20 – 24 Jan 08 - Sun, sea, sand, sushi and sellulite (sic – just had to be done)

Punta Del Este has it all. It is Latin America’s answer to St Tropez and it attracts all sorts - apparently Clooney and Estefan have houses here. It is situated in South eastern Uruguay where the River Plate meets the sea.

It was a lovely way to end the trip as I spent three days lying by the pool or at the beach, in typical Punta style – i.e. late starts, lots of posing ( them not me ), late restaurants, they don’t get busy until 23.30 ish (adults, kids and grandparents all eating together) and the shops close at 2am. Suspect the club scene starts at about that time – but I am well past that. I am also well past thongs which seem to be the order of the day accompanied by huge beach jewellery and dark tans – regardless of gender, age or size. There are clearly no mirrors in this town, either that or no taste. There is however, loads of money – it is very expensive here and the harbour is full of yachts, there is a Tiffany store, Rolex, and even a Victoria’s Crown boutique dedicated to Posh’s clothes label!! You get the idea.

The beach is lovely, but crowded in a Spanish Costa sort of way, except here it is so noisy, with everyone chatting, milling around, huge extended family groups all buying from the bewildering parade of hawkers – selling helados, cerverza, agua, sunglasses, pareos, toys, footballs, bags, sweetcorn, mate, café, bocadillos, bikinis, jewellery, beach dresses, etc etc etc. It made for great people watching and the general buzz and movement reminded me of the squawky chinstrap penguin colonies.
Must say that I am so fed up of steak and Malbec that I have resorted to sushi and sauvignon blanc – feels like home already. Don’t want to go home after such an amazing trip. Kev was there too. This is my last blog of this trip – so Gill back over to you……