We docked this morning at the Montevideo port in Uruguay.
Stephen T and I had a two hour overview tour of the city while Stephen and Sarah went on a tour of the Graf Spee.
We stopped at the city's Plaza Independencia and looked around. Uruguay declared it's final independence from Brazil in 1828. Montevideo has 1.4 million of the countries 3.4 million residence. It is the smallest country in South America. Montevideo, it capital, is across the river from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is often called Buenos Aires "little brother". Both Montevideo and Uruguay are both roughly one-tenth the size of Buenos Aires and Argentina, respectively. There is a great rivalry between the two cities and countries. After Suriname, Uruguay is the smallest country in South America. Like Argentina, it was heavily populated with immigrants from Italy and Spain. Today, it is very welcome to immigrants, as its population is diminishing.
We next stopped at the parliament building.
Our final stop on this two hour whirlwind overview was at the Monumento a la carreta. Created by local sculptor Jose Belloni, the Monumento la Carreta was created in honor of the ox-cart drivers of the 19th century. The bronze and granite sculpture was first installed in 1934, and was recently restored by the artist’s grandson. It is recognized as a National Historic Monument.
It was a beautiful day in Montevideo.
As we approached the pier, we were given the opportunity to get off the bus and tour through the pedestrian shops near the pier. We took that opportunity.
Cannabis is legal in Uruguay for residence only.
We walked through a nearby park and a cathedral under renovation.
I picked up a mate gourd cup. A tradition in South America.
Tomorrow is a Sea day.
