Blast from the Past

What famous people have visited Montevideo? One that comes to mind is Albert Einstein. I found his diary (thanks to Boston University's archives: "The Reception of Relativity in Uruguay") that reveal the inner workings of a curious mind. The observations in the diary are more humorous than I expected. For example, when meeting the Jewish Russian Rosenblatt family he notes that they have three children, 2 who are married and one who has a boyfriend. The great scientist philosopher goes on to say that she's not pretty, but she has "a good heart". He also remarks offhandedly that a building is almost complete. He was referring to the Legislative Palace, one of the most beautiful buildings ever (See above). In general, he says that he found authentic cordiality in Uruguay, a small and happy country. He says the climate is agreeably hot and humid and boasts exemplary social laws: 8-hour workdays, protection for mothers and children, welfare for seniors and illegitimate children, etc.) He remarks how beautiful small countries are because they're not drunk with the delirium of grandeur. To hell with big countries, basically, if they had things their way they would divide all countries amongst themselves. What I like best is the honesty of the man.