A very good morning to everyone!
Sharing a few more highlights from my trip to Uruguay last month — the happy surprises I had over there:
. Gluten-free options: Being gluten intolerant, I was genuinely impressed by the wide availability of gluten-free choices in restaurants, cafeterias and supermarkets — and even discovered some lovely keto shops. I later learned that Uruguay has legislation requiring restaurants and cafeterias to offer products for people with gluten restrictions, and has also taken steps to reduce taxes on those foods to make them more affordable.
. People's attitude: The warmth and care I encountered when I opened up about my epilepsy was remarkable — at the hotel, in restaurants, on tours, and especially at the airport. At Carrasco Airport in Montevideo, I received a badge given to travellers with invisible conditions, granting me priority at passport control and boarding. I have never experienced anything like this, either in Brazil or in Europe — no discrimination whatsoever, quite the opposite. I'm sharing a photo of myself with the badge! 😊 I am now working on my first aid card to place inside this badge and use here in São Paulo.
. Keto Treatment Center for Adults with Epilepsy: During this trip, I had the opportunity to visit the Keto Diet Center at the British Hospital in Montevideo, which focuses on treating refractory epilepsy in adults. The center is officially recognised by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), placing it among a select group of formally accredited keto diet centers worldwide.
Uruguay is a genuinely welcoming country for people living with hidden disabilities such as epilepsy — and I will certainly be returning!
I would love to hear from our community: which countries have you found most welcoming during your travels?
Chris