Too Hot For Me

The last two days have been warm with highs of 28-30C. This morning it is clear and sunny and 26C. Today is going to be sunny with a high of 31C.  

With the weather being hot, I have been resting. We have been able to keep the apartment cool if we shut it up by 9 am. If we don't it gets quite warm.  

We have walked both mornings to the grocery store and bakery. It is 3 blocks each way and I can handle it in the morning. While we walk, I look around for pictures and yesterday I saw these beautiful yellow hibiscus flowers. 

Most times the most beautiful flowers are behind fences and I have to really work to get pictures. 

Last night I took grandson and his friend to dinner. We went to a hamburger place that we have been to before. They have the best hamburgers. It is 6 blocks from the apartment with 4 blocks going up hill. We had our delicious hamburgers and then came home. The temperature was 29C and I felt it. 

The beach will be busy today as it is warm outside. I noticed people going down early and I am sure families will be there all day. The water looks nice and fairly calm as there is very little wind. 

I am not sure what we will be doing today. I have a load of laundry on and will hang it out. It won't take too long to dry. I will probably rest due to the heat. I am not handling it well. Tomorrow will be cooler and wet. 

Until the next time..............................................................

Discovering Old City

 Yesterday was warm and humid. The high got to 22C but the humidity was at 80%. This morning it is sunny and 23C. Today will be sunny with a high of 27C. 

Yesterday morning we caught the bus and headed to the Old City (city center). We were going exploring into an area closer to the water. When we got off the bus we were further away from Independencia Plaza and walking towards Mercardo De Puerto.

The streets we walked down were wide and for people only. There were people picking up orders on bicycles and one person was pushing his motorbike to pick up an order. 

Along the streets vendors had set up their tables with items to sell. This is a place where tourists go. We did look at some tables which had old licence plates and old house keys. While walking, we saw this lovely fountain. 

It was very interesting as there were flying dragons on it and water spouted out their mouths. 

Every time I went to take a picture, the water would stop. 

Not far from the fountain was this sign. 

The sign reads

    Around 1850, the square was popularly known as "vegetable square" because of the market that -- until the 1870's -- was held on its south side. 

We continued walking and saw this neat balcony. 

The man climbing up the balcony is wearing a Santa hat as the balcony is decorated for Christmas. 

The doors on the buildings were beautiful. Many doors are about 10 feet tall with European influence. 

We continued to walk and found this small square. 

On one side of the statue was a man with his horse and a flock of sheep. 

On the other side was a man, lady and child with a cow. 

There was a plaque to the side of the statue. 

It reads:
    The Patriotic Association of Uruguay 
    Of Field Marshall
    Don Bruno Mauraicio de Zabala
    Founder of Montevideo
    1726-1976

The square was full of magnolia trees and the blooms were huge. 

The petals turn a burnt orange and then they fall off the tree. Each petal was as large as my hand. 

We continued on to Mercado Del Puerto for lunch. I was hot and by the time we sat down I had turned beat red and then white. I ate some bread and had some water. We ordered baby beef for lunch. I think small but this is what we got. 

It was cooked over a wood fire and was seasoned only with salt and pepper. It was delicious and very tender. After lunch we walked to Mercardo de los Artesanos to look around. I did buy a gift for a friend. Once we were done, we walked a few blocks and caught the bus home. I was hot and tired when we got home. 

I did go out around 5 pm last night to look for candy for the boys across the street from me. I found 3 of the 6 recommended. It was cool outside and I enjoyed the brief walk across the street. 

This morning, we have been to the grocery store and the 6 blocks walk was enough for me. I am going to rest today and we will see what comes after that. We are to have 3 very warm days which I do not do well in. 

Until the next time..............................................................

Found - An Expensive Fabric Shop

 Yesterday was warm, windy, and humid. The high got to 22C. This morning it is mostly cloudy and 22C. Today is supposed to be cloudy with a high of 24C. 

Yesterday morning we cleaned the apartment and then packed up grandson's clothes to take to the lavadero. We walked a couple of blocks to it and went inside. It was hot and humid in there. We left the clothes there to be picked up tomorrow. His clothes weren't dirty but the washing machine in his apartment wasn't doing a good job getting his clothes clean. 

