Montevideo

Montevideo is just across the Rio del Plata. Nick and I took the ferry to Colonia (1 hour) and then continued onto Montevideo by bus (3 hours). Nick and I were unsure of what to expect from Montevideo. It’s a typical bustling capital city, but looks tranquil compared to Buenos Aires. Many shops were closed on Saturday and there were far less people in the streets, even the main drags. But it seemed to me the best and most unique part of Montevideo is the beaches! The weather was too windy and cold for us to really experience the beaches first hand. But walking along the promenade (trying not to get blown away) the beaches appeared remarkably pristine and litter free for being located in a city! Next time Nick and I find ourselves in Montevideo (probably mid to late January) I hope to rent bikes and ride along the coast checking out the different beaches further away from the city center.

One thing Nick and I did notice is that people seem just a little nicer compared to the people of Buenos Aires. There are more Christmas decorations in the squares, restaurants and store windows. We saw people wearing Santa hats (and they were not handing out flyers or asking for money, they were just wearing them because they wanted to). I like their festive spirit.