Discovering Old City

 Yesterday was warm and humid. The high got to 22C but the humidity was at 80%. This morning it is sunny and 23C. Today will be sunny with a high of 27C. 

Yesterday morning we caught the bus and headed to the Old City (city center). We were going exploring into an area closer to the water. When we got off the bus we were further away from Independencia Plaza and walking towards Mercardo De Puerto.

The streets we walked down were wide and for people only. There were people picking up orders on bicycles and one person was pushing his motorbike to pick up an order. 

Along the streets vendors had set up their tables with items to sell. This is a place where tourists go. We did look at some tables which had old licence plates and old house keys. While walking, we saw this lovely fountain. 

It was very interesting as there were flying dragons on it and water spouted out their mouths. 

Every time I went to take a picture, the water would stop. 

Not far from the fountain was this sign. 

The sign reads

    Around 1850, the square was popularly known as "vegetable square" because of the market that -- until the 1870's -- was held on its south side. 

We continued walking and saw this neat balcony. 

The man climbing up the balcony is wearing a Santa hat as the balcony is decorated for Christmas. 

The doors on the buildings were beautiful. Many doors are about 10 feet tall with European influence. 

We continued to walk and found this small square. 

On one side of the statue was a man with his horse and a flock of sheep. 

On the other side was a man, lady and child with a cow. 

There was a plaque to the side of the statue. 

It reads:
    The Patriotic Association of Uruguay 
    Of Field Marshall
    Don Bruno Mauraicio de Zabala
    Founder of Montevideo
    1726-1976

The square was full of magnolia trees and the blooms were huge. 

The petals turn a burnt orange and then they fall off the tree. Each petal was as large as my hand. 

We continued on to Mercado Del Puerto for lunch. I was hot and by the time we sat down I had turned beat red and then white. I ate some bread and had some water. We ordered baby beef for lunch. I think small but this is what we got. 

It was cooked over a wood fire and was seasoned only with salt and pepper. It was delicious and very tender. After lunch we walked to Mercardo de los Artesanos to look around. I did buy a gift for a friend. Once we were done, we walked a few blocks and caught the bus home. I was hot and tired when we got home. 

I did go out around 5 pm last night to look for candy for the boys across the street from me. I found 3 of the 6 recommended. It was cool outside and I enjoyed the brief walk across the street. 

This morning, we have been to the grocery store and the 6 blocks walk was enough for me. I am going to rest today and we will see what comes after that. We are to have 3 very warm days which I do not do well in. 

Until the next time..............................................................