Book corner - finished reading

Plan of Attack by Bob Woodward
Hardcover - 466 pages
Non-fiction

An interesting look into the behind the scenes look of the plans for the
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Worth reading for you history buffs.

Seventysix trombones in the big parade

Well maybe not that many. I walked to the rambla last night to see the
fireworks, which pretty much is Noche de las luces. The crowds were big
and migrating towards Poictos, but some people just grabbing some lawn
and settling in. The sound of sirens, could it be the start of the
parade? People get up and walk to the street and wait, no it's just
police motorcycles escorting an ambulance, but why go sit down, maybe
the parade will start soon. Minutes go by and more sirens, could this
be it? Here comes a police on a motorcycle, then a Coca Cola delivery
truck with a big Feliz Navidad ad the side with Papa Noel drinking Coca
Cola, then comes a large truck with people dressed as elves and Papa
Noel waving, then two more large trucks with platforms and large
speakers, one would think that there would have been entertainers, but
no, just empty platforms, then came the Channel 11 news truck.

Fortunately the fireworks were very nice, it was very windy and some of
the fireworks flew very close where I was. I brought my binoculars so I
could see the fireworks close up.

Doc's big adventure

Yesterday I started off the weekend with a Christmas party at the big
guys house. Was pretty neat complete with an opera singer who sand
Christmas songs. It was beautiful when she sang Silent Night in
Spanish. The food was great and wasn't a very long night.

Went home and slept fairly well, waking up around 3:30 in the morning
and proceeded to watch TV. One of my favorite movies came on, Eternal
Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I watched it and went to bed, slept in late.

Today decided to go for a walk to Mercado del Puerto which is at the
other end of the city. Those of you who have kept up with my blog know
I have done this before. It was a nice walk, not much different than a
walk back home on the boardwalk, less the dog poop and dead chicken
(Sangria sacrifice).

Arrived at Mercado del Puerto is was very busy. I had no intention of
eating there as it's rather expensive. Thought it was funny that the
largest crowd of young people was at the last vendor inside, empanada's
(Think little Hot Pockets) for 25 pesos, LOL!

Walked into the old city and the first thing that greeted me was dancers
in traditional clothing of some unknown country and live band. The
dancing was wonderful but they sure looked hot. I felt sorry for them
as they only had a little bottle of water that they were sharing amongst
each other in little dixie cups! My best guess is they were Paraguayan,
possibly Peruvian. I am going to research the outfits.

Walking further into the old city I came across the museum of Uruguay.
Spent some time there, it was free : )

Stumbled upon a park with vendors setup everywhere selling everything
from crafts to old things. There was also a country band and line
dancers, rather unique to Montevideo.

I caught the 104 bus wanting to see how close it went to my apartment, I
figured I at least knew one of it's stops, problem was it didn't go that
way. That's okay, I rode it to the end of the line which stopped at a
shopping center I had never visited. It's the largest store in
Montevideo, much like Wal Mart. I didn't go inside but grabbed a
chirico sandwich and drink from a vendor and caught another bus back to
the old city.

Walked around some more and got an ice cream. Saw some people sitting
in the middle of the main drag, blocking one of the lanes but at a
location that traffic could go around by turning right and going around
a park. That was nice of them. Of course curiosity got the best of me,
wanted to know what they were protesting. All I know is that they were
Communist youth, enough for me!

Caught another bus going the other direction, rode it to the end of the
line, it took me to Playa Pocitos. It was packed, people getting a good
place for the fireworks at 9:30 (It was 7:00). I would have waited but
there was a bit of a chill in the air and my feet was killing me. The
rambla was closed so no buses that took that route. I grabbed a taxi
and went home.

Fini

Noche de las Luces - festival-of-the-lights manana

It's going to be crazy and I plan to be there! Last year the rambla was
packed solid and the fireworks went on forever. This time I'm going to
leave a little earlier. Wish I was invited to one of the folks who live
in an apartment on the rambla! Best view in the house and don't have to
deal with the crowds.