Viviendo en Uruguay

I've moved.

2007-06-13T17:19:00.000-03:00

My time in Uruguay is done and I want to end this blog. I've started a new one for Washington, D.C. (what else would I do?)...

The address is http://www.tafw2.blogspot.com - I'm so original!

Hope everyone is doing well, Josh is going to be here in 25 days so I'll be taking boring pictures and posting them on the new blog until he arrives.

Hasta Luego,
Trish

Hasta Pronto

2007-06-06T12:43:00.000-03:00

Last night was one of the best nights I've had in Uruguay and it was my last.

Goodbye Uruguay.

A walk in the park...

2007-06-02T16:30:00.001-03:00

My very last Friday...

2007-06-01T10:21:00.000-03:00

This will be my last Friday here in Uruguay. Josh and I recognize a handful of people who workout regularly on the Rambla. We look for them on the way to work. One lady always swings a cane back and forth, I don't have a picture of her but she's there everyday. I'll miss her.

Oh, and heres a picture of the gas station. What, I have to test out the new camera somehow.

Ol' Grey Beard

2007-05-30T20:20:00.000-03:00

Today is my doomsday...oh, my birthday. It's been really fantastic actually. I got to sleep in, go to work where I had a huge arrangement of flowers delivered and Josh made me dinner.

Josh also bought me a new digital camera which will arrive tomorrow but I am excited- it's pink!

Heres a picture of Zoey, she's looking a little crabby - No?

La Barra

2007-05-29T21:38:00.000-03:00

This is my favorite bridge in the world - I'll miss it!

Otra Cosas

2007-05-19T23:07:00.000-03:00

I need to write out all the things I love about Uruguay as I stumble across them.

1. Medio y Medio. (This 'wine' is half champagne and half wine) You'll never find it in the states which is really cool and it's so good I wish I could start exporting it. Thats too much trouble though and Americans would never pay for it. Anyhow, I love it and I'll be bringing a few cases back with me.

2. My house. I love my house - even though we were robbed. I love it. Well most of it - I hate that the heat comes thru the floor boards, seriously who thought that it was a good idea to make heat come up thru the floor?

3. I 'm really going to miss the spanish speaking community, not the drivers, just mis amigos.

4. I'll miss Uruguay because this place makes you realize that it's okay to take a few days off and enjoy staring at waves and doing absolutely nothing at all.

Goodbyes are the hardest...

2007-05-19T12:30:00.000-03:00

So I'm leaving a bit earlier than we thought but thats okay. I just decided to post the things I am going to miss about Uruguay.

And, no, I am not crapping my pants, I just hate being the tall one all the time so I was trying to be short.

Have a good Saturday.

2007-05-18T10:08:00.001-03:00

You know when you're from colorado if:

You'll eat ice cream in the winter. (Sure will!)

The weather report says it's going to be 65 degrees, you shave your legs and wear a skirt. (I like shorts but yes, we do.)

It snows 5 inches and you don't expect school to be cancelled. (Haha, would be nice if they did!)

You'll wear flip flops every day of the year, regardless of temperature. (True!)

You have no accent at all, but can hear other people's. And then you make fun of them. (Sure do.)

"Humid" is over 25%. (Uruguay is super humid!)

Your sense of direction is: Toward the mountains and Away from the mountains. (So much easier!)

You say "the interstate" and everybody knows which one.

You think that May is a totally normal month for a blizzard, and you grew up planning your halloween costumes around your coat.

You know what the Continental Divide is. (You don't?)

You don't think Coors beer is that big a deal. (No, but I miss it.)

You went to Casa Bonita as a child. (Like every day!)

You bought your car from John Elway. (Well we didn't but if we stayed in Colorado I'm positive Josh would have.)

You were tear gassed at college and you can't even remember why....something about football...(I'm Proud to be a C-S-U Ram...)

You've gone off-roading in a vehicle that was never intended for such activities.

You always know the elevation of where you are.

You know that there are two kinds of Colorado Girls: those who shave, and those who don't.

You wake up to a beautiful, 80 degree day and you wonder if it's going to snow tomorrow.

You don't care that some company renamed it, the Broncos still play at Mile High.

You know that Colfax is a street you would most likely find a hooker.

You get pissed off when people confuse Colorado with Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, or "one of those other big square states out west."

When you hear that the Chiefs and the Raiders are having bad seasons,you laugh uncontrollably.

Every movie theater has military and student discounts.

Everybody wears jeans to church.

You actually know that South Park is a real place not just a show on TV.

You know what a "trust fund hippy" is, and you know its natural habitat is Boulder.

You know you're talking to a fellow Coloradoan when they call it Elitches, not Six Flags. (Actually they just changed it back to Elitches...Whoo Hoo.)

You can never figure out why your out-of-town guests faint from altitude sickness on a picnic to the mountains.

Your two favorite teams are the Broncos and whoever is beating the crap out of the Raiders.

You know there are different types of snow, and you know not all types are good for sleeding, snowballs, or snowmen.

You've experienced shoveling a driveway, but once you finish, you have to start right over. (We made a lot of money shoveling peoples driveways!)

You've been to the original Chipotle near the DU campus on Evans.

