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Do you have a question about Uruguay for Annette?  comment here with any and all relevant questions:

64 comments:

  1. just arrived in Montevideo. Which uruguayan beers would you recommend? whrre is the best place to go for a quite drink?

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    1. Try the beers at The Montevideo Brewhouse - http://www.mbh.com.uy/

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    2. thanks, but waht beers in particular would you recommend. I tried Pilsen and patricia and both taste aweful.

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    3. Yes I would agree with you, as do Zillertel and Nortena. That is why I would recommend trying micro brewery beers such as those at The Montevideo Brewhouse or Barbot in Colonia del Sacramento (where you can get all kinds of Uruguayan brewed beers from stout to pale ale). Otherwise there is a large selection of imported beers at the supermarkets (I buy Negra Modelo (Mexican) and DAB (German) from Devoto). This is a subjective area and everyone will have a different opinion. If I have to buy 1 litre bottles of beer then I buy Pilsen but like I was saying, when it comes to taste we go for imported beers.

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    4. Me again - the other problem I am having is the so called local specality - chivitos -they suck - back in Ohio - we have meat that does not taste like it´s made of the leather part of the cow - where should you go to get a good one?

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    5. Thanks for the question! I have to agree with you, I have never enjoyed a chivito in Uruguay - I also find the meat very chewy. I was told that Expreso Pocitos has the best chivitos but I went there and the chivitos tasted just like all the other ones that I had tried (including those from places like La Pasiva and Mendizabal). An American friend of mine who has lived in Uruguay for more than 12 years highly recommends Chivitos Marcos (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chivitos-Marcos/296031493773740?fref=ts), I have never tried it but she says it has the best chivitos in Uruguay!

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  2. We have the opportunity to move to Uruguay. How easy is it to learn Spanish? Are there schools, tutors easily available for home tuition?

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    1. There are many different language schools in Montevideo, spread around the city. You can do private lessons or class structured lessons. There are also a lot of independent teachers who can teach you at home. English is widely spoken so you can easily get by until you can pick up basic Spanish. Good luck with the move (if the opportunity presents itself) and feel free to ask me anymore questions you may have.

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    2. Here are some schools you can check out:
      www.eureka.com.uy
      www.anglo.edu.uy
      www.londoninstitute.edu.uy

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  3. Just arrived and I have some Spanish but I am a bit puzzled by this "Ta" - what does it mean??

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    1. Thanks for the question. I have been asked this question before. My Uruguayan friends tell me it has various meanings, and I have heard it used in different ways. It is used in place of 'ok', like saying 'yes it's all good' in response to something someone is saying. Also it is used to say 'stop', 'no', 'don't', i.e when a child is running around a room and the parent will say 'ta ta ta ta'. So depending on which context it is said it has a different meaning. It is used a lot in Uruguay.

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    2. All this while I thought it only meant 'ok'. But then, I haven't been around kids.

      Another word that amazes me is 'dale' (pronounced 'daa le'). Google once said it meant 'bring it on'. But I think its also used in the place of 'ok', 'alright'..

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    3. Yes essentially dale means 'ok' or 'all right'.

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    4. "Ta" is the end of "esta' ", which in turn is short for "esta' bien?" (i.e. is it alright?). So, as a local explains something to you, s/he will periodically pause to make sure that you are still following the explanation by asking in this manner... but I can see how so much shortening of the phrase can confuse a non-local.

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  4. Do you know where there are gay and lesbian bars or clubs in Montevideo? i have recently arrived and have been surprised by the lack of information available but you were recommended. Any advice would be gratefully received.

