José Gervasio Artigas and Joaquín Lenzina

• 7

In the center of the Plaza Independencia in Montevideo you'll find the monument of José Gervasio Artigas, the national hero of Uruguay. The history of Argentina and Uruguay is closely connected. Both belonged to the Spanish Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. Seizing the opportunity of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe both countries declared their independence from the Spanish crown in the early 19th century. Artigas dedicated his life to the fight for a free, democratic, and federal Uruguay. His remains rest in a mausoleum under the ground of the Independence Place. Noteworthy is Artigas' close friendship with Joaquín Lenzina, called the Black Alsina, who once was captured by Portuguese soldiers and made a slave. Artigas bought him from captivity and released him. Alsina accompanied his savior till his death as a friend and biographer.

Ansina me llaman
Y Ansina yo soy...
Sólo Artigas sabe
Hacia donde me voy.

Ansina they call me
And Ansina I am ...
Only Artigas knows
Where I go.

¡Viva el oriental que ama al Paraguay! Poem by Lenzina (truncated)

• I'm reading: José Gervasio Artigas and Joaquín Lenzina

P is for Parrilla

• 17

A parrilla is a specially designed grill to broil huge pieces of meat. Using the parrilla is the most popular cooking method particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. You will find these kinds of grills in all styles imaginable. There is hardly a part of cattle you won't find on these charcoal or wood fired parrillas. From sausages like chorizo (pork sausage), morcilla (blood sausage) to riñones (kidneys), chinchulines (intestines), mollejas (sweet breads) to tenderloin and strip steaks, everything gets grilled. You just have to make your choice. The beef is naturally flavorful and always perfectly tender. Buen provecho!

Enjoy even more ABC Wednesday posts from around the world! Click here.

• I'm reading: P is for Parrilla

Showdown in Montevideo

• 9

Sundays are for hitting the ball with your buddies -- not just in Argentina but also in Uruguay. Last Wednesday, however, soccer attracted an even greater attention in both countries as it came to a crucial battle between their national teams: La Celeste (Uruguay) vs. La Albiceleste (Argentina). As you may be aware, it's Fifa World Cup qualifying at the moment. Soccer fans in Montevideo's Estadio Centenario got to see an exciting and nail biting match virtually until the last minute. When in the 84th minute Mario Bolatti scored the 0-1 to punch Argentina's ticket for South Africa in 2010, national team coach Diego Maradona was bubbling over with joy. What a relief! The battle was rather a bogey match for Argentina because they had last won 1975 in this stadium. Uruguay now has to go into the playoffs against Costa Rica on November, 14 and 18.

• I'm reading: Showdown in Montevideo

M is for Montevideo

• 7

I could have easily told you this building is in Buenos Aires, but it is not. It's in Montevideo, the charming Uruguayan neighbor city across the River Plate. The city is filled with beautiful architecture that is remarkably similar to that of Buenos Aires. This building caught my eyes because it was strikingly different from the others with its blue facade, the round windows, and these suspicious red logo signs. Well, as it turns out, I stepped right into the twilight zone, the 'dark side' of Montevideo. The Club de Paris is apparently a table dance bar and strip club. Yikes! Seems men have the same simple needs all over the world.

• I'm reading: M is for Montevideo

Behind the Scenes - Teatro Solís in Montevideo

• 9

Not only Buenos Aires but also Montevideo, on the other side of the Río de la Plata, has a great opera house. The Teatro Solís is one of the major cultural attractions in Uruguay's capital. After a fire in 1998 the building had to be closed for comprehensive restoration until 2004. The main focus was put on the re-construction of the backstage area to make the stage and theater technology state-of-the-art. Among many other things, the stage size was increased by 80%, a new orchestra pit was built, the stage house was extended and last but not least a modern thermal conditioning system was added. If you want to convince yourself of the modernizations go backstage and let you take behind the scenes by some English and Spanish speaking Uruguayan students. They will show you around and let you discover the theatre complex and its secrets which ordinary theatre-goers otherwise won't see.

• I'm reading: Behind the Scenes - Teatro Solís in Montevideo

Store Shelf Packed with Yerba Mate

• 14

Like coffee and tea, not all yerba mate tastes the same. Still, it's always dazzling to see all those different brands and styles on one and the same thing. I personally don't taste any difference between all these sorts of Mate, but maybe this is because of the fact I haven't tried all yet. Yerba mate is mainly consumed in countries like Argentina and Uruguay. I found this shelf in a small grocery store in Montevideo which explains the hefty price tag; it's in Uruguayan peso.

• I'm reading: Store Shelf Packed with Yerba Mate

Montevideo - Buenos Aires’ Sister City

• 12

Montevideo is like the younger, little sister that has always been in the shadow of more flamboyant Buenos Aires. Two cities so alike and yet so different! If you can't stand the hustle and bustle of big Buenos Aires anymore try the smaller Montevideo. This lovely city on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, is always worthwhile visiting.

• I'm reading: Montevideo - Buenos Aires’ Sister City