The Uruguay Gringo

Colonial Uruguay Alive in Tacuarembo

The Big Gringo — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:30:54 +0000

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 members of these Gaucho communities go about their days as they would have hundreds of years ago in their typical garb, singing and dancing and sipping mate but most importantly, riding horses.
There are many different horse riding competitions and horse shows with participants coming from all over Uruguay and even Argentina and Brazil. Arts and crafts also make an important appearance here. The artisans stick around until late at night crafting and selling beautiful, unique and authentic native and gaucho artwork. For a historical overview of Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha click here.
Another attraction in Tacuarembo is the Museo Del Indio y Del Gaucho. From the outside it looks like an old historical home. Once you walk inside you step into culture school. The wooden sculptures and the displays of old style Indian and Gaucho tools and weapons and intricate metal work are mere shadows of Gaucho culture. Tacuarembo is committed to preserving what’s left of their culture and passing on to younger generations.
A visit to Tacuarembo offers a unique and refreshing view of Uruguay culture and customs. Visit Tacuarembo any time but if at all possible visit the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha and experience Gaucho culture like never before!
Loved Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha? Tell us about your experience in our comment section!

How to Make Flan, Uruguay’s Favorite Dessert!

The Big Gringo — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:16:27 +0000

Traditional Uruguay cuisine relies on a balanced diet of delicious meats and rich, sweet desserts. One such dessert is flan, a sweet and creamy custard. Everyone knows how to make flan in Uruguay, and everyone likes to add their own spin to it. Regardless of the variation, flan is always delicious. Enjoy this Uruguayan treat anytime you want with this traditional flan recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup of sugar

6 medium eggs

1 can of condensed milk*

1 can of evaporated milk*

1 tsp vanilla

*many use 2 ½ cups of warm whole milk instead of condensed and evaporated milk.

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325°F and grease ramekins or muffin tin.

On the stove top heat and slowly melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Constantly stir the caramel until all sugar has melted and turned a light amber color. Remove from stove top and pour into prepared ramekins or muffin tin. Let cool in the refrigerator.

Mix eggs, condensed milk , evaporated milk and vanilla. Pour the custard mixture on top of caramel.

If using ramekins, place them into a large glass baking pan filled half-way with water. If using muffin tins use two racks in the oven. On the top rack place the muffin tin and directly under it place a glass baking pan filled with water. This will create the steam needed to give the custard a double boiler effect. Bake for 45 minutes until the custard sets. Turn the flans upside down onto a plate and the caramel will form an even layer on top of the custard. Let cool before eating.

If you find that the texture of the flan is to gooey then add 8 ounces of cream cheese to the custard mixture and bake without a water bath. This will preserve the delicious flan taste, with a cheesecake consistency.

You may choose to add shaved coconut or other flavorings. Many love to top flan with dulce de leche, making it an even more decadent treat. Whatever you choose to do, kick back and indulge in Uruguay’s favorite dessert!

LearnSpanishandSurf.com Uruguay Experience

The Big Gringo — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:12:28 +0000

This is a Guest post from LearnSpanishandSurf.com

Uruguay, a small country in South America, known to many as the heart-shaped country is a land of beautiful coastlines, reaching well over 120 miles as well as being one of the hottest spots for surfers. The country alone is a popular spot for tourism individuals looking to learn the Spanish language and to explore their waters. The folks at LearnSpanishandSurf.com offer Spanish immersion programs at great surfing locations in South America, which, Uruguay being one of their more popular immersion programs.

LearnSpanishandSurf.com offers a Spanish immersion and surfing programs in La Paloma. An area of Uruguay filled with picturesque beaches is the perfect place to perfect the Spanish language and learn surfing techniques so that you can ride the waves throughout your stay. If you are looking to broaden your horizons through exploring a new language, understanding and new culture, while having fun surfing the waves, our La Paloma Spanish programs are an ideal fit for you! With two separate Spanish immersion programs available through our school, if you are simply looking to sharpen your Spanish or learn the language from ground up, each of our La Paloma programs cater to each need. Of course, learning is always fun, whether it be of the language or surfing, but many of our students very much look forward to becoming “immerged” in the culture, visiting historical landmarks, exploring the local towns that are filled with culture and hospitality. This “learn by experience” approach is what sets all of our Spanish immersion programs apart from all the others. If you are looking to explore Uruguay, specifically the beauties La Paloma offers, be sure to contact the folks at LearnSpanishandSurf.com and anticipate learning more about what their Spanish Immersion programs have to offer.