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    1. Also, I have some more information for you on this topic. Please email me at contactaskannette@gmail.com or message me at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annettesanswers

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    2. I had a friend help me with the answer to your question: There is a small CLUB which is open Wednesday to Sunday 9:30 pm to 2:00 am. Located at Brandzen 2172 between Acevedo Diaz and Doctor Juan Pullier. Calle Brandzen is parallel to Avenida 18 de Julio, one block south near Avenida Artigas. Shows and dj Chains Pub is 2 blocks south of Plaza Independencia at Soriano 827 between Florida and Andes. Opens at 11 pm and closes at 5 am (not sure which days of the week). Video bar and shows, usually with an older crowd as the higher proportion: Il Tempo in Parque Rodo is open Wednesday to Sunday starting at 10 pm and goes until around 5 am on weekends at least when there are shows, dj and dancing very diverse crowd men and women all ages. Gonzalo Ramíz at Salterain Cain is in Cordon with multiple levels and dance floors with different music and videos and show. More men, occasionally confused straight people that come to for remixed tango then turn white later in the night when the realization hits them that there are not many women around but many 20 and 30 year old (and plus) men in this hetro-friendly discotech. Cerro Largo 1833 between Arenal Grande and Crespo. Open at the 0 hour and all night when the sun is out. ¡Es la Cherry Pop mi amor! is a moving party / club that happens about every month, search “¡Es la Cherry Pop mi amor! “ on Facebook. Presented by dj Paola Dalto dance to pop tunes. In the past the crowd was a majority of 18 to 22 year old guys bringing their girl 'friend' from school who had so much fun they now bring their boyfriends so now the crowd is 50/50 and but no issues and you don't need to be young to be there. Cheaper cover between midnight and 1:30 am (people get there at 1:20 to be in line before the cutoff) and the club/party closes at 6 am. Be sure to verify the night as 1 am Saturday morning is actually called Friday night.

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  5. thanks for the answer. I read something very similar in the guide books but having tried a couple of the afformentioned, they are not what i was looking for. It seems to be very limited here in Montevideo. Is there any gay scene outside of the city - i hear punta del diablo might be more open. Do you know anything about this place?

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    1. Hi, without knowing exactly what you are looking for, I forwarded your question to my friend and his answer was: since gay bars have zero difference no matter where they are in the world, and if that is not what you are looking for, then maybe you are looking for a cruise area which would be in Chihuahua or the gay beach dunes area between El Fortin and Atlantida.

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  6. Hi Annette,

    is the apple picking on again next week or any other time during the season? Looked like fun!

    Cheers

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    1. You can go this Saturday, it will be the last weekend of the season. But you can't go Sunday because it is Mother's Day and they have special events taking place. Feel free to tell them that you heard about them from Ask Annette :)

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  7. Hi Annette,

    I have two unrelated questions: Do you know of a good mechanic, especially for Toyotas? Also, do you have recommendations for a dry cleaner? I have a tablecloth made from beautiful African fabric, and want to get recommendations before taking it somewhere. Thank you!

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    1. The mechanic I use is called TALLER LOPEZ (Av. Giannattasio 7919 (near the point where Av. De Las Americas meets Av. Italia), Barrio De Carrasco - Canelones, Tel.: 26012317 26015643, Open: M-F:8-12 and 2-6.30pm) and I have never had any issues with the service there. My car is a Chevrolet but Taller Lopez deal with all makes of car.

      The only dry cleaner I have used in Montevideo is 5 a sec on the corner of Alberdi and Cooper in Carrasco (it is a chain store). I have never had any issues, other than with the expensive prices dry cleaners charge in UY!. But there are many smaller independent dry cleaners around too and I have heard good things about them as well. I do all my dry cleaning at home now using Dryel (www.dryel.com) but you can't buy it in UY, you need to have someone bring it in for you. It says me lots of money though.

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  8. Hi Annette,

    I am looking for an artist who specializes in wooden and ceramic sculptures as I want to commission one or two bespoke designs. An artist who specialises in busts would be a plus. Do you know of anyone? Thank you.

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    1. I have been working on this question. Although I have not been able to get the name of an artist for you, I would suggest you pop in or contact Gallery 6280 in Carrasco: http://gallery6280.com/ They list artists on their website but will also be able to help to you find the right person. Thanks for the great question!

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    2. I found an artist that specialises in wood: http://www.javierabdala.com/

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  9. Do you know a public translator able to translate official documents into Spanish?

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    1. I can highly recommend Claudia Franco and her team of translators, excellent efficient and professional service. Email her a: claudiafranco.traducciones@gmail.com

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  10. Hi Annette, Do you have any information about non-school related soccer leagues or swim teams? Thanks so much!

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    1. I will get back to you on the football question, I know of one but just need to locate the info for you.

