Monday, 21 January 2019
Jose Ignacio, Urguguay
450km drive through English countryside again to Jose Ignacio. Takes 6hrs. As I’m driving out of San Jose de Mayo, see a man standing by the roadside with something strange in his hands. Slow down to see what it is. Two disembowelled armadillos. Probably the most bizarre photo I’ll take on this trip (see photos below).
Another gaucho poses for a photograph by the roadside as I’m having a leg stretch. Very friendly and accommodating.
Long straight roads. Stretches are toll roads so quite good quality but there’s plenty of activity. Not remote like Patagonia.
Arrive Jose Ignacio. Only found out about this place from an article in the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/travel/09next.html) a few months ago. As soon as you arrive you can tell this is an upmarket place. The Porsche Cayennes, Audis and Mercedes line the roads. Staying at Posada del Faro (www.posadadelfaro.com). Home for two nights. This is nice. Very nice. Girl who checks me in is a full on straight talking type of girl. Becomes clear why. She was raised in New York City. Absolutely stunning view from room across the sea and bay to Punta del Este on the horizon.
30C today. Hottest day of the trip so far. But there’s a cooling breeze coming in off the Atlantic.
Walk back from dinner. Sky is inky black. Stars shine bright like a diamond. Orion is upside down compared to my normal northern hemisphere view. The full-ish moon rising above the sea.
Loving Uruguay.
