A year ago I might have struggled to locate Uruguay on the globe but this morning I woke up and it was rolling past the bus window. I felt a little relief at getting to a new country because I was keen to sink my teeth into Spanish and learn the customs of some new countries.

And the Uruguayan countryside was incredibly beautiful, a gentle and dry version of the North Island of New Zealand with simple but dinky farmhouses dotted through the fields. And when we arrived in Uruguay's largest city - Montevideo - I instantly fell in love.

For some reason whenever tour books want to heap praise on a South American city they say that it is "very European"and I found myself thinking that of Montevideo. It looked like I'd always imagined a funky European city to look like - with its dramatic statues and stylish inhabitants. But it was our hostel that really made me feel happy.

The hostel was built in the 19th century and was in the best possible position for enjoying Montevideo as a picturesque city. It sat on the edge of the impressive Plaza Independencia. I actually let out a gasp when I opened the door to our room. It was a huge space with a ceiling about five metres high and I felt like I was in a French novel when I flung open our grand doors to reveal the stunning balcony.

It was a room with a view, one I would return to whenever we were back at the hostel. I loved it first thing in the morning when Montevideo's business people were drinking their first coffees. I loved it in the middle of the scorching day and at night when the city was lit up so wonderfully. Plaza Independencia is an area of grand statues, rolling green hills and pretty fountains full of cherubs.

So I loved Montevideo even before I saw the sights most Uruguayans are so proud of - the long clean beaches and boat-filled harbours. I must say though that the only thing the people of Montevideo are lacking are good footpaths, but that's a painful story for another day.

Check out more photos from my trip in my Flickr album.

Read more about Montevideo.

Read more about Kelly's adventures.