did tell me there was an estancia just down the road.
After saying goodbye, I pulled in at the property and asked for water, they filled my bladder, whilst there, heaps was also drunk.
They were cattle farmers, the young guy had this unique pair of leather knee boots on, very traditional and so stylish.
It was so good to be loaded with water.
Though once dehydrated, re hydration is a slow process.
It had thankfully begun for me.
Stopping further down the road, for a drink, a car went past and hit a quail (codorniz).
It was still alive and only had been stunned.
I love quail, this was to be dinner! It was secured under a cargo net.
By now my energy was zilch.
A bridge was up ahead, really there was nowhere to camp except in long grass on the roadside. At least this may offer some refuge, there were steps down one of the battered banks.
Under the bridge was the perfect site to camp on a metre wide level area of concrete above the deep brown almost stationery creek.
The gear was bought down.
I was so worn out all I could do was set up the tent. Nothing was eaten, just water drunk.
The quail will have to be for breakfast.
Things were secured, in case cats were about.
There were no caymens this far south, that I knew. It was a luxury after the road above all day. So far the best campsite in UY.
My handlebar towel was used to wash the days sweat off me with water from the creek.
It was so good to sit on the waters edge and just swing my feet in the cooling waters.
I am really enjoying the ease of communication the phone gives me.
Friends and family were spoken to from the comfort of the tent without the fly. It has mesh only. It was still about 26° at 2100. Air freely moved across my spent body.
Today was good training for what lies ahead. I am under no illusion as to how tough it will get making forward progress as latitudinal numbers get smaller toward the equator and Brazil. The heat and humidity will be my constant companions.
Looking on them as friends more than hindrances, with be the only way to ease the passage.
Northern Colombia, near Puerto Escondido, has prepared me somewhat for that ahead. Remembering when a farmer helped me push my bike up a hill because I was to weak to do so on my own.
I hope so anyway.
The night sky was clear, with familiar stars out and about.
Unfortunately, every time a truck crossed the bridge the sound was overcoming as the tyres made contact with the quite wide expansion joints in the concrete structure.
At least it didn’t shake.
Comatoseness was upon me in no time after the last words were spoken on the phone.
5/4/2013 Rio La Cuisilla to Bella Unión, UY
D47, T3, Av16, Max 29, Tot 662, 26152
Hot, cross wind, 31°
Hotel Bella Unión, (livin’ it up!!)
Waking up with renewed energy, breakfast was quite a banquet for under a bridge in the middle of nowhere .
That of coffee, mate, porridge with honey and raisins and of course portioned quail fried in oil with garlic.
Fish in the creek were fed with some left over bread, they to were well fed at days beginning. For them it was a feeding frenzy, mine was more a savouring experience.
From my point of view "this is living"!
It was a healthy bird, whilst cleaning it, a full crop of wheat was revealed, maybe that’s why she was so slow to flit across the road. Much to my good fortune.
I have now added an Opinel size 12 knife to my kit, it is mounted in a pouch on the stem. Its blade large size is great for cutting all sorts of food. It is accessible and is big enough to slash undergrowth.
I feel the carrying of a machete, may have portrayed the wrong message to some people.
Once all the gear had been hauled up to the road, I had comfort in knowing there was only 45 km ahead. Yesterdays effort had seen to that.
Stringing two big ones together is not a good idea at this point.
The day was already hot with the same nor east wind.
During the night, some people had come down under the bridge, it was like an apparition, I heard a girl go “ooh” and they left.
Care?, I could not.
Once again just flat roads, no shoulder and searing heat with, ample humidity.
A stop was made under some trees just to rest, it was not long before a gas station was seen, here a big bottle of fanta was enjoyed in the air conditioned shop.
Town was only a couple of km away.
Once here, refreshed best describes my state.
It had taken me nine days and 662 km to ride the western border of UY. It was an enjoyable ride in a country not often visited by cyclists enmass.
A word of advice to those who may want to do this. I found that up north there were few places to buy drinks, any towns were at least 10km off the highway, so carry plenty of water. The stream water is questionable at best.
Yesterday was over a 100km with a tienda.
Rice and sugar cane were now common crops along the way .The rice had been recently harvested.
In town there were a few large modern Duty Free stores offering all leading brands of drink, cosmetics, food, clothing, watches and sunglasses.
Some Crocs were bought, that did not have holes in them. They are light and are perfect night footwear to keep mossys of my feet.
My cross trainers are too hot around camp and are difficult to dry once wet. These new shoes also have a sole on them. Ideal for meandering about in around a camp with possible sharp objects about.
Having a few spare UY pesos.
The Hotel Bella Unión was booked for two days. It is sheer luxury for me, AC, ceiling fan, towels, shit the list goes on, even free brekky in the morning.
At $34 a night, I did not care, a rest was needed.
The ferry to AR leaves on Monday morning.
