Porto Alegre

So, finally I left Uruguay behind. In total it was a 5 day visit, and I think I managed to see quite a number of things. From very poor areas to the super posh Punta del Este, where celebrities of the neighbouring countries come to spend their holidays, and a coffee can cost as much as in Brussels. I spent most of the time with my family, which was nice, and the Uruguayian exposure even included a visit to a notary (escribano in the local jargon) with my cousin. Interesting to see that they also inherited the Napoleonic code, so things are pretty similar to Belgium or Spain.

Anyway, I am in Porto Alegre now, my first stop in Brazil. I came during the night by coach, so I couldn't see much of the landscape. Only in the morning, as we were arriving: green wetlands, very very pretty. I'll try to see if I can visit them tomorrow. About the city, not much to say. It seems that the standard height for constructions is 12 floors, so you can imagine how it looks like. Lots of tall buidings and only a few old lower ones and some parks scattered here and there for a change. By the way, most of the nicest buidings belong to -no surprise here- one of the many banks. You see who has the money.

And a few random observations: the most popular shops seem to be lotery shops, and the taxis are Fiat Uno this time - called Fiat Mille down here. I took one and paid 2 Euros for a 10 minutes ride. Not bad.

The best, so far, is the people. Shop assistants are ready to smile and make jokes as you talk to them.

Not so nice: to my disappointment I see that my Portuguese is a bit rusted. I have troubles to understand some of the "sutaques" (accents) if they speak fast. I hope this gets better in the coming days.

And I think that's all for today. Tomorrow evening I'll continue towards the Iguazu waterfalls. I may write some more stuff from there in a few days time.

Finally, thanks for all your comments, both private and on the blog. I may not answer to all of you, but I certainly read you.