Pampering and Sunbathing in El Salto, Uruguay

The Big Gringo — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 22:56:49 +0000

For most of us, when we think of Uruguay what comes to mind is the party scene at Punta del Este and the capital, Montevideo. That is where most fellow expatriates are drawn and rarely venture out into the rest of the country. Some, however, have stepped of the beaten path and found treasures formerly enjoyed only by locals and savvy Argentinians. One such treasure is El Salto, a city located along the Rio Uruguay, across from the Argentinian city of Concordia.

While El Salto is the second largest city in Uruguay it still manages to keep a small town feel. One University, one mall, one movie theater. It may not sound too promising, but despite that small town feel there is plenty to do in El Salto. In fact, if you’re visiting El Salto you’re probably there for the hot springs!

Oh the hot springs, the ideal place for the pampering and sunbathing we talked about. A perfect place to enjoy the Salto Grande termales is the Hotel Horacio Quiroga, a converted army house. Here the hot spring water can be enjoyed in every form. From the drinking water, to the shower and the pools, it’s all natural thermal water cooled down to the appropiate temperatures depending on the intended use. Thermal water is healthful and rejuvenating and at Horacio Quiroga they are taking advantage of it in every way possible and they want you to do the same. Each room even has its own bathtub with thermal water hydromassage. As if that weren’t enough, there is also a full service thermal spa. Managed by experienced health professionals, the spa offers weightloss services, stress reducing services as well as pampering services. From lymphatic drainage and dietary regulations to personal trainer and even a makeup session. There are endless ways to pamper yourself in Hotel Horacio Quiroga. For rates click here.

If all you want is to have some fun in the sun and enjoy the springs then head on over to Parque Aquatico Termas de Salto Grande. This is a true water park, complete with artificial wave pool, intimidating water slides hydromassage pools, cascades and even hot spring rafting. There is a restaurant and small store to satisfy your needs. Perfect for a day trip, entrance to the water park is a little over $8USD for adults and $6.50 USD for children under 12.

Enjoy your stay at the all-inclusive Hotel Horacio Quiroga or the many hotels, hostels and bed and breakfast around town. Walk the streets or soak in the hot springs. With the many attractions and affordable housing you may decide to stay for good!

Luis Suarez: Uruguay’s star on the rise

The Big Gringo — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:58:39 +0000

In 2010 Luis Suarez did something completely controversial, something he will probably always be known for. During the quarterfinals of World Cup 2010, Luis Suarez prevented Ghana’s certain goal by deliberately blocking it with his hands. A deliberate handball is penalized with a red card, immediate expulsion from that game and banning from the next, and a penalty kick. Ghana missed their penalty kick allowing Uruguay to continue on to the semifinals.

Luis Suarez, Uruguayan by birth, has had a long career in football. As a young man he played for Uruguay football club Nacional. Later he played for Groningen, a football club from the Netherlands for one year. He was then purchased by neighboring club Ajax in 2007. In 2010 he received the prestigious title of Dutch Footballer of the Year. This was a big year for Luis Suarez as he also became a parent.

Earlier this year, Liverpool paid $36.3 million dollars to sign Luis Suarez. Evidently his controversial handball at the World Cup has not hurt his career. Rather it seems to have fast-tracked his career. His willingness to risk being penalized so that his team could advance to the next round has shown that he is a true team player. Due to his handball, Dominic Adiyiah’s goal was stopped, Ghana lost the game and Uruguay participated, without Suarez, in their first semifinals since 1970.

As former footballer Gus Poyet put it, Suarez “took one for the team”. Many called it a dirty play, or said that such behavior was contrary to what football stands for. However, FIFA has the last word in those matters. Suarez was properly penalized, if that helped his team to advance to the semi-finals so be it. That’s what football is all about, team members doing their utmost for their team.

Luis Suarez continues to play with the Uruguay national team as well as Liverpool. This Uruguayan hero’s career is climbing, only time will tell the heights he will achieve.

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Luis Suarez continues to play with the Uruguay national team as well as Liverpool. This Uruguayan hero’s career is climbing, only time will tell the heights he will achieve.

