Montevideo, Uruguay

February 12, 2008

Sailing through the night, we traveled east on the Rio de la Plata River that separates Argentina from Uruguay. One of the largest or widest in the world, the river measures over 130 miles at its widest point and unless you knew otherwise you would think that you are in the open sea.

We arrived early in Montevideo (pronounced Monte-V-Day-O!....hard for me to say!). This chief port, capital and largest city is the only city with a population of over a million. The tour brochures will tell you that Montevideo is one of the most important harbors in all of South America and that the city is a delightful blend of Latin American, European and African cultures. Let me say that I am very pleased that I have had the chance to see the city…but I am not sure that it is so “delightful” or that I will ever come back. Perhaps it was a case of visiting Buenos Aires first…and if I had come to Montevideo first I might have had a better impression. Overall, I found the city to be rather shabby and uninviting. Granted, there are beautiful beaches which are lined with seemingly interesting and well-built high-rise condos…but, overall, it is just not one of my favorite places.

A city tour showed us the large Legislative Palace…an impressive large marble structure with beautiful stained glass ceilings and colorful moldings. We visited Prado Park, noted for its historical monuments and attractive rose gardens. We rode through a rather European looking community of small single-family houses that the guide was most pleased to show us, thinking that we would be impressed…we weren’t! A final stop at Independence Plaza gave us a close-up look at the Government House and other impressive, if neglected, public buildings.

I am not one to be negative….but I am realistic…so, forgive me Montevideo…but I will not be back!