There are a lot of countries in the world, and a great number that I have never (nunca) seen in person. In North America, we have 3 (tres) primary countries, the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. As you cross the border (la frontera) past Mexico and enter Central America, the number of countries increases and the stories (las historias) of their origins are diverse and unique. Coming into the continent (el continente) of South America, there are many countries (muchos países) as well, like Bolivia, Columbia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and of course, Chile. I hope to visit as many places as I could in Chile during (durante) my 5 months in South America, and visiting Argentina recently was an added bonus as well. But recently, I had the chance (la oportunidad) to set foot on another country as well, with a visit (un viaje) for the day to Uruguay.
On a Saturday morning in the spring (en la primavera), Sarah and I set out early from Buenos Aires in order to head to the Bueque Bus area, where ships (los barcos), both cargo and passenger vessels, embark regularly for many places (muchos lugares) throughout South America. There is also a simple, straight shot of a boat ride across the Rio Plata that takes you from the land (la tierra) of the porteños directly to Uruguay, where you can visit one of two (uno de dos) primary locations, the large vacation spot of Montevideo or the gentle historic location of Colonia. With time already spend in the capital city of Buenos Aires; we opted for a chance (la posibilidad) to see Colonia, to visit Uruguay with an eye (un ojo) on the past and of course, to get another country stamp into our passports.
As we crossed the chocolate colored waters (las aguas) of the Rio Plata in the boat, and 1 hour later reached the shores of Colonia, we found ourselves in a group (un grupo) on a tour bus, as we had signed up for a one day tour of the town (el pueblito). In many ways, this is something I would never to in the US, as I always opt for having the freedom to explore (explorar) on my own, and whenever possible, to travel by car (un auto) to the destination. Yet, in South America, being a part of a tour makes sense, not only because you can save (ahorrar) time by not constantly haggling and bartering for lower prices on transportation or searching schedules (los horarios) nonstop, but also because you can just kick back, learn about a new place, and have someone else focus on the details (los detalles).
Colonia or Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by Portuguese settlers, who built wonderful stone buildings (los edificios de piedra) and stone streets, many of which are still standing today (hoy). The town has many museums and ruins, and runs right up to the shore of the river, sitting on the edge (el borde) of a channel leading out into the Atlantic Ocean. In this peaceful setting, it harkens me back to a place like Santa Fe, NM, as it is a site filled with artists (los artistas) and with a general cultural coolness that is unique in both attitude and architecture (en actitud y arquitectura también). Couple that with the classic American cars, such as the Plymouth Fury and the Ford Falcon, on the streets, and you feel that you not only have stepped back into time, but have experienced something timeless (eterno) as well.
Upon the return to Argentina and entering the city of Buenos Aires, we visitors (los visitantes) from Chile, from Argentina, from the US, and many other places, from parts near or far away, had a chance to gaze (mirar) upon the skyline of the capital city at sunset (atardecer). This site welcomed us back, as I imagine it has to many fellow sojourners (viajeros) in the days of yore, linking us to the past, while bringing us completely back to the present moment (al momento presente).
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