The document provides information about Uruguay culture, including its religious diversity, art forms, music genres, literature, cuisine, and languages. It notes that while most Uruguayans are Roman Catholic, the country is relatively secular. Popular art forms include sculpture, painting, and music like murga, candombe, and milonga. Common foods include asado meats and morchilla dulce blood sausage. The culture is experienced during holidays and any time of year through language, food, and activities representing Uruguayan traditions.

1. Uruguay Culture
Culture is important to people across the globe. Those unfamiliar with Uruguay culture will find
it as interesting as the culture of any other South American country. Uruguayan people take pride
in the religious beliefs, art, music, cuisine and language that encompass their cultural
background.
In terms of religion, there isn't one particular sect that attracts Uruguayans. In fact, some people
say that Uruguay is the most secular of all of the South American countries. People are free to
choose which denomination, if any, that they belong to. The majority of Uruguay's citizens are
Roman Catholics, at sixty percent. Most Roman Catholics baptize their children but a small
number attend church regularly. Another popular religion is to be Protestant, and there are
Jewish Uruguayans living primarily in Montevideo, the nation's capital. Some people have faith
in Afro-Brazilian religions such as Macumba and Umbanda, showing a truly diverse array of
religion in Uruguay culture.
In terms of art, Uruguay's people represent a wide array of forms. The country boast many
famous sculptors, such as Pablo Atchugarry, Hugo Nantes, Claudio Silveira Silva, and Carlos
Páez Vilaró, who is known for what is called a "livable sculpture," the Casapueblo. The realist
painter Juan Manuel Blanes, the nativist Carlos Maria Herrera and abstract artist Carlos Paez
Vilaro are all from Uruguay. Musically, Uruguayans have wide-ranging tastes. Of course
western-influenced rock, pop and even heavy metal attract young Uruguayan fans, but the
traditional music enjoyed in the country includes murga, composed of many percussionists and
vocalists; these large groups of musicians perform during the festival season. People also like
candombe, a drum-based musical style, and milonga, which is tango-inspired music. During the
Montevideo festivals, partygoers will constantly enjoy all of these musical genres. Literature is
alive in well in Uruguay as well; no culture can be complete without it! The most well-known
modern day writer is probably Juan Carlos Onetti, who wrote both The Shipyard and No Man's
Land. In the late 1800s, Jose Enrique Rodo made his mark with the publication of Ariel, which is
still widely read today.
Cuisine also has a firm place in Uruguay culture. Uruguayans partake in the practice of asado,
which is presenting and eating a series of precisely cut meats, with beef being favored. Other
accompaniments include chorizo, chitterlings, sweet bread, chicken, and perhaps the meat of a
baby goat, chivito, which is also the name of a hearty sandwich containing the same meat or
perhaps steak. There are numerous other Uruguayan specialties. One is the morchilla dulce,
which might appeal to residents of England or Ireland: it's a hefty blood sausage that is served
alongside oranges and walnuts to combine those sweet and savory flavors. People also enjoy
milanesa, which is a breaded veal cutlet.
As for language, Spanish is officially spoken throughout Uruguay, but many people learn
English as well. Some people speak French and Italian as well, and others know Portunal, which
combines Portuguese and Spanish.
The Uruguay culture is most clearly present during Uruguay holidays, but travelers can
experience it any time of the year. Any type of Uruguay activities will represent the language

2. and cuisine that is favored by locals. Overall, Uruguay culture is something that must be
experienced.
Uruguay Customs
When traveling to another country, tourists must respect the customs of the local people. For
instance, it is widely known that the people of France do not respect those who insist on speaking
English or other languages; French custom dictates that their official language be spoken at all
times. If you are unfamiliar with Uruguay customs and do not wish to commit faux pas while
visiting the country for the first time, this article is for you!
One of the major symbols of Uruguay customs is the gaucho. The gauchos were horse-riding free
men of the land who clearly bear resemblance to America's cowboys. Gauchos were usually
cattle-herders but later dabbled as military men as well. They were known for being loyal,
strong, independent and generous, so it's no wonder that many rural Uruguayans still take on the
gaucho style appearance. In Uruguay's larger cities, people dress more modern and European in
style. There is some class stratification, like in any other country. People also use cars as
symbols of wealth and holiday at the more luxurious resorts.
