Uruguay – Places I've Been, Beauty I've Seen

Uruguay has earned the nickname ‘the Switzerland of South America’ for its democratic tradition and advanced education. In the ‘60s and ‘70s the people of Uruguay endured internal conflicts and military dictatorships; finally, in 1985 democracy was restored. In 2009, Jose Mujica, a former guerrilla leader, was elected president; he continued to live a modest lifestyle, driving his old Volkswagen Beetle and donating 90% of his salary to charity.

My love for Uruguay began as teenager with my favorite song Puerto Montt by Los Iracundos, the popular Uruguayan group in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

In the ferry crossing Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia

In the ferry crossing Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia
Los Suspiros street leads to Mar de la Plata, a centuries old view, Colonia

Los Suspiros street leads to Mar de la Plata, a centuries old view, Colonia
Morning walk along cobbled streets in the historic district of Colonia

Morning walk along cobbled streets in the historic district of Colonia
Bougainvillea tree, so attached to the house that you can see its marks on the wall

Bougainvillea tree, so attached to the house that you can see its marks on the wall
Old classic left parked in that spot 5 years prior, topic of conversation while we sipped mate across the street

Old classic left parked in that spot 5 years prior, topic of conversation while we sipped mate across the street
Children at morning recess. Uruguay has the highest education standards in South America

Children at morning recess. Uruguay has the highest education standards in South America
Boutique hotels start to appear as tourism increase in Colonia

Boutique hotels start to appear as tourism increase in Colonia
Arriving at Honda Beach just a couple miles south of Colonia del Sacramento

Arriving at Honda Beach just a couple miles south of Colonia del Sacramento
Isla San Gabriel on the waters of Rio de la Plata also known as Mar del Plata

Isla San Gabriel on the waters of Rio de la Plata also known as Mar del Plata
Uruguay is a small country but holds miles of pristine sandy beaches

Uruguay is a small country but holds miles of pristine sandy beaches
On the way to El Semillero Township north of Colonia del Sacramento

On the way to El Semillero Township north of Colonia del Sacramento
Jacaranda tree in bloom at Nueva Quinta, Estanzuela

Jacaranda tree in bloom at Nueva Quinta, Estanzuela
Spanish moss tree, original from the Andes region

Spanish moss tree, original from the Andes region
Ostrich farm near Estanzuela

Ostrich farm near Estanzuela
Uruguay has been a quality beef producer for many years. ‘Parrillada’ at Nueva Quinta

Uruguay has been a quality beef producer for many years. ‘Parrillada’ at Nueva Quinta
Lighthouse built over the ruins of San Franciso Convent destroyed by fire in 1704

Lighthouse built over the ruins of San Franciso Convent destroyed by fire in 1704
After many occupations a wall with drawbridge and moat was built to keep attackers out

After many occupations a wall with drawbridge and moat was built to keep attackers out
One of the cannons positioned to defend the town from Spaniards and pirates

One of the cannons positioned to defend the town from Spaniards and pirates
Cannons are part of the décor of the historical town of Colonia

Cannons are part of the décor of the historical town of Colonia
One of many too-old-to-be-driven cars left by owners in Colonia del Sacramento

One of many too-old-to-be-driven cars left by owners in Colonia del Sacramento
Skeleton of small whale stranded on the shores of Colonia del Sacramento

Skeleton of small whale stranded on the shores of Colonia del Sacramento
Church damaged by dynamite hidden by soldiers to prevent enemy occupation, Colonia

Church damaged by dynamite hidden by soldiers to prevent enemy occupation, Colonia
Bullfight ring built in 1910, hosted eight events, closed in 1912 when this sport was outlawed in Uruguay

Bullfight ring built in 1910, hosted eight events, closed in 1912 when this sport was outlawed in Uruguay