Montevideo Mayhem: Sweat, Samba, and Seriously Strange Locals
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm mate. 3625541 and 1862735261… honestly, those numbers just keep swirling around in my head like a bad dream. i landed in Montevideo yesterday, and it’s… intense. like, aggressively intense. the humidity is clinging to me like a desperate ex, hovering around 86%. it’s 18.33 degrees, feels like 18.46, temp min 18.33, temp max 18.33, pressure 1013, and honestly, i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I’m a touring session drummer, so my usual setup is a chaotic mess of sticks, snare drums, and half-eaten granola bars. this place is already pushing my limits. the streets are a riot of color - peeling paint, street art that looks like a toddler had a sugar rush, and these incredible, crumbling buildings that just scream ‘history.’ i spent the morning wandering around Pocitos beach, dodging rogue soccer balls and trying to capture some decent shots with my camera. it’s a beautiful stretch of sand, but the waves are… moody. like, actively displeased.
I stumbled into this little parrilla - a steakhouse - and someone told me that the chivito is a must-try. it’s basically a sandwich the size of your head, stuffed with everything imaginable. i went for it, obviously. it was… an experience. let’s just say my stomach is currently staging a minor rebellion.
Speaking of experiences, the locals are… something else. they’re loud, they’re passionate, and they seem to communicate primarily through dramatic gestures. i overheard a group of guys arguing vehemently about the best way to make dulce de leche - it escalated quickly.
Someone told me that the best dulce de leche is made with a secret ingredient: a single tear of a tango dancer. Don’t ask. Just… don’t.
I’m staying in a converted warehouse in Ciudad Vieja - it’s gritty, it’s cool, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The landlord, a guy named Ricardo, keeps leaving cryptic notes about the building’s history. He’s a bit of a character, to say the least. If you get bored, Buenos Aires is just a short drive away.
I spent the afternoon exploring the Mercado del Puerto, a bustling market filled with food stalls, souvenirs, and the constant blare of tango music. I grabbed a medialuna (a sweet bread) and a mate - it’s a bit of an acquired taste, but i’m slowly getting the hang of it.
I checked out TripAdvisor for some recommendations and found a great little bar called La Guarida. Apparently, it’s known for its live music and strong cocktails. I’m planning on checking it out tonight. I heard that the bartender, a woman named Sofia, mixes drinks with a level of precision that borders on witchcraft.
Seriously, this city is a sensory overload. It’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and it’s completely captivating. I’m starting to think i might actually stay a little longer. I’m also trying to find some vintage clothes - there’s a fantastic market near the Rambla. I’m on the hunt for some 80s denim jackets.
I’m heading to check out the Teatro Solís - apparently, it’s one of the most beautiful theaters in South America. I’ll let you know what I think. And if you’re planning a trip to Montevideo, be warned: it’s not for everyone. But if you’re looking for an adventure, a dose of culture, and a whole lot of weirdness, then you’ve come to the right place.
Check out this local board for events: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ur-montevideo--montevideo/
And for more info on the city: https://www.visitmontevideo.com/
Don't forget to check out Yelp for restaurant reviews: https://www.yelp.com/map/montevideo-uruguay
Seriously, I need sleep. Or maybe just a really, really strong coffee. Goodnight.