Montevideo, Uruguay
March 2, 2016
Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay. According to the 2011 census, the city proper has a population of 1,319,108 (about one-third of the country’s total population) in an area of 194.0 square kilometres (74.9 sq mi). The southernmost capital city in the Americas, Montevideo is situated in the southern coast of the country, on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata.
Today we are arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay. The ship docked on time but we didn’t have a tour until 1:30 (a city tour). It’s interesting to note that the ship never left the river that we were on from Buenos Aries.. it’s all part of the same river, the “Rio De la Plata” which translates to River of Silver.. since the region is known for Silver. However, because of the sediment, it’s brown.
We had breakfast and went ashore to explore with Art & Cheryl. We walked through lots of shops and sidewalk stands but may businesses hadn’t opened yet. We continued to walk to a Park that has some statues in it and some exercise equipment. It was a nice place but it was in the beginning of the work day and people were busy rushing around.
We stopped in one shop and picked up a gift and then decided to head back to the ship for Lunch before our tour. Art & Cheryl weren’t on this tour – just us. We got on our bus and were treated to nice bus ride around the city.
First we drove by the old city and saw the remnants of the original wall that comprised the “fort” that used to be the city. Then we went to a square that had the old city gate and really cool looking building. Then we were driven by the parliament building and also saw a building that looked like a sailboat (like the one in Dubai – by the same architect).
We drove by a wagon-train statue there was a couple of little stands there to buy stuff. Everyone here likes to drink “Mate” which is a tea with caffeine and it’s in this bowl with a special straw. People here are really addicted to this stuff. Adam eventually tried it and really liked it too.
On the way back to the ship we drove by a building with some cartoon characters sticking out of the windows. It was really funny.
Back at the ship for sail away and dinner. Tomorrow is a day at sea!