Uruguay is the country today…..Punta del Este was the port. The population of Uruguay is about 3.3 million people that speak mostly Spanish. The capital is Montevideo, where we will stop on January 24th.
At one time in history, Uruguay was considered the "underdog" between Brazil and Argentina. However, it has come into its own despite being South America's smallest country. Words to describe modern day Uruguay are progressive, stable, safe and sophisticated. There is a lot to see and do for visitors like us.
The capital Montevideo is cosmopolitan, while today's port Punta del Este is labeled party- till- you- drop. There is wildlife watching, horseback riding, and beaches galore. It is a city of high rise condos and hotels and is considered one of South America's most glamorous resorts. Celebrities come here for rest, relaxation, and plastic surgery, we understand.
So what's their favorite food here? Various cuts of meat like beef, pork, chorizo, and blood sausage all called asado are on top of the list. How about seaweed fritters called Banuelos de algae? Or a cholesterol bomb of steak sandwiches with bacon, ham, egg, cheese, lettuce, tomato, olives, pickles, and peppers with mayo. Now that's a mouthful. Then wash it down with half and half wine with sparkling wine called medio y medio.
If tours are up your alley, there were a few today. The city tour and Ralli Museum was 3 ½ hours for $60, and the same museum and Casa Pueblo was 4 ½ hours for $80. The city by bike was 3 ½ hours for $120, while a walking tour with lunch was 4 ½ hours for $160. The best of Punta del Este and lunch at a winery was 7 hours and $220 . Pozos Azules Adventure Trek was 7 ½ hours for $250. The most expensive was Alto de la Ballena Winery for 5 ½ hour for $300 which included a BBQ gourmet lunch.
Today was a tender port, with the city providing two large tenders with two of our ship's tenders running all day. We stayed onboard until open tenders were announced, although we could have gone off at any time without tender tickets. Since the boats were loading below our veranda, we could see most of the tour groups going off first. And because we have been here several times on tours, we were on our own today.
We did get on one of the two-level local boats to the marina, where we began our hike. The ride took at least 15 minutes, and since these boats hold more people, it took longer to get onshore. One of the most embarrassing things happened to one of us while boarding this local tender. There was a high step, and by gladly accepting help from the two sailors, my good water bottle holder slipped off of my arm and fell into the drink between the dock and the boat. Oh no…..thank goodness it wasn't me that fell, I told the guys that's OK….let it go. But one of them bent down and scooped it up before it sunk. Normally, I use a holder that goes around my neck, but it is too heavy for a sore neck. Believe me, it will not happen again as I can clip it onto my small purse.
From the looks of the marina, you could tell there are big bucks here by the large number of yachts and sail boats. Many were jammed side-by-side in the marina with people living in them.
We followed the path that took us up and over the peninsula to the Punta del Este Lighthouse with a museum and scenic gardens. Right next to the lighthouse was Iglesia de la Candelaria Catholic Church built in 1911. "Charming" is a good way to describe this church with nice oceanside views. Hiking our way down to the oceanside, we found Englishmen Beach and the wide seaside promenade sidewalk. This wraps around a series of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, which was full of rocks for the most part. Every spot that could provide a bit of sand was taken up with sunbathers with umbrellas and folding chairs.
We passed by a shrine dedicated to Senora de la Candelaria where Playa El Emir Beach began. More umbrellas, and more locals lined the beach here. Red flags were flying telling the folks there was no diving in the area due to hidden rocks. This did not stop the several brave fellows that were surfing the huge waves. The biggest attraction on this coastline had to be Monumento al Ahogado, a famous sculpture of a hand emerging from the sand. It symbolizes those lost at sea, a very moving remembrance for sure.
It was getting to be time for lunch, so we turned around, crossed the street, and made our way to Gorlero Avenue where we remembered enjoying a good pizza and even better beer. This is Punta del Este's main avenue filled with shopping, cafes, restaurants, and casinos. There are banks, casinos, slot machines, and art galleries on this street. We were afraid the place might be totally full of customers around lunchtime, but we were surprised to find plenty of tables to sit outside on their patio. In Latin America, time is seen differently as far as dining. Everything starts much later in the day, which worked out good for us.
We were seated at a sidewalk table and ordered two draft beers called Patricia. And one of their specialties is pizza….wood-fired pizza. We ordered a medium Hawaiian pizza, mostly because we could understand what was on it as it was written in Spanish. It was cut it four large slices and was just right….good too. After having walked so far, it was nice to relax for an hour or so, watching the foot traffic go by.
Leaving the comfort of the restaurant, we made our way over the peninsula and found the main boardwalk along the river and back to the marina. We happened to see the fish market where the vendors were kicking piles of fish scraps into the water to feed the hungry sea lions. There must have been a half dozen of the large creatures gorging themselves on the easy meal. Perfect timing.
One of the larger local boats was loading up, so we headed to it, but found the outside seating was full. If we wanted to go back now, we would have to sit in the cabin of the vessel. Usually, we do not do this, but having no choice, we squeezed into the cabin and waited to leave the marina. The boat was jammed full of guests by the time they left. If for any reason this vessel flipped over, we would never get out. Yes there were plenty of life vests, but they were all wrapped in plastic and secured under the seating with netting. Good luck with that.
The ride seemed to take forever as it went very slowly against the wind. We were safely back onboard by 3pm. The ship left by 5pm well after the captain's daily talk. He said we have 179 nautical miles to reach Buenos Aires tomorrow morning, sailing in 30 knot winds and 3-foot swells. He predicted the winds would die down to 17 knots once we got further up the river, and the temperature would be a pleasant 73 degrees. We would have mostly sun, but some clouds as well. No rain.
Working on photos was going to take forever, as a lot were snapped along the way. Dinnertime had some "comfort" items such as beef empanadas, salads, and mains of bacon and cheese-wrapped meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy on the side. There was also prime rib, but the meatloaf was way better. Only one of us had dessert of watermelon slices.
Showtime featured a singer, Marty Thomas, a Broadway veteran and recording artist. Classic rock was his specialty.
Tomorrow will be another big day in beautiful Buenos Aires….we will need our beauty sleep for that one.
Bill & Mary Ann
