There are several stories that I started and not completed for one reason or another. Now, I can provide a least a few answers.
A Corporal Work of Mercy: You may remember the taxi driver that was killed: and that we collected about $350 for his widow and children. It took several months, help from friendly members of the media, and from other taxi drivers, before we did finally get to the family and make the presentation, which Santiago did on our behalf. The family was surprised and very grateful.
Two unhappy endings
He may also remember the English couple who had everything stolen within the first hour of moving into their house. We were anxious to report what was happening on an ongoing basis, but were requested not to do so by the authorities. We must now report that unfortunately no suspects were found, none of the property was recovered, and it costs a couple of thousands of dollars to get out of the lease of the house. They subsequently moved to a gated community outside of town and have told me that they plan on leaving Uruguay permanently when their lease is up. I hope that the original landlord and real estate agent, both of whom I believe are at least morally responsible, remember what they did, because UruguayLiving.com will remember them and do our best to discourage anyone else from ever having any business dealings with them.
One other story that needs to have its ending told is about the young man from Russia and his wife and child. Unfortunately they fell into the clutches of an unscrupulous Russian and “mafia wanna be†who so terrified them, that they chose to back to Russia.  When they would not pay his extortionate demands he filed suit against them alleging he had been hired as an “interpreter†for US$5,000/month. It is truly unfortunate that the young man would not trust his attorneys and the authorities to handle this crook. I guess growing up the Soviet Union did not equip him to make good decisions in a free country….
Very sad to hear the endings to those two stories. I always wondered what happened to those Brits. Now I know. I can’t say as I blame them for being quite put off by the whole experience. As to our Russian friend, I thought it very unusual when he listed his (what appeared to be) nice home for re-rent. I couldn’t see why he was so anxious to move when he just got there. As a well-known American radio personality would say, “and now for the rest of the story”. So sad that he felt intimidated.
Left by syd on April 23rd, 2007
Re: Two unhappy endings.
I have been shocked by the stories.
David, would you, please, tell us what the couples (English and Russian) have done wrong and what one should do in order to avoid such troubles.
Thanks
John
>>I can’t answer your question with metaphysical certainty, but, in my opinion, they would have all done better had they not chosen to isolate themselves from other immigrants. My own preference is to live in the countryside, but I am very glad I chose to stay in the city–it is really helpful to have a network of people all experiencing some of the same frustrations and exhilarations at living in a new land.
I looked at what successful immigrants did in the US in earlier times and tried to duplicate some of their wisdom here.
–The Southron
Left by John on April 30th, 2007