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The Art of the Meander: Uruguay

Writer's picture: StreetViewVagabondStreetViewVagabond

Updated: Feb 22, 2020

This is the first entry in which I share my obsession with exploring the world and using Google Maps.


I just pick a random spot and walk the streets using Google Streetview. Pretty random and a little mundane but it feeds my urge to try to figure out this big world. Oftentimes I try to convince myself that I am significant. But when I realize that there are innumerable streets, with millions of people just living their lives it all seems so mundane and insignificant. But when I dig deeper, pause longer and strike up a conversation I always find something fascinating. Basically, every single place is fascinating in its own way. It is up to us to find out how.


Today I start this project with no expectations. I start it the same way that I begin looking at a random place on the map. The mundane is expected but the unexpected is relished. Then I will see what I find and how I can make a connection or learn something new.


First stop is Paso de los Toros, Uruguay. Check out this 12 minute video screencast of me going through the town for a bit. Then I share some of my favorite screenshots and observations below.



An early morning spring stroll. Kids are in school. Motorcycles abound yet there is an emptiness to the streets. Palm trees mixed with budding deciduous trees. A giant bull welcomes you to Paso de los Toros.

Quirkiest Shot

Across the street from the municipal pool lies this home with some stunning concrete folk art. Lion, or Tiger, Buddha and strong man. If I were at Paso de Los Toros this is the house I would knock on to meet the people inside.

Here are some of my favorite screenshots:

Fun Fact


Rómulo Mangini created the tonic water Paso de los Toros on a bet that he couldn't make a tonic water as good as some of the imported British stuff.

He won the bet in 1929 and sales took off! He set up shop and even made the company public. Everyone in town had a share until Pepsi came and bought them up in 1955. Mangini died in 1957. (Source)


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About Me

My name is Chris Magnuson and I am a traveler, an educator, former teacher, dancer, snowboarder, skateboarder, father to 2 and an acceptable husband. 

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Games play a big role in how I have taught and how I engage with the world. The content is out there, we just need to make engaging to help us experience it!

 

Why the Bug? 

"Punch bug!" is a game that has kept generations of kids (and adults) paying attention to our surroundings while affording license to hit our deserving friends and family members. It's a symbol about paying attention to the world around us and having fun while doing it.

 

It's what Streetview Vagabond is all about. 

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