She Said, She Said: Contrasting Perspectives on an Attempted Robbery in Montevideo, Uruguay
Isn't it fascinating how two people can experience the same event so differently? After an attempted robbery in Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, we compared notes and decided to share our unique viewpoints in another installment of our She Said, She Said series. We'll also address Uruguay's safety for travelers. Jess starts:
Jess said:
One of the top lessons from our three years of travel is trusting my gut instinct—despite the second-guessing that often follows. On our first night in Montevideo, the street we were on grew dark and deserted, but our guesthouse in Ciudad Vieja was just blocks away. What could go wrong?
When we later compared stories, Dani and I had felt uneasy at the exact same moment. About to turn right toward our hotel, we spotted three boys—one on a bike, two standing nearby—huddled on the corner. They fit the 'troublemaker' stereotype perfectly: hoodies, baggy pants, BMX bike. The street was empty, making me feel exposed, but I dismissed it, thinking stereotypes don't always mean danger. We'd faced sketchy situations before without issue.
Until then. We turned the corner, backs to them, one-and-a-half blocks from safety. Glancing back, I saw one boy right behind us, yanking Dani's backpack. He pulled so hard she fell onto her back atop it, thwarting him. Dani screamed. Furious at this clumsy attempt, I screamed too. Startled, he fled toward his waiting friends. My fear turned to rage; I chased him, yelling Spanish profanities like 'Hijo de puta!'
After what felt like an eternity, apartment lights came on. Residents emerged as I shouted about the robbery, describing the boys. Then I saw Dani crying, shocked. 'Jess, I'm scared. Let's just go home,' she pleaded. Her vulnerability hit me—I'd left her alone after her fall. I felt awful, but Dani now calls me her hero, which softens the memory.
Dani said:
After nearly three years on the road, we've dodged major incidents. The worst prior was a knife attempt on Jess's bag in Guatemala (foiled early) and a Bangkok scam that bruised our egos.
Those taught vigilance, but sometimes fuel paranoia—like assuming teens are threats. So, walking back from dinner in Montevideo, when three boys followed us around the corner, I brushed off my unease: 'Not everyone is out to get you.' I felt guilty for judging.
Then, someone wrenched my backpack, slamming me to the ground. I screamed, fearing knives or worse. He fled as I lay paralyzed. Jess heroically chased them off while I sat frozen. My backpack—with DSLR camera and lens—survived intact, as did our decoy expired debit card.
Shaking and nauseous, I just wanted safety. At the posada, the owner noted our luck: 'In Brazil, backpacks lead to stabbings daily.' Grateful for Uruguay, we avoided nights out afterward. Ciudad Vieja charms by day, but I photographed cautiously, with Jess as bodyguard.
Is Uruguay Safe? The Reality
Uruguay remains relatively safe, but Montevideo faces rising issues. This small nation depends on tourism and business from Argentina, whose 2001 crash hurt deeply—and recession looms again. As the saying goes: 'When Argentina sneezes, Uruguay catches a cold.'
We once planned a month-long stay—see Dani's Montevideo photo essay for its allure. Now, we suggest 2-3 days in a secure hotel, then coastal gems like Punta del Diablo or Punta del Este, historic Colonia del Sacramento, or rural estancias. Never chase thieves—your belongings aren't worth the risk!
