Today was a day full of adventure! We woke up bright and early to head over to Uruguay. We boarded the boat at 8:30 in the morning and then went straight into a walking tour once we arrived. During the tour, we explored the lower part of the town along the coast, which was absolutely beautiful. The water had a brown color because of the red clay and iron in the water, which our tour guide explained to us. As we walked throughout the town, we saw many small local shops and visited the town’s church. Our tour guide explained how the church had been expanded over time by adding another floor. She also told us that the church used to be repainted regularly, but eventually they decided to preserve and show the church’s original color instead.

After the walking tour, we hopped onto a bus for a bus tour around the area. This was really cool because we got to explore a different part of the town and see more of the surrounding environment. Since this was my first time visiting Uruguay, it was very interesting to compare it to places like Argentina and even the United States. The environment and atmosphere felt much more relaxed and connected to nature than what I am used to back home. The architecture, scenery, and slower pace of life all made the experience feel unique and memorable.

One thing I learned that I found especially fascinating was how close-knit the community was. During our walking tour, we saw a pack of dogs wandering around the town. Our guide explained that the dogs originally belonged to a homeless man who had passed away. Instead of abandoning the animals, the entire community came together to care for them. I asked the tour guide who fed the dogs, and she explained that people throughout the town bring them leftovers, leave out water bowls, and make sure they are cared for. Hearing this really stood out to me because it showed how compassionate and connected the community is. It reminded me that even small acts of kindness can bring people together and create a strong sense of community.