Montevideo, Urugay Dec 1 2025

 After a quick breakfast we boarded a bus for an all day excursion.  Our first stop was the Montevideo city square.  A large statue honoring Jose Artigas,  considered the father of Urugayan independence, dominated the square.  Artigas fought for independence from Spain.  He died in exile but his remains were brought to Montevideo after independence and now reside in a mausoleum below the city square.  Uruguay values democracy so much that if you fail to vote in a presidential election you are fined $45 and not allowed social benefits for 6 months.

Adjacent to the square is the former presidential palace and the Presidential Tower where President Jose Ellauri works.  The president lives at his personal residence.  Presidents are elected to a five year term and are allowed no more than 2 consecutive terms.

A short distance dowin the road is the Legislative Palace which is the meeting place for the General Assembly and the seat of the legislative branch.

Our trip continued on to the Estancia La Rabida Ranch.  The 3,500 acres ranch is owned and run by a single family.  The ranch is mainly a cattle ranch but also produces crops like wheat and soybeans.  Cattle include both dairy cows (650 cows) and hundreds of beef cattle.  Our tour started with a hayride to see some of the beef cattle.  They are all grass fed and not given any growth hormones.  The ranch stretches out to high cliffs overlooking a beach on the coast of Rio de la Plata.  Back at the ranch we were shown some of their horses and enjoyed a barbeque lunch while we saw a tango and drum show.  We were able to take a two person carriage ride and were give the opportunity to milk a cow.  That was a first for both of us.

We returned to the ship to a dinner in a the private Manfredi's Italian Restaurant.  It was a wonderful experience.  Our next two days are days at sea.