Uruguay 03

Chilean Fjords and Magellan Strait

Grand Circle Travel

21 Day South American Tour/Cruise 2003

December 11 to January 1, 2004

Under TRAVELS, click under CRUISES, South America 03, Chile, Falkland Islands and Argentina for other parts of this three week vacation.

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Our ship, the Norwegian Crown, docked at Uruguay's capital city of Montevideo at  9 a.m. on Saturday, December 28.  We were soon on our way on a tour (Highlights of Montevideo) of the city.

Montevideo is the capital city of Uruguay and largest as well, about 2 million of the total country population of just over 3 million.  It became the capital in 1828 when Uruguay gained its independence from the Spanish.  Spanish is the official language in this second smallest country in South America.  Its climate and beaches attract tourist from all over the globe.  Among Latin American capitals it has the lowest crime rate.

First stop on our tour was Independence Square.  At left is an example of the architecture of one of the buildings adjacent to the Square.  Another close by is filled with window air conditioners.  The statue honors General Jose Gervasio Artigas, "father" of Uruguay and hero in its quest for Independence from Spain.

On the Avenida 18 de Julio we discovered splendid parks and monuments.  These were two that honored early pioneers.

This monument was dedicated to the Charruas Indians who once occupied Uruguay.  We were told by our guide that the last five were sent to France where they were caged and put on public display.  They all died within six months.

We drove through wide tree lined streets in the city and marveled at the architecture.  This was one example, an impressive church.  The majority are Catholic.  Uruguayans are known throughout Latin America for their piety.

Next stop was The Legislative Palace, home to Uruguay's House and Senate.  Fifty five different marbles were used in its floors, walls, stairs and columns.    An Italian was the architect and responsible for a truly beautiful building.

This was one of the paintings just inside the entrance.

Dotty stands near the entrance to one of the legislative chambers.  Stained glass windows adorn the ceiling above the door.

These were some of the other ceiling adornments and paintings in the building.

Inside this large room at the end of the great hall were paintings honoring the struggles for independence and those who contributed to that cause.

These were some of the houses we saw on our drive through parts of the city.  One would expect these were not typical except for the fortunate.  Literacy is high (94% which is highest on the continent) but so is unemployment as the country is in a depression.

Football (our soccer) is the important sport in Uruguay.  In 1930 they were the world champions when they defeated Argentina 4 to 2 according to our guide.

We stopped at the Plaza Virgilio with a monument dedicated to fallen Marines.  This was a great spot to exchange picture taking with our friends, Dot and Terry Thrift (TX) at left then Dotty and me.

Our guide said this modern church was donated to Montevideo by the builder.  It was certainly conspicuous sitting alone near the water.  

Isn't this an interesting contrast?  Automobiles, expensive boats and a horse cart with passengers and their possessions.

These shots of the beach were taken just down the road from the ones above.

We didn't spend nearly enough time in this beautiful and well maintained city. Our feelings were that it's a mighty nice place to live and visit for an extended period. 

Posted on the Internet on 3/4/04, revised on 3/17/04