When people out East tell you they have mountains in their state too, you just laugh. (Totally True)

You go anywhere else on the planet and the air feels "sticky" and you notice the sky is no longer blue.

At least one family member has some 4 wheel drive vehicle. (haha, yup.)

The weather channel calls for snow so you plan a snowboarding/ski trip for the next day and know that a coat won't be necesary because it won't be cold enough.

You don't even bother checking the news for school cancellations unless you can only see solid white outside your window and your front door won't open.

You were taught to drive in the snow before you got your license.

In case you missed it...

2007-05-16T23:41:00.000-03:00

Here is a little video of Josh graduating... he received his MBA on May 11 and we were lucky enough to get to Colorado for the ceremony!

Enjoy,
T

watch this.

2007-05-07T23:27:00.000-03:00

Support.

The Destroyer

2007-05-01T11:45:00.000-03:00

Last Sunday we were invited to tour a Navy Destroyer in the Montevideo port. We had a really cool guide who laughed at my questions...I had no idea how fast a 'knot' was, which is 1.1 miles. We found out that the bell is also used for baptisms of crew members (Crew members children) - the names are then engraved to the inside of the bell.

So very interesting. Enjoy the pictures.

Quiet

2007-04-25T22:57:00.000-03:00

We've been taking it easy the past few weeks since we are headed out soon... however I was watching a very interesting program tonight on TV and my favorite line was...

"America and beer grew up together"

Night.

No thanks.

2007-04-22T21:42:00.000-03:00

I don't like running in the rain...at all. I thought I did, but as it turns out if you are going farther than 12 miles - it's just not fun.

Just saying.

If I Die Before You Wake

2007-04-19T21:23:00.000-03:00

I just got this and I think you all would really enjoy it so I am passing it on. Click here to watch/listen to the best song ever.

Uruguayan Nights

2007-04-17T12:22:00.000-03:00

We found a fun salsa club downtown. Of course we couldn't dance but our friends could so we hung out for awhile and I captured a fun video. Sorry if it's shaking, it's hard to laugh, drink and film all at the same time. Haha - Just joking, sort of.

Patria Gaucho Festival

2007-04-10T09:30:00.000-03:00

The second night of our road trip we stopped at the Patria Gaucho Festival. This is where the digital camera finally died but at least I got these pictures. The cowboys here wear these fabulous outfits. I don't know if they are functional or not but they're pretty cute. I especially like the pancho folded up and carried over the shoulder. The hats are really cool too. Enjoy.

1,092

2007-04-08T10:09:00.000-03:00

That's how many miles it took Josh and I to drive around the country of Uruguay. Not sure I can put into words how amazing and beautiful Uruguay is. So because it's Easter I'll post my favorite statue we came across, this was taken between Paysandu and Salto - on our way to see the Dam.

Hope you all enjoy Easter Sunday. Send me pictures!

"YO SOY EL CAMINO,
LA VERDAD Y
LA VIDA"

Um, it's growing.

2007-03-30T10:41:00.000-03:00

Last weekend Josh and I moved our furniture around in our bedroom because we noticed this mold growning. (Gross, I know.) I asked for someone to help us figure out what to do to get rid of it but we got blown off, yet again. (I can't wait to own my own house.)

So if anyone knows what we can do to combat this mold problem without actually ruining any other part of the wall I would greatly appreciate the advice.

Oh, and if perhaps a mold expert is reading, can mold make your hair fall out in clumps? Gracias!

Cabo Polonio

2007-03-25T12:26:00.000-03:00

This is the town that I want to retire in...

Picture of the Day - Read Carefeully

2007-03-22T21:26:00.000-03:00

Random Pictures

2007-03-21T22:35:00.000-03:00

I just wanted to upload some fun pictures because Uruguay is a fabulous country and everyone should visit it if they get a chance.

We only have four months left and I will miss the country very much. Four months, wow, that went fast.

Priceless

2007-03-10T15:51:00.000-02:00

Waking up at 4 a.m., not so much fun.

Shaking hands with President Bush, Mrs. Bush and Condolezza Rice.

Priceless.

Greys Anatomy

2007-03-06T11:23:00.000-02:00

I am really, really mad that Denny died on Grey's Anatomy... I stayed up until 3am watching the show to find out what happened to him. SERIOUSLY! Why Denny?!?!

Ole-ole-ole-ole...Ricky, Ricky!

2007-03-03T20:47:00.000-02:00

Last night we went to see Ricky Martin play at the Conrad in Punta Del Este. Quite exciting if you ask me! I wish I could dance like Ricky, he really can shake it and I am really jealous.

Things

2007-02-25T13:57:00.000-02:00

I don't want to hear on Sunday afternoon:

1. "Oh, Wow, Rocky IV is on!"

2. JLO's new song 'Que Hiciste'.

3. Someone driving their ugly Harley thru my neighborhood.

and my personal favorite,

4. "Here's the car I won on ebay?"

We should have our car back sometime this month...I saw it in the body shop and poor old Charlie looked pretty lonesome. He really misses my singing - I think I should try out for American Idol next year, or not.

'SHARRRRK!"

