Experience in Montevideo, Gastón's Uruguay

What's it like to live in Montevideo? Would you recommend it? How is it?

It's a beautiful city. I recommend living there but I also think that there are better places (I have to be honest). There is a gorgeous boulevard (Rambla) which is ideal for a jog or walking or to meet some friends to have a drink or something (only if it's a nice day). It has really nice areas and a really enjoyable architectural style. There is a lot of culture and customs but I think that a lot of them have been lost over time, which is a shame. As well as that, the large majority of things which are typical of the Uruguayan culture are not really advertised and/or there are only a few people who think of them as interesting (between those there isn't many young people, for example. This partially explains why these customs have been lost).

A view of Montevideo

What's the student atmosphere like in Montevideo?

Good overall, but extremely undeveloped compared to other countries, I think. The universities are very central and the large majority of students are from Montevideo too, so they don't have any need to relocate to anywhere else or to live with other students (something that is very normal in other countries). I mean, the student atmosphere is good, but super boring in comparison with other places. There's also the additional fact that it's very expensive to live alone.

How much does it cost to live in Montevideo?

A lot. Uruguay is one of the most expensive countries in Latin America due to the fact that we have a costly and surprisingly inefficient state. But, you have to see the positive side of everything: the fact that the cost of life is somewhat high and the minimum wage is somewhat low, it's certainly a good incentive to teach people how to live humbly and only with the things that they need and only buying luxuries every so often.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Montevideo? Do you have any advice?

I'm still currently trying to find accommodation and yeah, it's difficult. I'm more in a position to receive advice than I am to give it.

What's the food like in Uruguay? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is delicious, more than anything because of the fact that it's fairly artisan (the meat in particular) because we're not a heavily populated country. Now, the gastronomic culture is another story... Tourists and travellers need to pay attention: whoever knows how to "spread their mouth" ("partirse la boca - an expression referring to really enjoying eating) in Asian countries or in the Mediterranean for example, don't expect too much from our basic gastronomy (but still tasty).

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Which places would you recommend visiting Montevideo?

Cerro (on a nice day), Capurro park (Parque Capurro), the Old Town (mainly Peatonal Sarandí), Punta Carretas, Rambla de Pocitos (ideal on a warm evening), Barrio Sur (to listen to Cadombe - traditional music).

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And to eat in Montevideo? Can you name some of your favourite places?

• Nice grills: Mercado del Puerto, Los Leños, El Fogón, Parrillada del Solis.
• Other restaurants: Francis, the old and cherished market, Jacinto, Bar Facal, Bar Tasende (excellent pizza), Café Bacacay, Café bar Tabaré.

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Which places would you recommend for a night out in Montevideo?

• Chill places: Shannon Irish Pub (live music everyday. Blues every Sunday and Jazz every Monday), Brickel Irish Pub (live music almost everyday), Gakkaghers Irish Pub (live music sometimes), 26th March and Luis Alberto Herrera area (Fernet, Barba Roja, Burlesque (best whiskey menu in Montevideo)), Negroni (good cocktail bar), La Ronda, Bar Rodó.
• Lively places: Living, Circus, Bluzz, Bacilón, Phonoteque (electronic), Lotus, Después te explico, Mona, Volvé mi Negra.
• Cumbia (traditional Uruguayan music) places: Parque Rodó (the club etc. ), Polo Prado, Cimarrón, Rabisoso etc. etc.

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Any advice for other students thinking of going to Montevideo?

Don't expect a crazy student life like you see in the films because it doesn't exist here. But, if you like to do chilled things and enjoy getting to know people and appreciating the simple things, then Montevideo is a great place for that.