After many years of considering it, I have finally landed in Montevideo Uruguay. All told from the moment I sat down in the Nashville airport, till I walked into the front door of my Airbnb it was just under 22 hours of travel. That double layover really sucks.
(thanks to the Debler’s and Shami’s for the airport rides)
The airport in Sao Paolo was not too bad, it isnt a huge place. The problem is their lack of information signs. The video screens they had up were in portrait mode but the actual flight info was in landscape. You could see where and when, but you couldn’t see the gate number. I had to walk that airport three times till I figured out that the flight number is on the screen at each gate in small print at the top. No joke, I walked the airport looking for a 4 digit number and found it 10 minutes before boarding. That was probably the worst part of the trip.
The airport in Montevideo is on par with the best US airports. Clean, easy to navigate with fully digital passport control and expedited customs services. My driver was waiting for me with my name on the card just like the movies. For those wondering, the driver was booked through the Chase Travel portal using my travel points. You can also use the Viator app and pay a little more. The drivers name is Miguel, aka Mike. He and his brother run a small transfer company in Montevideo. Give him a call if you need transport +598 99 211 552
Next up was the MedioMundo Hostel, where using the app called Qeepl I paid 7 bucks to drop off my luggage at an insured and secure location so I could begin exploring. However, after 22 hours of travel, I was happy to accept the outdoor waiting area and just wait out the few hours till my Airbnb was ready. Fortunately I was able to meet a lady from South Korea and we struck up conversation. After sharing a dulce de leche tart and exchanging WhatsApp numbers, we decided to do lunch together later this week. That was unexpected.
I really tried to unpack when I got to the apartment, but I was approaching 30 hours awake, and finally gave up around 5pm and passed out. I am sure that the 12 hours of sleep I got will be useful.
Time to go exploring………
Q is a meat Popsicle living in Nashville with hopes and dreams of running away to Uruguay to retire earlier than all his friends. Skilled in the witchcraft of not giving a damn about the Jones’ and filled with a did it or damn it mentality. His thoughts are his own, and he is no role model.