2007-02-20T15:32:00.000-02:00

We went surfing on Monday in La Paloma and we had a lot of fun. We both need a lot of practice but we love it already. We got up on the board a few times but I thought we'd pick it up quicker since we snowboard, boy was I wrong!

After about an hour in the water I was looking for my next wave when I saw two fins swim by. I instantly yelled 'Sharrrk' and looked for Josh who was riding in a wave, so I just started to paddle back in when the instructor told me that they were just dolphins. I would have swam back to shore just for my camera but watching the Dolphins swim by was just too exciting. Plus, I knew if I got out I was not going back in.

I have to quit typing now, my arms are way too sore. This last picture is the sun rising over the ocean. Que Hermosa.

It's Sunday, already.

2007-02-11T14:02:00.000-02:00

Where did the weekend go?

I have nothing really to blog about. I need to buy more black and white film for my 35mm camera so I think I will go find some.

Last night at a party Josh took a shot of Limoncello which is usually sipped on by most people. After he drank it he said 'un poco caliente'. Yes, we all had a good laugh and poor Josh, I am sure he'll never speak another lick of Spanish again.

4th Class

2007-02-04T21:51:00.000-02:00

I had no idea this Delivery Method was even an option. Needless to say I love Superbowl Sunday. I get to shop online and when I tell Josh how much I am spendings it's usually 'ok.' I can usually get away with this after three times and then he catches on and I go and iron my clothes for the week. Go Bears!

Delivery Method

The following delivery options are available for this order. Please select one:

USPS 4th Class Mail ($13.97)

USPS Priority Mail ($12.51)

2-1-2007

2007-02-01T21:55:00.000-02:00

Thanks for keeping us safe.

Crazy Thieves

2007-01-28T01:38:00.000-02:00

Our neighbors were robbed today. At 2pm.

Since we moved here, every house on our street has now been robbed. Even the japanese diplomats across the street. Most houses have been robbed multiple times.

People call me 'confrontational' when I insist that someone fix our house alarm. I wouldn't have to be if it was fixed when I politely ask the first five times, after that I get a bit annoyed because this happens.

When I was in Paraguay our alarm didn't work for a full week. Nobody told JW it didn't work, he turned it on as usual, there was just no signal from our house to the alarm company. Thats cool, don't you think?

It was kinda of cool seeing the 8 police cars pull up to the neighbors that were being robbed. When we got robbed nobody came, that person was busy buying a new motorcycle. Not one person from work came to survey the damage that was done to the house or the furniture. Thats even cooler!

I wonder if we'll be robbed again before we leave? I sure hope they don't steal my mp3 player or shoes. Oh wait, they already did.

Back from Paraguay...

2007-01-19T17:50:00.000-02:00

I can't really write a lot about Paraguay theres so much and so little at the same time. It's a very poor country (the third-poorest in South America) and it is saturated with corruption.

Some things about Paraguay: They have the best mangos. They grow everywhere there - including in the middle of the streets. Heres a picture - notice the cobblestone streets? Paraguayans prefer to keep them, rather than paving, in order to force people to drive slowly in residential neighborhoods. It works!

The history of Paraguay is somewhat amazing. They went from being the most powerful country to the weakest. When their worst leader was finally ousted his statue was cut up and turned into this monument. The monument has a story and I am sure that I don't do it justice but this to Paraguayans says that the leader shall never rise again, and just in case he does he's anchored to the grave by the rope.

Thats all for today! I'm really becoming a terrible blogger.

La Paloma

2007-01-14T22:45:00.000-02:00

Has one ATM, this is a picture of it. I waited in this line, it was tons of fun!

Camping (if we can actually call it that) was pretty nice. Nice bathrooms/showers, electricity outlets and all within 2 blocks of the ocean. All we had to do was sleep in the tent (or car) - we'll be going back. Also, Booker became a 'search and rescue dog.' What was he searching for? Acorns, grass and then the camping manager came to him and wanted him to search for lost children (within the campsite)...haha.

A good time was had by all.

Visit Us!

2007-01-12T14:17:00.000-02:00

Uruguay

Summer is obviously a bit better than winter but you should make it down if you can!

Still got it...

2007-01-07T03:43:00.001-02:00

So even after really not running for a week I managed to finish todays 10K in 49:30. Josh finished in 40:45. This race has been my favorite one in Uruguay so far, probably because it was in Punta del Este and we went out to a really cute pizza pub after.

HAPPY New Year!

2007-01-02T00:43:00.000-02:00

In my next life, I fully intend on living in Canada. It's cold, not too crowded, absolutely beautiful (from the sky at least) and within 3 hours of a Nordstroms. Haha, just kiding about the last part...maybe.

Of course I am thinking that Seattle will be my second option! This picture is not too great but we loved the city!

Finally here is a picture of home. You can see the 'Hotel Carrasco' which is not a real hotel and only has a small casino (which never lets you win and drinks are ridiculous) but it used to be the center of our neighborhood. This is also a fun picture because you can see the beach that the dogs (and only the dogs)swim in. We prefer Punta!

Happy New Year everyone. We had a great time visiting and we'll see ya in a few months.

Thanks Sista!

2006-12-22T11:08:00.000-02:00

I was walking the dogs this morning thinking about these pictures while I tried to remember if I put enough sunscreen on.

