We have just waved Fi off after a great couple of weeks checking out the South of Uruguay.

After a whistle stop tour of Buenos Aires in 36hrs that left her feet sore and questioning whether Hiles Tours was such as good idea, we took the boat over to Uruguay for 10 days.

Here Uruguay's weather did its best to blow us all the way back to Argentina, but we clung on and survived a day of storms in the capital Montevideo. We set off on a tour of museums (pretty much the only indoor thing we could think of to do in a beach town) - little did we know most were closed 'because of the rain, senor'. I'm pretty sure we caught Fi checking the cost of Uruguay-London flights after the 3rd Spanish only history musuem...

However Hiles tours was soon to rally and unperturbed we headed along the coast to the beach. Our first stop involved taking a clapped out old jeep/4x4 truck/sand buggy over the dunes before arriving in a ramshackle old fishing town that boasted no drinking water nor electricity let alone internet. Luckily for Fi (and us!) the kilometeres of untouched beaches, the sea lion colony in the village, the sunset from the lighthouse, the stars at night and the phosphorescent waves after dark more than made up for its 'rustic' qualities.

The second week had more clear cut sucess at a more 'up market' beach resort (Punta del Este, if you are interested) where one can celebrity spot, or rather gawp at the size of the yachts in the harbour. Onwards then to the pretty cobbled streets of Colonia, for ice creams, sunbathing, sunsets and dinners in the square. We decided to try the local dish 'Chivito' and happily ordered as the waiter eyed us suspiciously - out came a kilo of chips 'dressed' in huge steaks, bacon, cheese and eggs, surrounded by a potato salad, a pickled salad, a normal salad (!) and all doused in ketchup and mayo.

Anyhow, we have today popped back to Buenos Aires for our third and final time, and tonight we head off on the night bus to Iguazu Falls (fingers crossed for more Champagne), then its Rio, the beach, and back home on the 2nd May. Can't wait to see you all!