Uruguay for Lunch

On the other side of the river from Buenos Aires (Rio de la Plata), is Uruguay. There's a quaint little town here called Colonia, so Emily and I took the ferry over to have lunch and explore the town. Plus it would add another stamp to our passports. After clearing through customs and immigration, we boarded the ferry. WOW, this was a huge boat. I felt like I was on a cruise ship. (Clearly I haven't been on a real cruise ship!) We were joined by a large group of Harley Davidson riders as there was an event going on in another Uruguayan town, Punte del Este. Harley riders look the same around the world: jeans, white t-shirt, black leather jackets, chains and tattoos.

Officially known as Colonia del Sacramento, the tranquil town dates back to 1680 when it was originally a Portuguese settlement. It acted as a contraband port to Buenos Aires for goods that were restricted by the Spanish government. I found it interesting that Buenos Aires and Colonia are literally right across from each other, but one grew to become the 3nd largest city in Latin America and the other one is a tiny tourist village. They seem centuries apart.

The historic district is located on a small peninsula jutting out into the river. There are quaint tiny homes and narrow cobblestones streets. We found an outside cafe for lunch, dining on fresh fish, which not commonly found in Buenos Aires, and some good wine. After chatting with a bookstore owner, she sent us to a local artist. He was working in his studio when we arrived, but invited us into his house to see some of the beautiful Chinese kites he makes, and amazing photography. Emily and I then strolled the town until it was time to catch the ferry back home.




The cobbled stones streets were treacherously rocky. Crossing the street was more like rock climbing!