Quite a delay in our first blog--had to start over! Now, if I can only remember everything that has happened in the last week and a half!! Had a great trip over. Intl airlines treat you with free movies, food and drinks so after a couple of naps, viola`, we were in Montivideo. Their new airport is fabulous. It won an award for best new design in 2010. Can't say as much for luggage delivery -- had to wait almost a week for four of our eight pieces of luggage.. And, that, BTW, was all we brought! Ollie and Hal made it. I have to admit I was worried. I found them at the luggage carosel when we arrived. They were happy to see us but feeling a little out of sync. I got them some water asap and apparently didn't get the door shut all the way on Ollie's crate and the chase ensued! Thank goodness this is a country that loves dogs! Everyone helped us catch him. He was just looking for Mark.
We met our realtor, Charlie, at the apartment. Boy, was that a disappointment. We are living in a what I would consider to be a dorm room. Granted it is on the ocean but it leaves much to be desired! Determined right there and then you have to be careful who you trust. That will be the last we see of good ole Charlie.
Over the last week and a half, we have opened a bank account and bought a new car--Volkswagen Boro. That was a challenge but we succeeded and feel very good about that accomplishment considering the tiny bit of Spanish we speak. Words of wisdom--do not use your credit card to make purchases. They charge you a foreign transaction charge every time you use it. Next challenge will be getting money wired to our new account. Hopefully, I can get that done soon.
During the day, we explore the area. It is so beautiful here and all the people are friendly. We have been looking at condo's and casa's. There are so many to choose from it is difficult. This area is really growing. There are at least 20+ high rise condo's being built and they are all gorgeous. The prices range from $30,000 on up to tens of millions. Can't wait for the high season which starts in mid December. Punta del Este will go from 10,000 people to about 200,000. All enjoying the beach, restaurants, shopping, etc. Rentals during Dec. 20th - Feb. 20th are considered summer rentals. You can rent your home for about 5 times what you normally pay. Alot of people do that and it pays for much of their expenses during the year. Thus the $260,000. houses with pool, 6 person hot tub, fireplaces, poutdoor parillas, and FURNISHED by the way, rent for $8,000. a month those two months. Check http://www.capurroinmobiliaria.com.uy/ for 2 houses. There is no MLS here. so you have to basically check with each realtor in area of homes and apartments.
Winter is just ending and spring is starting to sprout. It's just like March in the US. Very windy! Ollie, Hal and I walk the beach every morning. Wonderful way to start the day. Guess what Mark does???? You got it. He hops in the car and goes driving around looking at properties! Then comes back and shows me what he found! We have met some real characters looking for homes. The other day, an elderly gentleman demonstrated how to use the other bathroom fixture besides the toilet. I think they call the bidette?? What a treat!
Punta del Este and Uruguay, in general, are much like the US in the 60's. They still have attendants who pump your gas, people who help you park your car on the street, elevator attendants!! Remember them??
The country is clean, the infrastructure is good, the countryside is beautiful and of course, so is the ocean. The people seem to be very happy here. I am sure they have their problems but so far we haven't seen anything too bad.
Hope to be settled in to either a new place to rent or purchase soon. Everyone around here pays cash for their home. Very little to no financing so that limits us a bit. But it certainly makes for a more stable economy here.
Have met some great people here already. Many people are from other countries and are anxious to share their experiences and knowledge of the area. Rosamee, my new buddy from France, has helped us tremendously from car purchase to looking at homes. Also have a new tech guy, Gustovos. This weekend, their is a party for expats that should be fun.
Surfers are out in groves in wetsuits.
Went to see Resident Evil 4 in 3D. All movies are in English with spanish subtitles. Best 3D glasses ever and theatres are very nice. Salty and Sugary popcorn is available separately or cobined. Leather seats that are staggered so the persons head in front is off to side. Also can get a martini, etc. at the bar at theatre.
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