There’s a hill in Maldonado, Uruguay, called Pan de Azucar (sugar loaf), that you can easily spot if you drive by, it’s the one with a cross on top. This place hosts a national park, suitable for picnics, a zoo with typical Uruguayan fauna reservation, and of course the hill. Not being a particular animal lover, I find the hill itself to be the main attraction, since it makes for a very enjoyable hillwalking tour.
I went last Friday, and it was like the fourth time I climbed it in my life. I did it a couple of times with my parents, as a kid, and about five years ago with my girlfriend, and it’s remarkable how it mirrors aging for this time was the first time I really felt the exercise.
The hill is 423 meters high, and is actually the third highest in Uruguay. It’s a two to three hour trip, to get to the top and return. It’s not difficult but it’s not trivial either, some parts of the trail are pretty steep to be done walking, and you have to help yourself with your hands to make sure you don’t slip.
On top of the hill there’s a concrete 35 meter high cross. It has a staircase and you can climb to the arms of the cross and enjoy a panoramic view of the coast of Maldonado, including piriapolis and punta del este.
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7 comments:
¡Que alegría que posteés!
What a shame the inside of the cross is covered in graffiti.
Ok, I don't know how old you are - but you don't really feel the effects of ageing til your forties. Suspect you may be feeling the effects of spending less time out and about, and too much time in front of the computer?
BTW, your forties are nothing to look forward too...
Wembley
wembley, let's just say in last six years I went from 60 to 80 kilos :)
Vamos todavia Gaby...el 2008 necesita de un nuevo cuento !!
Tamo a mayo y vamos uno !
No es la epoca yo se..pero y contar un poco de nuestras playas ?? Aca en italia (no en el sur) la arena es rocosa, las playas chiquitas y la gente paga porque son muchas privadasss ! Nosotros tenemos un paraiso en uy !! Solo una ideaaa !!! A veces de afuera es mas facil ver que es lo que es mas dificil contar o explicarrr !! Espero te sirva !
besos !!! Vicky desde Italia !
Re: Graffiti, it is seen very differently in Uruguay. In the U.S. graffiti is most often associated with gangs. In Uruguay, it is used to make political statements, a message for a lover, etc... Although I don't think it's encouraged, people don't seem to mind it and take it for what it's meant to be.
Hey,
I just found your blog by total chance, if that exists, and I'm delighted to find all this info. to share with my friends from abroad!
I grew up in Pan de Azúcar, so seeing that picture of the cross was "muy fuerte".
Also, I have found in your blog who took the picture of the amazing lightning! Can you believe I was just a few meters away from the place it struck? I've even used that picture in some post at my own blog and didn't know who I needed to ask permission to or thank for!
I'll be 'visiting' you often!
It looks like a great blog about our country.
Cheers!
Patricia
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