Meeting up with… Estela, Uruguay

Estela Piriz

Second part of our meeting with Latin American bloggers: after Vania Balderrama from Bolivia, here is the interview of Estela Piriz, from Uruguay. Estela writes an interesting and exotic blog (well, I see it exotic from here but it is a relative concept !) about her city. Let’s go to Minas, Uruguay…

Estela, can you describe your blog in a few words? What is it about? What is your goal with the blog?

My blog shows my city, Minas, in Uruguay, its places, its history and walks. Sometimes I also show places around but always with the same track. The blog is also a place for my family and my neighbors to show how they interact with society. The idea is always to keep a framework of respect and positivity.

What do you do when you do not write on your blog?

I am a housewife, mother and wife. I like helping people.

Which news from your country have most impressed you in recent days?

The news that most impressed me in recent days are:

The death of a woman who received a package bomb at her home, the death of a young inmate in a prison after a fight, the death of a police officer in a raid and the death of a man at his home after police found more than 700 illegal weapons.

How do you see the political situation in your country?

Democracy has been strong for 20 years. We can enjoy a great freedom and tolerance.

Three reasons to love your country?

The wealth of nature, our capacity for dialogue and tolerance between citizens, and the confidence that public institutions provide.

Three reasons to worry about it?

The increase of violence, the lack of opportunities for young people, and the erosion of moral values.

A favorite place in your country? Why?

Though all my country is wonderful, it has an ocean coast like no other. My passion is my hometown Minas, a small town located in the laps of mountains that surround you, so that you feel so safe.

A singer / artist in your country that you would like the world to know?

We are lucky to have many good singers. If I had to chose one, maybe Rubén Rada, a singer with tremendous attributes.

What is blogging for you? Which Uruguayan blogs do you read?

Blogging is a link to me. It is an opportunity to count things from my land and its people. I read many blogs, from all over the world, but in Uruguay I like those ones:

Con la camara en el bolsillo
Exordium
Yo soy la justicia que Dios desea
Pasa todo vivi
Los genios de la 63
Blog de notas Hugo
Wilson Mesa
Alfilozafando

What is “Latin America” for you?

From my point of view, Latin America is a virgin land ready for the world to explore it and be permeated by its beauty.

Recently media spoke about Uruguay because of the presidential election. What is your opinion about the candidates? People talked a lot about José Mujica and his guerrillero past, what do you think about him?

We Uruguayans consider the election with enthusiasm. There is a high interest in politics in this country. I think the second round is very interesting, with two different candidates, it can only be a good thing for democracy. José Mujica is an innate leader, very charismatic, he knows quite well the world he is living in. He developed his own philosophy.

What about football? Do you think Uruguay will qualify for the World Cup (they play a decisive game against Costa Rica)? Is it something important for Uruguayans?

I think we will go to South Africa next year. Football is something every Uruguayan has culturally integrated. Its place is very important.

Uruguay always appear among the most stable, peaceful and wealthy Latin American countries. Do you feel you are living in a quiet country in comparison with others in the region? How do you explain this?

Historically, Uruguay has always been stable. I think being a small country has drawbacks but also virtues.

Estela’s blog : Abrecabezas