Colonia is a classic Spanish town rich in history, with original cobble stones forming driving hazards, poetic lamp posts lighting walkways, as well as the city wall and light house surviving hundreds of years. The streets are lined in Sequoia trees, much like Mendoza, Argentina, and the buildings remain stucco with the old Spanish style; large windows and high ceilings. There is a beach that runs along the harbor where boats use to bring in thousands of African slaves more than two hundred years ago.
The African culture is still very alive today in Uruguay, as it is in Brasil. During the Carnival, while the Brasilians parade the streets to Samba, the streets of Colonia and Montevideo are filled with Candombe. This traditional African drumming is made from wooden bodied shells with leather tops that create a powerful noise. As the drummers surround the fire at night in the streets of Colonia, and the dancers in costume parade through the blocks, the vibrations can be felt through the cobble stones under your feet for hundreds of yards.
In total, I spent two nights in Colonia and one in Montevideo. Although, Montevideo is the Capital of Uruguay, the size of the city is rather minuscule and the communities are very quiet. It seems as though the entire country is at peace after gaining their independence. This is why I would described Uruguay in a single word. Tranquilo.
You see almost every Uruguayan in the streets during the middle of the day with Mate (an herbal tea drank from a special cup made of a type of squash plant) and a hot water thermos. Even the tough guys in sunglasses, ¨wife beater¨ tank tops, and baggy pants, are sipping on mate around 3 in the afternoon. This country is relaxing and a much needed detour from the noise of Buenos Aires; hence, the large amount of Argentinians here on vacation. Filled with complete peace, like a mud bath and cucumbers on the eyes, I am impressed with the tranquility of Uruguay.