Uruguay Football Team: The heart and soul of Uruguay

The Big Gringo — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:45:10 +0000

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 7^th in the world, a si^gnificant improvement over 2009 when they ranked 20^th. They also rank 3^rd 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 many international tournaments. It is also the site of a museum dedicated to showcasing the development of football nationally and in the world.

Local football clubs however are the lifeblood of the Uruguayan football addiction. Everyone is fan, everyone has a favorite team. A common favorite is team Peñarol, Champion of the Uruguayan First Division League. Currently participating in the Libertadores Cup, Peñarol has an upcoming match versus Argentinian team Independiente. The two clubs have a lot of history and tension is running high. The match will take place Thursday February 24^th.

Uruguay is home to a total of 16 clubs, which makes for lots of fans and lots of fierce competition. Club Nacional is another major favorite. Also participating in the Libetadores Cup Nacional is facing Brazilian team Fluminense. Shortly after on February 27^th it will play for the Uruguay 2011 national championship against team Bella Vista.

Football is an integral part of life in Uruguay. Whether you’re a fan of Peñarol, Nacional or any other team, Uruguayans are united by their love of football. Despite disagreements over which is the best local team, all fervently support the Seleccion Nacional de Uruguay.

Football fans in Costa Rica are equally excited for the opening of their National Stadium!

New Decree About Permanent Residency in Uruguay

the uruguay gringo — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:52:47 +0000

On August 24^th a new Presidental Decree was posted that concerns all foreigners residing in Uruguay. The official Decree is posted on the Presidential Departments web-page, in Spanish, as a PDF, found at the following link: http://www.presidencia.gub.uy/_web/decretos/2009/08/EC1320%20.pdf

Although there aren’t too many changes to the process, it is exciting to see that the “carnet de salud” which entitles ones with a low enough income to free health care in public hospitals, is now available to both legal residents and non-resident foreigners. If a foreigner has sufficient means, they wil be enrolled in the “mutualista” program just as Uruguayan foreign nationals.

While many foreigners have been taking advantage of this system for a long time, it is good to see it finally written down on paper, official.

The Big Gringo travels Central and South America trying out new things and reporting back to you – my faithful readers – so that you might enjoy your travels. Here is some information you might also find valuable:
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Celebrate the Good Old Days with La Noche de Nostalgia

the uruguay gringo — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:26:01 +0000

We are one month away from celebrating the Declaration of Independence, a national, non working holiday observed in Uruguay yearly on the 25th of August. One of the best parts of not going to work on the 25^th, means that on the 24th you have plenty of time to party! No need to think about waking up for work the next morning.

Rumor has it, over 20 years ago a local am radio DJ started “La Noche de la Nostalgia” (The Nostalgia Night), a party where only old hits would be played. Since that first famed night, year after year the country has grown to celebrate hold hits, with music, costumes, and celebrations on the night of August 24^th, a day before the official celebration of the Declaration of Independence.

The celebration on the 24^th has actually become such a huge part of the Uruguayan culture that some feel it is celebrated even more than the 31st of December. The whole idea is to get back to “the good old days,” which is something the entire country can relate to.

There are plenty of public parties at bars and clubs, so make sure you find out what is going on in your area on August 24^th. Remember the Uruguay of yesteryear, which, according to the older generation, was much better than the Uruguay of today.

The Cost of Living in Uruguay

the uruguay gringo — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:20:01 +0000

What is the cost of living in Uruguay? Well, for many it depends on where and how they live. What is for certain is that right now 1 US dollar is equal to about 23 Uruguayan pesos, which is better than it was last year.

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I found this complete chart the other day on www.from-uruguay.com, and although it is dated September of 2008, nearly a year ago, the information is still pretty accurate.

Item

Peso UY

USD

Comment

Lunch at restaurant

from 100 to 200

from 5 to 10

Places where you sit, and there’s a waiter

Dinner for two in a fancy restaurant

from around 500 to 1200

from around 25 to 60

appetizer, main course, dessert, good wine for both

Lunch at Mac Donald’s

120

6

MD is not considered a cheap meal

Movie Theatre/Cinema

from 50 to 105

from 2.5 to 5

105 weekend price

Theater

around 300

around 15

expensive

20km taxi drive in Montevideo

around 350

around 15

from carrasco to ciudad vieja

Urban bus ticket

13.5

0.675

government is making it cheaper

1 lt of gasoline

32

1.6

got a car now

Renting a one bedroom apartment in a fancy neighborhood

from around 6000 to 8000 plus common expenses

from around 300 to 400

neighborhood being pocitos or punta carretas

Renting a two bedroom apartment in a fancy neighborhood

from around 7000 to 12000 plus common expenses

from around 350 to 600

for some reason real state bubble hasnt burst here, again this is per month.