Hi Andy! I hope my sister was helping you shovel, but we both know she was nice and cozy inside...hahaha.

Boats.

2006-12-17T00:07:00.000-02:00

We were hanging out in Punta today and before my camera died I got this picture... Thank goodness because otherwise there might be a picture of my very sunburned legs. I put sunscreen (SPF 80) on everywhere else but I was wearing shorts, whose legs get sunburned anyway?

La Noche de las Luces

2006-12-10T13:34:00.000-02:00

Last night thousands of people gathered on the beach in Pocitos to watch a parade and firework show. It was the most disorganized event I've ever witnessed and at the same time it was absolutely amazing. We were lucky and had an apartment view where I got to take a few pictures!

Las Vegas

2006-12-05T21:08:00.000-02:00

Well, it looks sort of boring...

Nightly Walks

2006-12-05T20:35:00.000-02:00

I've been meaning to capture this dog on video. Mostly because it makes me laugh every night when we walk the dogs by this house. I couldn't imagine having a nutso dog like this. Ya know, now that I think about it a bit this dog is playing "Hot Lava" remember that game as a kid? I do.

Tis the season

2006-12-03T23:13:00.000-02:00

It's December 3, 2006 which means there is exactly 22 days until Christmas and I am sitting here with a sunburn. I was in the sun for maybe 15 minutes today and I look like a lobster. I can't even pull out our christmas decorations - it just doesn't feel like Christmas when it's 100 degrees out. Anyhow, who wants to be listening to songs about roasted chestnuts and fire when I am literally burning up.

Must go find the Aloe now. Hope ya all a good weekend.

YIPEE

2006-11-29T21:30:00.000-02:00

Today I found some HUBBA BUBBA gum in the Strawberry/Watermelon flavor at the grocery. I know it won't last long and then I'll never see it here again but it's a treat anyway!

Shopping my way thru Montevideo

2006-11-27T00:01:00.000-02:00

I'm running out of pictures and things to post about Uruguay. I think it's time for a vacation.

This weekend Montevideo had an 18% discount/sale going on thru all the malls. So naturally I headed out and shopped my way thru two of them (theres only 3). Here's the kicker - I came home empty handed after hours of shopping. Thats terrible, seriously. I was rather depressed, so I decided to do some online shopping. Where of course, I spent a small fortune. Thank goodness for the internet.

Josh has started to watch the '24' series and since I refuse to watch it (he's starting with season 2) I've been able to type this post. If you are still reading by now I hope you have a fabulous Monday. I think I am going to go and see if I can find anything else to buy...

Gobble Gobble

2006-11-23T23:37:00.000-02:00

Happy Thanksgiving.

I think the only thing that could make it better is if the Broncos fired Jake Plummer. Why am I even watching this game?

Friday night

2006-11-18T12:26:00.000-02:00

Sometimes good things happen at 3am. I think they were called Boomerang, well thats what it said on the drums but I have no idea...

I think the last concert I went to was The Killers at Red Rocks, before that I have to say that I saw a free Atomic Kitten concert in Kazakhstan. No, I'm not embarrassed at all...

20th!!!

2006-11-13T21:32:00.000-02:00

Nike posted the results from the race today. Take a look at the site it's fun to look at and don't forget to click on Montevideo. I was a little disappointed that they posted my time as 51:05 because on my watch I ran 49:37. I wish Uruguay had the technology to use the microchip like in the San Francisco Marathon. I am still going with my watch time.

My number was 1608.

Results

2006-11-12T19:45:00.001-02:00

We ran the Nike 10K (6.2 miles) today and it wasn't too bad. My goal for this race was to finish under 50 minutes. I came in at 49:37. Last year it took me 1 hour and 7 minutes.

Our next 10K is on December 2. Anyone want to join us?

The only bad part was seeing a man cross the finish line in grey sweats and he seemed to have had an accident...that must have sucked.

I'll post pictures when they are up. It was a sea of yellow runners and I'll tell you I hate the color yellow but I wore the shirt (unlike last year). I suppose I am just happy it wasn't orange again.

Oh, you creepy thieves.

2006-11-11T11:50:00.000-02:00

Sometime during the weekend we had a few thieves stop by our house. On Thursday night I was trying to turn on our patio lights when I discovered that they wouldn't turn on because someone had stolen them... Patio Lights? I don't think they fetch a high price, but okay.

This morning I was informed that someone stole our rose bush. I was outside talking on the phone almost all night and I can't believe those guys got one of my rose bushes.

At least someday I can say, "Yeah, while living in Uruguay someone stole my rose bush and patio lights," I know not that funny - I need some advil.

Marine Ball 2006

2006-11-06T21:56:00.000-02:00

What a night.

Remember Remember...

2006-11-05T18:51:00.000-02:00

the Fifth of November.

The special of the day.

2006-10-29T07:41:00.000-02:00

This did not sound appetizing.

Lots of Roses

2006-10-29T07:28:00.002-02:00

These roses just keep growing in our yard. People ask us what we do and I wish I could say that I tend to them regularly, but I don't. They just keep blooming and I love it.

It was a busy weekend!