We decided to go and walk to a fabric store. On the way we saw a fountain in a front yard. It was the first I have seen. 

The water wasn't running in it and it needed a good weeding. But otherwise it was lovely with all the tiles and the cement fountain piece. 

We continued our walk to the fabric store and it was a small shop with this window display. 

The door was locked and the lady let us in. I can see why as it was full of very expensive fabric for formal gowns. We looked around the store and I bought 2 pieces of linen and some trim. 

I looked at some trim for daughter and loved these two. 

I did end up buying her this piece of fabric which was very expensive. 

I am sure the lady was thrilled with the amount I spent in her shop as there were no other customers. 

On the walk back to the apartment we both got really warm. The humidity was 84%. The one bush I looked at is a magnolia but the bloom I was wanting to take a picture of was gone. The other blooms were facing away from me and the yard it was in was gated and locked. 

I did take pictures of the hibiscus blooms at the apartment. They were not picked off and wide open. The wind was blowing so it was hard to get a shot but I tired. Here is the best one. 

I had an exciting time after we got home. Daughter sent me a text with a message I didn't quite understand. While she was on Facebook, she hooked up with a lady who knew about my parents. Her mom is my first cousin. She is 95 years old and still living in Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick. Her daughter was the person who contacted my daughter. I have now talked to her and she lives about 20 minutes from where I live. Hopefully we can connect when I get home. She is 5 years younger than me. She has 2 sisters and I am excited to learn about them. 

I have also emailed my cousin. I had written to her years ago and we lost contact. I have met her brother several times and use to talk to him a lot. He got mad about something and quit talking to me. I want to know more about him. 

Today we are going to go shopping for gifts in the Old City. I will need to find a few things for a friend plus some candy for the boys across the street. I am looking for items made by people in Uruguay. We decided to do it today as it turns hot tomorrow. 

Until the next time.........................................................................

A Blustery Day

 Yesterday was cool and windy with a high of 23C. This morning it is windy and 22C. Today will be windy with rain this afternoon. The high will get to 23C. 

I am fighting a cold so am feeling dull and tired. I think I am getting the upper hand but I could be wrong. Daughter-in-law has it and it has settled into her chest. 

We had to shop yesterday and after much discussion we chose to walk to the shop 3 blocks from the apartment. We took the granny cart and off we went. The shop was busy as it was almost noon and people were picking up lunch from the prepared food area. We walked around the store and got what we needed. We also did some snoop shopping. I bought sugar free mix to take home for summer. They are very good. 

I like the orange mango flavoured one the best but the orange ones are also good. I will buy the apple flavoured ones the next time we shop.

I bought these for grandson as he really likes them. They go in his stocking. 

I had a small taste and they are like a Reese's peanut butter cup but less sweet (still too sweet for me). I will buy more of them so I can give them to him for his birthday in February and put some in daughter-in-law's stocking. 

As we were walking to the grocery store, I noticed that more shrubs are coming into bloom. I saw two which will have red and orange flowers out in a couple of days. On our walk home, I saw another shrub that was coming out into bloom and I think it is magnolia. They do grow down here. I will be looking at that bush again to see if I am right. 

I had a nap yesterday afternoon to see if it would help the cold and went to bed fairly early. I am hoping that it will help me beat the cold though I am certain it will hit me hard no matter what. 

Today we are going to the lavadero which will do some laundry for us. They wash, dry, and fold it and we will pick it up tomorrow. From there we will walk to a fabric store and I will see what they have. I would like to get a couple of pieces of fabric. Once home, I will do a few things in the apartment and try to knit some on the socks. I have the leg half done and would like to finish the sock before we leave. 

Until the next time................................................................

A Beautiful Evening Sky

 Yesterday was cool and windy with a high of 21C. This morning it is partly cloudy, windy, and 23C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with wind and a high of 24C. 

Yesterday was a cooling off day for me. I didn't do much as I was tired from being so hot. The apartment was cool which was nice and I enjoyed the breeze a lot. 

