Our First Steps in Latin America

Our Big Adventure in Latin America: The First Steps of an Epic Journey

October 14th, 2025 marks the beginning of an adventure that might just change our lives. We're ready to leave France for Uruguay, the first stop of a road trip with no return date. The bags are packed, our parents' attic is stuffed with our belongings, and the nerves are through the roof. Time to go!

Day 1: Departure (Tuesday, October 14th, 2025)

It all starts in Le Mans. Our parents drop us at the tram stop — an emotional moment. Adeline sheds a tear, while Thomas stays true to his legendary composure.

Tickets in hand, we head to the train station. A small mix-up with the schedule: the train leaves at 4:58 PM — no rush, we have time! The journey to Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle via Marne-la-Vallée goes without a hitch.

At the airport, the excitement kicks in: it's really beginning now. After 30 minutes hunting for the bus stop, we're on our way to a budget hotel near Paris. Spending the night at the airport? Absolutely not — we want at least a little comfort before the big leap. The night is short and restless, but we don't regret it.

Day 2: The Big Flight and a Scare at Boarding (Wednesday, October 15th, 2025)

Wake-up at 4 AM… brutal. Shuttle to the airport. The driver is in full rally-car mode, but we arrive in one piece. Thanks to online check-in, we sail through security.

A quick breakfast at Paul and the excitement is at full tilt — even Thomas, despite the early hour, is starting to feel it.

But at the boarding gate, cold shower: since we only have one-way tickets, the airline refuses to let us board. No proof of exit from Uruguay. Total panic! Buying a return ticket? Out of the question — it would cost a fortune.

Fortunately, an airline employee saves us: a simple bus ticket will do. Quick as a flash, we buy two tickets on Busbud and we're on. Phew!

The 11-hour flight to Bogotá is long, but our seats by the emergency exits give us a little extra legroom. Movies, uncomfortable naps… and we land in Bogotá at 12:30 PM local time.

The 8-hour layover is an ordeal: impossible to sleep, jet lag catching up fast. At 9 PM we finally board for Montevideo, with an extra hour's delay on the tarmac.

On the plane, we chat with an American, a retired special forces veteran from Utah, who recognizes our Mosko Moto backpacks. He shares wild stories from his life, including a trip to the Ukrainian front line to retrieve… a camera. We connect the dots quickly.

Exhausted, we fall asleep before takeoff. At 7:05 AM, we land in Montevideo. Border crossing: smooth. We're in Uruguay!

Day 2 (continued): First Steps in Montevideo

After a McDonald's breakfast straight out of the arrivals gate to get some energy back, we reach the old town around 9:30 AM.

At Casa Vegana, our room isn't ready until 1 PM. Too tired to explore, we collapse on a bench at Plaza de la Constitución. We change parks, another nap, then back to the accommodation. A shower and a real bed: pure bliss!

Late afternoon, hunger drives us out. We try to find a smoothie bar listed on btcmap.org that supposedly accepts Bitcoin… but it's closed. No matter. We head to Plaza Independencia, then to a café we'd spotted earlier: Flor de Kaffee, run by Jeff, a wonderfully friendly Frenchman.

His cheese sandwich is a revelation, and his advice on Montevideo is invaluable. We end the day with a sunset on the waterfront — magical, even without the applause the local legend promises. A quick grocery run, then back to Casa Vegana for a well-deserved night's sleep.

Day 3: Discovering Montevideo (Friday, October 17th, 2025)

Fatigue and jet lag play tricks on us: a 30-minute nap turns into waking up at midnight, then again at 9 the next morning. We're embracing the Uruguayan pace: tranquilo!

Breakfast with a pain au chocolat (or chocolatine?). We explain the great French debate to the bakery ladies, who find it hilarious.

We head to El Mercado del Puerto, but it disappoints — nothing but tourist restaurants and souvenir shops. Fortunately, we follow Jeff's good advice to structure our day.

Palacio Taranco, built at the end of the 19th century by a French architect, amazes us with its antique furniture and crystal vases displayed without any protection barriers. We also explore the servants' quarters — far less lavish — and learn more about their lives through the exhibition.

Then, the Museo Romántico enchants us with its interior garden and period rooms, including a guéridon painted with Louis XVI and his mistresses.

After lunch back at the hostel, we head out again toward Calle 25 de Mayo (our HQ!) to visit the Artigas library — pleasant, but unremarkable. Librería Linardi y Risso, with its beautiful old-world architecture, is far more memorable.

We stumble upon the Museo del Gaucho y de la Moneda, housed in the former central bank building. Despite our limited Spanish, the marble building and old bank counters leave a strong impression.

Highlights of the day: ridiculously cheap avocados, a delicious mango, and life-saving naps. We were after tapas and a beer, but exhaustion wins. Back to the hostel for a quiet evening.