September 25,

We were up and around by 0800. We had granola and yogurt for breakfast, leaving by 0850. We arrived at the Radisson (less than a block away) for a pick up of a tour that begins at 0900.

Our first stop was the Independence Plaza that is literally across a street from Radisson’s entrance. We were given 15 minutes for photos and to walk through the square. Everyone clambered back in the van and our guide, Leon, talked to us. He stated facts: Artigas is considered the Father of Uruguay and its independence was declared on August 25, 1825. He also said that beef is the most important money maker for Uruguay. There are four cows for every person in the country. Its population is 3.5 million, with Montevideo having practically half of it at 1.2 million.

Our second stop was the Parliament building. Leon told us Uruguay is a Republic with a president (who presides back at Independence Plaza) and their government has two Chambers housing 30 Senators; and 99 Deputies. We were given five minutes outside the building for pictures. It was built in 1908 to 1925. Many different marbles decorate the edifice- all are from Uruguay. The tour did not include going inside.

The third stop was the Mercado Agricola. We were given 30 minutes to peruse. It was set up much like the Mercado del Puerto that we had gone to yesterday, but it had a more varied market area, not just restaurants. It also had a supermarket inside – where Jeff bought a bottle of wine for later. We all loaded up and left, moving on. As we were driven about we passed on a bustling avenue. Leon said it is a Jewish area of town and a popular shopping district in Montevideo. Then he talked of soccer’s importance, a passion of the people in Uruguay, stating the first World Cup was held here in 1930 and that Uruguay won. Uruguay also won in 1950. I asked who is their best player, and Leon said, Luis Suarez. He currently plays in Miami for its team. We passed by the main bus station/shopping center; then by a very tall cross monument with Pope John Paul who spoke here. Also an obelisk monument for the Constitution of 1830. Next Leon pointed out the US ambassador residence in the area of Playa Pascual. Then we drove through a large green space.

We arrived at the Monumento a la Carreta, # 4 stop. It’s a monument for the Gaucho. Leon said the monument was a gift from Italy, but Mussolini would not let it leave. A process evolved and finally it was relinquished. We had five minutes here for photos. It was a nice statue, but I don’t know if it was worth all the drama! Next we went to Estadio Centenario, # 5, a soccer stadium. It is now a historic monument of that national soccer field from 1930. It is still used by the national team and holds 60,000 spectators. We had 5 minutes for pictures of the outside. Leon said there is a museum and you can go see inside for a fee. We left and Leon explained the meaning of Montevideo. According to Spanish map notations, it is divided into three parts: Mont-VI-deo= “mountain – #6 – de este(east) to oeste(west)” and became compressed to Montevideo. Also he said Uruguay means river of the painted birds, in native Guarani language. There are many Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian influences. Leon told us the mouth of the Rio de la Plata is the water we see- not the ocean. It’s brown and it’s 220 km wide– widest mouth in the world(?). At this beach we were given 25 minutes for a walk along the boardwalk and pictures. Then we were dropped back off at the Radisson to end the tour at noon.

We decided to go back out for lunch. We tried a bar our guide recommended for a Uruguayan dish, but it wasn’t open until supper. So we found another place, La Pasiva – giving up on the sandwich. When we were given the menu, it had the sandwich!! We ordered one, but our waitress ordered us a Plato, not the sandwich. It was huge!!! I had water and Jeff a beer. The bill was 1439 UYU, or $35.90. Then we tried the main square for changing of the guard, but it didn’t happen. So I went back to our hotel to rest. Jeff went to find a SIM card, and get tickets for a 1600 tour at the Teatro Solis. The tour cost 400 UYU each or basically $10. The tour had an English speaking guide and our group was only six: us, a German couple, and a Chinese(?) couple from Australia. The theater is 170 yrs old, the name Solis refers to the first Spanish explorer of Uruguay, Juan Diaz de Solis. It was a beautiful theater. Of note there are three chandeliers that are Baccarat crystal from England. The tour finished and we went back to our hotel suite. Jeff went out and bought us some Uruguayan Empanadas. They weren’t the best. But what a great day exploring Montevideo!!!!!