Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay, is also the administrative headquarters of Mercosur, ALADI (Latin American Association of Integration) and capital of the department of the same name, the lowest among the nineteen existing extension. Located in the southern part of the country, on the banks of the River Plate. It is the Latin American city with the best quality of life and is among the 30 safest cities in the world.

                   In 2004, it had a population of about 1,325,968 inhabitants. However, considering its metropolitan area, Montevideo reaches 1,968,335 inhabitants, nearly half the country's population. This capital is in a geographical area characterized as the main export route for loads of Mercosur. It has an ideal bay, which forms a natural harbor, the most important and busiest in the country.

                   There are at least two versions about the origin of the name. The first is based on the logbook of the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan (in Spanish, Fernando de Magallanes), dated January 1520. This document records the existence of a hill that resembled a hat, located to the right of those who navigate from east to west. A lot that was given the name "Mount I saw." Signed by Francisco de Albo, quartermaster of the expedition, is the oldest Spanish document which mentions a name similar to "Montevideo".

                   The other version, although not based on historical documents, is the most widespread. Realizes that navigating the River Plate from east to west (from the Atlantic Ocean to the mainland), met in the sixth hill region which lies to the Uruguayan capital, registered as "Monte VI East to West" or abbreviated: "Monte VI-DEO." Anyway it is understood that Montevideo is named after a hill where it is located.

                   The city of Montevideo enchants not only by cards, the kindness of the Uruguayan is striking and always leaves good memories in those who visit. Brazilians feel at home in Uruguay, Portuguese is well understood and you'll get more answers in our language that can wait. The menu of steakhouses, the sensational Uruguayan beef is also presented in court you will not find on the other side of Silver: a steak (written with "nh" even). Ask to accompany a Tannat, the Uruguayan wine whose production is so small that it is barely exported. And this is just the beginning, Montevideo is an amazing city.

                   The Artigas Boulevard is a beautiful avenue that begins in the Rambla Presidente Wilson and passes in front of the majestic Golf Club. Some of the embassies are located on this avenue. Nearby, beautiful apartments have spectacular views, both for Mar del Plata, and for the golf course. In Parque Rodó, relax and enjoy nature is a great program in the evening or weekend, with a beautiful lake and waterfalls, is one of the most visited parks in the city.

                   The neighborhood of Carrasco is predominantly made up of houses. The streets, with trees and flower gardens, reminiscent of the European continent. In Carrasco's hotels, shopping center, all very organized and clean. The restaurants and bars are charming, different, offering a great nightlife. In this neighborhood there are leisure options, Av Arocena is its central avenue, where there are many shops, restaurants and supermarkets. One of the first restaurants is Pepperone Dom and next to this is the Freddo ice cream parlor, with its wonderful ice cream between them and the dulce de leche, worth a try.

                   At the corner of Citibank, turning right, is the Mystery Café Restaurant, a place to dine with beautiful people and serving seafood. Following the Av Arocena is Mones Roses Street to turn left on this street in the first block, is one of the best environments Tea: Lavender. Teahouse in a nursery of roses. The scent of roses and the beauty of the flowers makes this place unique.

                   The Puerta de la Ciudadela, is a portal that divides the old city, "Ciudad Vieja", new town, opposite the Plaza Matrix. The streets and sidewalks are for pedestrians in this part of Ciudad Vieja. In front of Plaza Matrix is ​​the Metropolitan Cathedral, a place of obligatory tour of the city for its beauty and historical importance. There are tours that run through all the streets of the region, which can be half an hour, by bus, or on foot (lasting one hour). It happens every Saturday. On weekends, the Square Matrix also concentrates 90 artisans and antique shops selling clothes, accessories and other objects accompanied by dance performances, theater and outdoor music. In this epicenter of Ciudad Vieja, are still Montevideo Cathedral, built in 1804, and the Cabildo, originally built to serve as the political center and detention and now transformed into a museum and Municipal Historical Archive. Departures: to walk, look for the information desk "Cultural Paseo de la Ciudad Vieja" on Sarandi Street shortly after passing the Puerta de la Ciudadela;

                   A high proportion of elderly in the city is linked not only to the expectation and quality of life also follows the departure of many young people to Europe, especially to Spain in search of work. The country's economy, closely linked to rural tradition, was particularly affected by the crisis in Argentina a few years ago. For Brazilian tourists, it ends up making Uruguay a destination very cheap, even more than in Buenos Aires, especially with regard to food.

Lupércio Mundim