The HotSprings
Sunday, our host teachers planned to take us to the unique hot springs in Uruguay. It was an interesting experience that allowed us to get a better understanding of the culture and history of Uruguay. We had the chance to learn about traditional local cuisine and explore the vibrant local culture. Our host teachers drove us to the hot springs, where we enjoyed the natural warm waters and the unforgettable view of the surrounding area.
Uruguay has a number of hot springs, each of which has its own unique characteristics and attractions. One of the most popular destinations is Arapey Hot Springs, 80 km to the North of the city of Salto. This spring is particularly famous for its two natural thermal water sources, which reach temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius. Water is beneficial for people with various ailments, such as arthritis and rheumatism. Moreover, the hot springs are filled with minerals such as iron, sulfur, and magnesium, providing numerous benefits to the body. Everyone was excited to swim and enjoy the natural warm water despite the weather being too cold. After all, the best part of our visit was that we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves.
Besides the therapeutic benefits, Arapey Hot Springs has many tourist attractions and activities. One of the most notable is the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, such as parakeets. Beautiful landscapes also surround the hot springs. Tiffany and I decided to walk around and explore the area, taking in the beautiful scenery. We found a cute coffee shop nearby, which we stopped at to enjoy a traditional Uruguayan cookie, Alfajore. These delicious treats are made of two soft cookie layers with a creamy Dulce de Leche filling in between. Dulce de Leche is a caramel-colored sauce made of sweetened condensed milk that has been simmered for several hours. It is spread generously between the cookie layers and gives the Alfajores a unique flavor, making them irresistible. As a person with a sweet tooth, once I discovered the joy of Alfajores in Uruguay, these Alfajores quickly became my go-to snack in Uruguay.
Another highlight of today was Mate ( Mah-tay), the most popular drink in Uruguay. We were offered a mate by locals, so we decided to give it a try. Mate is an herbal tea that is consumed throughout Uruguay and other South American countries. It has many health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting energy levels. It tasted like strong green tea. Although the taste was not something we were accustomed to, we still enjoyed it! Ines de Lisa, our host teacher, showed us the way to make this tea the Uruguayan way. We definitely felt like we had an authentic experience at Arapey Hot Springs.
Overall, visiting the hot springs in Uruguay was an amazing experience. Not only did we get to observe the wildlife and beautiful landscapes, but we also enjoyed the healthy thermal baths that provided numerous health benefits. We left with lasting memories of our time in Uruguay and a newfound appreciation for the culture and customs. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to take part in this wonderful experience.
