Summer/Winter/Summer

I will admit, it has been pleasant to have summer break, in the middle of winter, even if has been disconcerting to the rythms of one's typical climate experience. We have been out of school for over 7 weeks, and it has been glorious. We got to go home to Wenatchee for nearly a month, and regardless of the snow closing the passes, the 3 feet of snow that fell, the endless worry about COVID, having family and friends test positive, it was a trip I wouldn't trade for anything. The old adage is true- home is where the heart is, and getting to ski, hike, be in the hills, hug family and friends made the trip incredibly sweet.

Travelling internationally during COVID is a new sort of beast. Usually, I am stressed about having passports ready- but the new reality of finding a PCR test that is at the right time and location for your flight, along with actually getting the results on time, is a whole new level for me. Add to that travelling through states that have "different protocols" than you are used to (I AM LOOKING AT YOU FLORIDA) can be exhausting. That said, the flight staff on every flight we were on were amazing- often funny, incredibly patient and clear and direct with their instructions- "your mask must cover your nose."

Thank goodness for lounge access and full row seats:

Many people asked me about culture shock- what took me by surprise when I returned?

I think a general sense of "I understand what is happening here" is the best description of my experience returning to the US. People drive inside the lines, people explain things in a language I knew, and yep, I still can shop at Costco and know to show my receipt at the exit. These experiences build a sense of confidence and predictability.

But then, when we returned, it was interesting to experience kinda the same thing. I know how to do self checkout at the small grocery store down the street, I remembered I cannot take a right on red in Uruguay, and I was able to have a basic conversation with a swim friend about where we were going to swim today. It's a good reminder that time is the best medicine sometimes, and with time, things begin to make sense.

We got home to incredible heat and humidity. Nothing like what happened while we were gone, however (108 degree days followed by record flooding in the streets...).

https://twitter.com/i/status/1483205158444023808

We rested and recovered and turned on the AC even though I prefer fresh air. The humidity was unforgiving.

So I decided we should go to the center of the country for a stay at an "estancia" (a ranch) near Florida, UY, mostly because I didn't want to cook and I worry about weekend getaways when Marieka has gymnastics on Saturdays. Also, as my family knows, I like to "squeeze it all in." Thus, another trip.

We learned about the El Ceibo Estancia from an English language UY guide, and the promise of "AC", homecooked meals and swimming in a local river definitely drew us in. Also the description of "Deep Uruguay...without the drive."

https://www.elceibo.com.uy/inicioold

Welcoming hosts, a beautiful piece of land with an interesting history! The Estancia was built in 1805 by the Jesuits, who built a number of ranches for their priests and the local community. They were "called back" to the Vatican in 1849 and it became a private property and the current owners, Carmen and Joselo, have run it as a bed and breakfast since the 90's.

Rob with paddleboard.

Grateful we didn't need the mosquito netting!

I love this outdoor parilla/scary cabin in the woods feel

MeiMei at the river

My horse, with a recent haircut

Marieka and Maura

Gymnastics in the river

MeiMei almost gets to live her dream of being a herding dog!

But the most exciting part was definitely the incredible lightening storm we received that night.

It went on for hours. We lost power (meaning no fans, no ac, very hot and sweaty night) but the thrill of the wind, rain and lightning in the country? Magic.

After we left, we explored Florida, the closest town to the Estancia and where, in 1825, Uruguay signed their Declaration of Independence. The city also has one of the 5 Cathedrals in the country, a typical small square, and a famous Patron Saint of Italian immigrants that is covered in gold, rings, soccer jerseys and pictures of family in hopes of good health.

The Florida Cathedral, started in 1805

A statue to Uruguayan Independence

Where the Treaty of Independence was signed, along with a memorial tree

A stray Greyhound resting in the San Cono Church (in Montevideo central, there aren't a lot of stray dogs, but head anywhere outside of the city and you will see many. We saw at least 10 Greyhounds, housed and unhoused, on this weekend trip. I wonder if there was a track nearby?) This is the site of the Patron Saint covered in gold jewelry and surrounded by soccer jerseys.

Sundays in Uruguay are "muy tranquilo" and this Sunday in Florida was no different. Remnants of the storm were evident everywhere, and we saw some firefighters taking limbs off of powerlines, but shops were closed and people were not in the square. It was eerily quiet. I love this contrast on one of their streets, however.

I love the old and the remodelled side by side. On the roof of the building to the left were 2 Yorkies barking at us.

On the way home, we stopped at the actual "Montevideo"- the hill the Portugese saw that gives Montevideo it's name (literally "I see a mountain.") Today there is a fort on top and lots of places with impressive views of the city.