Stepping off the boat into Montevideo, capital city of Uruguay, you would think it was any number of large port cities in the United States. The tall buildings and din of traffic seem all too familiar, that is, until you get closer. The subtle sounds of street bands playing regional folk music, mixed with the strong smell of vendors barbequing asado paint a very different picture than what you get from afar. A short trip to the edge of the cityscape reveals a sprawling white beach with soft sand and calm waves, a stark contrast to the bustling downtown just out of arms reach. A sight more relaxed in nature than it’s larger neighbors, Uruguay is a sleepy little gem hidden along the Atlantic coastline.