Day 97

Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

Day Trip! We rented a car today and headed 45 minutes further North up the Coast to the last town on the paved section of Ruta 10 (The Coastal Highway). We had heard many a rumor about Jose Ignacio.....but could gather no information. The hotels dont really advertise and when you call they tell you "show up and we will see what we can do". We are told this is meant to keep the riff raff out and protect the privacy of Jose Ignacio´s privledged visitors. Our friends say you are just as likely to stroll down the beach in this remote village with the president of a small nation...or Angie and Brad.

We just had to check it out.

From the moment you arrive in Jose Ignacio it becomes instantly clear to you that you have found the birthplace of "Shabby Chic". And her mother, "beachfront elegance", still lives here

too. Its nothing but a tiny beach hamlet, and there is nothing gliz or flash about Jose at all.......but you can just feel quiet paradise seeping out of the air in this place.

We strolled town for a bit (10 minutes), then strolled the breathtaking beaches, then found a place for lunch. The most adorable seaside cafe, Los Negros, comfy waterfront seating. Casual, yet perfect toes in the sand kind of a place.

It was here we found out the other way Jose Ignacio keeps out the riff raff.

A side salad was $30 and entres went from $80 to $150! YES...I am talking US dollars. (They only accept US dollars in Jose Ignacio). I´ll say it again.....What country are we in???!!!

A kind soul back in La Barra explained to me that the restaurants in Jose Ignacio need to ensure "casual tourists" dont stay long. Well......they may have succeded with us. We enjoyed our lunch, felt we had paid for another walk on the beach, and then headed back to La Barra. Hamptons.....this town makes you look cheap!

But, we did have a great day!