Montevideo

The next morning we left early to catch the 7.30 ferry to Montevideo. Newhaven port pales in comparison with this ferry terminal, which was more like an airport terminal and had a fantastic view of the city. Rich was a bit upset that during the 3-hour crossing we weren´t allowed outside, but I think it was because it was a fast catamaran. We sat in our airport-style seats and faced forward, watching clips of the FA cup and staring at the canteen.

We arrived and after looking enviously at the enormous P&O cruise ship in the dock, went to find somewhere to stay, which was pretty straightforward, and then after dropping off the laundry, set off to explore. This was just a two-day visit so we hadn´t got long, not even long enough to get used to the new money, which has been taking several days.



We managed to wear down the shoe leather (and my poor old feet) seeing the sites. We went to the main square and saw the Palcio Salvo, which was built in the 1920s and used to be the tallest building in South America, but which is still worth a look even now. It seemed to have a slightly north-african feel to it, possibly due to the influence of immigration from the Canary Islands. We went to a beautiful park, with huge palm trees, and a strange, french-looking chateau (and some swan-boats!) before going to the beach. Rich went for a swim while I went for a paddle, but it was just too hot to do much, so we walked back along the promenade and then for something to eat and some dinner and beers. We spend the evening lying in hammocks on the roof of the hostel, feeling very traveller-y.





















The next day we went through the Mercado del Puerto )the port market, which is full of Parilladas (these amazing barbecue restaurants where they cook over little bonfires). Shamefully didn´t get any pictures of it, as it was quite a site, but something to do next time we come!