colonia, uruguay

I suggest you either get a coffee/tea or a glass of wine and settle into your comfy chair…because there’s lots to tell you about Colonia, Uruguay.

Why would one even want to go there?  First up, Colonia happens to be the oldest European settlement in Uruguay and was founded as a Portuguese port in 1680.  I tell you these facts because a) this small city is OLD and b) it has lots of Portuguese influences.  Located directly across the Rio de la Plata (River of Silver) from Buenos Aires, it’s easily accessible for a day visit via ferry.  Fast forward all those years and what attracts people is the small historic district designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To get you in the mood for what’s to come, I’ll share the most common photo that any website about Colonia will show you.  (And of course I couldn’t resist capturing it as well!)

 

 

First impressions?  From my travels it reminded me a little of Cascais in Portugal and a touch of Alamos in Mexico.  Lots of color, cobblestone streets, spanish moss, and a very slow pace especially coming directly from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires.  All of this equates to a photographer’s dream location!

 

 

 

 

Upon arrival go directly (voice of experience) to BIT Colonia (information center) located on Miguel Ángel Odriozola 434.  It’s the perfect place to gather information about this adorable town.  Don’t miss the sounds and sights in their contemporary multimedia show that gives you a flavor of what all Uruguay has to offer.  I guarantee it will make you want to visit the rest of their country! (I know it’s on my list for a future visit!)

Strolling leisurely about Colonia’s streets with no particular destination in mind, of course I’m always on the lookout for an encounter with the locals.  So let me tell you a little about Richard/Ricardo.  Entering the park, I spotted him right away making his grass baskets.

A point to my camera and then a nod of his head was all that was needed.  But wanting more, I enlisted my son to help with the language barrier.  We learned that making baskets was his primary source of income and that he was happy with his life and grateful to nature for providing him the materials to allow him to work.  He went on to say that he had made some mistakes in his life and at some point he was homeless, but he didn’t have any complaints as he knew it was his fault.  He was appreciative of our interest and his work meant a lot to him. His parting words…welcome to Uruguay!  Sweet!

Next encounter?  Eduardo.  Eduardo Alvares from Brazil to be exact.  Of course a quaint photography galleria will entice me any day.  Located on Calle Misignes de los Tapes is an inviting store named Taller y Photogaleria de la Plaza.

As you can see from this capture…Eduardo knows exactly how to lure you in to his eclectic little store.  Not only filled with his own photography as well as his uncle’s work, but items from his passion of collecting memorabilia.  He has plans to add to his business by opening a boutique bed and breakfast filled with his work and collections.  After spending some time chatting, there’s no doubt he will be successful because of his love for the arts, people and service.  We passed Eduardo as we were leaving for the day…of course…doing what he loves!

I’ll leave you with a couple of soothing images from this perfect day in this adorable little piece of paradise – Colonia, Uruguay!