A South American oasis

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If you cast yours eyes across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires the coastline of Uruguay beckons. The ferry trip across the river provides a marvelous opportunity to experience life in this beautiful country of three million people; which in world terms is famous for the obvious ... Uruguay is a two time winner of the World Cup! The country triumphed at the inaugural 1930 World Cup final played in Montevideo, and managed to double the dose with a second euphoric victory in the 1950 world championship of football staged in Brazil. Oh yes, and as an Australian it's hard to forget the final qualifier for the 2002 World Cup finals when Uruguay knocked the Socceroos out of contention, again in Montevideo.

Let's briefly recap, constant reader, to bring you up to speed on my South American adventures. The journal left off in Florianopolis, from where I boarded an international coach south to the border of Argentina, and then onwards to Buenos Aires. I checked into the same hostel as previously and enjoyed a couple of nights out sampling the world famous nightlife in this vibrant and exciting city. From B.A. there are two ferry options to cross the Rio de la Plata to the Uruguayan city of Colonia del Sacramento. I chose the high speed ferry for the one hour crossing to Colonia, but you can also choose a leisurely three hour trip. After taking the mas rapido option, I cleared Uruguayan customs and strolled through town to a recommended hostel. I met two Australian girls at the hostel and we set out to explore this beautiful colonial town which features magnificent trees lining the cobblestone streets.

Uruguay is the second smallest independent country in South America, and also the second least corrupt after Chile. These are impressive statistics, but my initial tourist impressions were equally favourable. There aren't many towns in this part of the world that can match the beauty of Colonia. We strolled along the cobblestone streets, had a sticky beak inside small bars and excellent restaurants, mosied on through arts and crafts shops, had a wander in the museums and admired the beautiful yachts on the harbour. We also enjoyed watching musicians in traditional costumes playing the drums out on the street. Colonia is one of the most picturesque towns in South America, and was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1995.

After an enjoyable stay I farewelled my Australian travel friends, and caught the bus for a short commute to the capital of Montevideo. This is a beautiful city of one and a half million people on a strategic port, which has been fought over for centuries by Uruguay's powerful neighbours. Half the population of Uruguay lives in the capital, in a country that is still largely dependent on agriculture. The government also has to deal with mass emigration that has occurred over the last two decades, it's estimated that 500,000 people have emigrated during that period, primarily to Argentina and Spain. Montevideo is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and features 18th century buildings in the Ciudad Vieja (old town).

I checked into a quality hostel in the heart of the city, and got to know the guests in the common room over a few beers. We all quickly realised it was saturday night, and something needed to be done about that situation! So then, before too long a group of ten guests were out and about in central Montevideo. The streets were alive and the locals thronged to the street stalls and markets, where we relaxed over a beer and a meal, and later kicked on to a few bars. The locals in Montevideo enjoy a high standard of living and are relaxed and hospitable with travellers; and the hostel crew had a good night out. From Montevideo it's another short bus trip to the famous coastal resort town of Punta del Este featuring the beautiful beach of Playa Brava. This is a very popular tourist destination, particularly with Argentinians.

However my trip to South America is quickly drawing to a close, so I took the bus again to Colonia and then the ferry back across the river to Buenos Aires in order to connect with my return flight home. I enjoyed a brief but enjoyable sojourn in Uruguay, and gained the impression that this small country surrounded by big and powerful neighbours is like an oasis in South America. Uruguay is rich in culture and tradition, but without the hustle and bustle of her larger neighbours. How can one being to describe to joy of visiting South America? Everything seems to fit seamlessly into the mix while travelling in South American countries. The spirit and bravado of Latino culture is something that has to be experienced first hand, in order to glimpse the potential of this wonderful part of the world. The Latinos exude passion, spirit, and culture. In fact with great pride the people of Uruguay proclaim, basically all of you should be here now!

Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Oscar Wilde

It's home time so until next time, I'm signing off for now

Tom

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Photos

Musicians, Colonia del Sacramento
Entertaining travellers on the street wearing traditional costumes.

Tree lined cobblestone street, Colonia
The town is pretty as a picture.

Heart of the city, Montevideo
Beautiful buildings are a feature of the capital city.

Down by the water, Colonia
A perfect day was an added bonus while strolling in the picturesque colonial town.