Thursday 13th Feb 2020
Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, is a major city along Montevideo Bay, on the northeastern bank of the River Plate which here is the widest river in the world. It revolves around the Plaza de la Independencia, once home to a Spanish citadel. This plaza leads to Ciudad Vieja (the old town), with art deco buildings, colonial homes and landmarks including the towering Palacio Salvo and neoclassical performance hall Solís Theatre. The city boasts many new skyscraper apartment blocks and some fine beaches which stretch right into the city.
Uruguay’s population is almost all of Spanish and Italian descent and number only about 3 million, half of which live in Montevideo.
This morning berthed in Montevideo, Uruguay. Perfect weather today, Nice and warm, mid 20’s and should reach low 30’s, but a bit of breeze and certainly less humid now.
The morning spent onboard just enjoying the fairly empty ship, passing our time with some trivia and enjoying some sun.
This afternoon we went on our Montevideo city tour. Leaving the port area taking in views of the River Plate, with it’s variously coloured water, which changes depending on how much river water or sea water is in view, through the old town, then to Independence Square, here we had a few minutes off the coach to get photos of the Old Government House, the New Government House, the Palacio Salvo and the statue of General Artigas.
Old Government Building
Moving on through the commercial district we stopped at the Congress Building for a view inside, well, inside the entrance and vestibule, but not the actual chambers, very smart anyway, mainly constructed of many variously coloured marbles.
Next out into one of many park areas to see the the stage coach monument, the covered wagon monument and the monument to the last of the Charruas Indians.
The Charruas Indians were the indigenous inhabitants of the area, originally welcoming the Spanish colonists, unfortunately the colonists took the land from the Indians and then lured them to a meeting where they slaughtered them all except a small group who were transported to Europe where they were a live exhibit in a museum, until two died and the other two escaped never to be seen again, not a proud moment for the Uruguayans.
We also had time to view the football stadium used in the first world cup in 1930.
Then its off to the coast for a short stop at navy park for sea views and to watch the parakeets!
Returning to the ship via the Ramblas, the coast road, to enjoy views over the extensive, and very popular beaches extending all the way into the city.
Just at the entrance to the port is a small monument to naval history including the anchor of the Graf Spee, scuttled after the Battle of the River Plate in late 1939.
Time for as snack and some deck time before sailaway. Just a relaxing evening to round off the day.
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