Colonia... a refreshingly relaxing town.

I crossed the Rio De La Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia, to what is my 6th South American Country... Uruguay. I´m in Colonia del Sacramento which is an amazing little spot. The beauty of the town is that it is surrounded by ocean, and feels totally safe and is truly peaceful. A great respite from the hectic pace of Buenos Aires.

Cheesy grin, soaking in Colonia´s sunset

In terms of Argentinian standards, I had a quiet night, ending it at 4am. I kind of wanted at least ´some´ sleep before travelling today... all 5 hours of it! I went to several bars in the downtown area including Flux and Bulnes. At Bulnes, I met several guys including one from London who reluctantly returns to England tomorrow (does any English person like living in England????... everyone I´ve spoken to detests it), and another American guy from New York who is living in Buenos Aires for 2 months. The drinks are cheap and STRONG here... the shots in mixers are up to half the glass. It was good speaking to foreigners in English but I detest the fact that I can´t speak to the locals in their mother tongue.

Coastline around historic Colonia

As mentioned to Hector, I really believe that the language barrier is the greatest disadvantage of travelling RTW for we can´t really get an indepth experience of a place if you can´t communicate with the locals unless they speak English of course. Readers coming to South America... please do yourself a favour and enrol in a Spanish course for your experience will be ten times better than what it would be like without it! Apparently, foreign Spanish speakers tell me how insightful it is to get a local perspective about unique customs and rituals... Hector was able to fill me in on some of them such as what the locals like to do in their spare time. Australians reading this who have a TAFE close by should be able to enrol in a basic introductory course at their local TAFE... and extend this by doing your own online study. I look forward to the day when I can return here and speak fluently with the locals in, what I do hope will be my second language.

Cobble paved road in Colonia

Anyway, Colonia is an amazing little town with cobble-paved streets, cute restaurants and great walkways. Walking along the coast line was fantastic. We are staying at the Posada de la Flor Hotel on Ituzaingo Sreet. Getting here was a breeze... a 1 hour fast boat from Buenos Aires´ port to Colonia. Taxis make getting around easy and affordable. I´m glad I´ve made it to this part of the world... will be interesting to explore the capital, Montevideo tomorrow. Oh, the desserts here are absolutely sensational. Had a great chat to Sophie (tour leader) last night about my travels round South America... I also explained how I want to experience the good food! This is her last tour with GAP before moving to Swaziland, and then South Africa (Cape Town) to live with her soon to be German husband. I can´t believe how many people I´ve met that have given up their countries to live elsewhere. She returns to her home town, Quito, for a month to break the news to her family!

Historic Gate Colonia

Lunch and the very large piece of lettuce

Me enjoying the old car

Me, Julia, Michelle and Anna dining in style

Old Windmill in Colonia

Sunset in Colonia

Tree lined street in Colonia

Unbelievable desserts in Colonia Uruguay