Changing Over

I am crazy for leaving Texas when it is freezing cold here in Montevideo. Maria finally brought in gas heaters for us only the other day. Jasmine and I just sit in her room in the warmth while watching tv or reading. The temperature is only in the 60s, but the wind makes it unbearable to be outside.

Yesterday was an exception to the awful cold. It was bright and sunny outside. Jasmine and I walked all over the place. We went to the large autobus station in Tres Cruces to check out the bus rates (that is how South Americans get around) and the shopping mall. So far we have found two McCafes that look amazing with a great deal of baked goods. Wouldn't have guessed, right? The exchange rate right now is 24 dollars to the Uruguayan peso.

After walking to Tres Cruces (3 crosses,) we walked around Parque Rodo, which is right next to our house. We then went to Playa Ramirez, the beach next to the park. The water is both brown and freezing, but it was still amazing to think that there is a beach so close to us. It is beautiful.

Maria, our mom, we have discovered is very nice, but also into loaning us the house for the money. It is almost hilarious. The first day we were here apparently she told Jasmine not to tell Adelante that she was living a few days early so she would get all her money for the food. Who says that when you first meet someone? The people here are very friendly, but maybe a little too open?

Tonight I think we are going to Ciudad Vieja with a couple of the older students to go out. Ciudad Vieja is where everything happens. We are planning trips to Buenos Aires soon!