Nov. 19, 2011 - Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevedeo is the capital of one of the smallest countries of South America with a population of only about 3 million people. We docked at about 9 AM and started with a bus trip to an old railway station where we boarded a refurbished steam train for a 45 minute ride through the industrial section of Montevideo. The steam engine was in immaculate condition and was made in England. It pulled 2 passenger railways cars that were made in Poland, air-conditioned and very comfortable to travel in. After the train ride we returned to our bus and continued through Montevideo on a panoramic drive. We saw the Legislative Palace with its beautiful marble structure. We stopped in Prado Park that had historical monuments and beautiful roses. We passed by beautiful beaches and saw the well preserved Town Hall, the Montevideo Cathedral and Independence Plaza that was surrounded by Government House and the historic Solis Theater. We saw the anchor of the Graf Spee in a park near our dock and when leaving Montevideo, we saw the place where the Graf Spee was scuttled after it was cornered be 3 British warship in the early part of World War Two.
We are heading for Rio De Janeiro where we will be getting off the Veendam and staying for 4 days before flying back home.

The English built steam engine at the terminal station.

Dorothy in front of the Legislative Palace.

The sculpture of the earlier settlers in Prada Park

The preacher, Moon’s mansion in Montevideo.

Dorothy in front of the unusually shaped Telecommunications Skyscraper.

Home stadium of the Uruguay’s soccer team.

One of the many beautiful beaches in Montevideo.

The Town Hall of Montevideo adjoining the city square.

Hotel adjoining the city square that was once the tallest building in South America

The entrance gate through the remains of the old walls that once protected Montevideo

The anchor of the Graf Spee at park near the docks in Montevideo