DAY 24 - MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY

-the oriental republic of Uruguay. WHO KNEW?
-Pepe Mujica, THE PRESIDENT DRIVES A VW BEETLE TO WORK 
-I could have tangoed all night

A warm sunny day and calm seas greeted us as we arrived into Montevideo, Uruguay. We had an excursion scheduled for the day that highlighted the historic, architectural and affluent neighborhoods of the city. We drove past the home of the President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. His name is Jose Mujica, but everyone calls him "Pepe." Our guide, with obvious great fondness for the man told our group that Pepe not only refuses to live in the presidential quarters but also any presidential household staff assistance. He drives himself to work every morning in his beat up Volkswagon Beetle and donates 90% of his paycheck to charities that benefit poor people and entrepreneurs. 
**NOTE** When we returned home I was listening to a news program that mentioned him saying that he picked up a hitchhikers on his way to work on various occasions. I thought of his beat up Beetle and this made me giggle. On March 1, 2015, having served his five year term as President he went back to live the chrysanthemum farm that he and his wife run on the outskirts of Montevideo. If you would like to learn a bit more about him, check this article that Huffington Post wrote about him. And don't forget to read the author's footnote at the bottom of the article, it's sweet. The Great Mujica - Portrait of Person. (I am hoping for a book or a movie about his life!)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ximena-ortiz/the-great-mujica-portrait_b_6793430.html

Montevideo is a lovely city with ornate marble structures, beautiful city parks and the famous Rio de Plata where visitors from all over South America come to enjoy the beach-like sandy shores. It is the widest river in the world although apparently there is some debate as to whether it is a river, a gulf or a "marginal sea" of the Atlantic Ocean. No matter what the geologists call it it's beautiful and a lovely place to vacation!
After we finished with the city tour we ventured into the countryside about 12 miles outside of town to Bouza Winery. Classic hacienda styled architecture is prevalent on the property surrounded by native trees, plants, animals and of course, rows and rows of grape vines. Having rescued the property from disrepair the Bouza family renovated and worked to restore the buildings to their once pristine condition and they did a magnificent job.
Sitting on about 50+ acres of land, our visit began with a stroll through the vineyards. Afterwards our guide escorted us through a fascinating car museum that held vintage automobiles including a Model T Ford and a Model A Ford. **My father owned a Model A Ford for a couple of years when I was about 8 or 9 years old. He took me and my siblings to church on Sundays, and since the car didn't go very fast we generally arrived as the sermon was ending and Sunday school was starting. :-) It was nice to see the car that evoked that childhood memory again.
Next we were taken down into the wine cellar where wine between 20 and 40 years old was being stored. We stood amongst the wooden crates of bottled wine in the slightly chilled room as the guide explained the process of winemaking.
Next up on the itinerary was a "light lunch" served at the Bouza Restaurant. It was well into the afternoon by now so most of us were quite hungry. Three male musicians sat near a wall in the room playing their instruments as we were being seated. I recognized a type of accordion which I later learned was called a bandoneon as is typical in a tango orchestra. Another man played a folk guitar player and the other played a violin. It was quite nice. There were no delays in service after we were seated, wine was poured and empanadas, vegetables, and about 14 different types of meat was offered up. This was no light lunch!
As we were enjoying the food a couple walked into the room and the dramatic tango music began. The couple began an elegant tango that went on for a good 20 minutes. Then each partner started picking people out of the audience to dance - and Michael did his best to look inconspicuous. It was a very memorable wine, food and entertainment experience. We highly recommend you check it out if you find yourself in the lovely and ultra friendly city of Montevideo.

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