It’s a hot humid day as I should expect and you too if you are watching my calendar! Sea days are some of my favorite days. There is no rush or hurry. We can stay up a bit later at night and maybe watch a movie. The ship has a small theater but we prefer our room. There’s coughing there, moving around, and not good viewing the way they have the screen set up. But they have shown some good movies. Even Barbie was on the other night. It’s interesting that this cruise so far none of the movies shown in the theater have been available on our TVs. Before this would happen a few days after the movie was shown in the theater.
Sea days also have other things to do. There is always a different theme from a country we are in at three in the main dining. I certainly don’t need more desserts so I have only been once just to experience here on this trip. They have lots of other things going on too like pool games, pickleball, crafts, mahjong, Bridge with an instructor, shore excursion talks, historical talks about South America, coffee talks with staff officers or entertainers, classical music venues during the day with pianists and violinists, or speaking with the Future Cruise specialist. She is always booked!! There are dance classes, exercise classes, learning Samba and Tango or how to play South American instruments. Or you can read in lots of nice areas on the ship and enjoy a specialty coffee. For me I take time to work on my blog and photos. I should be caught up and closer to where we are today which is getting very close to the Amazon River but I have taken advantage of all the other options and sometimes even nap on a lounger on deck three!!! Now I’m starting to enjoy my Christmas music and I have put a few small decorations in my cabin to get me into the spirit. It’s November 30th as I write this and the ship is showing more festive decorations every day!!
So now I take you back to November 15 where we port in Montevideo. Thankfully we don’t have to tender here but can walk off. We are in Uruguay and Montevideo is the Capital and largest city. They tell us it is a vibrant city with lots of interesting architecture. It is a one mile walk to town if you wish to get more exercise. We will also have taxis there that are safe and most speak English. The key is to be sure you know the cost to where you are going and that your driver speaks English. Too many folks jump in and don’t check first. Then they are disappointed when things turn out badly for them.
Montevideo is the oldest city in Uruguay. Some say it is a hidden gem and UNESCO has determined this to be a world heritage site. The streets are cobblestone which is common for many of these cities that were founded by Spaniards, Portuguese, French, British and other explorers that came looking to make their fortunes. Most history is not happy history. Indigenous people are always being taken advantage of and the struggle never ends well for them. Sometimes it’s just too difficult for me to process all the cruelty and evilness that has occurred over and over throughout time.
There are 1.8 million people living in Montevideo. Closest to walk in from dock. There is an old town and then the new modern town. The old town is closest.
We are 1170 miles from port Stanley to Montevideo. How far we have come. It’s a nice temp in the 70’s which is perfect for me!!
We are going to do our own walking here and exploring. There was a Hop on Hop Off bus but we hear it is no longer in service.
When get off the ship we find flat amazing historic venues, relaxed streets, coffee shops, bookstores and artisan markets. There is also a Carnival museum but it’s not really something we want to spend our time doing.
In 1871 they commemorate the development of their first water system which we all know is so critically important to keep the population healthy, encourage trade and tourism. Of course there are souvenir stores here but we haven’t found that they offer anything very unique and often we aren’t even sure they haven’t come from China!!!
If you happen to be here on Wednesdays the Teatro Theater offers free tours! The founder of Montevideo according to their history was Zabala.
Independence Square is the segway from the old part of town to the new city or the transition point. Here $1=40 pesos so our dollar is strong.
A beautiful sunset looking across the beach toward the new town
Looking down over the city square area
This shows we have rounded the tip and will be heading up the east coast going next to Buenos Aires.
Our cruise terminal and then an idea of the old city and the new city. There is a Mercado close to the terminal too.
The old town appears interesting but as typical of many port areas there are many run down areas, homeless and empty shops.
The pink Carnival Museum attracts attention.
This gives you an idea of what you would see in the museum; unique costumes, art and artifacts since it has taken place for such a long time.
Celebrating their freedom and development of their own constitution with the ornate fountain and sculptures.
Inside the Theater which is very large, ornate and typical of something you would find in Europe.
Dedicated to the founder of Montevideo Zabala on his horse and armed to show strength and fortitude.
Everyone wants their photo taken by this sign with the beach backdrop and the boardwalk for biking, walking dogs and leisurely taking in the beauty of the beach.
When get off we see lots of private tours offered including the descriptions and pricing .
Cooking with a wood fire to the right of the photo. Open dining everywhere .
The currency is the Real and the conversion with quite a handsome happy fellow giving us the information.
There are some nice outdoor eating areas with lovely plants and umbrellas and Coco Cola is everywhere!!!! Not Pepsi
Oh and yet another kitty fix by such an old unique doorway. This one had a collar so someone loves it ❤️
Small pop up markets offer fresh fruit and vegetables in small quantities but looked like good quality along with fresh plants and herbs and a very small roll up door to provide security for the vendor at night
A little more modern playground which I would imagine gets a lot of attention when families are out .
A closer look at the statute of Zabala with the shepherd and his flock below. The shepherd and his sheep are life sized.
Abd the oxen are also so important to the farmers and families to provide for the families also life sized
I loved this beautiful unique architecture with the rich lush purple flowers draping over the balcony. Notice the large ornate doors too.
Need I say why I had to take this photo??!!! Ha ha. This was the name of a store!
I found it interesting how the park their bicycles to save space. It makes sense but also for an old lady like me would be difficult to lift and latch it.
They call this Gournet!!! But if you look closely at the items they look very typical to us and nothing gournet or special.
Everyplace we have been to has graffiti and it’s obvious that the people want and need to be heard. They have a story to tell and it’s usually one of suffering, unhappiness, poverty and rejection
This concrete sculpture was by the old fort but closely looking at it you see the important el we mentally if their history and existence.
The old fort where we saw several homeless people and it really was quite small and not well taken care of
A plaque to Charles Darwin was found on the side wall giving him credit for his time sober in the region and his documentation of different species and variations.
In a very commercial port this was the welcoming sign. I saw lots of crew stopping to get their photos taken to document they were here .
And this was also beside the welcome sign. Obviously and port is known for her ships, fishing and casualties.
Our favorite bar guy Nomer who was with us on the Grabd Africa serving up all kinds of tasty drinks from the Sea View Bar along side our location as we missed the Falklands.
And the ship always has fun things happening by the crew like a towel animal display!! Such creative folks.
Whales and seals in bathrobes!! Ha ha
And Dan continues to impress our waitstaff with his crazy sense of personality. Kai is able to lift her eye brows in a most humorous manner but since Dan can’t do it he created newer bigger brows!!!
I think she was impressed!! Ha ha. More time come on the art of electrical tape disguises…
