Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Colonia del Sacramento

This Saturday we finally escaped the smog rich, hustle ‘n bustle, colectivo (bus) rumbling, never stop action of Buenos Aires and jumped ship, literally, to Colonia, Uruguay.  OK, so the main motivation for this excursion was to renew our passports, but it was a good excuse to vacate the city for the first time since we arrived.
It's hard to take a bad picture there
The entrance to Barrio Historico


Colonia is an aptly named colonial city and a Unesco World Heritage site where you stroll along cobblestone streets on your way to being whisked away to... Delaware.  “Oh look, I’m in Delaware,” (any Wayne’s World fans out there?).  But really, there are a number of old 40’s style cars (not colonial) strewn about the town, old ramparts and cannons (colonial) fortifying the flanks, mangy dogs (unknown colonial status) following you everywhere you turn, to go along with colorful buildings, a plethora of quaint eateries and one relaxed atmosphere.  This atmosphere and ambience of Colonia is what struck us most actually.  And dare I say, moved us.  We have been used to the constant hum of a big city in which there is always noise.  It was almost disconcerting to be in a place that was so quiet.  With the ringing in our ears vanquished, we quickly relaxed into a very tranquilo state, slowing our walking pace, breathing deep, fresh river air and enjoying a leisurely waltz we have not enjoyed for quite some time.  And this made taking in the formerly mentioned colonial features all the more pleasurable.



hand stand pushups
ordering cafe and scones
one of the most famous alleys in Colonia
We started the day with some café con leches and scones (served with fresh strawberry jam, dulce de leche and freshly whipped cream) and plotted out our day.  We did a lot of strolling in between visits to the local Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, local cultural center and an the old Convento de San Francisco and lighthouse, which provided beautiful and expansive views of the small city.  We spent some time sitting on the old wharf enjoying the views of Rio de la Plata and soaking in the warm winter sun.  We made sure to get in a few handstand push-ups, too, along the cobbled streets (always a time and place for Crossfit!).
At the top of the lighthouse - gorgeous view!




chivito - we won't be ordering it again
After walking about for several hours, we decided it was time for some grub.  We found a wonderful little place with a view of the river, had some beer, pizza topped with river clams and our first chivito.  This is apparently a classic Uruguian snack that layers a ton of cholesterol friendly choices.  Ours included a beef patty, ham, bacon, tomato, an omelet, hearts of palm and topped with a thick covering of cheese.  If you’re looking for a way to accelerate your chances for a heart attack, I encourage you to explore a diet of chivito.

And that was that.  We had a fantastic time and are very much looking forward to our next endeavor!  We’ll keep you posted…

This is how we capped off the day. Bewskies, beautiful view,
and a warm breeze from the river.

4 comments:

  1. "Ours included a beef patty, ham, bacon, tomato, an omelet, hearts of palm and topped with a thick covering of cheese. If you’re looking for a way to accelerate your chances for a heart attack, I encourage you to explore a diet of chivito."

    Are there direct flights from Seattle?

    The town also looks amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just come to Buenos Aires and we'll escort you to that which your heart, in more ways than one, desires...

    And it was a really neat city. Very small and sleepy. People didn't even start coming out until about 12. It was a perfect place to spend a Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like a very quiet and well deserved relaxing time. And you can still do handstand push ups. Good work.

    dad

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice pics, and more importantly, a new stamp and 3 more months of valid tourist visa

    ReplyDelete