We left to go to grandson's soccer game around 5 pm. I took this picture of the hibiscus hedge in front of the apartment. It had 2 blooms on it but it has grown a lot. It looks more like trees rather than a hedge. 

We have done this drive 3 times now and I am starting to look at everything. As we drove by places in the more rural part, I saw 2 hibiscus trees that had huge hot pink blooms on them. They were the biggest ones I have ever seen. The trees are now in full bloom with orange, red, pink, blue, and purple flowers. There are lots of potted plants like geraniums in window boxes and I even saw some huge cactus plants in yards. 

I noticed that most of the houses are made from cement or bricks. A lot of the houses have clay tiles roofs. There is a huge European influence in house styles. There are some big homes but most are smaller. There are a lot of apartments in Montevideo and they range in style also. Even where we went, there was a mix of houses and apartments. 

We got to the soccer field and when we went in, there was a different vibe this time. The police were at the gates and we were asked for our passport numbers. We didn't have our passports with us which is the first time I have been out without it. I forgot to pick it up off son's desk. 

The game started with the other team's fans setting off some fireworks. The game was intense with lots of cheering and hollering. One of the other team's players fell and hurt his knee. He was taken off via a stretcher and transported by ambulance to a hospital. Shortly after that, the coach of that team got a red card and had to leave the field. He misses the last game of the finals. The game ended in 0 - 0. We were let out 10 minutes after the other fans so there would be no issues. 

I did take a picture of the sky as it was beautiful. This is the first time I have seen a red sky at night. I think the conditions were perfect for it to happen. 

We had torte fritas again. It is the last time we will get them as the last game is close to the apartment. The usual dogs were at the game looking for food. One even ran along the side of the soccer field while the game was one. A pup was in the stands and we fed him some frita. He was so cute and everyone loved him. 

All of the dogs have homes but run loose. They are there every time we go. People seem to know them and pet them and talk to them all the time. 

The ride home was just as interesting. We got to see the horse track building lit up and it was beautiful. It opened in 1874. I found a picture of it on Wikipedia. It is hard to get a picture of it when driving as you are so close to it when you drive by.

People are starting to put up their Christmas decorations. There were lights hung in windows and only balconies. Still not a lot but more than the last time we were out in that part of the city. More people will start decorating as today is the day they usually start. 

Today we have to go shopping and then we will do things around here. I am tired as I was up very late and I may have caught the cold. I did get cold last night and it may be my turn to be sick. Not happy about that. I know I will be going to bed early tonight to fight this cold. 

Until the next time...........................................................................

Tienda Inglesa

 Yesterday was hot and humid. It was 30C by noon. It started to cool off in the afternoon. This morning it is cloudy, windy, and 21C. Today is supposed to be cooler with a high of 23C. 

We decided to skip the farmer's market yesterday as we needed nothing and it was too hot to walk around. Instead we got an Uber and went to Tienda Inglesa (English Store). It is about 6 km from the apartment. We wanted to see what the "big" store looked like. We had been to one tiny store and one in a shopping mall. 

We went into the store (which was cool) to see Christmas decorations and two washers (hint for Christmas presents) at the entrance. There were 2 trees decorated and both were about 4 feet tall. There was a selection of ornaments but it wasn't huge displays like at home. 

We turned right when we got into the store and it took us to the liquor section of the store. We did look around at it as it was part of the wandering route. At the end of the liquor section was this machine. 

You can cool your wine in 30 seconds. We turned the corner and there was a huge selection of olives. 

Uruguay grows a lot of olives in areas where there are perfect microclimates for them. They sell a lot of olives and olive oil. 

The red and white signs you see are for sales. It was Red Friday and items were on sale for 30% off plus 15% if you had the store's card. It seems like this sale lasts for almost a week. We wandered around the store looking at everything. It was like a Walmart Superstore. You could get most everything you needed. 

We got what we wanted and waited outside for the Uber to pick us up. It was hot and we were feeling it. The Uber driver was excellent and had the a/c on in his car. He was a calm driver and got us home in excellent time. I gave him a good tip as he put our groceries in the back of the car for us and took them out. 

