Foto: Palacio Salvo in Montevideo (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Uruguay - Via Plaza Independencia, I walk to the Teatro Solís. I enter the 19th-century neoclassical theater. Inside, three staff members look at me questioningly. When I explain that I want to see the building’s interior, they explain in excellent English that there are two free exhibitions. Before I know it, two brochures are handed to me. I walk through the exhibitions but focus more on the building. The foyer is particularly beautiful. It is a shame I cannot see the theater hall. The brochures are in Spanish. I gather that the exhibitions aim to make art more accessible to ordinary people. Diagonally across from the theater, a street leads to Plaza de Constitución. On a stage, a performance takes place, and tango is being danced. The whole day is dedicated to tango. It is pleasantly busy. I listen to the music and enjoy the people. In the shopping streets around the square, vendors try to sell items on mats. The shops are already closed. Via Plaza Zabala, with a statue of the founder of Montevideo, I reach the Mercado del Puerto. This market building is supposed to be a city highlight, but all the restaurants are already closed. The market halls themselves are also shut.
Colonia del Sacramento
Uruguay - I walk into the town of Colonia. At the bus station, I immediately buy a bus ticket for tomorrow afternoon. Although the clerk does not speak a word of English, I manage to get the right ticket with gestures and a little Spanish. I had just gotten used ...