Another thing that foreigners need to understand is that Uruguayans love eating meat, especially
beef! If you do not like beef, that is fine, but it would be a mistake to make any grandiose,
negative statements about others who enjoy consuming beef. Such comments would be impolite
and could offend someone serving you. The Uruguayan drink of choice is called the mate, which
is tea made from the yerba mate tree. If it looks or smells unusual to you, do not make a scene!
Instead, revel in having a new experience and try the tea-it's delicious! People drink it during all
times of the day, so it is worth at least trying this beverage.
As far as sports are concerned, baseball is not the national favorite, nor is American "football."
Uruguayans prefer traditional football, which Americans commonly refer to as soccer. The teams
to root for are Penarol and Nacional, so if you have your own favorites, you might want to keep
them to yourself until you've gotten to know your Uruguayan comrades. Much of the local slang
derives from football terminology and goings on.
During the holiday seasons, Uruguay customs are in full swing. The music of the country has a
firm roll in the culture. Musicians perform street theatre and sing songs based on current social
issues in the country. Many Uruguayans love milonga, which is similar to upbeat tango music, as
well, and the drum-based beats of candombe, which should get you dancing even if it's
something you rarely do back home.
When interacting with Uruguayans on a daily basis, you don't need to worry-they do not get
offended as easily as the French! They are friendly, outgoing, and are known to deliver kisses on
the cheek to the close friends of opposite sex while greeting one another. They are also straight
to the point. However, they value their Uruguay customs, so do not confuse them or their culture
with that of people from Argentina or Paraguay.

3. Experiencing Uruguay customs is one of the best parts of traveling to this wonderful country. If
you come to surf at Punta del Este, Uruguay or to take part in some business meetings in
Montevideo, the Uruguay people will welcome you.
Algarve Sea Sports
Many people traveling to Portugal live for the water. The Algarve's 100 miles of coastal beaches
provide plenty of opportunities for those who love getting wet. Plus, the weather is mild year
round; the temperature never even hits zero in the coldest months so water enthusiasts can enjoy
their past time of choice nearly year-round. Additionally, the Algarve boasts some of the most
unique birds and vegetation seen anywhere, so those who love to play on the beach are usually
able to observe nature at work while not necessarily setting out to do so. Algarve Sea Sports are
some of the best to be found anywhere due to location and views.
In Albufeira, famous for its fabulous bars, discos, lively people and delicious food, you can try
out parasailing, gliding along on a banana float or jumping on a jet ski and cruising along at
fantastic speeds. As you are partaking in water activities, you will be sure to see some of the
beautiful almond or fig tree orchards that dot the landscape.
If you are looking for the best beaches for surfboarding or bodyboarding, head to Costa
Vicentina, a national park that is located on Portugal's southwest tip. The waves here are
tremendous and leave no surfer unfulfilled. This area features many surf schools, so if anyone
who wants to learn to surf will be in excellent hands. National surfing competitions also take
place here, which draw crowds and a lively atmosphere.
The Vila do Bispo and Lagos areas, along with Vila Real de Santo António, are the best spots for
fishing. There are many types of fish to be caught, including sea bass, dory, conger eels, snook,
sea bream and more. The waters here are calm and you should be able to catch something, but if
it's a slow day, you can enjoy the scenery and the camaraderie of your fellow fishermen.
However, if you prefer slower-paced water sports, try canoeing in Portimão or settle in on a
sailboat and ride along the river in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. The waters here are also
great for windsurfing. This is a great way to absorb some sun.
What about deep-sea diving? Imagine the beautiful, colorful crustaceans, fish, crabs and
underwater vegetation that you will see while diving in the waters of the Algarve. A great place
for this is Pedra da Torre, or Lagoa. You can go as deep as 15 meters while still feeling safe. A
great tourist attraction for diving is Sagres, which features the remnants of World War I steam
ship. You can dive even deeper here, up to 30 meters, and see the remains of this historic vessel
while marveling at the creatures that find refuge among it. If you are hoping to cross paths with a
delightful dolphin, you might try your diving luck among Porto de Mos' rock formations in the
summer time. Or, try Pedra de Ancora, a well-known reef that attracts cute little lobsters. Maybe
you are used to eating them, but while sea-diving in the Algarve, you will get to observe them in
a different light.

