Greetings! We recently returned from a trip to South America, where we visited the country of Uruguay (oo-roo-wy; country #95), which shares a border with Argentina (west-northwest) and Brazil (north-northeast), and with the Atlantic Ocean forming a border on the southeast. We primarily explored Montevideo, with a side trip to the historical city of Colonia del Sacramento, both of which lie on the Río de la Plata (Plata River).
MONTEVIDEO
“Uruguay” is derived from the indigenous Guaraní language, and means “bird river.” Montevideo (mohn-tay-vee-DAY-yo) is the capital of Uruguay, and is home to 2 million of the 3.4 million people who live in Uruguay. The population grows about one percent within a 12-year period, and would grow faster if more companies made investments in the country, which could create more jobs and entice more people to move to the country. The average salary in Uruguay is about $500USD per month. Per the Constitution, children go to school for free, and can then go on to university within Uruguay for free (in fact, international students can also attend the local universities for free, though the details about how they can do that were not clear). As a result, there is a 99+% literacy rate in the country (i.e., less than one percent of the country is illiterate). Uruguay also offers free healthcare.
(he is buried in a mausoleum under this monument)
Montevideo history begins with the Spanish coming for the first time in 1516, and establishing the city as a military stronghold in the 18th century. Juan Díaz de Solís was a Spanish sailor who was among the first Spaniards to come to the area, and he was the one who called the river Río de la Plata. In 1680, the Portuguese arrived and began to build houses on the bay in Montevideo. The Portuguese and Spanish began to have problems with each other because of the coast, which was made up of several natural bays, and provided access to and protection for ships. This resulted in the area being a strong commercial draw, and each side wanted ownership. This resulted in more friction, and was an example of ongoing strife between the Spanish and the Portuguese.
(The tall building [Palacio Salvo] was the tallest building in Latin America at one time)
The flags in front of the building are the Uruguayan flag and the flag of Artigas (red, white, and blue)
Uruguay won its independence in the 1800s after being fought over by Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Brazil. Uruguayans identify José Gervasio Artigas as their national hero, who launched a successful revolt against the Spanish in 1811 to gain the first round of independence. Subsequently, there was more friction between different factions, which ultimately resulted in a group called the Thirty-Three Orientals (hence the reason why Uruguay is called the Oriental Republic) declaring independence for Uruguay on August 25, 1825, with their first constitution being adopted in 1830. Today, Uruguay has 30 Senators and 99 Representatives, all of whom work with their President in the Parliament Building.
Monument of a wagon and straining oxen – an ode to Uruguayan farmers, in general, and ox-cart drivers, in particular.
Uruguayans are considered to be the largest consumers of meat when compared to other countries, with 70-90kg (154 to 198lbs) of meat per household eaten each year. In addition, Uruguay is the largest exporter of leather and meat.
Traditional Uruguayan sandwich, which consists of beef steak, bata bread, ham, cheese, bacon, pickles, lettuce, and tomato (it may sound unusual, but it was delicious!)
Colonia del Sacramento
Two-and-a-half hours away from Montevideo (by bus) is the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as of 1995). Colonia del Sacramento was founded by the Portuguese in the 17th century, and was primarily used strategically as an outpost for trade and defense. While power within the area shifted between the Portuguese and the Spanish, the Spanish gained control in 1777, and maintained control until the 19th century, when Uruguay gained independence.
The Historic City Gate (also called Puerta de la Ciudadela [Pwer-tah Day Lah See-you-dah-DAY-lah]) is the main entrance to the historic quarter. It is a reflection of the strategic importance of Colonia del Sacramento, with its well-preserved solidly structured/designed imposing stone arches.
In 1762, the British invaded Colonia del Sacramento in an attempt to secure control over the trade routes in the region, which were lucrative. They maintained control for a short period of time before returning control to the Spanish, receiving other territories in return.
Colonia del Sacramento is situated along the Río de la Plata, just across the river from Buenos Aires, Argentina (approximately one hour by ferry). The river has historically provided easy access to the South Atlantic trade routes, which were lucrative at that time.
El Faro was built in the 19th century over ruins of the San Francisco Convent, which was built during Portuguese rule. The convent burned down in the 1700s, the remains of which are visible here.
The Basilica of the Holy Sacrament was built in the late 17th century as a chapel by the Portuguese, and was later expanded to become a basilica. As a result, it has elements of Portuguese colonial design and Spanish Baroque design, which makes it unique. The Basilica is still an active place of worship, and has strong significance for the Catholic community in Colonia del Sacramento.
Colonia del Sacramento is a well-preserved colonial city. Areas such as La Calle de los Suspiros (Lah Ky-yay Day Lohs Soo-spee-rohs), which is known for its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, reflect this preservation. In addition, the architecture on this street is reflective of the influence of Portuguese, Spanish, and British rule. It is said that this street is called the Street of Sighs because its narrow passageway created an ambiance that invited whispers and confessions.
(dulce de leche is creamy caramelized milk spread)
These areas of Uruguay were full of history, good food, and kind people. There is so much more to explore, and we look forward to doing so on a future trip. Until next time, take care and be well…