      For swimming I would contact Gustavo:

      Facebook: Natacion Gustavo Gorriaran

      http://gustavogorriaran.com/

      Thanks for the question!

      Annette

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    2. There is a soccer league that practices once a week on Wednesday at the Complejo Deportivo Naval from 5-6pm.
      Price: $600pesos per month. The Under 6 (5 + 6 year olds) only practice once a week. From Under 8 and onwards they start to have a game weekly on Sundays. You an contact Pablo for more information: inmobiliaria@hardoy.com.uy or just turn up one Wednesday and ask :)

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  11. Where can we get fresh fish or frozen fish in Montevideo.

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    1. I really like the fresh fish from the Saturday Farmer's Market opposite the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club. I have also had great fresh fish from the little fish vendor on the Rambla de Mexico (where it meets Araucana street), not to mention great cooked fish from the little restaurant that is behind this vendor! I have never bought frozen fish in Uruguay because I find the fresh fish to be readily available and good. Thanks for the question :)

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    3. There are many different buses from Pocitos. Check out one of the many websites that you can locate bus numbers, times and routes: https://catalogodatos.gub.uy/dataset/horarios-de-omnibus-stm
      http://www.montevideobus.com.uy/
      http://www.montevideo.gub.uy/aplicacion/como-ir
      http://omnibus.tulugar.com.uy/

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  12. Hi Annette,
    Can you tell me of any mixed martial art clubs in Montevideo. I cant seem to find any.

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    1. Try the places listed on this blog: http://mmauruguay.com/post/14201279664/bienvenidos-a-mma-uruguay

      Or this gym offers some too: http://www.athletic-gym.com/

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  13. Hi Annette, would you know anything about how to recycle plastic bottles? I've been searching and searching but am coming up empty handed. Thanks!

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    1. Yes there is a way to recycle bottles! If you leave them in the bag in the green rubbish bin someone will come and collect them and recycle them (like the people who come around with the horse and carts). Or you can put bottles into the large grey bins you see around suburban areas, these are for recycling bottles that you don't take back to the supermarkets (i.e. 1L beer bottles and large soft drink recyclable bottles). I have photos of the bins if you would like to see what they look like. Please email me at: contactaskannette@gmail.com

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  14. Annette, I don't know if you be able to fully answer this question, but will try it anyway: in your opinion, what section or bairro in MVD are you able to buy a decent 2 bedroom apt , say 70 meters, at least, for less than 150 thou dollars, garage not important. It can be at a zone 2 or 3 bairro just not over the $ 1,700 per sq meter range. I do realize the market has been overvalued the last 7 or 8 years but I am hoping a decent deal can still be made . Do think prices will come down or is the

    current price range to stay? Thinking hard on the possibility of relocating to MVD as a retiree. Been there as a visitor on a couple of occasions and liked it very much. Congratulations on the blog, you are very precise and well documented.

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    1. I had a quick look at infocasas.com.uy. It seems a bit hard to find something under those specifications for that price in a nice area
      but something can be found in La Blanqueada (near Tres Cruces) or Cordon which has some nice areas. If you're lucky you can find something near Parque Rodó, I would start there. The apartments in this price range are generally a bit smaller or a bit run down. Most things for that price (specially in Parque Rodó) would be 20-40 years old, so for that price you would need to evaluate if the kitchen/bathroom need to be re-done for piping or at least a bit of updating. You would be able to find something like that in Prado area - it's a chilled residential area, lots of greenery and parks but far away from where everything happens. Prices are bound to go down, last time Uruguay was entering financial hard times (around 2002) prices were so low you could buy an amazing apartment for that price. I'm not saying it will get that bad, but it may be worth waiting a bit. Hope that bit of information helps. There's plenty of websites to look at apartments: infocasas.com.uy, el gallito sección inmuebles, buscandocasa.com.uy, apartamentos.com.uy

      Annette

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  15. Where can I get a decent massage in a clean, warm and comfortable 'spa like' setting without going to one of the upscale hotels? (In MVD). Thanks.

