Montevideo, Uruguay

A visit to the Independence Square to see the Statute of Artigas is certain to be in the itinerary of all visitors to Montevideo. 

In Uruguay, the most revered and cherished person would be Jose Gervasio Artigas, recognized by her people as the Father of Uruguayan Nationhood. He fought against the Spanish in early 19th century and gained control of the bulk of the territory of present day Uruguay except Montevideo. He died in Paraguay in 1850. His remains were transferred back to Montevideo on 19 June 1977 and interred in the Artigas Mausoleum at the Independence Square which is just below the statute.

Montevideo prides itself as having numerous buildings of unique architecture. The buildings are a mixture of colonial and post-colonial modern design. The older buildings are clearly of European influence.

At the Independence Square.

Apartments.

The Legislative Palace, the equivalence of 

Parliament House.

I was surprised to learn that Uruguay has won the FIFA World Cup four times. The first was won in their own 65,000 capacity stadium named "The Centennial Stadium". This was built in 1929 at a record period of nine months. They beat the Argentinians 4-2. The 4th which is their last is in 1950 beating Brazil 2-1. It's amazing that this 90-year old stadium is still being used as of today!

Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America, the smallest is Suriname. Uruguay has a population of about 3.45 million with 1.8 million residing in Montevideo, its capital. This is a small country even compared with Singapore. Singapore on the other hand has a land area of 1/240 of Uruguay but a much bigger population of 5.6 million! 

Plaza de la Armada is a popular site to have a good view of the city of Montevideo and the seafront.

Montevideo has miles and miles of beaches.

Our last stop before rushing back to the ship is Mercado del Puerto (the Port Market). At the very crowded food court, we managed to find just sufficient space for five at a corner counter of a barbecued restaurant, Choperia Mastra. Since we were not able to understand the Spanish food manual, we consulted a local guest who recommended strongly to us to try the sweetbread - the grilled thymus or throat of a calf, which we did. I wouldn't say that it was really that fantastic as claimed!

Sweetbread and grilled calamari