2006-10-22T16:58:00.000-02:00

Can't you tell?

Alright, we were headed home on Friday night and decided to stop for ice cream at Las Delicias (Seriously the best ice cream EVER) it was only 2am and we ran into these guys. I asked to take a picture in spanish and it must have come out wrong because they had no idea what I said. I was laughing so then I pulled out my camera and they got really happy and posed for me. All in all. It was a great weekend. The weather is warm and I got some sun and we found a great new bar...

I used to live here.

2006-10-18T15:46:00.000-02:00

This made me laugh when Maryse sent it to me today... Kazakhstan in the news again!

Anyone know...

2006-10-02T00:13:00.000-02:00

who this guy is?

Well his name is Nando Parrado. He survived 72 days after his plane crashed in the Andes mountains. Go rent 'Alive.' He was at the rugby game sitting in the VIP box. I thought it was pretty cool, I'm probably the only one.

USA vs. Uruguay - Rugby

2006-09-30T21:34:00.000-03:00

Today we (a group of 7 Americans) went and watched a 2007 Rugby World Cup qualifying game here in Montevideo. The first half of the game was a little slow and Uruguay was in the lead but something happened to the US after half time. They came back and just slaughtered the Uruguayans. USA won, 42-13.

Here is a video of the national athem, I like listening to the Uruguayans sing. When they played our anthem I didn't realise that I was singing along so don't listen too closely. The whistles are a way of 'booing' here - it's to be expected. I still cheered at the end.

Toward the end of the game, after it was very clear we were going to win, a bunch of Uruguayan kids around 9-10 years old started yelling profanities and flipping us off. Now I didn't care too much about it. Uruguayans are not known for great sportsmanship but when the adults kept turning around and laughing I was somewhat speechless. (Hard to believe, I know.)

I know there is a lot of anti-American sentiment going on but you know if you hate the US and Americans so much why do you line up at McDonalds for a cheeseburger after the game?

Anyway, Since we were such a small group we immediately left and caught a taxi home. We decided to celebrate by walking down and grabbing and ice cream cone at Las Delicias (seriously the best ice-cream in the world) and as we returned home I noticed that McDonalds was so busy the line was out the door.

It was a great game and I am officially a Rugby fan now.

Looky looky

2006-09-29T12:42:00.000-03:00

So why didn't any of this news ever come out while I was living in Kazakshtan.

Septemeber 20

2006-09-20T18:50:00.000-03:00

Enjoy!

Kazakhstan in the news

2006-09-18T10:50:00.000-03:00

This is a really sad story.

This is the tree from the outside

2006-09-08T22:14:00.000-03:00

Trees and more

2006-09-08T11:52:00.000-03:00

Last picture from Argentina I promise. This tree was so big and old it was amazing. Planted in 1800 (really) and still growing. The park is covered with branches which are held up by huge steel support beams. I've never seen anything like it. Gorgeous.

Yesterday on my way to work I found a stray dog with a broken leg. I tried 'catching' it with milk bones but it wouldn't get in our car. I didn't know what else to do. I noticed that she must have just had babies and I didn't want to take her away from them. It was hard for me to walk away. I still looked for her last night and again this morning on my run, no dice.

This to me is one of the hardest parts about living overseas. I see all these stray animals and I can't take them all in. There are no shelters or anything like that. I know in Kazakhstan the strays were much worse and most were killed in very horrible ways ~ but here they love animals. I just wish I could take them all in. Josh will be lucky if we only leave here with the two dogs we came with. :)

Tango Dancers

2006-08-29T09:46:00.000-03:00

Since we were already jipped by a lady walking around in her Tango outfit making money off tourists by grabbing them (Josh) and forcing me to take a picture AND then asking for 6$ dollars (I only gave her 3$) we figured whats another dollar.

So we stuck our heads into picture (not really sure what these are called) and figured the lady would either run off with our camera or snap a quick picture. To my surprise she acutally posed us. Pulling my hair out and making Josh and I look at each other. It was funny. She didn't run off with our camera and we got a pretty good picture. Enjoy.

1 Year.

2006-08-27T10:48:00.000-03:00

We've now been in Uruguay for one year. Sheesh, it sure went by fast!

Random

2006-08-24T21:56:00.000-03:00

Object found on the beach. I left it the way I saw it but I am sure someone took it and is now trying to sell it at some antique store.

The Perons

2006-08-23T21:54:00.000-03:00

Last Saturday we headed out to see the famous Casa Rosada. It's actually very pretty but you can tell that it needs a little bit of work. I would like to get Black and White pictures from my 32m next time. I thought it would be cool to show Evita and Juan campaigning from the house and then to show Josh standing in front of it.

There is a small museum in the basement on the right side. It was closed last weekend there is not a whole lot to see. I liked looking at her clothes and large portraits of her and Juan but not much more.

A fun fact about Evita is that when she died in 1952 her corpse was embalmed but when the military overthrew Juan Peron her body went missing for 16 years. It was finally discovered in Milan and eventually returned to Argentina. It's now safe in the Recoleta.

We decided to take a break and grab a bite to eat when I saw this restaurant. Subway never tasted better!

