American visitors, look out!

I had made some contact with an American couple toying with the idea of Uruguay as a retirement spot. I like to check out Expat Blogs, sometimes even throwing in a comment or two.  When I heard they were coming at the end of March, I offered to show them around a bit.
We drove out east to see Casapueblo in Punta Baillena, Punta del Este glamor and the famous Playa Brava fingers sculpture (above). I was trying to get a shot of our guests, but this adorable tourist from England kept getting in the frame. 
We also went to check out a gated community development marketed toward expats that they found on the internet. Spectacular views, some pretty nice homes under construction near Pan de Azucar. The developer has promised golf membership in a ritzy Pt. del Este club, a Healing Center and a Heliport to justify the hefty price tag. $250-$400,000 USD with some financing if you pony up now. The area is beautiful, quite near beautiful Piripolis beaches and just an hour and a half from Montevideo, but I'd think twice about throwing in with this guy. Our new friends want to be here for (our) winter to escape Atlanta's summer heat. This part of Uruguay will be cold, windy and almost deserted that time of year. Plus I wouldn't be so sure the developer can make good on all promised.
Where's the heliport?

I think they are enjoying the trip and are starting to appreciate Uruguay. However, like many of their countrymen with the nerve to venture out into the world, they are trying to force their square peg into this round hole and wondering why it doesn't fit. I don't think they'll be back, there's a lot of world to search for a place that really speaks to them. Good Luck on the quest and thanks for the visit.

High School?

Can it be? I was just carrying him around the other day. Due to a computer-related, slow to post period, Luca's first day of High School was not mentioned. Until now.
Fortunately, it all takes place at the same familiar Latinoamericano, but everything else is new. We were all nervous about this new phase of life, but it went off without a hitch.

Here he is with his pal Emilio.
The new schedule is a bit hard to get used to. Luca is a natural early riser and we've worked out a nice morning routine to keep things sane. Alarms ring at 6:00 am, Luca tosses and turns while I stretch. We head downstairs together and share some responsibilities; he can feed the cat, I'll walk the dog or visa versa. There's a little breakfast to have and we head out to the bus stop at 7:20. By some miracle, he's got a classmate who's home is in front of the bus stop. Most mornings they are pulling out the car just while we are waiting there. They graciously and with out fail offer a ride, which he reluctantly accepts on many mornings. He's painfully shy at this age and the classmate is a girl, so you get the picture. A ride to school with absolutely no talking.

All these previously 'little kids' now have a schedule to keep track of; class changes every 40 minutes, things like physics to decipher and some days even coming home for lunch and returning later for gym class. Most ride the bus alone to and from school as well as to each others homes. 
Look at them. Clueless and having the time of their lives.

Vincent turns 11

We had a little party for Vincent's birthday Friday.  He has an official party which will take place next month as per his chosen venue's availability, but this night was a little eats at one of the kid's favorite, Don Pepperoni. Just like a Friday's, it keeps the kids happy with an easy menu and video games.
The grown ups got a chance to catch up and have a few laughs.

After we came back to the house for cake. Janine made the requested chocolate cake with cream icing and filling and shaved chocolate on top. Vincent was happy as a clam and the cake was outstanding.

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This is just the best. Forever young, may I stay forever young.
Peace.

Renata's Sweet 15

Our friend Iliana's daughter had her sweet 15 this past weekend and it was great. Nice to see all those fresh faces gabbing, eating and dancing, full of promise. 

That's no teenager in the blurry photo,it's my beautiful Janine.

I felt lucky to catch a glimpse of all that innocence. 
Live it up kids, it's all downhill from here!

Tristan Narvaja

We checked out the big Sunday fair known as Tristan Narvaja this weekend. Vincent was at a friends (as usual), but we had our nephew Joaquin in tow. Luca had some PS games to look for, as for the rest, well there's just too much to believe. You will always come away with something. The weather was splendid and it's just a short walk from our neighborhood. I picked up some boot laces (30 pesos) and some fruit and veggies, but the real benefit is a chance to practice my Spanish.