Montevideo: Primer Sábado

It was my first Saturday here and it was summery sunny. Got up past lunchtime and off we went to the following stops:

PLAYA DE LOS POCITOS

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Playa is a Spanish word for “beach”. Montevideo, if you’ve seen a picture of it somewhere, is best characterized by Playa de los Pocitos. The nearest rambla (or avenue) is just a stone’s throw away from our hotel so it’s a delight to start the weekend with a seaside stroll. We managed to pass by Rambla Republica del Peru and Rambla Mahatma Gandhi (don’t ask me why and how) which were bursting with joggers and sunbathers. Sand is Boracay-white and that’s all I need to say.

MERCADO DEL PUERTO



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This is far from the ramblas we passed by so we had to take a cab. The mercado (or market) is not really a market per se but a place with different parilla (grille) restaurants. I am not sure with the historical significance of the place but it felt like it played a major part to the early immigrants. Very busy during lunch time and trusted parilla may take you time to get a seat. Food is heavenly, from the blood sausage down to the pork intestine. For portres (desserts), we munched in some strawberries with cream (and sugar!) and flan with dulce de leche.

CIUDAD VIEJA



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Mercado del Puerto is already a part of this area called the Old City. From there, we took a walk along the streets with cobblestone and some old houses, similar to Intramuros in Manila or Crisologo St. in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. There are some structures that look newly restored but the area pretty much represents the city’s old charm.

PLAZA INDEPENDENCIA



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Last stop is Plaza Independencia which is perhaps an iconic spot for the locals. In the middle lies the statue of Uruguay’s greatest hero, José Gervasio Artigas. From there, you can see the neo-classical architecture of Teatro Solis which is probably their CCP. The busy city center can also be reached from there. Watch out for street chess players and ballroom dancers.