Montevideo, Uruguay

After our 3 nights in Cabo, it was time to leave to go explore the capital, Montevideo!  Since it was Semana Santa (Easter Week), we struggled to find a hostel in the city.  But with Wendy, Dusty and Arlo on the prowl, we finally found one!  After settling in, Stephen and I decided to go see the sunset and walk around some of the city.

Montevideo is technically on a river (though you cant see the other side, even from the airplane) and is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen.  Clearly there are areas that aren't so nice, but overall the city has a wonderful mix of old and new and is VERY green.  I imagine there is a rich history, though sadly I know very little about it.

Their Arch

The whole city is bordered by La Rambla, which is a boardwalk of sorts that runs along the river and around the city.  It was a wonderful way to see everything!  Parks, beaches, amusement parks, cafes....

As we were walking around Montevideo, we saw carts being pulled by horses past new age buildings and McDonalds.  It is a world that is both modernized and old fashioned, and though lacking a Starbucks, does not lack any charm.  For lunch on Easter, Stephen and I happened upon the cutest cafe.  El Viejo y el Mar (the old man and the sea).  Their garden had little booths looking out onto a park and the river.  And the food - WOW!  We had the best caesar salad and seafood torte. 

El Viejo y El Mar

We spent the rest of the day walking back to our hotel past more beautiful architecture.  We had a flag challenge at the building below....neither of us guessed correctly.  But when we realized it was the Russian Consulate, we needed to show Oksana :)

Russian Consulate for Oksana

We didn't do too much else in Montevideo.  Just hung out with our friends, ate some good food and played more card games.  Overall the trip was amazing, though exhausting.  Never in my life did I think I would go to Uruguay, but I tell you what, I am definitely glad I did...it really is an often-time forgotten gem of South America.