Uruguay on a whim

Last week, we casually discussed taking a trip "at some point" to Uruguay with our good friends Simon & Gareth, since they won't be in BA much longer.  This past weekend was an option, but on Thursday night when we had not yet decided to go by dinner's end, the planner in me really didn't think we were going.  Neither did the planner in Cait.

Well, Friday morning rolled around and we went to class as always.  During "recreo" (our break) the 4 of us huddled together and decided, "Por que no?"  So then and there, we bought tickets for a 4:00 ferry to Uruguay.  Class ends at 1:30, so that gave us exactly one hour to get home, get packed, and get going, ignoring such minor details as what we would do when we got off the boat and where we were staying for the next 2 nights. 


We were off!  Our first trip while in BA, and a very spontaneous one at that.  We were quite proud of ourselves.  First stop Montevideo, then on Sunday, on to Colonia (which Caitlin will discuss). 

Before we even arrived in Montevideo, we had a great impression of the people.  On the 3 hour ferry ride, we met Elsa & Soledad, these 2 wonderful older ladies sitting nearby.  Turns out they are from Uruguay & Columbia, but live in Jackson Heights near where Cait used to live when she was in Elmhurst.  When they found out they were former "neighbors," they took us on like we were blood!  When the boat docked, they had us follow them to a city bus stop (a 15 minute hike away) and then paid for our bus rides.  Their generosity instantly gave us a good feeling about Uruguay and we were excited to continue.  

L-R: Elsa, Soledad, Caitlin (duh)

One problem down, another to go.  Where to stay???  Despite our successful bargaining with the first hotel we saw, we ended up at a hostel down the street that was a bit cheaper.  They only had dorm rooms left (Court & Jen, you know that's not my style!) but we decided to stay the first night there because the price was right.  I think I can sum it up by saying that the next morning, we unanimously decided to jump ship and look for a new home.  The new place turned out to be the initial hotel we bargained with, and we were never happier to have our own shower.


As in Argentina, when Uruguay is playing their World Cup match, nobody is without a television (see below).  Thank goodness they won because I am still not ready to see what happens when either team loses.

We toured around the city as anyone would, visiting sites like the historic Teatro Solis and a few cool museums.

 
We then hit the jackpot when we found the only place in the city where there were people!  A giant pavillion with heaps of steak, excitement from the win, and a lot of beer drinking.  Our kind of place.


As with this meal, all of our meals in Montevideo were delish.  These pics say it better than I can.  

Off to Colonia ...!