Day 12 – Colonia / Montevideo
After an early breakfast we left our lovely apartment and easily grabbed a taxi to the ferry port. That was a challenge however, as we were taking the less common ferry service SeaCat, not the Buquebus. In the end, they actually left out of the same terminal building but we only found that out after our poor taxi driver had to ask a half dozen people for guidance. We did get some form of entertainment at customs as a large family unit had several temper displays when a young boy in their group was denied entry to Uruguay. All seemed to resolve in the end, but I think the whole family just stayed behind. Not sure if the boy didn’t have custody papers to travel (most likely), or whether his name was perhaps on a no-travel list (there was a list that all the customs agents were looking at and laughing). Not funny at all, but watching the actions and reactions of all the players (family, customs agents, police) involved and not knowing the language made for a great way to pass the time while waiting in line.
Once in Colonia, we picked up our luggage and put it into storage, bought our tickets for the bus to Montevideo, hit a bank machine for local funds, and got a SIM card for our phone for Uruguay. A word about the bus system… It is very comprehensive and the buses are comfortable with preassigned seating, but one big limitation is that in order to pre-purchase tickets you must have a local credit card; otherwise you must be at the terminal you are departing from to purchase your ticket – very limiting! So at every arrival, we have to purchase our next leg of the trip ticket.
Colonia del Sacramento is one of the oldest cities in Uruguay, first founded in 1680, and has bounced between Portuguese and Spanish control until Uruguay took over in 1828. It was constantly being taken over due to its strategic location at the Rio de la Plata delta. The old town is full of ruins with several digs currently underway. The Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento – the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament, was built by the Portuguese in early 1800’s. The lighthouse and Convent of San Francisco ruins are from the 17th century. And if there are old cars to be found, Mike will find them 🙂
And after a 3hr bus ride to Montevideo, we quickly grabbed a taxi to our BnB in the Ciadade Vieja…so quickly that we forgot to buy our next bus ticket…DOH – needed to return next day! Once settled we headed out for more asada – but this time we shared a steak and split an order of vegetables and papas frites!
So after a long day of travel, ready for some zzz’s and to head out to check out Montevideo tomorrow!
