2017.02.08 Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay is like a tiny buffer between Argentina and Brazil. It is one of the smallest countries of South America. Its geographical size is slightly larger than England and Wales combined, but it has a sparse population of just over three million people. Its coastline boats impressive beaches, while in the north the rolling hills and grasslands are similar to the Argentine pampas and southern Brazil. Long it has been considered the most European of the South American countries, most of its people are Spanish and Italian origin. Founded in 1726, Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is the largest city with a population of 1.5 million. Ciudad Vieja, the Old City, is located on the peninsula, with narrow streets large plazas and elegant colonial architecture. Ciudad Nueva, the New City, belongs to the more prosperous residents and is distinguished by the main street of Avenida 18 de Julio. Just outside the city is Colonia del Sacramento, the oldest city in Uruguay and UNESCO World Heritage site.

We have visited this port also in 2010, so we did our own walking tour. We docked at 10AM, a little later than usual. It is a working port, but we are able to walk to the gate without a shuttle. Next to the ship are a lot of wrecked ships. They are taking the scrap metal off of the and selling it to India.

Once you get off of the ship there is a pretty little park to welcome you.

From here we took out map and started walking through the old town.

This is Plaza Zabla and Bacacay Pedestrian Street, which is supposed to be noted for it shopping.

Then we arrived at where the old and new city combine. Here they have Independence Square as well as a gate from the old wall.

In this area is the Cathedral Metropolitana.

This is a theater from the mid 1800s.

And this is a Former National Government Office building that is a museum today.

We then walked down to the beach, which is in the new part of the city. There really was not much of a beach, just muddy water of the Rio de la Plata.

Lastly we went to Roldos, Mercado del Puerto Desde (Sea Port Market). In here they have many stalls where they are cooking the meet, restaurants and gift shops, and it was next to the ship.