Buquebus

2006-08-22T20:51:00.000-03:00

I ended up taking the Buquebus from Montevideo to Buenos Aires. I didn't mind it at all and I was actually quite happy because I didn't have to worry about taking a restricted item onto the plane. The Buquebus was super easy, it cost 125$ (Airfare costs 179$), no luggage weight limit and no assigned seating ~ super deal in my book. Here is a picture of the boat from the outside.

When I got a little bored I just got up and walked around the duty free shop. I always like to see if they have anything worth buying. I found some 'Crest Cavity Fighting Toothpaste' for 6$ and couldn't believe that people were buying it. If you are wondering, it was the small tube too. Here's a picture of the inside.

Finally, I have a picture of us pulling into Buenos Aires. The beginning of quite a wonderful week - minus the work part,I loved BA. Also, Someone was asking what made the shopping so good in BA. The answer is simple. I could walk into a store and buy a pair of shoes that came in my size and I could wear them to work at a decent price. Uruguay charges 18-22% IVA (tax) on every item that you buy. It adds up quickly when you just want to buy a candle or a sweater. Both important items when it's cold and your power goes out. Plus BA is known for having amazing antiques. I'll get into that later this week.

Did you all know that Cat Stevens is coming out with a new cd? It's under his new name Yusef Islam. I am sort of excited.

Tango In Argentina

2006-08-21T21:00:00.000-03:00

I am trying something new. Let me know if you can see the video.

This past weekend we spent exploring some of the touristy areas of Argentina. There was so much to do and we were both exhausted by Sunday evening. I think it was the warm sun combined with music and beer that did us both in. Check back because I'll try posting a few pictures everyday.

If you can see the video let me know ~ via email or the comments. I don't know why you have to click around so much. I'll let Josh look into it.

Odds and Ends

2006-08-18T00:04:00.000-03:00

I was walking along Florida and saw a shirt that said "Kick up a Row" I don't get it. Neither does anyone else since they didn't seem to be selling that fast. Sort of made me laugh.

Also, last night while we were out I met a plastic surgeon. Well at first he told me he was just a doctor but as the night went on he told me that he did cosmetic surgery. Now I don't care that much about plastic surgery, get it if you want is my philosophy but I don't want it. At least not yet. :) Somehow this doctor ended up telling me that I could use some cheek implants. Yeah, out of all things cheek implants. ????????? I was thining maybe some lipo, but cheek implants? Okay. I talked to him a lot in spanish it was sort of funny because he understood me, I enjoyed testing out how good my spanish was. It was fun.

I really am starting to like Argentina. Plus, the shopping is amazing.

Casapueblo

2006-08-13T18:08:00.000-03:00

I love this house which is located in Punta Ballena, right next to Punta Del Este. Casapueblo reminds me of art work by M.C. Escher. Currently the house is divided into three sections. One section is devoted to Carlos Paez Vilaro's permanent art exposition/restaurant, the second part is where Mr. Vilaro actually lives and the third part appears to be a hotel. We were hesitant to enter since we had to ring a door bell first and it felt like we were entering someones house. However, we got into Casapueblo paid 80 pesos (roughly $3.50 USD) and headed up to the movie theatre. We were supposed to find out a little bit about his life and where he gets his inspiration but we were apparently late. The movie ended as we took our seats and never restarted unfortunately we only saw the last minute or so and then sat in the dark awhile before we left and walkded around the rest of the house. Here are some of the pictures I took from today. I think they came out great. This was a great way to spend the afternoon and we enjoyed eating lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Random

2006-08-11T20:48:00.000-03:00

Today Josh had to have a little surgery on his ear for a cyst that was growing so fast that I thought he'd be able to take flight in a few days. I am just thankful it wasn't me. I thought the British Hospital sounded all nice and clean, and new, but it's not. It was really old. It was so old that the elevator we rode in was the kind where you opened a door first and then there was a gate for you to open. Just like they show in the scary movies. (I took a picture but it's on my cell phone and I haven't tried taking them off yet) Also, If you didn't open the door when it stopped for you - you were not getting in. Now I would have been more than happy to take the stairs but the elevator was crazy exciting. First, there were all these people getting wheeled in and out on their gurneys and they bundled the patients up in these pink blankets and I kept seeing the same guy wheel in 5 different people...it was interesting to say the least.

When we arrived I wasn't allowed to go behind a sliding door and no one told me how long it was going to be so I just stood there for a few minute watching and trying to peek behind the doors to see what I was missing. Our nurse finally came out and we ended up going down to a coffee shop. When Josh was all finished they paged us in the coffee shop and we ran up to get him. It wasn't a big deal, the surgery went fine but hearing that Josh had to wear a paper diaper left me laughing for quite some time. So can you tell which ear went under the knife?

Just another fun day here in Uruguay. I will be headed to Argentina via the buque bus. I should get some good pictures so until next time...

Man's Best Friend...

2006-08-06T18:44:00.000-03:00

Here's Booker and Josh walking very happily along the beach. The weather sure was creepy.

Pictures...

2006-07-27T12:20:00.000-03:00

Awww, Krista and Anna are so cute!

Colorful Colorado

2006-07-20T21:53:00.000-03:00

How I loved being home.

