I thought about entitling this piece “A return to Normalcy”, but then I remembered the less than spectacular presidency of Warren G. Harding, and decided against it.
Yesterday, one of my readers asked a particularly sanguine question: “If Uruguay is so nice, why aren't more Expats living there?” I was tempted to retort that the lack of too many Expats might be at least one reason for Uruguay's “niceness”, but I refrain–though, like another ill-starred president, “I sinned in my heart”.
Despite my smart aleck nature, it is a penetrating question and deserves a detailed answer. The most obvious reasons more Expats aren't here are two:
it is a long, long way away from home; and
a whole lot of people have never heard of it or confuse it with landlocked Paraguay.
The next most obvious reason is the relative lack of English here as opposed to Mexico, Costa Rica or Panamá.
But I think the real reason is more subtle: when people think of moving outside the US or Canada or Western Europe, they first think of places that are EXOTIC, like Paul Gauguin running away to Tahiti, or someone you used to work with retiring to a coffee plantation in the rainforests of Costa Rica.
Uruguay just isn't exotic. It has nice beaches,like you can find in hundreds of places, a clean city with some well preserved classic architecture, again not hard to find, and a huge empty and largely unspoiled interior that might make Dorothy think she was still in Kansas. After all, the highest point in the country is only 1700 feet above see level (which is enough to give Floridians a nose bleed, but pretty tame for anyone else).
If I were to describe Uruguay in my favorite terms, food, I would have to say that is certainly isn't Sushi, or Jalapeño Pizza, or Cantonese, or Cordon Bleau; rather, Uruguay is simply meat and potatos — which is, in fact what the eat most of here.
If you're looking for excitement, adventure or exotica, THIS IS NOT THE PLACE!
But I think it might really be a pretty good substitute for those of us who long for Eisenhower's America - even if it only comes with English subtitles.
Since your are so close to Brazil, I was wondering if on these “nice beaches” they wear simular bathing attire? Remeber I am used to South Beach now and would hate to be disapointed if I come down for a visit.
Left by Danny Jr on April 11th, 2006
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed–the bathing attire at Punta del Este is “quite advanced”. But do remember one important fact, the seasons are reversed here–we’re heading into winter–so you aren’t going to see a lot of thongs anywhere for a while. December, January and February are the high summer months here.
Left by The Southron on April 11th, 2006
Hello David
I would like to contact you because i’m planning to move to montevideo in may.
do you have an email so i can tell you more about it?
Greetings from Peru
Oskar.
Left by Oskar Kossuth on April 11th, 2006
In my country, America, we are currently undergoing an ‘uprising’ of illegal immigrants (primarily Mexicans) who wish to gain equal status.
I contend that you are much like these Mexicans as you continually work to flee the US while claiming your love for it. Love requires sacrifice, not flight. If smart hard working people continue to leave Mexico, then what will be of Mexico. If smart hard working people leave the US, then the same question remains.
Historically, change is instigated by the passionate who remain to fight, not those who flee.
That said, I propose that we allow all Mexicans into the US and then all the Americans who don’t like the current state of country will have an available country to work and live in.
I can not imagine moving to a country like Paraguay where you know no one and don’t speak the language.
Left by Yo-Daddy on April 12th, 2006
If our ancestors believed that, your last name would have to be something like Clumsy Deer or Drooling Wolf.
America is an idea, not a place. To keep loyal to the ideal I have had to leave the place.
By the way, I have left, I am not working “to flee”, AND I’m in Uruguay not Paraguay. Apparently they don’t teach much geography in Alabama–I mean Mississippi…
Left by The Southron on April 12th, 2006
I assume by Clumsy Deer or Drooling Wolf you are referring to common names of the ‘caveman’ era who eventually left their native lands in an effort to find lands where they could develop their ‘ideals’. For if you make reference to our Native Indians, I am not sure your analogy holds. If my ancestors believed that, my last name would still be O’Reilly.
I actually expected a more cogent response. If America truly is an ideal and not a place then your argument is that you abandoned it to promote it. I am not sure I can buy that, unless you feel that Uruguay is the future land of those who share our forefathers’ ideals in which case it remains solely in your hands to recruit the converted. Surely, no good can come from American ‘Ex-Pats’ leaving the country and spreading to various other countries. For the ideal to live on, by your pretense, those who leave to remain loyal to the ideal should ban together to ensure its everlasting existence.
I think what bothered me most about Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” is that those most qualified to promote progress and change, quit and hid rather than fight the good fight.
Idealism I know, but it comes from a hearty and healthy life in Louisiana - not Alabama or Mississippi.
Left by Droopy Giraffe fmr Yo Daddy on April 13th, 2006
Hi:
I found your blog very interesting. I have friends in Uruguay that live here in the US in the summer and go back home to Uruguay in the winter (Uruguay’s summer). They are actually due back here in the US in a couple of weeks. I heard so much about this beautiful country through my friends, and was suppose to visit last year, however it did not pan out. It was difficult a couple of years ago to find much information from people living there, and this year I found so much. Thanks for sharing your experieces.
Left by Ee on April 13th, 2006
I guess we have to agree to disagree.
I am not suggesting anyone leave the US if they want to be there. But I don’t, and many people agree with me. I am merely suggesting that for people who want to leave, this is a good place to consider.
If you want to carry on the good fight, Bless you.
I personally think it was lost some time ago. If you want to understand why I think that, you might want to look at my political blog at www.ExpatriatedAmerican.com. But please take your blood pressure medicine first.
Left by The Southron on April 13th, 2006
Please advise if anyone currently living and or working in Uruguay is interested in forming a beef export biz to the USA. Items such as Certified Organic, natural and/or regular beef cuts to the USA market. I have several years of experience in this trade. I lived and worked in Uruguay for 15 years, now I’m in my birth State of Texas and wanting to return to Uy and the business. I look forward to your replies with interest.
Left by Stephen on July 19th, 2006
I will ask my staff to look into it for you, courtesy of one Southron to another (since Texas came into both the USA and CSA right after Florida). I will also forward to you any responses this comment generates.
Left by The Southron on July 19th, 2006