Today myself and Carmen went on a well earnt day off to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. Thankfully we had some great tour guides in Andrea and Soledad to help us on our way!
We first explored the old town of Montevideo. This was built around a river in order to see incoming enemies. I learnt that England invaded Uruguay twice, once in the 1809 and again in 1810...both times we were unsuccessful.
English people also published the first ever newspaper here in Montevideo. It was called the Southern Star.
After exploring the old town we passed through the gate (quite literally) into the new town. Here we saw the very large Salvo building. It was built in anticipation of the future as the people of Montevideo did not expect houses to be a place where people ate. They predicted they would only be used for people to sleep, wash and dress...which we now know to be a very big underestimation!! As a result the building had to undergo refurbishment in order for it to adapt to 'modern' use. Many myths surround the building itself but I didnt stay long enough to find out what they were...I have goosebumps just thinking about it!
In the new town we also visited the museum of art and dance as well as passing by where the current president works and in theory should live. However Montevideo's current president actually lives in a rural area of Uruguay and he travels to work by car every day. He also donates a large percentage of his wage to the people. The building is rather 'open' and easily accessible by the public compared to being closed off and protected. I think that this is a reflection of the presidents attitude and message toward the people of Uruguay, that is, equlaity amongst the people.
Tonight we are staying in a hotel in Montevideo before rising early to catch the 7AM bus to Capo del Polonia...the adventure continues!!
Speak to you in the morning folks. Night!
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