Uruguay has often been called the
‘Switzerland of South America’ primarily because of its small size (the
smallest nation in South America), its once high standard of living and its
extraordinary democratic institutions.
Montevideo is a charming city made up of 19th century Beaux
Arts buildings, parks and historical museums.
The ship berthed alongside another cruise
ship at the port and it was a short walk to the ‘Mercardo del Puerto’, the
market with restaurants and shops.
Exchange rate: $US = 24 Uruguay
pesos. They would also accept Argentine
pesos. It was a very busy area bustling
with people! From there, we were able to
walk into the city to its finest square, the Plaza de la Independencia, the
site of a massive equestrian monument to Uruguayan hero, Jose Artigas.
We strolled down the Avenida 18 de Julio –
the main shopping street and bought some of the local sweet treats called
‘Alfajores’. Then we walked back to the
port market via Constitution Square (& markets) to find a parrilla for
lunch and once again enjoyed barbecued meat – Uruguayan style, washed down with
the local cerveza called ‘Patricia’. Kerren and David tried the local specialty
drink called ‘Medio y medio’ – a mixture of cider and white wine, which they
liked a lot. We were blessed with fine
weather and it was a very warm day.
Lovely!
Our ship left port at 7pm and we set sail
for Stanley in the Falkland Islands. The
next two days will be sea days and then we will arrive on 10 January.
2 ships in port - Princess on the right
Uruguayan parrilla!
Plaza Independencia - main square in the city.
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