Delighted to have started my lengthy cruise with Seabourn Quest that departed from Buenos Aires. First stop was Montevideo, capital of Uruguay and my 100th country visited. So now I am targeting 120!
Montevideo is less enticing than some other places I’ve visited in South America. It is clean and organised and relatively safe but lacks somewhat in character.
The main plaza has some interesting old and new architecture and of course a statue (they like them a lot in South America). This one is Artigas the founding father of Uruguay which is a country that should not really exist historically – it should either be Argentina or Brazil – but when everyone else in South America was agreeing to be subsumed under either Spain or Portugal this little area refused and hence became their own independent country.
Below is the ox cart and bullocks sculpture which I did love – it is a beautiful giant piece of art.
A whacky place to visit is the Alchemist’s House which sits amongst the modern condos in a swanky area of Montevideo. This owner believed in transmutation and so the house has many symbols reflecting this as well as odd shaped rooms and numerous staircases that go to nowhere.
The owner donated it to the local government (but they abandoned after he died for 30 years) on the proviso that when he returned after his death it would be given back to him! He was very confident but so far it is still government owned!
Finally a bit of tango dancing to end the day – I just watched.
And then a drink with Lucinda – one of my fellow travelers.
Well, go to Punta Del Este, it is like St. Tropez, more for you, nice restaurants and wineries everywhere
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That will have to be next time as cruise only had one stop in Uruguay.
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Hey Thankyou for the report in Uruguay. When we went to BA awe realy tossed up weather or not a day trip was worth it. I have an old boss who was from there who now lives in MonteV but we saw him in BA. He lives between the two places but banks in Uruguay because of the problems there have been in Argentina.
Your so lucky with all the time to give to seeing a place properly.
Love Sheridan
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I am certainly not regretting the chance to visit Uruguay. Everyone says I should have gone to Punte del Este – the resort like part. Maybe next time…..
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Ah, Uruguay: Erich and I loved Montevideo and promised ourselves to go back some day…alas!
And now you are on your way to the Amazon which you will love also. If I recall your trip will end up in Portugal???!!! (When they went up to the Amazon the first time in 2014, we ended up in Ft Lauderdale so the ship could be overhauled.Europe is a much better choice…;-)
Happy sailing, Uschi
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Hi Susie,
Nice post and pictures, especially about the Alchemist’s House! I visited Montevideo, but missed it sadly 😦 Have you seen a Candombe on the streets? I really liked it! This post explains the tradition: https://greenmochila.wordpress.com/2018/11/03/candombe-montevideo/
Where are you traveling nowadays, on the way to the 120th countries?
Greetings from Peru,
Anna
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Hi Anna. No I never saw the Candome in Uruguay. It looks amazing. Next time maybe. In Portugal at the moment. Kind regards. Susie
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The infrastructure and natural scene pictures are beautiful. Never thought Uruguay is so beautiful.
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