Now that Australia will play against Uruguay for a place in the world cup, I thought I'd better explore this country a bit and pass some tips to those joining the socceroos on their trip.

 

First a bit of general info on Uruguay: a country more or less the size of NSW, 3.5 million inhabitants, 1.5 live in Montevideo, the capital city. Weather is not unlike Melbourne's. Uruguay knew better times from an economic point of view and now is slowly recovering from a big crisis in 2002. This makes the exchange rate quite good for Australians; however if you come here make sure you bring US dollars instead (or use your atm card to withdraw money in Uruguayan pesos).

 

To make things easier for me, the prices that I'll give you are all in US currency. A small coke in a cafe or bar will only cost you a bit more than 1 dollar... though in a nightclub will cost you much more. A pizza could cost you anything in between 1 and 3 dollars. Clothing is more expensive and you can get cheaper things in Oz, unless you're after brand and quality clothes which is cheaper over here. To cut it short, the exchange rate makes it very cheap for us at the moment.

 

Population is mainly caucasian of southern and central European origin. Unlike other countries in Latin America, there are no indigenous people. There is, however, a small black minority that you'll see mainly in Montevideo. Therefore, women are similar to the ones you can see in Spain, Italy, France, etc. Brunettes are majority but there are some blondes (natural ones I mean, since bottle blondes there are plenty) and the occassional redhead too.

 

English is not very widesread among WLs, so I advice you to improve your Spanish before coming or maybe if you speak Italian, you'll be able to get by.

 

Brothels as such are not legal in Montevideo but you have escorts, cabarets with WLs, etc. It was a bit messy for me to venture in the capital city, as I did not feel 100% safe over there. Exactly the same happened to me in Buenos Aires (Argentina). I guess that the best thing you can do if you're staying in a hotel is to use an escort. However, if you go to other towns, you'll find that brothels are not only legal but a local institution. I think they're banned wherever you have coast (seaside towns) but otherwise they are allowed. This brings me to the case of La Casa de Nana near Punta del Este.

 

Punta del Este is a top seaside town, a bit sleepy at the moment but it takes off big time in summer. To find a brothel you'll have to get a taxi to bordering town Maldonado. The taxi will cost you around US $8 one way. There are many parlours in a semi industrial/red light district, but the most reknown one is La Casa de Nana (Nana is a WL turned into a business woman with a vision... btw, you won't see her there!)

 

The place has 33 rooms, and a girl in each of them. The average age is early 20s and you'll find all types but overall a very good offer. A detail I love is the girls' names on each door. There is also a bar but girls don't hang around it... it works mainly as a waiting room.

 

Neon lights everywhere, which becomes a bit annoying to work out some details like eye and hair colour. It reminds me of the Amsterdam window shopping experience. You meet the girl at the door of her room and negotiate prices directly with her. There is no receptionist/madam.

 

Now, here's the interesting bit: the price structure. There 3 different prices that go from US $10 to $20. The cheapest is straight sex with no oral, the intermediate is straight sex with oral on the client, the most expensive ($20) is straight sex with oral and greek. Prices may vary from girl to girl and whether it's summer or not, and not all girls offer greek. However, many do (in a much higher percentage than in Australia). Everything with condom.

 

Now, like Amsterdam, everything is based on a "you fuck and you leave" system and not on time units. Even the exception, which is around $30 for half hour, is not really based on waiting on a buzzer to go off, but on a more relaxed experience... but once you finish, off you go to the sink to wash and that's it. And by the way, no showers necessary here but they do expect you to arrive clean.

 

Kissing depends on the girl, and DATY is not common... the girls wash themselves but the system simply does not allow itself for DATY. Maybe I'm wrong and it happens upon request.

 

Now, unlike Amsterdam, the girls attitude is great and extremely friendly. They are very eager to please and ensure you'll be back. Tomorrow I'll add my first review on a girl called Natalia that I saw last night. Stay tuned!