How can you report about needed repairs and problems in the streets of Montevideo?

pormibarrio.uy is the site for improving the city of Montevideo.  It is a platform to make claims for breakages and problems you see in the city and a way to keep abreast of the repair process.  On this site you create a login and report on any issues you see/experience in Montevideo.  You can report if there is an issue with; rubbish, potholes, water, dangers, trees/plants etc etc.  Basically anything that is not traffic related you can report on.  I personally reported on some areas of road that are full of potholes and uneven surface.  It is also interesting to look over the map of the city and see what other issues have been reported on.  So let's all get busy reporting and help fix up this city :)

What is La Ciudad de los Chicos in Shopping Montevideo?

La Ciudad de los Chicos on level 2 of Shopping Montevideo is pretend small city for kids to visit, play and learn about.  When they enter they are given some currency and can go store-to-store learning about the shops and spending their money.  In the stores the children are not only shoppers but also workers.  We had a great afternoon here and our kids thoroughly enjoyed it.  My biggest tip would be to go in a time when other people are all leaving Montevideo (for a long weekend or holiday) or a weekday, because then it is quieter.

Prices: children $250, adults (13yrs+) $160

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 2-9pm and Sundays 2-7pm.

Parties: contact them for hours, details and prices.

Also if you have an Abitab card with points you can get discounts.

info@laciudaddeloschicos.com 

Website

Facebook

When is the next Quiz Night at The Montevideo Players Society?

The neat Montevideo Players Society QUIZ NIGHT will be held 9pm Friday 28 August at the Neil Fairless Centre. 

Tickets - $ 350

Members - $ 250

Get your team of up to 5 organised and book a table through montevideoplayers@gmail.com indicating your team's name and who is in it.

Once The Players Society confirms your booking, you go to any Red Pagos branch within 48 hrs and pay for the tickets into their account: "colectivo" N° 44275.  The deposit must be made in the name of the person who booked the table. Otherwise, payment cannot be traced.

PLEASE NOTE! - To allow proper planning/catering they will only accept bookings till midday Wednesday 26 August.  Capacity is limited, so if you drop in on the night, chances are you'll be left out.

If you don't have a team, just let them know and they will fit you into one.  Doors will open at 8:30 PM sharp and not before and tables will be drawn as each team arrives.

 

How can you save water?

I took this photo in Carrasco at 10am this morning:

In a country that is in a severe drought it is crazy to still see people watering green grass!  We all need to play our part in conserving water, during this drought and at other times too.
Here are some great tips on how to conserve water:

http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/

Can you buy Amway products in Uruguay?

Yes you can buy Amway products in Uruguay.   I really like the eco-friendly, biodegradable washing powder that you can use in your washing machine or dishwasher - I use it in my dishwasher and a 1kg box lasts me around 1 year (and I use my dishwasher every day!).  I buy all my Amway products from Claire Ward (claire.ward.uy@gmail.com) in Montevideo. 

Where can you buy fabrics/sewing accessories in Montevideo?

Fabric Stores:

• There are a number of fabric stores downtown in the area of Andes from 18 de Julio towards the Rambla. 
• The Indian Outlet in La Commercial area (commonly known as Barrio Judio) has a huge variety of fabrics at the back (you can find it at Arenal Grande and Amezaga area)
• Las Telas in Solymar. Go down Giannatasio, pass Multiahorro on your right and you will find it on your right. It's on the fifth street after Calle Uruguay (where Multiahorro is) - give or take one block. It is a corner with about 3 or 4 shops. It is a small shop but has good prices.

Haberdashery Stores:

Habahashery shops (for sewing accessories) are called mercerias and can be found at:

• The corner of Cooper/Arocena – small store.
• Botones & Moños Merceria y Accesorios on the ground floor of Punta Carretas Mall – has the best variety of goods.
• ‘Annettes’ shop next to the crepe restaurant on Arocena (last block before the casino) – good wool selection.
• Merceria Nela - 
  Av. Giannattasio (esq. Marques Castro) in Canelones.

When is the new British Hospital in Carrasco opening?

The new branch of The British Hospital at 1978 Avenida Bolivia in Carrasco is opening 30th July.  For all those British Hospital scheme members that live in or near Carrasco (like me) and dread having to drive to and find parking at the main British Hospital, you will now have a hospital much closer!  Although the new clinic will not offer all the services of the main hospital, it will offer the main most frequently used services (i.e. pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology, general practice, lab testing, x-ray etc).  The Carrasco clinic will be open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Saturdays 8am-1pm.

How can you save money in Uruguay?

We all know that Uruguay is an expensive country to live in.  Check out the 'Saving in Uruguay' Facebook page for some great tips on saving money.  And don't forget to add your own savings tips to the Facebook group.

Where can you buy farm fresh fruits and vegetables in Uruguay?

I can highly recommend buying fruits, vegetables, spices, cheeses, eggs etc from the local street markets in Uruguay.  On different days and in different areas there are many street markets around Uruguay.  I personally buy fruits, vegetables, spices, eggs, cheeses, raisins, dulce de leite etc from the Sunday morning market on Jamaica Street in Carrasco.  I also buy fresh fish from the Saturday morning market next to the Lawn Tennis Club in Carrasco.  I find the products to be fresh, the variety good and the prices much better than the big supermarket chains.  Also, it is great to support the local farmers :)

 

What and when is Constitution Day in Uruguay?

