Montevideo, Uruguay
Tuesday, October 4, 2005
I was up on my own early this morning and decided to grab breakfast before meeting the group at 10 for a city tour. It's moments like these that I love to travel. I wondered around the main square, up and down a few alleys until I came across a nice coffee shop. I popped in and sat down, ordered my sweet croissant and OJ and expected to wait patiently on my own. Instead, an older gentleman sat down at my table and in broken in English began to inquire why I was in Montevideo. An hour later, he walked me through the history of the city, his life, the effects of the economic changes Uruguay has faced, wished me well, bought my breakfast and said good day! Such an incredible way to start my day. In fact, it made the information given on our tour pale in comparison. Montevideo did absolutely impress me. We were given a private tour of their "White" House, which is a UNESCO world heritage building. The entire building was constructed of hand laid marble. It really was beautiful. Besides all the typical squares, cathedrals, historical neighborhoods and coastal views, we strolled inside the port market, where many of the ports men go for lunch. A warehouse size building filled with meat grilling stalls with chairs pulled up to the bar for a quick lunch. The city was full of character and charm.
Later in the day we took a 2 hour bus ride to Colonia where we would catch our ferry to Buenos Aires...All of this seems like a lot of travel, but with a group that always has fun, the time passes quickly.
