What is the native language(s) Spanish. Essential Sites/Activities visitors must see or do. For such a relatively small country, there is so much to see and do in and around Montevideo. Mercado del Puerto is a collection of shops and restaurants near the Port of Montevideo. If you like grilled meat, this is the place for you. Punta del Este - Located a 2-hour drive from the city, Punta del Este is considered the Riviera for South America. This vacation spot is packed in the summer months and features some of the best beaches in South America. La Rambla is the 27 KM esplanade that runs along the Rio de la Plata. It is the collecting point for most Montevideanos on a hot summer night.
MONTEVIDEO, uruguay Jay Cooper
Senior Vice President and Managing Director VENUE / OFFICE: ASM GLOBAL, LOS ANGELES CORPORATE OFFICE
About Montevideo, Uruguay: Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and has a metro population of slightly fewer than 3 million people, with an urban population of 1.3 million. Uruguay has seen its share of conquests in its relatively short history. As a part of the Spanish Empire in the 1700’s, Others have laid claim to Uruguay, including the British and Brazil. Montevideo consistently is rated with the highest quality of life in South America. There are a significant numbers of families with Italian, German and Spanish heritage giving the city has a distinct European flair in its architecture, food and approach to life. What time of year did you go? What was the weather like? I have been in Montevideo several times at different times of the year. Keeping in mind Uruguay is south of the Equator, thus the seasons are flipped from the Northern Hemisphere, the climate is humid and sub-tropical, but Montevideo has 4 distinct seasons.
The best thing I ever ate in Montevideo... Well, in the words of the late Anthony Bourdain: Chicken is a vegetable in Uruguay. Montevideo is all about the grilled meat or asado. Every evening the air is filled with the scent of charcoal. The parillas or grills are a staple in Montevideo. Nearly every restaurant has one, as do most residents in their back yards. Grilling is an art form. The highlight of my trip… Of course the people are always the highlight. Montevideo is such a friendly place and the quality of life is reflected in their positive spirit. The low point of my trip was… When I was there in the winter, it would get blustery, rainy and cold along the water. That meant being stuck in the hotel and not being able to explore during the down times. What did you learn about the cultural customs? What did you learn about the culture? As I noted earlier, there is a true sense of pride and honesty with the Montevidenos. The know they have a small city compared to nearby Buenos Aires, but they shrug it off and focus on their quality of life. Lasting impressions? Still one of my favorite places to visit. If I had to pick 2 things: 1) the awesome asados, 2) the warmth of the people. Tips for future travelers to the location? The reality of Uruguay is it is a small country. In my opinion, it is not a destination for a long visit. Therefore, branch out and check out areas like Punta del Este, or take the ferry to Buenos Aires (a must).
Essential Sites/Activities visitors must see or do. Take a free city guided walking tour through Old Havana by the very popular Ovideo Street. You will find a lot of local artists showing their talent in the streets and expecting a tip from tourists. Visit El Morro Fort. A must is Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spot “el Floridita” and drink a daiquiri. Also, visit La Bodeguita del Medio for a Mojito. Playa Varadero is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Pinar Del Rio is Polo Montañez’s house, a famous Cuban composer. Don’t’ miss Havana Cathedral, Revolution Museum, and a great theater named Malecon. Taste Cuban gastronomic cuisine in “a Paladar,” a private house where owners use the dining room as a restaurant for guests. The best thing I ever ate in Havana... Fresh lobster in a Paladar with typical Cuban Congrí rice at a very inexpensive price. The Paladar I visited had unique decorations in the dining room that included items symbolizing their religious beliefs. The highlight of my trip… During my visit to Cuba, Pope Francis was visiting the island as well. I got the chance to see the Pope very close when he passed through the main avenue in his Popemobile. I was present at the official religious activities that took place in the Revolution Plaza. The increase in security was noticeable around the island.
HAVANA, CUBA María Caridad Hernández HR Director
VENUE / OFFICE: PUERTO RICO CONVENTION CENTER & COCA COLA MUSIC HALL - SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO
About Havana, Cuba: Cuba, the Caribbean’s largest island with over 11 million inhabitants is a country comprising the island of Cuba as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos, drips with history, culture, and a captivating mystique. Live music wafts through the cobbled squares in Havana’s World Heritage-listed Old Town, vintage cars still cruise the streets, and beautiful old buildings in Cuba’s colonial cities evoke the feel of a country frozen in time. What time of year did you go? What was the weather like? I was in Havana in the fall of September 2015. The weather is always hot and humid. It’s really one season; summer all year. What is the native language(s)? The native language is Spanish.
The low point of my trip was… I lost a camera returning from the tour in Varadero Beach. I lost many photos and videos of one week visiting different places. What did you learn about the cultural customs? What did you learn about the culture? I had the experience of spending time with locals from a country that is famous for their progress and evolution that are frozen in time. I was surprised that Cuban women were updated in their fashion style. Many local artists showed their talent on the streets and in every restaurant or club we visited there was always live music. All of the stores in town belong to the government and the majority of Cubans are paid by the government. Tips for future travelers to the location? I recommend for your first trip to use a certified travel agency. They can take care of all the permits and justification to visit the island. They will set up your schedule so you can make the most of your time. Make sure that you have really comfortable shoes, you’ll do a lot of walking. Would you visit Havana again? Why? Definitely, I want to repeat the cultural and culinary experience and visit other beautiful places that the island has to offer. Next visit to Santiago!
