Journey to the Former Brazilian Territory: Uruguay

Can a stranger brighten your day? Yes, they can! It's those small gestures, like the friendly smile from the convenience store cashier, buying a cigarette and receiving a 'good morning' before getting your daily fix, the kindness of the waiter handing you the forgotten napkin at the restaurant, the good deed of holding the door open - for you - to the one who enters... or like when we requested a photo with Mr. Vilaró and the siblings, he graciously agreed, with a shining smile and hospitable nature.

Mr. Carlos Paez Vilaró and the Brazilian siblings in Casapueblo during New Year's 2013.

And just as a pandemic spreads, we too can spread kindness! We share, like the flu, but it's only good vibes we spread, in contrast to it. During this encounter with kindness on our way to our Uruguayan compatriots, we came across Casapueblo by Mr. Carlos Paes Vilaró, a contemporary writer, painter, and artist from that country. His creation, the magnificent Casapueblo in Punta Ballena, captured my heart, encompassing not only his years of artistic endeavors but also hosting tourists from around the world and featuring a cozy restaurant where you can savor the finest Uruguayan wines; mine, and the hearts of hundreds of visitors who have known and continue to know it daily at this southernmost point of South America. As the sun sets over Casapueblo, its whitewashed walls take on a warm, golden hue, casting a mesmerizing glow across the rugged coastline. The building's architecture, reminiscent of a Mediterranean dream, seems to embrace the very essence of Uruguay's artistic soul, making it a must-see masterpiece on your journey through this captivating country.

At sunset, the iconic Casapueblo, with its stunning architecture and panoramic view of the Atlantic, is where art meets nature, and history embraces the horizon. A unique journey through Uruguayan culture awaits you.

This country, once part of Brazil and Portugal, which is why I called them compatriots, holds a piece of the history of the former Brazilian Cisplatina Province. Nowadays, one could say it would be, 'Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Cisplatina, where Brazil ends, right next to Buenos Aires, on the Rio de la Plata.' Mr. Vilaró's life story goes beyond his art and literature from his separate country. He was also the father of one of the survivors of the tragic Andes plane crash in 1972 when a team of young rugby players got lost in the glaciers over 70 days after their plane crashed in the Chilean mountains. This man's perseverance to find his son is a lesson in determination and spirituality. It's worth researching a bit about! Mr. Vilaró is no longer with us, but his presence lives on in the memories of all who had the privilege to meet him and see his work, Casapueblo, in the lush Peninsula Ballena, Maldonado, far south of our continent. My trip to Uruguay took place during the New Year's Eve of 2013 with my two sisters and my travel companions from South America. Another gem in Uruguay is the city of Colonia del Sacramento, situated on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, 300km away from Punta Ballena. 

Colonia del Sacramento: Where history and nature intertwine in the soft embrace of blooming shrubs and the gentle glow of colonial-era streetlights.

Fashion in Sacramento: Despite its small size, you can stumble upon some charming local boutiques offering finely crafted artisanal fashion. Additionally, nestled in the heart of the town, you'll discover an elegantly curated outlet featuring renowned brands such as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Oakley, Diesel, Lacoste, Swarovski, and, if luck is on your side, perhaps even a Dolce & Gabbana - for not forgetting completely your cosmopolitan vibe. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised!

This historic Portuguese city rivals Buenos Aires in Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata. Its lights at dusk reflect a unique beauty from Colonia. As a bonus, the ferry crossing between the two cities adds a touch of adventure to travelers, allowing the inclusion of another South American country in your itinerary, all in a single day.

'Cisplatina was a province of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves and later of the Empire of Brazil. The province corresponds to the current territory of Uruguay.' (Source: Wikipedia)

'Calle de los Suspiros,' where each cobblestone whispers tales of bygone romance and timeless allure in the heart of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.

Boxers vs. Briefs: The Impact on Men's Fertility

Have you ever wondered if your choice of underwear could affect your fertility?  A fascinating study led by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has uncovered some intriguing insights. It turns out that men who prefer boxers may have a significant advantage in terms of sperm production compared to those who opt for other styles of underwear.

A male model showcases the versatility of briefs and boxers in a single shot.

The Study's Discovery:

The study, published in Human Reproduction, sheds light on the connection between underwear styles and sperm quality. Researchers collected data from 656 men seeking fertility treatment and found that those who regularly wore boxers had remarkable advantages. These boxers enthusiasts exhibited 25% higher sperm concentrations and 17% higher total sperm counts compared to their counterparts who favored different underwear styles.

Boxers and Motile Sperm:

Not only did boxers wearers have higher sperm counts, but they also boasted a greater percentage of motile sperm. Motile sperm are the ones capable of navigating the female reproductive system effectively to fertilize an egg. The difference in sperm concentration was most significant when comparing boxers to individuals who wore tight-fitting underwear like jockeys and briefs.

Feeling confident in my stylish blue boxers

The Hormone Connection:

Further examination of blood samples revealed another intriguing detail. Men who preferred boxers had 14% lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in their system compared to those who didn't wear boxers. FSH plays a crucial role in male fertility and is associated with sperm production. The lower sperm counts among tight underwear wearers seemed to trigger a compensatory mechanism, leading to an increase in hormone production. This suggests that the body attempts to enhance sperm production in response to decreased sperm counts caused by tight-fitting underwear.

Modern models of underwear.

Discover a variety of modern underwear styles at Marie Antoinette Shop.

Implications and Conclusion:

This study not only highlights the impact of underwear choices on fertility but also demonstrates that seemingly trivial lifestyle decisions can have profound effects on hormone production. So, if you and your partner are planning to start a family, you might want to consider making the switch to boxers. It's a simple change that could make a significant difference in your reproductive health.

References & Source

Based on an Article Published on August 8, 2018, in Human Reproduction.

Led by Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón, a research scientist at the Harvard Chan School.

Funding for the study came from National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences grants.