Electricity bill

around 1000

around 50

Phone bill

from around 1500 to 3000

from around 75 to 150

five person house, one teenager

Water bill

around 300

around 15

cable tv bill

around 600

around 30

internet broadband (256k download)

from 200 to 600

from 10 to 30

at least some things are less expensive

Kilo of Potatoes

around 20

around 1

Kilo of apples

around 30

aroundaround 1.5

Kilo of bananas

around 25

around 1.25

1 lettuce

around 12

around 0.6

Kilo of fatless grinded meat

around 138

around 6.9

Kilo of beef loins

around 170

around 8.5

1 lt milk

18

0.9

1 loaf of bread

18

0.9

Bringing in Household Items Duty-Free

the uruguay gringo — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:33:15 +0000

Relocating to Uruguay and trying to find accurate, up-to-date information on the internet regarding laws and policies can be extremely difficult. Sometimes even the Uruguay government sites and consulate sites can have conflicting information.

From a reliable source, attorney Mark Teuten, we have learned something about bringing household items duty-free. He states:

article 2 of Decree No. 119/004, which regulates Law No. 16.340 states that household goods, in reasonable quantities according to the opinion of the Custom’s authorities, can be brought in free of tax within 6 months of the grant of permanent residence.

Cara are not included in this, and it means only for the first 6 months after you have been approved for your residency, not during the time when your residency is still pending.

If you bring in household goods before you are approved for residency, you wil have to post a bond, or guarantee for the estimated value of the items you are having shipped in. You determine the value. The best option to make the guarantee is to secure it through Banco de la Republica. You purchase a Certificate of Deposit for the amount your items are valued, and then the bank guarantees they won’t cash it until you show proof of residency. They charge less than 2% of the value to issue the guarantee and once you have your residency all you have to do is take your cédula, the CD and a certification from Immigration to Aduana to the bank and they will sign off on it.

Mark is a reliable British-born attorney who is certified in both the UK and Uruguay to pratice law. He can help you out with residency, real estate, business matters and more. Visit his web-site at www.teutenabogados.com for more information on his practice and available services.

Item	Peso UY	USD	Comment
Lunch at restaurant	from 100 to 200	from 5 to 10	Places where you sit, and there’s a waiter
Dinner for two in a fancy restaurant	from around 500 to 1200	from around 25 to 60	appetizer, main course, dessert, good wine for both
Lunch at Mac Donald’s	120	6	MD is not considered a cheap meal
Movie Theatre/Cinema	from 50 to 105	from 2.5 to 5	105 weekend price
Theater	around 300	around 15	expensive
20km taxi drive in Montevideo	around 350	around 15	from carrasco to ciudad vieja
Urban bus ticket	13.5	0.675	government is making it cheaper
1 lt of gasoline	32	1.6	got a car now
Renting a one bedroom apartment in a fancy neighborhood	from around 6000 to 8000 plus common expenses	from around 300 to 400	neighborhood being pocitos or punta carretas
Renting a two bedroom apartment in a fancy neighborhood	from around 7000 to 12000 plus common expenses	from around 350 to 600	for some reason real state bubble hasnt burst here, again this is per month.
Electricity bill	around 1000	around 50
Phone bill	from around 1500 to 3000	from around 75 to 150	five person house, one teenager
Water bill	around 300	around 15
cable tv bill	around 600	around 30
internet broadband (256k download)	from 200 to 600	from 10 to 30	at least some things are less expensive
Kilo of Potatoes	around 20	around 1
Kilo of apples	around 30	aroundaround 1.5
Kilo of bananas	around 25	around 1.25
1 lettuce	around 12	around 0.6
Kilo of fatless grinded meat	around 138	around 6.9
Kilo of beef loins	around 170	around 8.5
1 lt milk	18	0.9
1 loaf of bread	18	0.9