Today is Constitution Day in Uruguay!

Constitution Day is celebrated on July 18 - it is a public holiday in Uruguay.  The Constitution Day of Uruguay is officially known as Jura de la Constitución de la República Oriental del Uruguay. Constitution Day has been observed in Uruguay since 1830, when Uruguay adopted its first Constitution. Presently, it commemorates the Constitution of 1951, which established a collegiate form of government in the country.

Constitution Day celebrations are marked by playing of the national anthem and speeches made by political leaders.  Apart from official celebrations, there are social events organised by citizens to commemorate the day. 

Where can you get imported British food products in Uruguay?

Tienda Inglesa is having it's annual celebration of British food from today until 2 August.  For these different promotional offers Tienda Inglesa imports specialty products from specific countries (or regions).  You can see a list of all the British products they are currently selling on their website.  Worth checking out a Tienda Inglesa store near you!

When and what is Children's Day in Uruguay?

Every year on one Sunday in August there is a commercially known day as Children's Day in Uruguay.  You may notice that supermarkets are starting to stock lots of toys on their shelves at the moment, it is because Children's Day is on Sunday 2 August.  Often described by my Uruguayan friends as a day 'bigger than Christmas', children are showered with gifts on Children's Day here in Uruguay.  I personally don't 'celebrate' Children's Day but I know it is popular with Uruguayans.  One tip I can give you is that the best toy selection in Uruguay is at this time of year so stock up now for Christmas and future Birthdays/occasions :)

Where can you buy sweet edible handcrafted gifts in Montevideo?

I can recommend the beautiful handcrafted (baked and decorated) gingerbread cookies made by 'Souvenir Rosquilla Pintada Rusa'.  The detail put into the decorating of these delicious cookies almost makes them too beautiful to eat.  At Christmas time she also makes Christmas themed cookies to hang on your Christmas Tree.  Phone/text Marina on 094 451 067 (in English or Spanish) to see a selection of the cookies for sale.  The cookies cost $50 pesos for the small ones and $100 pesos for the larger ones.  I think they are beautiful and a very unique gift to give to someone or just keep for yourself and enjoy.

Where can you buy KitchenAid products in Montevideo?

I purchased my KitchenAid mixer from Nelson Sobrero in Carrasco and it was cheaper than if I were to buy it where I am from (New Zealand)!  although it may not be cheaper than in other countries, I got a great deal with Itau...15% off and it could be paid for in 10 payments.  This sort of deal is offered at Nelson Sobrero at various times throughout the year.  Plus a benefit of buying within Uruguay, and not importing one, is that I got a warranty from the store :)

Also, keep an eye on the website for other deals that Nelson Sobrero offer - at the moment they have 25% off all Panasonic products when you pay with Itau (and you can make up to 12 payments).

www.nelsonsobrero.com.uy

When is the next Design Fair in Montevideo?

Mark your calendars...

The next 'Feria Maxima De Diseno' is on 14 August in Carrasco.  The Feria Maxima De Diseno is a design fair offering the latest trends, innovation, art and creativity - it is also a platform for companies, brands and designers.

This coming fair there will be decor, jewellery, footwear, beauty products and for the little ones there will be an exclusive Kids Place stand!

Come to discover the new collections and enjoy some time with friends with good music, tasting, raffles, presentations of new products and 20% off with Santander credit cards/debit cards on all stands.

Where can I find a reliable, friendly, English-speaking real estate agent in Montevideo?

I can recommend the real estate agent that we used when we arrived in Montevideo.  Mercedes speaks English and is very helpful.

Mercedes
Mercedes Arocena Propiedades
www.mercedesarocena.com
mgerona@mercedesarocena.com 

Where can you get great pizza in Carrasco?

I have frequented Don Pepperone often and their pizza is ok but this week I went to Chivi Pizza and it is great!  Available for takeaway (delivery) and dine-in.  Chivi Pizza bases are a medium thickness and the variety of topping types is excellent.  The pizzas were yummy and the setting is really nice too (a bit chilly in winter but in summer it would be great to return and use the great outdoor seating area that they have).  Chivi Pizza also offer imported beers and a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks (I had a peach basil drink that was delicious).  And for an added bonus, Chivi Pizza in Carrasco is open from 7pm!   I will be returning here with my family for sure :)

Check out Chivi Pizza: 
Schroeder 6472 (between Arocena and Costa Rica)
www.chivipizza.com
Facebook

Chivi Pizza is also in Punta Del Este and Punta Carretas :)

Where can you buy great homemade-style gifts for babies/kids?

I can highly recommend using Holly at Knit-wits - I just custom ordered this gorgeous Angelina Ballerina toy for my daughter's 3rd Birthday (it cost 500 pesos) and love it!  Holly has quite a talent - the quality of her work is amazing.

Check out Knit-wits on Facebook and send Holly a message with any questions.