Dinner was had at the Los Amigos parradilla, a carnivores paradise. Eating outside at 2100, it was still 26°, comfortable but scary.
Though again I was told that this is exceptional heat.
Here's some information on Uruguay you may find of interest.
A Small Yet Big Country
Uruguay's full name is República Oriental del Uruguay, which translated would mean Oriental Republic of Uruguay. "Uruguay" is a Guaraní word which can be translated as "river of painted birds". This country was named after that term due to the fact that it is located to the west of the Uruguay River, being this the reason by which it was named República Oriental del Uruguay.
Uruguay is a very beautiful small sized South American country, often known as the heart-shaped country. Although the geographical size of this country is very small, it is a faithful representation of the fact that quality can not be measured based on quantity, since its people, its lands, its attractions and its coastlines are of a very good quality.
Some Facts
The complete name of this country is República Oriental del Uruguay, and its capital is Montevideo. It has a population of about 3.5 million people, and 1.4 million of them live in the capital. This country's population, composed by Charrúa natives in its origins, nowadays is mainly composed by European descendants and concentrates some other different ethnics and races as well.
The main language of Uruguay is Spanish, although many of its inhabitants are able to communicate in a secondary language as well. This country has a very high educational level population from which about 98% of the males and 97% of the females are literates, while 77% of them reach a high school educational level.
Some Of the History of this Country
After being taken and disputed between Portugal and Spain for almost two centuries, Uruguay could successfully revolt against its invaders and became an Independent Republic in August 25, 1825. After that, this country established its first Constitution in July 18, 1830.
The national hero of this country is José Artigas and the first constitutional President was Fructuoso Rivera.
Resources And Economy
The most important main resources of Uruguay are based on its live stock, agriculture and services. This country exports live stock and many live stock related products of high quality, such as meat, leather and wool, as well as agriculture related products in general. It is internationally known as a very reliable and responsible country from which good quality products can be expected.
Much of the economy of Uruguay is based on tourism and services. Due to the high educational level of this country’s population and its small geographical size, it bases an important amount of its income on the production and sale of high quality services.
The Yerba Mate Yerba mate; what is it? The yerba mate is the base of an infusion typical to the southern countries of South America, mainly Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The yerba mate is a type of herb or plant which grows in South America, and which must be dried and chopped before it is ready for the infusion.
The mate The typical yerba mate infusion, and the way it is drunk in Uruguay, is by placing some yerba mate into a special type of cup called mate. The mate is a natural cup consisting on a type of calabash which is dried and carved through a particular process, and is one of the main elements of drinking yerba mate in the typical way.
How to prepare it In order to make the yerba mate infusion ready to be drunk, there are a few steps which must be completed and which might vary slightly from one region to another or even from one mate drinker to another. Generally, the yerba mate must be placed into the mate filling around 3/4 of the cup space. Then, the mate is slightly shaken towards one side in such a way that the yerba mate forms a diagonal line in it.
Once the yerba is ready in the mate, a next step would be to insert the bombilla in it. The bombilla is a unique type of sherbet, typically made of metal and which is indispensable for drinking mate. The bombilla can be inserted into the mate filled with dry yerba as well as the yerba can be watered with cold water before taking this step.
How to drink it After the bombilla is inserted into the mate, it is time of putting water into it in order for it to be ready to be drunk. The first time the yerba receives water while it is dry must be cold water. Once the cold water has been absorbed by the yerba, then it is ready to receive the hot water which will actually be drunk by sipping it through the bombilla.
Uruguayan Football and its History Early history of the football in Uruguay Although it is difficult to know when the first football match was played in Uruguay in an unofficial way, it is known that the first formal match was played in 1881 by two English teams. The members of these teams were members of English clubs and had arrived to Uruguay through its port. After this first match, many other clubs and teams followed them and football started becoming part of the culture of Uruguay.
At endings of the 19th century, football had already become a passion for the youngest Uruguayans and football matches could be seen regularly, whether it was formal matches or matches played by groups of kids in a neighborhood.
Towards beginnings of the 20th century, football already was part of the Uruguayan society and daily life, and on March 30th in the year 1900 the Asociacion Uruguaya de Futbol (Uruguayan Football Associacion League) was founded.
Championships Uruguay, known as La Celeste (“lightblue” as the color in the players t-shirts) was champion in 19 official FIFA competitions: 15 times in the Copa America, once for the Gold Cup in World Champions, twice in the Olympic Games (the predecessor of the current world championship competition) and in two World Championships.
The first world championship won by Uruguay was in the Olympic games of 1924 played in Paris, winning again in the following Olympic games of 1928 played in Amsterdam. After this, Uruguay and the South American football became greatly respected around the world.
Due to its victories, Uruguay was chosen as the country where the first World Cup championship would be carried out in 1930. In this championship, Uruguay became world champion again, after defeating Argentina 4-2. This way, Uruguay became the first football World Cup Champion and the protagonist of one of the most important moments in the history of football.
