Colonia to Montevideo

I have been offline for a few days. I found my beach and as I type I can hear the waves outside...but that will be another blog. Catch up. I will upload some photos from Colonia (two are out of order) and then Montevideo. Uruguay is an amazing country, a real jewel. The capital city is laid back in most areas. My first night here was a bit dodgy. The hotel was near the dock area, yet very close to the main square and city centre. I arrived Saturday afternoon and discovered that laundry facilities and almost all stores were closing for the weekend. The hotel receptionist gave me a map and told me not to wander around after dark. Hmmmmm I found a bank machine, bought a telephone card and had supper at nearby cafe. Then the skies broke open and we had thunder and lightening and torrential rains. Good thing I wasn't planning to roam the city streets that night.
My room was something out of a CasaBlanca movie, with antique furniture and 20 feet tall ceilings. The balcony overlooked cafes and the Theatre Solis landmark. Everything was leading to a good night's rest except the street noise. The bars and cafes were rocking for most of the night and morning. Oh, well....
The next two days I stayed with Rafael, with Servas, and toured some of the city with Anita and her friends. There was a traveler from Portugal who joined us. We met at the national art gallery that was indulging in a 'modern' expression of minimalizm. All the paintings were removed and the sign said to feel the emptiness and imagine it as a set to a movie. We were invited to imagine what paintings we would hang where. You can't tell me that Uruguans don't have a sense of humour.
Most people seem happy here. Uruguay prides itself for its liberal laws. The battle of the sexes is over in this country, when it comes to divorce women can get one without any reason, whereas men must have a reason to end the marriage. Wow, what a concept. After living most of my life in European/Christian culture that promises equality for all but has systemic systems that challenge women's well being, this legal point is an interesting concept. And, if you can judge a society by the hugs and kisses on the street, Uruguay has more public displays of affection between men and women than I have seen elsewhere. Men seem emotionally free, they often greet each other with a gusty hug and kiss on the cheek. Whereas women refine themselves to that curt air kiss beside the cheek, probably to avoid make-up smudges.
I stayed two more nights in Montevideo and will return for the weekend. The city has carnival displays, museums, beachs, cafes, shopping malls and parks to explore. When walking along the streets you will find statues of many famous people, not only from Uruguay. There are statues for Dante, Confusius, Pope Paul, cowboys, scientists, etc. The street market on Sunday has everything from puppies to plants to crafts.

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Part of trip: First Time in South America

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