Uruguay

Uruguay is the smallest nation in South America with a population of only 3.5 million. Like most other nations in South America, it was once a Spanish colony and only became independent in 1828. It also suffered a period of dictatorial rule from 1973-1985. Today it is a progressive nation without an army. Its capital is Montevideo. This photo is of the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral also called Iglesia Matriz. It traces its origin to the colonial period in 1740 and became a cathedral in 1897.

Montevideo

Photo of a waste picker in Montevideo. Waste pickers salvage recyclables as part of the sanitation system. I was struck by the kind, friendly demeanor of this man holding his toddler.

Montevideo

Street vending offers a type of livelihood in countries with high unemployment rates. Venders can be part of the informal economy and sometimes perform a function like our urban food wagons.

Montevideo

Door in the old quarter of Montevideo.

Colonia

Colonia or it's full name, Colonia del Sacramento, is located on the east cost of Uruguay across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires. It was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and exchanged hands between Portuguese and Spanish control for decades. This history created a rich mixture of colonial architecture that led UNESCO to declare the old quarter of Colonia a World Heritage Site in 1995. This photo of a building on the Paseo D Sn Antonio shows the typical colonial stone construction found in the Barrio Historico (historical quarter).

Colonia

Church steeples against a blue sky.

Colonia

We traveled to Colonia during the winter and were impressed by leafless sycamore trees that stood like sentries all over the city.

Colonia

Vintage cars, an interesting feature of the Old quarter, can be found on many streets.

Colonia

A Vintage Fiat sits on cobblestone in the old quarter.

Colonia

Entrance to the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento showing the historic stone construction.

Colonia

House in old quarter with Sycamore trees.

Colonia

Sunset in Colonia.

Colonia

Vintage car in old quarter.

Colonia

Protected vase in old quarter, framed on one side by a tree.

Colonia

Street in old quarter lined with sycamore trees and lamps.

Colonia

Another view of a street in the old quarter lined with sycamore trees and lamps.

Colonia

old quarter brightly painted house and sycamore trees.

Colonia

Waiting for a bus.