World Uruguay Colonia Colonia

Neil and Sambo's South America Travels

Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento - 7 Feb 7 Feb 2007

Our first proper trip out of town and all alone. We were determined to do it properly, but it seems we might need some practice. We arrived early for the Buquebus boat to Colonia, had a lovely coffee (best so far) at the port and few medialunas (of course). As requested we checked in an hour in advance and easily passed through immigration. We wandered through to departures, being pointed in the right direction by a very Buquebus nice lady. Our tickets said puerto 1, so thats where we headed and joined the queue. Behind us was an old American dude, determined to show us how he had got his ticket for about half the price we paid and very loudly going on about how he was going to Uruguay to find a wife. Only as we were about to board did the Buquebus man wave his arms wildly and point in another direction. We were boarding the wrong boat to the wrong place and ours was going very shortly. We ran. Fast. And made it!! A short boat ride and Uruguay was in front of us. We were only seeing a small part of it but according to everyone, that is as much as you need to see. Colonia was lovely though. Founded by Portuguese settlers from Brazil in 1680 (it became an important centre for smuggling British goods across the Rio de la Plata into the Spanish colonies during the 17th century), it is a small fortressed town with a large plaza dominated by palm trees, parakeets and cobbles, and has been declared a Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad by UNESCO. Very very laid back. We spent a good amount of time walking, practicing our siestas, eating and drinking. Oh and of course some more icecream, very very good icecream. At 5.30 we headed back to the port for our return boat. Again, much shouting and waving of hands from the Buquebus people. This time we hadn't realized that there is a one hour time difference with Argentina and that the boat just pulling away was ours. Obviously Sam and I remained very very calm in such adversity. Fortunately a very nice lady, seeing two damsels in distress came to our assistance and got us on the next boat home. Phew! Time enough for more beer on the main plaza. Met some nice americans on the boat back. Both work for the US National Parks fighting fires. Somehow Accountant and PR didn't seem quite as worthy. They had just finished their Argentina trip. Fortunately they were able to confirm that everywhere and anywhere the only things they ate were medialunas, icecream, ham and cheese sandwiches and grilled meat. Can't wait!

Advertisement