4. There are many places that boast serene beaches and diverse water-based activities, but the
Algarve in Portugal is one of the finest. It's gorgeous, warm and you will appreciate your
experience one hundred percent
Uruguay Duck Hunting
Uruguay is a beautiful country that boasts many tourist attractions, one of which is hunting for
ducks and other birds. If you are an avid hunter traveling to Uruguay for the first time, the
following information will help you decide how to go about duck hunting in Uruguay.
One major company that offers duck hunting is Los Gauchos Outfitters, an American-owned
company that is located on the El Sauce ranch, about 100 miles away from Brazil. The ranch is
surrounded by eucalyptus trees which are often used as duck blinds. The company offers a flat
fee per day and the fee includes gun and ammunition rental plus tips for great hunting. For $550
per day, travelers can hunt ducks to their heart's content, and for $399 a day, they can hunt doves
and there is a pigeon hunt option as well. Guides employed by Los Gauchos, who speak English
and Spanish, lead participants around the ranch and position them in the best spots to locate
ducks. People who have hunted here reported a high yield of ducks and said that the lodging is
comfortable.
Another company that offers pigeon, dove and duck hunting is Black River Outfitters, near the
Rio Negro. They boast individually customized trips that will meet anyone's needs. The duck
hunts take place near the Estancia San Cirilo with views of lovely lagoons. Ducks that might
appear include the Cinnamon, Blue-Winged, Ringed, Brazilian and Speckled Teal, Chiloe
Wigeon, Yellow Billed and White Cheeked Pintail and Red Shoveler, among others. Spot-wing
and Picazuro Pigeon hunting makes use of decoys and begins right after sunrise; hunting these
birds is truly a challenge due to their unpredictable flight movements. For a truly unique
experience, hunters can go after the perdiz, which do not appear in North America. Uruguay's
landscape is perfect for these birds, so it's a great place to come for a new experience.
Hunters also have the option of choosing Ramsey Russell's Get Ducks outfit to guide them while
shooting pigeons, ducks, perdiz and pigeons in Uruguay. This company also provides luxury
lodging and customized trips dependent upon need. Those looking to hunt doves especially can
visit western Colonia and Rio Negro provinces. These areas boast much sorghum, sunflower and
soybeans that attract many eared doves; those who have gone on Get Ducks' dove hunts have
fired 1000-1500 shotshells in just one afternoon. Those hunting for perdiz will be accompanied
by both a human guide and a pointer dog and are allowed ten birds per person.
Maybe you are coming to Uruguay primarily for the festival season in Montevideo. Perhaps you
have come mainly to go surfing in Uruguay. Maybe you've come because you are interested in
Uruguay's history. In any case, as you can see, if you would like to try duck hunting while you
are in Uruguay, there are many options available.
Algarve Nature

5. If you are thinking about traveling to Portugal, be sure to include Algarve on your list of
destinations. It borders the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Cadiz, Alentejo and Huelva. The terrain
features both hills and lovely valley and the Ria Formosa divides the area into two distinct
coastlines. The coastal dune system is intertwined with natural inlets, and this network of
wetlands links Europe and Africa and boasts diverse natural habitat that provide refuge for exotic
birds, wildlife and vegetation. Additionally, the beaches of Faro, Barreta, Culatra, Armona and
Tavir are present for those who love to spend time on the water. If you are a nature enthusiast,
you will enjoy visiting both the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and the Parque Natural do
Sudoeste Alentejano e da Costa Vicentina.
The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is made of lagoons that border the coastline between Manta
Rota and Vale do Lobo. Visitors traveling to this internationally known nature center will love
the views sand dune islands, marshland, saltpans and the nearby lakes. Birdwatchers coming to
the site might catch a glimpse of the coveted purple gallinule and other colorful birds. They will
also appreciate the Recuperation Centre for Birds. Sometimes birds fly into windows or are
harmed by motor vehicles or other animals. At the Centre, people can see up close these
magnificent creatures as they recover from injuries. There are many trails and other attractions
that make this park a must-see, including the Quinta do Lago and São Lourenço trails, which
highlight wetlands, marshlands, and wooded areas-who knows what you might find! The Coast
Dunes are another beautiful spot; the vegetation here is very sensitive and rarely seen in other
places. Finally, the Coastal Conifer Woods should be viewed because it is rare throughout
Algarve, but very picturesque.
The Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e da Costa Vicentina lies on the western portion of
Algarve. Its terrain is rockier. People who enjoy rock-climbing should visit this park because
there are many cliffs perfect for the sport. Additionally, the location boasts an abundance of
beautiful isles and reefs, including the unique Carrapateira coral reef. People traveling here
might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Iberian lynx and this area is another hotspot for
birdwatchers. Osprey, which are large falcons, stop here routinely during their migrations, as do
vibrant songbirds, so spending time here allows visitors to see these birds in action. Wood
pigeons and storks also make the park a resting place.
The Algarve has more to offer than nature sanctuaries. For those who love watching a glorious
sunset over a pristine beach or for those who love water sports, Algarve is a perfect place to visit
due to its numerous beaches. Surfers delight in the huge waves coming off of the Atlantic. And
let's not forget about mountains: The Monchique mountain range is in northern Algarve, with the
tallest rounded peak being the Foia, which reaches 2,959 ft. Cave divers will love the opportunity
to explore the Algarve's limestone caves. Additionally, the Barrocal region, further inland,
produces orchards of almond trees, fig trees, orange trees. You can marvel in the ocean views
while you are picking the fresh fruit.
Clearly, the Algarve boasts wonderful opportunities for enjoying nature, all year round.
The History of Scottsdale, Arizona

6. Scottsdale, Arizona is highly regarded for its fashion, unique arts and crafts and laid-back aura.
Visitors regularly flock to this suburb of Phoenix to purchase gift items and relax in the sun for a
week or so. However, Scottsdale was not developed to be a tourist attraction. Like any other
southwestern city, it has a history all its own.
Scottsdale was founded in 1888 and takes its name from the surname of its founders, Winfield
and George Scott. The site was originally a stagecoach landing that was located between Camp
McDowell and Phoenix. After arrival, Winfield-an eclectic man who was first a preacher then a
farmer turned developer-purchased over 600 acres of land for the minuscule price of $2.50 an
acre, less than a gallon of gas at today's prices. Soon after settling in on his new land, Winfield
decided that he would like to plant citrus trees-in the middle of the Sonoran desert-and he
managed to develop an irrigation system. Before the Scotts even knew about the area, however,
Hohokum Indians were said to farm this land as far back as 800AD. They are also credited with
building hundreds of miles of canal passageways which helped toil the land. Unfortunately, their
numbers greatly decreased by the 1500s due to flooding and other unforeseeable, tragic events.
Their imprint on Scottsdale can still be seen in artifacts and Native-American inspired art and
jewelry, though.
In the early-to-mid 1900s, more business transactions began occurring in Scottsdale. One of the
most profitable was the introduction of resort buildings. In 1929, people began staying at the
Wigwam resort. It was originally a stayover for ranchers, but soon was converted into a resting
place for general travelers. Attached to it was a golf course, another huge attraction for anyone
visiting Scottsdale. Two other resorts that are still famous today are the Royal Palms Resort, an
intimate, luxurious Spanish-Colonial style establishment, and the San Carlos hotel, which was
the first in town to offer coveted amenities such as air-conditioning and hot water. The former
welcomed guests beginning in 1948 and the latter was established soon after. All of these
interesting developments interested Frank Lloyd Wright, who opened a school for aspiring
architects at Taliesin West. As a result, his vision can be seen in numerous buildings across
Scottsdale, adding to the town's historic allure.
With the baby boomers earning steady incomes throughout the 1950s and 1960s, more people
than ever began taking advantage of Scottsdale's vacation spots. Still others moved in to stay,
taking jobs offered by Motorola beginning in 1956. These people wanted a safe, less congested
environment in which to raise their children, and Scottsdale's residential communities offered
just that.
Scottsdale has progressed with the times, but it's stayed ahead of the pack by maintaining strict
building codes. There are height restrictions on new residences so that people's views of the
mountains will not be compromised, and it's not a place that installs billboards on every major
corner for the same reason. The town relishes a certain clean and classy appearance, but there's
also a flourishing nightlife scene as well.
Overall, Scottsdale boasts outstanding architecture, golf courses, a thriving tourist-based
economy and beautiful scenery. It's the perfect place to be.