What happens in Uruguay?

Not too much... However, it's a dandy little spot to chill out, take in the surroundings, and chat with the friendly folks there.  Whatever.

It was all very funny really.  From the exceedingly posh Hotel Alvear in Buenos Aries, we piled into the tiniest of taxi cabs bound for the nearby harbor.  Getting all players and their luggage in the car was like a circus act and we were definitely the clowns.  We waved goodbye to the friendly porters, as the most robust among them threw himself against the straining door like an angry rhino in one last (albeit futile) attempt to secure the damn thing – and we were off.

It was at this utilitarian (read: crunchy and old) harbor that we boarded the pleasant “Buquebus” ferry for a three hour cruise across the Rio de la Plata to Montevideo, Uruguay.  A fine ride.

Hello Uruguay!

At Barb’s recommendation, we piled into an English speaking tour-guide’s van for a two-hour “get your bearings tour," which turned out to be a fabulous idea (and at at only $15 a head, a good bargain).

With no further ado, we were speeding through the crowded streets of Montevideo with a competent guide at the helm.

The Scene upon Arrival

Attractive Posed Photo

The tour was informative but uneventful.  We did get a few choice photos before all was said and done, and the van stopped, and we were told the tour was over.  Forlorn, we lowered our heads, stepped from the van and sought refuge in a big yellow bottle.

The tour offered a pleasant overview of the city from which we made a short list of spots worth revisiting on our own time.

One Day's Difference

The food in Montevideo was ok. If you are super keen and zeeked about grilled meat, this is the place for you, although even that was so-so.  Not as flavorful as plentiful.  Kind of what you’d expect in, say, South Dakota.  Off season.  After a big storm and a whole slew of Shriners have been through town.

Well, we managed to find a few key spots for dining et al.  We have a photo of us enjoying beers at a diner with table near a window overlooking the Solis theater.

Everybody should just settle down a bit.

The important thing about traveling is to have a good balance of excitement and relaxation - not a general mix of the two.  You can get a mix of the two at home.  So there you have it.

What?  Oh…..right.  We are talking about Uruguay.  It was fine.  I guess.  The people were very nice.  Go see for yourself if you have the money and time.

We've got a few more pictures of the place - you'll find them below.  One at a time please.

Our wanderings carried us through the rich colonial old town, or “Colonia,” past produce and meat vendors and a wealth of charmingly dated Spanish, Italian, and Art Deco architecture. At the end of the march stood the Mercado del Puerto, once the finest port in South America, and now a colorful, lively center filled with markets, restaurants, artists and street musicians. Al fresco dining is the activity of choice here and we did just that.

Great Day