Driving out of Montevideo today we finally saw the more up market side of the country and the beach side communities and resorts we had heard about. We followed the Rambler (a road and promenade beside the river) north and east out of old town into what I guess is called new town with many high-rise apartment buildings, nice beaches, yacht clubs, and many many people walking, jogging, and walking animals. The weather co-operated with bright sun and warm calm weather. We were seeing Uruguay and Montevideo at its best.

Eventually we left the Rambler and joined Highway 1 going east towards the famous resort town of Punta Del Este. As you might guess from the name this town (city?) is built on a narrow point of land with the Rio Del La Plata on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. This is a real Miami, Surfers Paradise style resort, with miles and miles of beach front high-rise apartments, and even a Conrads casino (which we were told has a Tiffany's store).

We spent some time along the beach front enjoying the sun, taking photos of the famous sculpture of a hand (we think built by the same artist that built the hand in the desert in Chile).

No wonder this place is so popular with vacationing Argentines, if it was closer to the US it would be a great February sun break for North Westerners.