Memo to Self

2006-07-17T21:56:00.000-03:00

When you go to the gym to participate in a spinning class please remember to wear a bright orange thong with see thru white pants - apparently this is the new style.

The cutest kid on earth...

2006-07-16T16:46:00.000-03:00

is my niece Anna, I finally got to meet her!

Las Lenas

2006-06-25T14:48:00.000-03:00

We just returned from a real vacation. We snowboarded for a week straight in Argentina at a resort called Las Lenas. It was amazing. Here are some pictures of us riding the Andes Mountains.

I also want to add that last night while I was at the grocery store I was surprised to see the movie 'ALIVE' being sold on every aisle. Thank goodness they didn't start selling it before we left! The plane ride was crazy - but we'll save that for another day!

A Message for the future.

2006-06-10T21:26:00.000-03:00

Quierda Ladrones - Dear Robbers: Amended.

2006-06-10T02:04:00.000-03:00

Thank you for breaking into my house tonight. I really appreciate that you took my piece of shit Rio and left me my ipod. I also really apreciate you taking my brand new running shoes (they were actually a little too small for me). I hope you like them you pathetic little twerps.

Not only did you break into my house go thru all my personal belongings but you hurt my dogs. I don't care if you take my bras, take my socks, my jeans, I don't care. When you hit my dogs I care. It's too bad that you can't figure out a way to make your life better...especially in a country where Education is FREE!

You also decided to take my husbands new running shoes (they got really bad reviews by the way so shin splints I hope they get you - warts too for some reason.)

The Playstation 2 you took is 110V and I hope you blow it out the first time you plug it in.

Some of the jewelry you stole was given to me when I was a little girl. Thanks for taking that from me. I hope you enjoy the bracelets my brothers gave me and the ring my mom gave me for my 16th birthday. I am sure you'll get about 10$ for them since they were missing some stones. Also the necklaces were from my best friends wedding and mine in case you wanted to know where I got them.

I hope that you use the cell phone that you stole so the police can track you down and ask you exactly what you were looking for and what you did to my dogs. I mean seriously what are you going to do with my bras, sell them? And what are you going to do with DVD's that are in Russian and English? Obviously not watch them since it's doubtful that you speak Russian or English.

Oh yeah and if I ever see you wearing my shoes I will F***ing punch you - twice, one from me and the other for my dogs.

06-06-06

2006-06-06T20:17:00.000-03:00

I've still got nothing to update about I just wanted a post with that title too. I've been doing so many sit ups lately I can only lay down and type because sitting is just too much. If you really wanted to know my arms feel like they too will fall off if I type too much.

Therefore I am going to take a shower and some advil and call it a night. Do you think that Advil would start sending me free gel caps if I keep talking about how great they cure any pain you have. I'm serious about that one. I feel like the father in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' who lets windex cure everything, yeah you get the point.

Have a great night.

The Zoey Factor

2006-05-29T23:24:00.000-03:00

Heres a picture from Uruguay for you. Oh, didn't I tell you that I've been sick for the whole three day weekend and for the small amount of time I didn't feel like sleeping I showered and tortured the dogs. Eh, thats alright. After I snapped this picture Zoey returned to licking her left leg off.

1:57 minutes left

2006-05-29T22:06:00.000-03:00

I turn 26 tomorrow. I don't really want to turn 26. I liked being 25 just fine. Now I dread filling in that circle when filling out tax forms and such that says 'late twenties.' Alright, maybe there isn't a certain circle but I feel like there is going to be just for me... I like being young, I like being the baby of the family and now I'm getting into my late 20's. LATE 20's.

It's generally a rule between the women in my family to be cranky on our birthdays. My sister and I were discussing this and she says it's because our mom threw us such extravagant birthday parties (which included places like Showbiz, Casa Bonita and Skate City) where we got to wear tiaras and whatever else we wanted just for that day. It was special, it was fun and I cherish the memories. Now our husbands/fiance's have the job of trying to compete against those wonderful parties. (Which they try very hard, but it's just never the same!)

So tomorrow I will wake up and try to pretend that I am turning 8 years old and I am hopeing that I get a Teddy Ruxpin. Well it will at least take my mind of turning 26, I mean I had a Teddy Ruxpin...wait, I still think its in my closet at home. Yeah, I should sign off now.

Random Chile Pictures

2006-05-19T22:57:00.000-03:00

This is Pinochets house.

I wasn't joking about the pollution and I am so thankful for the clean air here in Montevideo. (Starbucks at the bottom of that building.)

This is not a joke.

2006-05-19T22:51:00.000-03:00

So I generally play mindsweeper while I am talking on the phone and I think it's the worst game in the world. Anyway since I just randomly click around and never think about it I was freaking out when I saw this pop up.

Nope, it's not a joke. I BEAT mindsweeper. I had to take a picture too, just to prove to my hubby that I won.

Shopping in Chile

2006-05-13T20:31:00.000-03:00

This is Michelle and I looking for some LV and Coach. We used to live so close to China that we found great purses all the time...now I'm lucky if I find one.

The Chileans sure no how to shop! I could never compete with them. However, I know my mom and grandma could...okay maybe my sister too!

