Fray Bentos: A Slice of Uruguayan Heritage

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSi
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdon/Disculpa
  [pair-dohn/dees-kool-pah]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
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• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, pour fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, pour fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kway-stah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs de-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pway-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
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• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
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• EveningNoche
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• YesterdayAyer
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• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
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• 2Dos
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• 3Tres
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• 4Cuatro
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• 5Cinco
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• 6Seis
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• 7Siete
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• 8Ocho
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• 9Nueve
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• 10Diez
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• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
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• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pway-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-booce)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Fray Bentos, the capital of the Río Negro Department, was founded on April 16, 1859. Originally named 'Villa Independencia,' it was established as a port town to facilitate the export of agricultural products, especially meat and wool, to European markets.

In 1863, the German chemist Justus von Liebig, along with entrepreneur George Christian Giebert, established the Liebig’s Extract of Meat Company. This factory revolutionized the meat industry by producing beef extract and later, corned beef. The factory became one of the most important in the world, drawing workers and expertise from various countries.

The industrial complex built around the Liebig’s factory evolved into a model of industrial architecture and urban planning. The site includes the factory, a power plant, and worker housing. This complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 due to its historical significance and well-preserved state.

During both World War I and World War II, the Fray Bentos factory played a crucial role in supplying food to Allied troops. The corned beef produced here was known as 'Fray Bentos' and became synonymous with quality and reliability, making it a household name in several countries.

The factory experienced economic difficulties in the mid-20th century due to changes in global trade and meat processing technology. In 1979, the Liebig’s factory finally closed its doors. This led to a period of economic decline for Fray Bentos as the town had been heavily reliant on the factory for employment and economic activity.

Today, Fray Bentos is known for its historic charm and cultural heritage. The old factory complex has been transformed into a museum and cultural center, attracting tourists from around the world. The town is also a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the Río Negro Department, including its scenic rivers and lush landscapes.

Fray Bentos is located in the Río Negro Department of Uruguay. The nearest major airport is Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, approximately 300 kilometers away. From Montevideo, you can take a bus operated by companies like COT or Turil, which typically takes around 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Fray Bentos, which offers a scenic route through the Uruguayan countryside.

Fray Bentos is a small city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate within the city and connect to nearby areas. Renting a bicycle can also be a convenient and eco-friendly option for exploring the city.

The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are available throughout Fray Bentos for cash withdrawals.

Fray Bentos is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Fray Bentos. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly smile is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as the famous Fray Bentos meat pies. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Fray Bentos like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Uruguayan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Industrial Revolution Museum and the Anglo Meat Packing Plant, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a unique experience, take a walk along the riverside promenade, which offers beautiful views of the Uruguay River.