It's All Good

Just cresting this latest hill and with no time to rest, we are poised to start up the next incline. 
I've just finished with a large closet and shelf unit (squeezed into a tiny hallway) and can now begin in earnest on our long awaited COFFEE SHOP. You can keep track of that adventure by clicking the link above. 
We are all very happy about finally securing a space. Here's Janine looking satisfied. Let's see how long until opening day.

I had to head into City Center (El Centro) to a specific Abitab to score some of the few remaining tickets to a big Penarol match. They are in the quarter finals in something called 'Libertadores' against a team from Chile and the stadium sells out for things like this. 
I found myself right in the middle of a protest march. I think it's the sanitation workers. It was loud, but peaceful and completely snarled traffic for a while. 
People take to the streets often here when they need to make a point.  
 Right On.

This impossible looking jalopy is a Ford Consul, made in Great Britain in the 50's and 60's. Yikes, it's odd but beautiful. I checked collectors on-line and naturally there's a whole society and when restored they are quite impressive. Meanwhile, here in Uruguay, this is just someone's car. Es lo que hay.

Lastly, here's Vincent (self portrait) attempting to prove some win or high score to his gaming buddies.
I can see a little "In Your Face!" in his face here.





That's the latest from us. Thanks for reading.

Fall, girls

I had the chance to go to La Pedrera a few days this past week. It's a beach town, but we're a bit passed beach weather right now.  My friend and fellow carpenter Chero needed a hand with a small project. It was warm and sunny and despite the hard work, was a nice respite from routine life a.k.a. Daily Uruguay.

These are the ladies of La Pe, artist unknown. Who's your favorite?


Since my last post I've managed to secure my Uruguayan Drivers License. Some other ex-pats living here had blogged about the old switcheroo; turning in their current US license for the R.O.U. kind. Thanks to Denise and Wally Glass writing 'Retired in Uruguay' for this tip. I started the process a little late, my New York license expiring on April 29th, but made an appointment for a necessary check up just after Tourismo week. I needed a hearing and sight test only. 
The hearing test was very low tech. I stood in the corner, facing left then right, trying to hear the doctor whisper numbers. The doctor was really nice and we all laughed a little at the procedure, but it works. I didn't do well with the vision test and my 'reading' glasses will be required for driving. 
When city hall opened up again, Janine and I went first thing Monday morning. We were afraid they give me an appointment and I would expire. I mean the license would expire. I brought everything just in case, but it was super easy and fast. We made it with a one hour bus ticket (unlimited rides with in 1hr. and 5 min. for $18 pesos, less than a dollar!). 
I was pretty happy with that. This thing is good for 10 years and they forgot to include the glasses restriction. Just as well, I never wear them, driving I mean. Hell, until we manage to buy a car, where I am I driving anyway?