Maybe the two most important buildings in Uruguay

Building #1: El Palacio Legislativo

Wednesday was a super busy day. As soon as classes were over we headed toward the Palacio Legislativo (The Legislative Palace). It is called the palace because they guy who designed it didn't want to design just any old legislative building, he wanted to design a palace. It is really something. While it was a bit tough to hear our tour guide, it was really great to see this beautiful building. Unlike last time I was here, the Senate was not in session so we got to see their chambers. Uruguay has 37 Senators, unlike the U.S., the Senators represent the whole country and are voted on by the whole country. They have 99 equivalents to Representatives which represent the Departments (or States.) Anyway, here are a few pictures.

The Palacio Legislativo from the East Side.

The main hall there are many types of marble and granite decorating the building. Almost all is from Uruguay.

This is one of the mosaics in the main hall. They are so detailed you pretty much have to be told that its a mosaic and not a painting.

Before we went into the library we had to wait awhile because a Representative was being interviewed. But we did manage to catch the changing of the guard, so that was cool.

Before we went on our next adventure, we decided a potty break might be a good idea. Our guide showed us where the women's bathroom was. It was a one potty bathroom, for 13 of us women. Apparently the men's bathroom had 8 potties. I guess we can tell which gender was in the building more when it was built.

We then hopped into Taxis to go to our next destination. I was really proud of myself because I was in the front seat and conversed with our driver!

Building #2: El Estadio Centenario

We headed off to our second stop which was the World Cup Qualifying Match between Uruguay and Colombia. The first FIFA world cup was held in Centenario and Uruguay won the first World Cup. They are the smallest country ever to do so. Of course that was over 70 years ago...

When we got to the Stadium, we met several of our friends from church. Two of the men Antonio and Aldebar, and 4 of the youth, Diego, Martin, Andrea, and Natalia. Our tickets were for the East side of the stadium in a section where we don't have assigned seats, so we got there an hour early to get a good section for all 25 of us. It was cold but fun. We learned some soccer songs that were ok to sing, and well... some words we shouldn't say. :) We saw #9 from Colombia fall to the ground with a severe leg injury every few minutes only to get up and start running again. There were 2 red cards and at least two yellow cards. It was an exciting game. Even more so since Uruguay won 3-1. :)

After the game we tried to stick together and avoid getting pick-pocketed on our way home. We made it home safely. The guys from the youth group from church (who are now college aged) are really good about watching out for us. Rosalinda and I stayed at the back of the group to make sure no one got side tracked. Diego and Martin stayed back with us. They are such nice boys.

Here are some pictures from the game:

So we could buy a few Uruguayan flags if we wanted.

Waiting in line to get in.

Natalia using her Uruguayan flag as shade.

Oh yeah and there was a game going on. Uruguay is in blue. I think #9 for Colombia is throwing the ball in. He's the big flopper. I also have a picture of him rolling around on the ground about the tenth time it happened.


At half-time they gave us confetti. Our group ended up with several bags. The game then came to blow said confetti at each other. (Its NOT snowing.)

And we won!!!!


When we got home the kids very nicely shared the left over spaghetti with each other. Notice Kate, Jaimie, and Abel in their Uruguay Jerseys.