My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
August 14th We have a 5:30 am flight and our first tour is at 8:15am https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294323-d571816-Reviews-Four_Points_By_... This hotel is very basic nothing special to write home about and the coffee I hear sucks but the location is perfect for our daily adventures. Got your walking shoes on… https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294323-d11452292-Day_Trip_t... Escape bustling Montevideo for the colonial charm and tranquility of Colonia del Sacramento, situated on the banks of the Río de la Plata. On this day trip a knowledgeable guide accompanies you along the cobblestone streets of the Barrio Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll meander on foot past historical landmarks like the lighthouse and former bullfighting arena — Real de San Carlos — as well as Colonia’s downtown, port and Fernando's Beach. Discover the colonial beauty of the coastal city of Colonia del Sacramento, located across from Buenos Aires along the Río de La Plata. Following hotel pickup, meet your guide aboard the coach and relax during the approximate 2.5-hour drive west from Montevideo. Upon arrival, follow your guide on foot through Colonia’s narrow, cobblestone streets and admire the city's well-preserved colonial architecture — a mix of Portuguese and Spanish influences. Learn about this UNESCO World Heritage–listed historic district — Barrio Histórico — founded by the Portuguese in the late 17th century. Later disputed over by the Spanish, it was incorporated into Brazil in the early 1800s before becoming part of Uruguay. Visit the former bullfighting arena, Real de San Carlos, which once held up to 10,000 spectators, and view the 19th-century Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse, built atop the ruins of the San Francisco Covenant. Your guide accompanies you to downtown Colonia and the Uruguay port. Enjoy free time for lunch (own expense) in this shopping and dining district before finishing tour Colonia tour at Fernando's Beach, which boasts splendid water views. Complete your day trip with the return drive to Montevideo and drop-off at your hotel. Enjoy some quiet time around the pool or curl up with a book. Dinner is at the hotel whenever you’re hungry. Day 14 already? Where has the time gone? This whirlwind wandering is a constant wonderment! Whew, we were up and jetting through the sky at an extremely early hour this morning. No one is capable of ignoring 'Taps' blaring up and down the hotel corridors. It is loud, and effective Lyn's a Witchy Woman ! No, I didn't quite feel like saluting, but I hustled. My suitcase barely bounced on my bed before I was whisked away on another walking tour. Actually, my legs appreciated the ramble through the narrow cobblestone streets of Colonia del Sacramento on the banks of the Rio de la Plata. Once again, I noticed the influence of the Portuguese and the Spanish in the architecture. This area has an old world charm, and I understand it's a UNESCO World heritage site. We viewed the Real de San Carlos, a former bullfighting arena. I could almost hear the jubilant cries of "ole". The Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse is difficult to ignore. We finished our guided tour at Fernando's Beach where I scrunched my toes in the warm sand. Supper back at the hotel was superb. I didn't linger too long. I was eager to explore Montevideo, this capital city of Uruguay... The waterside roadway, The Rambla is beautiful at night with thousands of sparkling lights reflecting on the water. The sunset was breathtaking. I sauntered slowly soaking up the carefree ambiance. I couldn't resist sampling a decadent dessert at a sidewalk café. Dulce de leche is a creamy caramel, and delicious. |