The afternoon was spent resting as the apartment was hot. We have no a/c or fans to help cool the place off and after 3 days of heat it felt like an oven. We read, napped, and just lazed around watching the hundreds of people at the beach. By late afternoon the wind came up and it cooled off. We were able to cool the apartment off and feel human again. 

Son went out to watch a soccer game and sent us the link to watch the opening. There were fireworks at the start of this game. He got home about 9:30 pm and when we looked out there were 2 people walking on the beach. Everyone had gone home. This morning the few people who are walking on the beach are dressed like it is winter.

The wind is strong this morning and it is cool. The waves are coming in onto the beach and there are not many people down there. The coolness will probably keep most people at home or out shopping today. 

Thoughts

    Yesterday was the 109th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion.  It is an event that is remember each year in the province. One of my great uncle's children died in the explosion and is in the Book of Remembrance. I do know that they lived in an area of Halifax that was affected by the explosion. 

    We are learning more about Christmas in Uruguay. The people party most of the night Christmas Eve and while they are out Papa Noel puts gifts under the tree. Most shops close early on the 24th though it is not a holiday. People want to spend time with their families. We also learned that there will be a lot of fireworks Dec. 24 and to watch them either on the balcony or the beach. 

    I am wanting to go shopping for a few items made in Uruguay for a friend and daughter. We will probably do that on a cool day as we will be walking the streets going in and out of shops. I do know that we have to go to the city center (Old City) to shop. Most of the shops that sell products made in Uruguay are in that part of the city. 

I am not sure what is happening this morning. We go out to watch grandson's team play tonight. It is, much to our surprise, out at the field where they played the last game. A long ride out and back again. I will need to get something to eat as it is an evening game. I would like to walk today as my hip is a bit sore. I did get a good crack last night and I know the soreness/tightness is from the couch (horrid to sit on) and being cramped in the car going to the store yesterday. 

Until the next time...........................................................

Beautiful Hydrangeas

 Yesterday was sunny and fairly calm with a high of 29C. This morning it is sunny and 26C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 28C.

Yesterday was another quiet day for me. Family worked in the morning and I sat around looking at the beach getting busier by the minute. I was amazed at how many people come to this beach when the weather is nice. 

At noon family went out for lunch with a friend they have known for about 10 years through son's IT work. They were gone for a couple of hours. I stayed home and watched YouTube, cleaned some of the apartment and tried to stay cool. It was more humid yesterday. 

The afternoon was quiet with daughter-in-law going out to deliver a parcel from Canada. When she got home, we talked about dinner. I was hungry and they weren't due to the large lunch they had. At 7:30 pm we decided to go out for dinner. We walked along the street and I took a picture of a hydrangea bush that was flooded with lights. 

All the hydrangeas here are the pink/blue ones and are beautiful at this time of the year. As we walked, I noticed that more trees and shrubs are coming out into bloom. The hibiscus hedge at the apartment is starting to bloom. 

Where we wanted to eat outside had all the tables reserved. Son went home and we crossed the street so I could buy chicken wings and spring rolls. I was hungry. We went into this small shop called Woori Chiken which does Korean food. Son had wings from there the night before and said they were good. These were the best wings I have had and the spring rolls were excellent. Come to Uruguay for the best Korean wings and to Sweden for the best Sweet and Sour Chicken. 

People across the street put up the Christmas tree. It is about 4 feet high which is common here. We did see a few Christmas lights on porches the other night. They were all one colour and only one string. People spend more time outside at the beach at Christmas so decorating is done in smaller doses. 

Another thing we have learned here is that when we pay using a debit card, we get a discount on everything - groceries, restaurants, clothing, etc. It is about 9% to encourage tourism activities. It confused me a bit to start with but I got it figured out. We only use cash at the farmer's market, food booths that have no debit machines, and the farmer's market. We also use cash to fill our bus passes.

This morning daughter-in-law and I are going to the farmer's market to get our weekly produce and eggs. If we don't get meat and cheese there, I will go to the grocery store later on to get those. What else we do depends on how much work daughter-in-law has to do and how hot it gets. The humidity is high today which I do not like. 

Until the next time...............................................................................