Uruguay – Montevideo Ciudad Vieja

We took a walk early this morning to get our bearings. We stopped at this statue of the Queen of Spain.

After that our first stop was Santander bank in ciudad vieja to get some cash. The currency rate is $40 Uruguay pesos to $1 and we were limited to $5000 pesos withdrawal ($120 USD). Luckily, most places here have taken our Visa or Mastercard credit cards.

Next stop La Pasiva where we had an amazing breakfast

This giant sandwich, enough for for two, features bacon, mozerella cheese, olives, palm hearts , pineapple, tomato, ham, boiled egg and generous mayo.

It was the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had! We had ordered two but the waiter warned us to eat one and if we were still hungry he could bring another.

If you’re in the area, it’s in the corner of one of the plazas.

Next stop was this old cathedral from 1748

Very nice cathedral with interesting history.

After the church we walked around to the ciudad viejo square in Montevideo.

There are small enclaves of artists quarters in this area so if you’re in the area they are worth checking out.

We stopped at a grocery store to buy some of that famous Uruguay beef. The cut of beef below is labeled Colita de Cuadril. Translated it is tri-tip or bottom sirloin flap meat.

We took the meat and cooked in the oven at 220 c (425 F) for about 30 minutes, came out great. Paired it with Don Pascual Reserve wine and it was an amazing combination.

We have dinner and show plans for tomorrow so stay tuned!