Colonial Uruguay Alive in Tacuarembo

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Colonial Uruguay Alive in Tacuarembo

December 26th, 2011 | The Best of Uruguay, Uruguay - Culture, Uruguay - Family Friendly, Uruguay - Gringo Favorite | No Comments »

The town of Tacuarembo is where the gaucho makes his last stand. Even now in the age of ipads and twitter the folks in Tacuarembo treasure the simpler times when the Gaucho roamed Uruguay.
Tacuarembo’s commitment to history is embodied in their annual celebration Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha. Held every year since 1985, the first week of March is dedicated to the search of the quintessential Gaucho environment. Groups from all over the country arrive days earlier to set up their “towns”, complete with a general store, a blacksmith or a police station with a small town built around it. Everything is built with materials that would have been available at the time. Once the festival starts the Read more

Uruguay Football Team: The heart and soul of Uruguay

February 24th, 2011 | Uruguay - Culture, Uruguay - Family Friendly, Uruguay - Gringo Favorite, Uruguay - Must See or Do | No Comments »

Uruguay sleeps, eats and drinks football. Football of course is soccer, and the national football team is a major contender in the wold football scene. In 2010, Uruguayan player Diego Forlán was named the best player of the World Cup. During Uruguay’s 11 appearances in the world cup, Uruguay has secured two wins and most recently fourth place in the 2010 World Cup. Currently Uruguay ranks 7th in the world, a significant improvement over 2009 when they ranked 20th. They also rank 3rd in the continent.

Home of the national team is Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Finished in 1930 it was the site of the first World Cup in history, it has since been the site of Read more

Real Chinese Food in Uruguay!

July 9th, 2009 | Uruguay - Business, Uruguay - Family Friendly, Uruguay - Gringo Favorite, Uruguay - Places to Eat, Uruguay - Travel Tips | 1 Comment »

Hooray for Chinese food that is actually somewhat like Chinese food in South America!

As an extensive traveler I have found that Chinese food is actually a staple restaurant in most countries. In that statement, I use the term “Chinese food” quite loosely. What most restaurants serve up (even if you see a Chinese cook in the back) is what residents of the local country think Chinese food should taste like. You can imagine this is pretty frustrating for a Gringo who grew up pointing to items on the menu because the waiter didn’t speak any English.

Gran China, which is located on San Jose 1077 between Rio Negro and Paraguay in Centro actually does real Chinese food. The flavors Read more

Another Health Benefit of Permanent Life in Uruguay

July 2nd, 2009 | The Best of Uruguay, Uruguay - Business, Uruguay - Family Friendly, Uruguay - Gringo Favorite, Uruguay - Relocation | 1 Comment »

If you are debating getting your residency in Uruguay I am here to tell you another benefit of being a resident: if you are working for a Uruguayan company and paying into BPS (social security) then you are entitled to receive health insurance via the government sponsored Health Insurance Plans.

Many who come to Uruguay, work for a Uruguayan company, and have their residency benefit from these plans. The health care is reliable, the insurance actually covers a good deal, and I think you’ll find you are way better taken care of than with some of the health insurance providers in the States.

The only issue with the arrangement of this health insurance is that the directors of Uruguayan corporations Read more

The Human Rights Project – You Can Make a Difference

November 21st, 2008 | Uruguay - Gringo Favorite | No Comments »

The Gringo Report team was recently contacted by the Human Rights Project regarding their new mission: “To exceed the act of inspiring and successfully move people from apathy to activism.”

The Gringo Report has teamed up with the Human Rights Project in calling others to action.

To get the ball rolling, the Human Rights Project has developed a beautifully illustrated full color book entitled, The Trouble with the Alphabet, written and illustrated by Caryn West. The book takes you around the world to 26 countries A-Z where children are suffering. Each country featured is also connected to a charitable organization that receives part of the proceeds from each book purchased, as well as all purchases from TheTroubleWiththeAlphabet.com.

Check it Read more

The Shannon Irish Pub – Montevideo

September 23rd, 2008 | Uruguay - Adults Only, Uruguay - Gringo Favorite, Uruguay - Nightlife | No Comments »

A night out in Montevideo really isn’t complete without a trip to the local Irish pub, The Shannon.

The Shannon Irish Pub offers a mix of traditional Uruguayan beers and a variety of well-known international ones. It is a great place to just chill with friends, or make new ones, over a pint of beer. The prices are reasonable and the place is always hopping with a mix of expats and locals looking to have fun.

The Shannon is open year round and regularly features live rock and folk music shows. On their web-site they have a calendar of events posted for each month. This week Thursday we’ve got blues, Friday features Juanjo Casual entertaining with a Read more

Expat Exchange in Montevideo

September 9th, 2008 | Uruguay - Gringo Favorite, Uruguay - Travel Tips | No Comments »

In Montevideo expats, would-be expats and locals to meet to get to know each other weekly at the Uruguay Living Open House for Expats & Locals. Here expats can connect with others living in Montevideo and the surrounding area.

Those who are interested in coming to Uruguay should most definitely attend while checking out the country. It is a great way to be able to get together with others who have made the move and talk about the challenges they have faced. Local Uruguayans are welcome to come and practice their English as well.
There is no cost and no reservations are needed. Snacks and refreshments are provided.

Call +598 2 623-5547 or Read more

Salto Grande Hot Springs – The Ultimate in Relaxation

August 27th, 2008 | Uruguay - Gringo Favorite, Uruguay - Places to Stay | No Comments »

Therapy and relaxation are at your finger tips at the Hotel Horacio Quiroga, 10 km North of Salto, Uruguay. It is within the facilities of the hotel that you will find the Salto Grande hot springs. The water from the springs comes highly recommended for healing illnesses, caring for the skin and promoting relaxation.

The Hotel Horacio Quiroga has a team of doctors who offer specialized treatments using the bicarbonated, chlorided and sodical spring waters. Specialty packages include beauty, anti-stress and weight control. The springs are part of the services provided by the hotel.

In addition the hotel offers pools, massage showers, Finnish baths, saunas, Scottish showers, a relaxation room, a gym and a solarium. The property Read more

Possibly the Best Beach in South America

August 13th, 2008 | Uruguay - Family Friendly, Uruguay - Gringo Favorite, Uruguay - Places to Stay | 1 Comment »

Punta del Este has earned itself the nickname, “The Hamptons of South America,” and not without good reason. This important resort town attracts the wealthiest of visitors, and is viewed as an exclusive vacation destination, despite the fact that all the beaches on the peninsula are actually public.

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There are two shores, Brava and Mansa, meaning courageous and mild, and the waves match the names, giving you the opportunity to swim in tranquil waters, or surf the large waves. There is also some excellent fishing in the area.

Resorts abound and two of the finest five star hotels in Punta del Read more

Getting your residency in Uruguay

August 4th, 2008 | Uruguay - Gringo Favorite, Uruguay - Relocation, Uruguay - Travel Tips | 3 Comments »

Getting into Uruguay on a tourist visa is easy, and if you plan on retiring in this beautiful South American country, I recommend getting into the country first, and then applying for your permanent residence. You can actually even purchase real estate as a tourist before becoming a resident of Uruguay.

A comprehensive description of how to go about getting your residency can be found at the United States Uruguayan embassy website. There is a section near the bottom of the page that discusses permanent residency and explains what the government requires of applicants.

Basically you need to prove that you meet the monthly income requirements, equivalent to about US $500/month, show a Read more