What is the native language(s) Brasilian Portuguese Essential Sites/Activities visitors must see or do. Visit the Cristo o Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue on Corcovado. Enjoy a meal at a restaurant on the Lagoa. Walk along Avenida Atlantica along Copacabana Beach. Go to the beach in Barra di Tijuca. See a futebol match at Estadio Maracanã. Ride the cable cars to Pao de Sucar (Sugarloaf) The best thing I ever ate in Rio de Janerio... Saturday or Wednesday feijoada. An endless buffet experience of grilled meats and vegetables, salads, deserts, and bottomless caiparinhas. The highlight of my trip… As a college graduation present, I flew my older son to Rio to meet me for the 2013 Confederations Cup final (Brazil 3, Spain 0) at Maracanã. He spent four days with me and we explored not only Rio, but the corresponding countryside with deserted beaches, little roadside street food places and hikes in the rain forest.
RIO DE JANERIO, BRAZIL Chuck Steedman
Executive Vice President, Strategy & Development VENUE / OFFICE: ASM GLOBAL, LOS ANGELES CORPORATE OFFICE
About Rio de Janerio, Brazil: Rio de Janeiro is a huge seaside city in Brazil, famed for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado and for Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit. The city is also known for its sprawling favelas (shanty towns). Its raucous Carnaval festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba dancers, is considered the world’s largest. What time of year did you go? What was the weather like? I have been to Rio over 40 times, encompassing all times of year. It is technically in the tropics, but the climate is tempered by the ocean. It’s also important to remember that the seasons are flipped from the Northern Hemisphere.
Second would be my younger son (as a high school graduation present) flying to meet me for the 2014 World Cup match between the US x Germany in Recife (at a venue that we managed). As part of his trip, he got to fly from Sao Paulo to Recife on the US National team plane, which was pretty cool for an 18-year-old! The low point of my trip was… Being smack in the middle of the protest movements that gripped Brazil in 2013. What did you learn about the cultural customs? What did you learn about the culture? I loved observing the regional differences in the country from the very-European south, to the hustle and bustle of Sao Paulo and its 22 million people, to the beach culture of Rio to the very laid back Northeast (principally Recife). Brazil is a beautiful country, and is a HUGE country. Amazingly, 90% of the 209 million population lives within 300km of the coast, meaning that the rest of the country is very sparsely populated. Tips for future travelers to the location? Be careful and be safe. Generally, Rio is not for the casual traveler. It is amazingly beautiful, but it can be challenging with a lot of street crime. Would you visit Rio again? Why? Sure! It is the most beautiful (physically) City I have every visited (with all apologies to all of the other amazing places I have visited).
The best thing I ever ate in Cozumel... The resort had been taming down the “spicy” menu items to accommodate guests who may have had more delicate tongues and tummies. So, to get a real taste of Mexico, I took up a taxi driver’s recommendation: La Choza, a restaurant known for Yucatecan cuisine. That was when I experienced Sopa de Lima. That simple soup of chicken broth, onion, garlic, chiles, a hint of lime and strips of tortillas fed my soul and made me feel like I had superpowers for the rest of the day! I dream about it even now. It created a Mexican fiesta on all my taste buds. The highlight of my trip… I noticed a fisherman next to the resort who cooked seafood every evening. He had a little hut with plastic chairs scattered around it. His sweet lobster with butter was the highlight of my whole trip because, for a very affordable price, I watched gorgeous sunsets night after night while dining like a royal!
COZUMEL, MEXICO Rhonda Moore HR Director
VENUE / OFFICE: BARCLAYS CENTER HOME CITY / STATE: BROOKLYN, NY
About Cozumel, Mexico: Cozumel is an island off the coast of mainland Mexico in the Caribbean Sea with lots of rustic charm and natural beauty. Most of its inhabitants are of Mayan descent. What time of year did you go? What was the weather like? I stayed at an eco-friendly hotel during August. They provided a personal front porch and hammock so that I could siesta like a local! Nature was on display throughout the resort grounds: Peacocks paraded about the grass, flamingos congregated at the edge of ponds, iguanas sunned themselves on rocks. Even when it rained the experience was lovely because a lush, green scent rose into the air. Essential Sites/Activities visitors must see or do. Even though there are small Mayan ruins like El Cedral or San Gervasio to explore for those who are into history or fertility temples, I highly recommend sea exploration activities because of the gorgeous reefs. I enjoyed swimming and snorkeling while my travel buddy scuba dived. Cozumel’s underwater landscape filled us with delight just as it did on Jacques Cousteau’s sea exploration TV show years ago.
The low point of my trip was… A missed photo opportunity: I was half-asleep when I heard repeated knocks against the sliding door of my bungalow. I got up, pulled the drapes aside but saw no one out there. The knock came again but it was near my feet this time. Imagine my surprise when I looked down to see a large turtle head-butting the glass! By the time I tried to take a picture, Mr. Turtle had sauntered off to say “Hola” to someone else! What did you learn about the cultural customs? What did you learn about the culture? A store clerk asked me if I was married and if I had any children but I forgave her curiosity when she showed me some colorful pottery and pewter craftmanship. Reflecting on it later, I saw her questions from another perspective: Family is very important to the Cozumeleños. After all, for centuries women from the region had made pilgrimages to the island in the name of Ixchel, the goddess of fertility, childbirth and healing. The people of Cozumel, Mexico enjoyed spending time with friends and family and they are genuinely friendly and straight-forward. Tips for future travelers to the location? Don’t let the resorts and hotels hypnotize you! Get out and see the charming Mexican neighborhoods interwoven with the tourist sites. Would you visit Cozumel again? Why? I felt like all five of my senses had been fully engaged during that week. Being so close to nature and eating such fresh food reminded me of simple pleasures. There was once a time when salt and honey were key exports of this island. And that makes sense, because I experienced a flavor and sweetness that formed a memory of the Mexican culture that I will cherish for life.