A Day in Uruguay

Monday, April 20

We left for Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay on the 8:30 AM fast boat.  Colonia is opposite Buenos Aires on the Rio de la Plata, a trip of a little over 30 miles.  The river is extremely wide in this area.  Early explorers thought they'd located a sea.  The fast  boats make the crossing in a bit over an hour.  Slow boats take about three hours.  The boat had comfortable seating, a duty free shop, food and beverage services.

Colonia's  colonial- era historical area is a UNESCO world cultural heritage site.  It was founded in 1680 and occupied at various times by the Portugese, the Spanish, and the

British, changing hands ten times during its history.

It's a very pretty town, with tall sycamore trees lining the streets (and shedding their leaves in this, the South American Autumn).  The trees are lovely, but their spreading roots play havoc with the town's sidewalks, making walking somewhat a challenge.

We spent the day meandering through the town, stopping for a leisurely lunch and returning to Buenos Aires on the late afternoon fast boat.

                                      The Puerto de Campa, the Entrance to the Old City

                                                  One of the Oldest Colonial Houses

 

                                                                 The Lighthouse

                                                         Old Cannons, New Bikes

                                          Another Lighthouse, on an Island in the River

                                           An Old Pickup Posing with a Vehicle

                                                                    More Oldies

                                                            An Excellent Lunch

                                                                  Street Scene

                                               Original 1680 Pillar in the Iglesia Matriz

                                                    Sycamores Lining the Streets