Gorgeous blustery morning. The suns out and the waves are pounding on the shore. Think I’ll go for a walk along the beach to blow away all these negative thoughts.

Did my research this morning and the bus station is 19 mins away by car/taxi.

It’s 06:20, my bus to La Corollina leaves at 09:40 so plenty of time for a walk before breakfast.

The walk along the coast didn’t disappoint. It felt so good to be out walking in the fresh air.

There were so many joggers, people getting pulled by their dogs, ladies wheeling prams and people like me, just out to enjoy a walk.

On my return to the hotel I passed some wonderful buildings. None of them the same – in fact each one was unique.

And some were just plain huge

Heading back to the hotel to pick up my taxi to the bus station. I’d rather be early than harassed so I left in plenty of time.

Would you credit it, the 09:40 bus has been cancelled and the next one isn’t until 13:40 – 4 (b……y) hours to wait, which means I won’t arrive into La Corollina until 18:40 and sunset is 19:35! I have text the centre asking for direction when I get off the bus and to ask if they’d like any wee treats from Montevideo now I have time to wander with this hump clinging to my aching spine. – I might even find a towel as this bus station is enormous!!! 🚌

Actually, there a good WiFi signal so to make the best use of my time I’m going to download and study the ‘Field work management techniques’ pdf information pack sent to me by Karumbe Sea turtle conservation and research the variety of species of turtles that inhabit Uruguayan waters – 6 p’s! (Prior preparation prevents piss poor performance).

So here am I, en route to my last volunteering project and my last country in this incredible continent of South America. I must admit I had my reservation about venturing west. I’d heard so many worrying tales of being robbed, abducted and even rape but (although it’s not over yet), I have experienced nothing but delightful friendly helpful people as I have trundled along on my journey. I’m certainly not the confident type and sometimes I wonder how I actually managed to get to the places I have without speaking a word of Spanish apart from repeating ‘no entiendo’ at least ten times a day and ‘Gracias’ to show my appreciation of anything.

But you know, I think I’ve done all right for a woman who came away by herself to make the transition from 50’s to 60. I’ve cried, laughed, worried, lost weight (👏👏) and struggled with my hump. In 10 weeks, I will have been on 14 planes, stayed in 23 different types of accommodation, ridden on 23 bus journeys, trillions of car/taxi journeys, not forgetting the wonderful daily canoe trips, experienced the humidity of the jungle, marveled at the snow capped mountains, swam in the ocean , was mesmerized with beautiful azure lakes and peched my way to the top of huge sand dunes in Huacachina to watch a magnificent sunrise.

Who says life begins at 40? Life begins when you decide to move out your comfort zone and go explore. The world is here for everyone to appreciate.

My butt was becoming numb sitting on these plastic seats so I decided to go explore the bus station. I could see multiple levels with department stores and eateries and this was a good place to stock up on some provisions. I was unsure what would be available up north.

Well surprise surprise, guess what I found, a store similar to Aldi, and what important item did I find? right, a towel, at last I was self sufficient to live beside the seaside!

Not only did I buy a towel, it was like supermarket sweep 🤣🤣, I bought water, sandwiches, a travel toothbrush, pumice stone for my poor weary feet, crisps, two bars of Cadbury’s chocolate (one with nuts the other yogurt), two bags of hard boiled sweet, wheat biscuits and……a Christmas bobble and some Santa and Rudolf clothes pegs 🎅 May as well get into the Christmas cheer for going home!

in fact I had to buy another bag to get it to my next destination. Something tells me I am pushing my body beyond its capabilities.

The bus left spot on time and I was on my way north, up to La Coronilla! I wasn’t lucky enough to have a window seat for this journey but I really didn’t mind.

Its funny when its so obvious to the people who are giving the directions and completely bewildering to those that have received them.

I have asked for durections after i get off the 5hr bus journey and I have very kindly been sent this

I might as well have been told to stick a bag over my head and walk in any direction – i hate maps, i just can’t do the navigation thing. Thank goodness for google maps, my lead you by the hand quide. It actually was, ecen for me, quite a straight forward walk with the odd left or right turn passing a few locals on the way

Jesus, is it just me that expects a decent standard of accommodatiom when you have travelled half way around the world and paid a charity for the privilege of working for them?

This is the social area where we all sit of a night to chat amd eat dinner

This is the toilet and shower shared by 8 people

Maybe it an age thing!!! Dinner tonight took me back to the jungle experience. Vegetables and rice. Tell you, the first sign of dysentery and I’m off!

Lying here with the mozzie net almost touching my nose.

The jury’s out!

Nite 😘