Montevideo

We slept well on our first night on-board; just as well as we docked early for our first ever visit to Uruguay. We managed to have breakfast outside, probably the last time that will be possible for two weeks as we are now heading south to colder climes.

Montevideo was not all what I expected. It was sort of a cross between what I imagine Cuba might be like and Brighton. The first realisation is that Uruguay is small only about 3.5 million people over a million of which live in Montevideo. Secondly that it is the most stable and richest country in South America. I suppose all visits that start in the commercial port do not show the country in the best light. Also it was just after 8am on Sunday morning, so it was definitely quiet.

We saw the monument to the Battle of the River Plate; I am here to tell you that the environment is nothing like the re-enactment in Peasholm Park.

Most of the historic architecture seems to date from the early twentieth century, the time when Uruguay was at the zenith of its power. Seemingly based on beef production. The hotel on one side of the square was at twenty-seven stories the highest building in South America when it was built in 1920. Like that the parliament building was built at the same time although it looks neo-classical albeit constructed from concrete that looks as though it is badly weathered. One can almost imagine the coup happening with general’s marching up its imposing steps. By now it was raining hard so photographic stops were limited. We stopped at a covered market, beautiful veg and great meat. Also there was a wine shop so we were able to keep up our ambition of buying wine in every country that we visit. Not sure what we will do in the Falklands!!!

Our guide was very proud of Argentina so we visited the National Football Stadium and were reminded that Uruguay had won the first two World Cups, indeed we saw the monument to it. Not sure her portrayal as Luis Suarez as tooth and nails was quite an accurate idiom though. Then we drove to the coastal resorts of the east where the promenade was bordered by blocks of high-rise flats like parts of the South Coast of the UK.

All in all an interesting experience in a country that we probably would never have visited. We are now sailing south to the Falklands, so more about shipboard life late. The sea is quite sporty at the moment. The captain has just said that the winds are 40 knots.