Day 16 -- Montevideo, Uraguay

The Rio de la Plata is the river that starts at Buenos Aires and empties into the Atlantic near Montevideo.  Anywhere else it would be called a bay, but here they insist it is a river nearly 200 km wide at its mouth.  The city is 1.3 million population, Spanish and Italian in origin.  There are no indigenous people in this small country.

I lined up for the 3 hour Highlights tour which gave us a good idea of the colonial architecture that

adds charm to the city.  We stopped in the Independnece Square and also Constitution Square, and travelled right along the river to see the lavish homes that the locals have.  Apparently many have a home in the country where they work (farm) or holidays, and another in the city for alternative use.  Today being Good Friday, the city was quite deserted.  The rich homes were all barred and empty.  The only big event we could see was a rodeo starting at 2pm..Guide told us that 60% are Catholic, but not very religious.  Good Friday services were timed for 5 or 6pm

I am about 50/50 today.  Just had cornflakes and toast for brekafast, and some fruit for lunch.  Feeling a bit weak so will have to try a little more solids for tea.  The cough is not too bad.  As yet I haven't got stuck into the heavy armament.  Will get the medical centre to check me  before dinner.  

Tonight we have to pack and leave our suitcase outside our door by 11pm.  I have chosen blue tags, which means I can expect to be called ashore around 8.30 am.  

Am not sure how accurate I will be in naming the photos, but at least you will get a feeling for what the city looks like.  The photos are online now and see them Here.