Well, here we are once again in the country of Uruguay, but in a different city. Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in South America with a total population of 3 million residents. Considered the most European of the South America countries, it is a place where many folks came from Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
Montevideo was our port of call today. It is the capital of Uruguay with a population of 1.5 million people. The city is built on the tip of the country that borders the South Atlantic Ocean and the Rio de la Plata. It is here that you will find miles of beaches, but in the interior of the country, there are rolling hills and grasslands similar to the pampas of Argentina. The highlands are suitable for growing grapes for some pretty fine wines. And from the looks of the produce deliveries that were on the pier this morning, their farms are quite fertile. It is also suitable for raising cattle, antelope, and sheep as Montevideo is a mecca for leather goods such as jackets, pants, coats, belts, wallets and purses.
The ship arrived very early to the harbor, and was cleared before 8am. We had breakfast first, then went off around 10am. Yesterday, we all had been warned that in order to keep the ship's water system maintained, they were turning it off ship wide at 9am. It would come back on by noon. So this inconvenience along with yet another crew drill, it was a good time to leave. We also knew that we would need to run the water in the sink and the tub, because there would be some rusty discoloration.
Once out of the port gate, we started to remember our previous visits here. Twice we did tours, and once, we strolled the colonial area nearby the port. So today, we were handed a nice map of this area, which we used to find every icon in this district. This area is known as the Cuidad Vieja, or the Old City. It is situated on a large peninsula, surrounded by the river and the ocean. Narrow streets, large cobbled plazas, and very old colonial buildings can be found here. On the other side of the city, is Cuidad Nueva, or the New City. It is home to the prosperous residents, modern high rises, and extensive shopping districts such as Avenida 18 de Julio.
The first place we encountered was the Sea Port Market, which consisted of a collection of various restaurants under one large roof. The heat of the wood-fired ovens greeted us as we walked inside. There were shops intertwined with the cafes, which flowed to the outside as well. Not so busy at 10am, but we knew the place would fill up by noon. There used to be a produce market outside, but we did not find it today.
The Carnival Museum was just opposite the port too. They house a display of typical Carnival night costumes and parties in the local stages. You can learn all about the history of Carnival and how it has progressed over the years. There was a walking tour there with shore excursions. Following the map we continued uphill to the pedestrian shopping street. This led to the first plaza, Zabala Square, where we ran into Howard and Gyl. We always cross paths with them, because we are usually "on the same page". They just returned from an independent overland tour to Iguazu Falls and 2 days in Buenos Aires. They had a fabulous time, and were able to find good buys on dancing shoes. Howard commented that he noticed we were not at our table last night, and someone let it slip it was one of our birthdays and we were in the Pinnacle. With that, they both broke out into the birthday song right there in the middle of the square. Slightly embarrassing, it was touching and appreciated.
We continued on, passing several old museums, some of which were not opened yet. In fact, many of the shops were closed this time of day. Finding the main pedestrian shopping mall, we made our way to Constitution Square, where a Saturday flea market was in progress. These are always interesting with some different items for sale. Among the ceramics, coins, and knick-knacks, we did see two very pretty necklace and earring sets. Both were one of a kind and quite inexpensive. So much for not buying anything. Truthfully, one of the sets will match the new suede jacket we bought yesterday. Funny how that happens. Later on, we added one tan lamb skin purse with three zippers…. the kind that goes around your waist. Also affordable. Best to leave this square, since there were many other tempting treasures here.
Further up the street was the gate of the original citadel of Montevideo. Dated back to 1741, we realized that many people were taking pictures of it. That led to the largest square, Independence Square with the mounted statue of General Atrigas, considered to be the father of Uruguay. More museums faced this plaza, and a nearby side street had the Solis Theater, dating back to 1842 and 1869. Considered a neoclassic design, it is the place for entertainment. Across the street from the theater was the Bacacay Café, where the actors, artists, and intellectual people gathered after the shows.
Time to head back, we stopped once again at Constitution Square to pay a visit to the most beautiful church here, the Metropolitan Cathedral, built in 1790. It's design is Spanish neoclassic, and kept with the traditional Catholic churches we have seen in South America. You can tell the type of people that lived here, that they put their skills and hearts into the construction of churches such as this one. As soon as you entered through the massive doors, the impression was one of wonder. This has to be the nicest church we have seen so far. A mass was in progress at one of the side altars, so we did not stay too long.
On the way back, we came across many people we knew just starting the self-guided tour. One of them was Leta, who stopped and chatted for a while. She and Bill had stayed in this city for two weeks many years ago, and she said not much had changed since then. We were looking for a restaurant like the one we found in Punta del Este, but there were none like it here. They did have Starbucks and McDonalds though, mixed with the tiny cafes along the pedestrian mall. That's when we saw a sign for a Hard Rock Café in Montevideo. The street name was not on the map we had, so the only way to locate it was going back to the ship and searching online for it.
That's when we ran into Christel, who was waiting to go on her bike ride with Henk. Knowing that they would more than likely ride the rambling seaside path for miles, we asked if they might keep an eye out for it. She said they would give it their best. Lunch for us was going to be in the Lido today, which was fine.
All aboard was 4:15pm, and we all had to attend a mandatory muster drill. About 13 new guests had arrived yesterday, and we needed to repeat the drill. It was short and sweet, then we headed for the sail away at the Seaview Pool. We did get a better view of the city as we sailed around the other side. It really is a big city. The wind had come up, and we almost blew overboard. And since today was Chinese New Year, the Lido was hosting the special dinner in there. All of the decorations we usually have in the dining room, were up here instead. It did look festive, and attracted a large crowd. We searched for fortune cookies, but found none.
Henk found us at the back railing, and reported that they did indeed find the Hard Rock Café, but it was about 12 kilometers from the port. It was located across from the beach in a nice location. But it would have been a taxi ride to get there and back. Had we factored the time to do it, it would have worked out fine. Maybe next time…
Dinner for us was good with one fish entrée of cobia, and one dish of a type of Chinese chicken. So the dining room was appropriate for Chinese New Year without the hanging lanterns. And our tablemates had planned a birthday celebration with the presentation of a carrot cake and singing by the crew near our table. Always fun, and the cake was delicious of course. We donated the remaining half to our waiters who gladly accepted. Our assistant waiter, Angga, ended his contract yesterday, and went home to his family. He will now have three months to spend getting to know his new baby girl, who he has not seen in person yet. Our new waiter arrived tonight, but we have not formally met him, as Wira kept him most busy during dinner.
David Copperfield was the entertainer this evening. But not the one you might expect, as he was listed as an unusualist, not the illusionist. Since our celebration lasted a bit longer, we missed this show.
Now we have two sweet days at sea as we sail towards the Falkland Islands. Now the question is…..will we get to tender ashore there, or not???
Bill & Mary Ann
