Colonia's history, Punta del Este's shopping and beaches beckon roadies

An historic wooden bridge and stone gate welcome visitors Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers to the old part of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay,

A CONTRASTING PAIR: COLONIA, PUNTA DEL ESTE OFFER VARIETY, PLEASURES -- EACH WITH A UNIQUE FLAVOR 

In contrast to Colonia, Punta del Este is modern with plenty

of new construction, luxury beach condos and trendy cafes. 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

URUGUAY IS A  small country -- the second-smallest in South America -- nestled between Argentina and Brazil.

It offers large hospitality, though. It's laid back, polite, historic and welcoming to tourists and families. We experienced sincere hospitality wherever we went, and enjoyed our time there immensely. Two day trips linger in our memory, to Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este.

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers

took time for a selfie as they approached

Punta del Este, a popular beach resort.

We recommend these stops and urge travelers to consider a visit to Uruguay. Despite its small size it offers diverse landscape -- more than 400 miles of shoreline, contrasting city and country experiences, noteworthy architecture, and a wealth of cultural and historical sites to explore.

Here are highlights of the two cities: 

Founded in 1680 by Portuguese soldiers, Colonia offers colorful history and a beautiful, well preserved bridge.  Captured by Spanish forces, it changed ownership several times. Both cultures are reflected in the food, art and architecture.  

PUNTA del Este has a more recent history, dating to the early 1800s, when a group of businessmen bought the peninsula to exploit it as a salting house. It reigned as Villa Ituzaingó until 1907, when it officially became Punta del Este.  

"The Hand," or La Mano, in Punta del Este. a famous landmark.

We were drawn to its famous landmark, a gigantic sculpture of fingers partially emerging from sand. We visited the sculpture with dozens of other tourists from all over the world. 

 Known as both "The Fingers" and "The Hand," La Mano is hard to miss.  The engaging sculpture by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal depicts five human fingers partially emerging from sand, urging closer examination.  

Bruce Keller poses by a canon on the defensive

wall of Colonia. The town has changed hands

many times since its settling by the Portuguese.

From a tour bus, here's typical arid

 landscape of Uruguay's countryside. 

From a tour bus, here's typical arid

 landscape of Uruguay's countryside. 

The dramatic sculpture is a symbol for Punta del Este. Since its debut in 1982, it has become one of Uruguay's most recognizable landmarks offer color and are fun for foodies. Punta del Este is known for its relaxing beaches and shopping, 

Colonia, a former Portuguese colony, has restaurants reflecting that heritage. Cod, olives and potatoes are plentiful. We asked for a hearty salad, though, and weren't disappointed. We enjoyed a meal on the tranquil river then strolled this old, stately town. Colonia's historic quarter is a World Heritage site. Modern Colonia del Sacramento boasts a free trade zone, textile manufacturing plants, a new  polytechnic center and contemporary government buildings. 

Uruguayans love their meat, but we found

lovely vegetables and salads, too, and a couple

times opted for tasty vegetarian meals.

PUNTA DEL Este also has culinary appeal for its many fine restaurants. In fact, the Uruguayan delicacy of chivito was born here in Punta del Este. The story is that it was invented at the El Mejillón bar, where Antonio Carbonaro created this sandwich for a hungry diner who asked for a quick snack with goat meat. It can also contain beef, cheese and vegetables -- its ingredients vary region to region. We found it on most cafe menus and learned it is often featured at celebrations.

Punta del Este also has the oldest cinematographic festival in Latin America: the International Film Festival of Punta del Este, founded in 1951.

It also claims the first green building in the world, a 16-story structure that produces renewable energy through turbines and solar panels. It was inaugurated in 2013, proving Uruguay has a social conscience to match its lovely beaches. 

Bruce Keller in a playful mood

in the shops of Punta del Este.

WE FOUND driving in Uruguay easy and safe. On both organized bus tours and in a rental car, we felt safe and comfortable. The roads were well maintained and GPS took us where we wanted. We were thrilled to see a couple gauchos on horseback, on side roads.   

AFTER DRIVING in many cities worldwide, we were struck by how friendly Uruguayan drivers are. Everyone we encountered was polite, patient and helpful. Several times, drivers waved at us, making us feel welcome in a strange land.

Actors in a play within the play: A scene from "Hamlet" by

Montana's popular Shakespeare in the Parks tour. 

UP NEXT: Montana's Shakespeare in the Parks has been bringing terrific theater to the hinterlands for decades.  Here, in a masterful production of "Hamlet," an acting troupe plays out a murder scene. Hamlet has arranged the vignette, knowing that his uncle Claudius will gather that Hamlet knows he poisoned his father to take the throne and the King's wife, Gertrude.  For more on the play, along with "The Winter's Tale," check the schedule so you can see for yourself if you're anywhere near.  Meanwhile, enjoy, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, family, nature, performance and more: www.whereiscookie.com