I'm Sick...

2006-05-10T20:56:00.000-03:00

At first I thought that I just lost my voice, but in fact I am sick as a dog. I got home late today and passed out on the couch only to wake up coughing my lungs out. I hate when I get the throat itch...ugh.

I was trying to post a few new pictures from Chile a day since I have quite a few so here are some more.

Well how else was I going to prove that I actually climbed the mountain by myself? hahaha.

Plaza de Armas

2006-05-08T10:30:00.000-03:00

Here are a few pictures of the plaza. It was a bit chilly out but when I walked into the cathedral I was wowed. By far the most beautiful church I've been in yet! I would show you pictures but you weren't allowed to take them so you'll just have to go and see for yourself.

The most interesting part of Chile was the layout of their city. You could walk down a neighborhood and see a building from the 1800's and righ next store was a brand new Apartment building.

This plaza is swarming with tourists in the summer but because it was winter I was pretty much the only one snapping pictures. I also noticed that I was being watched from all the homeless people sleeping in the park so I was moving thru the square quickly.

Santiago

2006-05-07T23:59:00.000-03:00

I just got home from Chile and it was gorgeous. Alright, minus the pollution it was wonderful. I'll write more later but here are a few pictures to get you started.

Yes, those are the Andes mountains.

The perfect house

2006-04-25T20:58:00.000-03:00

I like this house. Just thought I'd share the picture.

Dog update. Cause I know you care!

2006-04-25T20:40:00.000-03:00

I was trying to think of something cute to write along with this picture but I'm fresh out of cuteness. So heres Bubba trying to make nice with a guy playing his guitar...he thought it was Josh!

Zoey got bit by a dog on the beach on Sunday. Instead of taking her into a vet here I decided to treat it myself with human supplies. I've put neosporin all over her neck and cleaned it with soap and water. It's sort of gross and I am so mad I didn't smack that dog when it bit her... I did run after it with my chuck it and scared it away but I didn't realise that it had drawn blood. UGH.

One Fine Day

2006-04-19T15:15:00.000-03:00

These cars are so cute!

Today I was riding home in a taxi and I was thinking about 'Alias' and how Vaughn was killed off in that horrible car accident. I was just staring out the window when I heard a huge *Clunk* right behind me. (Now of course I'm thinking we are being pushed into the intersection...) So I turned around to see what happened and saw that a man had rode his bicycle right into the taxi. The taxi was stopped at a light so there was no way it was his fault and the man got back on his bike and cursed out the driver...um yeah, I think he had too much Pilsen.

A note

2006-04-09T20:05:00.000-03:00

"When you sall your car pleace call me."

Unusually Common

2006-03-24T23:45:00.000-03:00

I wanted to post these pictures too. When we arrived to Almaty we decided that we wanted to buy a russian made Niva. When we got the Niva it was great. I mean how can you not love a car that has no radio, no power steering, no a/c. It was the best car I think I've ever had. Then again I think every car I have is the best, I am just happy to have one.

However, after noticing quite a few Niva's on the road here I got to wandering exactly why are they here...out of all places. There are no mountains to drive them into, no rivers to pull people out of. (Yes, I did pull a man out of a river with my Niva.)

If you know...please tell me.

Museo Romantico

2006-03-24T23:23:00.000-03:00

We decided to check out one museum that was listed in our guide book the other day. It was actually better than I expected. (Once we found it which was a story in itself... )

Here are a few pictures. I tried to sneak a few inside but I was caught. I was then followed to ensure that I wouldn't sneak more pictures but it's okay, I doubt that I would have taken pictures of the silverware or the tapestries.

Also inside were beds with amazing detail to the headboard, traveling suitcases and everything else you can imagine from the 1800's. Here is a picture of the outside and the courtyard.

I don't really think that I would make it too long living here in the 1800's thats for sure.

Picture Perfect

2006-03-18T22:11:00.000-03:00

Movie in the making...

2006-03-18T22:05:00.000-03:00

We were out and about and saw either a movie or commerical in the works. I hope it's a commercial because I think it looks like a pretty terrible movie.

Tonight we saw 'Derailed.' I can't believe how terrible it was. I really wanted to like it but it just kept getting worse and worse.

Good Morning Montevideo

2006-03-14T08:22:00.000-03:00

Just some pictures for today!

All in a day's work.

2006-03-03T20:32:00.000-02:00

I wonder who's going to have to clean this up.

PS. Zoey does not like hard boiled eggs.

The End of Summer Pictures

2006-03-01T15:36:00.000-02:00

I was on my way to class this morning when I fell in a pot hole and rolled my ankle in the middle of the street. (I do this often, it usually just happens when I am around stairs though.) I can't be embarrassed or mad at myself since I expect this to happen once every 6 months. So I wasn't surprised (only pissed off) that my ankle is now the size of a soccer ball and it hurts like a _______, you can fill in the blank. Anyhow, it hurt so bad I was hopping and crawling to the taxi line...luckily I was close to it!

oh yeah, here are the pictures I was going to post..

Look CLOSER!

2006-03-01T08:29:00.000-02:00

If you enlarge those Almaty,Kazakhstan pictures you will see Venus in the upper left hand corner.