Unique Uruguay Day 2
Unique Uruguay
Day 02 - Sunday, December 04, 2011 - Flight into Santiago, Chile; Transfer to Montevideo, Uruguay; Transfer to the Balmoral Plaza Hotel; Explore El Centro
As soon as we landed in Santiago we were rushed through the in-transit lines, security, and then on to the gate area at the terminal. Although we still had our $100 required stamps from our 2007 trip to Chile, we did not have to fill out any of the entry forms or go through immigration.
There was a short wait until our flight was posted on the monitor and we found our gate. A large flight was going to Lima so we were told to come back in 30 minutes.
Because of our rerouting changes we had to negotiate seats for the final segment of this adventure. The flight was full but they managed to find two seats together for us.
Our flight was called on time at 10:50. The LAN agents had about half of the flight loaded, stopped, and then brought everyone back to the waiting area.
We were given no information except to hear; “we will give you more information at noon.” Vic talked to a young agent who told him there was a problem with the maintenance of one of the jet engines.
We all waited again until noon when we were told it would be fifteen more minutes. All of a sudden the passengers started to swarm the desk and the gate agents announced we could board. We were hoping the decision was not made because of angry passengers!
In our original itinerary we were supposed to fly from Atlanta to Buenos Aires, Argentina and then take a short hop across the bay to Montevideo. When we were rerouted, the flight took us across the width of the whole central portion of Argentina and the entire continent.
Crossing the Andes was a spectacular view – Gennie tried to take a few photos but that pesky engine was in her view finder, but it was still running so that was a good sign!
We landed in Montevideo, Uruguay at 3:30, our 100th country on the Century Club List. Going through immigration was easy; our passports were stamped and then we were shuffled straight to Customs.
The Customs Agents x-rayed each of our bags and our backpacks but did not seem to be looking at the screens. I guess we did not look like we were smugglers or they were watching a soccer match!
The agent from Brendan Tours, Carolina met us at the entrance hall. I got some Uruguayan Pesos from the ATM machine and we were on our way to meet Hector our driver. The trip to the city center and our hotel was about 45 minutes.
As this was Sunday afternoon we saw many families in the parks and at the beaches enjoying this beautiful spring weekend. The temperature was 70 degrees with a pleasant breeze.
Along the beach front promenade we saw a group of drummers, flag bearers, and Candomblé (think Samba) dancers all practicing for the Carnival parades. Hector stopped the car and I was able to get out and get involved in the festivities. Most of the participants were in full costume and all were very happy to entertain and have their pictures taken.
Back to the task at hand, getting to the hotel; we were on the road again and talked about the best experiences in our travels have been serendipitous moments like this.
Carolina helped us to check into the Hotel and we found our room, a spacious and clean accommodation right in the heart of the city center. Thanks to Dan Kraft, our agent at Highlands Ranch Travel who found this jewel for us….
Gennie called Bob & Susan who had arrived earlier this morning and we met them for a brief reunion before heading out to explore Sunday in the City.
Not many places were open for dinner but after walking for about 30 minutes we did find a pizzeria. The TV was on and the Uruguayan National Soccer Championships were being shown.
The “home” team Club Nacional de Fútbol won the game and the city erupted in red, white, and blue banners and flags. As we walked to Plaza de la Independencia fans drove by us shouting, honking horns, waving the team flag, and shooting off fire works. The city policia were a bit anxious but they smiled, waved back, and joined in the celebration.
As the sun was setting, we walked back to the hotel at about 8:30pm. It has been an interesting 36 hours filled with surprises, both good and not so good.
However, we have learned that we should expect these challenges and if we wanted to have life go smoothly we would stay at home at the foot of Elephant Rock. Just think we could be shoveling snow right now!
Accommodations: Balmoral Plaza Hotel, Montevideo, Uruguay - - - Meal: B, L
Comments
Wow you guys are off on another adventure. It looks really nice so far. Enjoy
100 Countries! Wow! Proud of you and Dutch and I still want to be like you when we grow up! Safe travels...
Great way to start a trip. Timing right to get out of Colorado
Post a Comment!Sounds like you are off and running for a wonderful trip. Great attitudes make for a pleasant trip.
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