Expat Journal Arriving in Montevideo

FIRST Impressions: As the plane was about to touch down I was surprised to see the amount of development/suburban sprawl that was to the east of the airport. The flight was long, but nothing 10mg of Valium couldn't counteract, neck was a little stiff, but all in all not a bad flight. Off the plane, walk down a flight of grey metal steps down to a bus to take you to the main terminal. Line at Immigration went quickly, no questions, just stamp, stamp, turn page, stamp, off to carousel 3 to wait for baggage. Baggage carts are free to use, not $3 like in NY. We needed 5, 11 bags checked, 4 carry-ons, backpacks. Had to pay $350 extra for bags and weight in Miami, and the guy was giving us a break. But on the advice of the Southron Forum we brought sheets and flatware and kitchen utensils, and I think we made the right decision. Other thing, all electronics for carry on have to be out of their case so we tied up the line a little pulling out 2 laptops, HP Printer, portable hard drive, etc. Kids got a little upset cause they wouldn't let them board with their little snow shaker globes that grandma gave them last christmas. :cry: I also got a lecture from a security woman because although our carry-on toiletries were all under the 3oz. limit I stored them in a one gallon Zip Lock Bag and the regulations "clearly state that such items are to be carried in a one Quart zip lock bag".

So, on to Customs, a very nice gentlemen taps on the suitcase containing my rather bulky all-in-one printer and says to Marlyn "this is all clothes for your family Right?" she nods her head in agreement. he comes over to me and says the same, I palm him US5, as I saw the guy ahead of me do, and we're through customs, welcome to Uruguay. Pushing our 5 overloaded baggage carts through the doors, the helpful crew descend and for 5 bucks each get us to our van fully loaded and on our way. Quoted UY850 for a full van load and family of 4 seemed very reasonable.

The drive from the airport was beautiful, woods, open spaces, very familiar, very comforting, beautiful suburban houses, very clean. After a year of research it all seemed so familiar Puerto Buceo with the little sailboats was such a welcome site, the beach and high rises of Pocitos. 21 de Septiembre seemed more narrow than I envisioned, at least where it meets the Rambla, very much like the westside of manhattan. Leandra met us at the door, a sweetheart, gracious and attentive hostess. The apartment we're renting for the month is excellent, beautiful, and a great value. We took a walk, checked out the McDonalds for lunch, I really want the kids to feel like not too much is gonna be torn away from them, they got their toys with their happy meals, all is well.

Adam took me out for a couple of Beers we shot the shite, man to man, made plans to all go out for dinner. Met up again at 830 we all had a variety of meat/potatoes, kids filled up on more fries, nice walk back to the apartment, quick showers, into our PJs and the first day was done.