Twenty years later, in 1950, Uruguay became world champion in Football again after winning the Word Cup Championship carried out in Brazil. In this occasion, Uruguay defeated Brazil, becoming one of the most famous moments in the history of football again.
Asado The asado is the most typical Uruguayan food recipe, and although it is traditionally prepared in a typical fire wood oven called "parrillero", which provides it with a unique flavor, it can also be cooked in a common oven as well. Therefore, the recipe we will detail next can be used to prepare an asado in a parrillero and in a typical one as well.
Asado recipe In order to cook asado, it is necessary to count with the following main ingredients: water, salt, cooking oil, garlic, and asado meat. First, you should prepare a "mojo" consisting on some water with salt, which you should spread all over the asado meat half way while cooking it. Then, everything will be ready to start cooking the meat under medium temperature in case it is a regular oven.
Once the asado is ready, you should serve it next to a recipient containing “chimichurri” sauce. The chimichurri sauce consists on cooking oil with some oregano, salt, and garlic (chopped in very small pieces), all mixed together and without cooking. Each person can add as much cimichurri as they wish to every portion of asado. Besides this, a typical Uruguayan asado would usually be accompanied with a salad of tomatoes and lettuce.
Uruguay's food recipe: Alfajores of maizena with dulce de leche The alfajores de maizena with dulce de leche are another typical Uruguay’s food recipe and can be eaten as a desert as well as to accompany a cup of tea or coffee. We will tell you how to prepare the alfajores as well as how to prepare the dulce de leche in case you need to do it your self as well.
In order to be able to cook the alfajores de maizena you will need: 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of maizena, 1 egg, 140 grams of butter, 1 spoon of powdered lemon peel, 2 spoons of sugar, and 1 1/2 spoons of baking powder, (also grated coconut and dulce de leche to use after they are baked). You should slowly mix all the ingredients (without the grated coconut and dulce de leche of course) until it looks like a soft paste. Then, you should stretch it until it shows a width of about 1/2 cm, and cut it in circular shapes as if they were cookies (you could use a cup for it).
Once you have cut the alfajores, then simply put them on a bakeware with very little or nothing of butter, and bake for about 10 minutes or until they are done but do not show a toasted color. Next, once they are out of the oven and colder, you should put some dulce de leche in one side of one of them and cover it with another as if it was a sandwich. Then roll the side of it (where the dulce de leche shows) over grated coconut, and this Uruguay food recipe will be ready!
Uruguay's food recipe: Dulce de leche Here we provide you with the Uruguay's food recipe for dulce de leche in case you need to cook it. You just need the following ingredients: 4 liters of milk, 1 kg of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and some drops of vanilla extract. First, you should heat the milk in a large saucepan until it is boiling. Once the milk is boiling, you should add the other ingredients and cook it in a medium temperature until it becomes consistent and shows a caramel like color. It is important to remember turning it around with a spoon as often as possible while cooking it.
The Geography of Uruguay Location of the country Uruguay is located in South America, bordering with Argentina on the west and with Brazil on the north. The east of Uruguay is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, offering several beautiful beaches and amazing landscapes. At the southern area of Uruguay there is the Rio de la Plata, which separates this country from Argentina over that region.
The landscape Uruguay's territorial size is of around 176,200 square kilometers. In general, the country’s geographical territory consists on rather even land extensions with a few low hills spread within some areas. The country side is full of grass extensions, providing landscapes composed by a lot of green from the grass and trees, mixed with some blue from small lakes and rivers, as well as showing some cows, sheep and horses spread now and then.
Geography of Uruguay: rivers and lakes Uruguay's geography shows many small rivers and lakes spread throughout the country's territory. Besides all these small rivers and lakes, Uruguay's geography shows three main rivers: the Rio Negro, crossing the country from east to west; the Río Uruguay, bordering part of the country on the west; and the Río de la Plata on the south of the country.
Interesting data The geography of Uruguay is strongly attached with the country's economy. Some of the main resources of Uruguay are based on live stock and agriculture, both activities depending on the nature of the territory. This way, this country's geography affects an important amount of other aspects, since it affects work resources, the population structure, trading with other countries, and many other areas.
The characteristics of Uruguay's geography cause the country lands to be ideal for live stock to be fed due to the great amount of grass extensions available throughout the country. Besides this, this country's geography is also helpful for agriculture since many of its regions are very fertile and propitious. In addition, this country is also famous by its wine production, which is also highly attached to the characteristics of the country’s geography for the different steps of the elaboration process which wine production involves.
 Brekky!
 Wood for asados is an important commodity here .
 A refuge in an otherwise exposed environment.
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 It had been a big day
 Again typical landscape, looking back to the road already travelled. Arroyito La Cruisillo, the nights camp.
 Typical downtown area, Bella Unión
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