UNESCO World Heritage, Colonia

We´d already seen Colonia, (the bus and ferry terminal) on the way over from Buenos Aires. As the weather was cold, windy and rainy that day we decided on an 8 hour bus ride detour to escape it. This turned out to be a great decision as the cobbled-stoned streets of Colonia looked a lot more welcoming today.

01 Old-style lantern, Colonia, Uruguay

I could have sworn I heard a cat meowing constantly on the way into the town and sure enough one of the locals scooped up a cat cage from the luggage hold of the bus as she left. Poor tabby - would have been a bit chilly on that trip...

Colonia dates from the days when this key port on the Rio Plata was fought over by the Spaniards and Portuguese. The Portuguese have left a legacy in the colonial architecture which shows in the inlaid blue and white tiles in the oldest houses, for us reminiscent of atmospheric cities like Porto in Portugal. It is a little gem this town, touristy yes, but charming also. It feels safe and is atmospheric, dare I say romantic at night!

02 The old lighthouse, Colonia, Uruguay

We went walking around the bay for a few kilometres until the village of Real de San Carlos where we sat in the sun at a neighbourhood bar, dining on tasty chorizo (sausage) in bread and drinking some rough cheap red wine. The barman sang a sentimental milonga (type of tango) and later Ed plucked up courage to borrow his guitar and have a play too. These are the times in our travels that we really enjoy, being in a non-touristy place and treated the same as everyone else - no-one trying to sell us anything overpriced, no need to take special care with your belongings.

Having spent a lovely relaxed time in Uruguay (a holiday from the holiday?) we left this country with a really favourable impression. There aren´t any tourist must-sees, but the peace and quiet, friendly people, Colonia, Montevideo and the hot springs were more than enough for us. (Ed says don´t forget the best steak EVER!)

03 Blue tiles, Colonia, Uruguay

04 Relaxing

05 The old bull ring, Colonia, Uruguay

06 Late Afternoon, Colonia, Uruguay

07 Leaving for BA, Colonia, Uruguay