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    1. I have had a lovely massage at LP Hair and Body in Carrasco Norte and would go back: www.lphairbody.com.uy, https://www.facebook.com/LpHairBody

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  16. My husband and are are considering a long-term visit to Uruguay (Feb - Apr 2016), and would appreciate your advice on where to stay (we plan to rent a place). We prefer a residential area with lots of greenery, no high rises, near the Rambla. We're quite active and in our mid-50s and 70s. We'd also consider staying outside Montevideo, if distance is not great and transportation to the city is easy. Recommendations?

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  17. Hi, thanks for the question. Short-term rentals are harder to find but feel free to contact my real estate agent and ask her if she knows of some: Mercedes
    Mercedes at Arocena Propiedades, www.mercedesarocena.com, mgerona@mercedesarocena.com. Residential areas with lots of greenery tend to be in Carrasco, Punta Gorda, Malvin (away from the city). Hope that helps. If you have any more questions, please let me know.

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  18. Hi Annette, Have you heard anything about blueberry season this year? Do you have recommendations about where you can pick your own berries? Thank you!

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    1. I am getting asked this a lot at the moment. The season will start in November and I will most definitely be posting information on the blog about when it starts and all the details about where to go. Stay tuned here :)

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  19. Hi Annette,
    Where can you take guitar lessons or find an instructor close to Carrasco?

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    1. Thanks for the question. Contact: 099 307 889, jobarroso1@hotmail

      Good luck.

      Annette

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    2. Also check out the classes at Groove Academy in Carrasco: http://www.grooveacademia.com/#!musica-y-canto-groove-academia-montevide/c1bf2

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  20. My family and I are looking to relocate from the USA to Uruguay.

    I am married with 4 daughters. My first daughter who is 16 is my husbands step daughter. What type of documentation would I need to apply for residency for her? Would I need some forms of document from her biological father?

    Thank you

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  21. Annette, A few years ago, my family and I picked blueberries near Atlantida. Do you know if they still allow people to pick their blueberries. If so, do you know when we can go?
    Thanks, Kathryn

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    1. Hi, yes I blogged about blueberry on 30 October - see the info here: http://annettesanswers.blogspot.com.uy/2016/10/when-does-blueberry-picking-start-this.html

      You can sign up via email to receive my blog updates or follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/annettesanswers/?fref=ts. Then you won't miss out on anything :)

      Thanks,
      Annette

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  22. Hi Annette. We have recently arrived in Carrasco and are looking for a small bookshelf to put the printer on. Where might we find a small, inexpensive, but useful bookshelf? We have looked at Geant but they don't have any.
    By the way, we tried and really enjoyed La Linda Cafe!

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    1. Great that you enjoyed La Linda!

      Furniture is hard in Uruguay. Check out my recommendation post about the trio diseno company that we used to get a desk made. You can search on the blog or on my Facebook page.

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  23. Also, where can we buy good quality pecans and other nuts? Any ideas?

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    1. Pecans are very hard to find. I buy nuts from Devoto but you can also go to Mercado Verde.

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    2. Hi Annette, we have found a good variety of nuts at El Granero on Ordonez. They also have a variety of specialty flours and other products not normally found in the grocery stores. It is a good find!

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  24. I am looking for command hooks to hang my curtains. I have cement walls and no drill. It is a rental. Do you know where I can find them? I have looked everywhere and no luck. The website doesn't offer up good info either. We live in Montevideo. Thank you!

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  25. I don't know if you can specifically find the Command brand hook but you can find other versions of those types of hooks at the supermarkets (Devoto, TI) and the hardware store Kroser (opposite Portones Mall). Also I am pretty sure Sodimac has a good selection of those hooks too. Hope this helps.

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    1. Thank you so much! It helps for sure! We just had to get a place with big windows and cement walls! Time to DIY!

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  26. Hi Anet, what is the best option to get mobile internet country wide in Uruguay? Also, are there any short term cellular data plans? Any info with regards to packages, network providers and prices will be greatly appreciated.

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    1. there are three good options, look at Antel, Claro, Movistar.

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  27. Hola Annette
    good to find you here
    would you know any art supply store that carries Ceramic studio supplies, like kilns and all the heavy machinery for a professional studio, please reply to wbb@sciluxpublishing.com muchas gracias

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