Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Friday, July 27, 2012
Punta Gorda, Montevideo, Uruguay
"Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it." – Cesare Pavese

Today was bittersweet . The Academia said goodbye to four students, two of which were my roommates. Douglas and Tobi both left for their respective homelands. I feel so blessed to have had both of them here with me for a week. They truly helped me settle in and showed me the city. I am no longer nervous about navigating the barrios and now have my coffee shop, my laundry mat, and my favorite restaurant established. I have to say that they've both left a large hole and the flat feels incredibly empty. I feel like just as I was establishing friends and a routine, it was rudely interrupted. I'm back at square one and have trepidations about finding a new group of buddies since this original group was so amazing. But, As Pavese points out, traveling is all about being out of your comfort zone! I hope this time to find some Uruguayan friends who won't be flying off to different parts of the world anytime soon.

Yesterday I visited Punta Gorda, a small barrio about one hour outside of Ciudad Viejo. It was a fabulous trip, because I was able to ride through many barrios (Barrio Sur, Pocitos, Buceo, Malvin) and got a much better feel of Montevideo . Just a few minutes outside of the heart of downtown, the neighborhoods become very tranquil and manicured. Beautiful homes abound, all within walking distance to the ocean. Upon our arrival in Punta Gorda, our small group of five ladies braved the cold and walked down to La Rambla to watch the waves and explore. We met a very friendly little friend, a seal, which our guide told us was extremely rare, as she's never seen a seal at this time of year. It had absolutely no fear and allowed a brief photo session before our trigger fingers no longer worked due to the cold. We made our way back to Hemingway's, a lovely little sea side cafe where we indulged in Submarinos. This is a brilliant invention from South America which consists of warmed milk with a chocolate bar submerged within. De.Li.Ci.Ous. I'd like to think of this as the origin of hot chocolate! 

Something to be stated is the cost of living here. IT IS SO CHEAP. I can easily buy 3 days worth of food (chicken, wine, rice, pasta, water, juice, yogurt, coffee etc ...) for $40 US dollars or under. In my entire first week here, including establishing myself kitchen wise, going to a live performance at Teatro Solis, visiting Punta Gorda, eating out a few times and more I have only spent $200. Not too shabby!

After class a large group of us made our way down to the Mercado to a local parilla (a restaurant dedicated to the beautiful art of bbq) and gorged ourselves on beef, rice, grilled pumpkin and french fries. It was an AMAZING meal. In the middle of which we met the President of Uruguay, Jose "Pepe" Mujica. We noticed a large crown gathering literally right behind our table, with cell phones and cameras out. We figured out pretty quickly who it was, and a few of our group ran out and got photos with him. Pretty cool. 

Saturday I woke up with that empty feeling in the bottom of my stomach, as the house was too quiet. I literally didn't want to get up because I had nothing to do... BUT I made myself create my own plans . I decided that I'd walk down to the Mercado de la Puerta again because there is a large fair there every Saturday and I was craving more Bife de Uruguay. My remaining roommates, the teens from Utah, decided to join me in my quest. It was an absolutely beautiful day - not too cold, not too hot, the sun shining and the smell of the ocean surrounding us with every breeze. We were walking down a small side street very near the Mercado, when a young man ran up behind us and tried to take Elena's purse. It was across her body, so when he pulled, she was dragged to the ground. She screamed, and then promptly fainted. The scream drew neighbors out and the man ran away. It was terrible, and shook all of us pretty bad. I literally didn't know what to do to help her, as I was afraid to approach in the case that he had a weapon. I felt absolutely helpless. In all my many travels, this has never happened to me. I guess I can now put a large check mark next to that item and hope that it is never repeated. She is fine, and the lovely people were so concerned they walked us all back to the plaza near our home. Once again, an immense kindness from the people here. Good to counter the bad... Needless to say, I will not be carrying a purse anytime I am going near the Mercado. 

So, a little brutality encountered, a little comfort lost, but the sky, the sea, and the air are bright and clean here in Montevideo. Here's hoping sleep comes easily and dreams are sweet.  
 



 
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Comments

Nancy Sanders
2012-07-29

That is very scary, I am sure! But as you have said many times, many people are so kind! I just looked at weather.com - you had said it was cold - I see it's 46 degrees and 76% humidity. BRRRRRR! I'm sure you have some warm clothes. (It was 110 in Phoenix yesterday but right now it's raining in Chandler and "only" 91)!

Julia Mulvaney
2012-07-30

I am so enjoying reading your reflections on this blog my friend! I am sorry you had that scary incident yesterday, but you certainly have a good attitude about it. Keep writing - I think there is a budding writer within you and a book that will be published :)

Seattle is treating us well so far, so many friends and family to see everyday. Work is actually wonderful, I love my new little clinic, my boss is great, my clients love their pets. Couldn't ask for much more. I can't wait to catch up sometime soon. We should schedule a Skype date.

Take care!
Love, Julia

2025-02-06

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