What happens when three intelligent people (one from Uruguay and two from the United States) are interested in learning about cultural, societal, and political differences between the two countries? Nicolas, my Mom, and I had a fascinating conversation (half in Spanish and half in English) comparing the cost of living for a family of two … Continue reading Uruguayan/American Conversations
Uruguay
The Good Weekend Before
As soon as I posted about my hospital stay on Sunday, I received numerous comments about how everyone was sorry that my weekend was so rough. Although Sunday was a good kick in the pants, the weekend was actually one of my favorites so far in Uruguay. From Thursday to Saturday, I had nothing but … Continue reading The Good Weekend Before
Fireworks, Friends, and Food – Welcome 2019
What can be better than bringing in the new year with favorite friends, good food, and fireworks. As is becoming my tradition, we went over to Tavis' and Diego's house for New Year's Eve. Not only do they have the best roof for viewing the fireworks, but their house always feels like a great big … Continue reading Fireworks, Friends, and Food – Welcome 2019
A Year I Will Never Forget – 2018
January: Started off the year with dear new friends watching fireworks explode all around me from a rooftop. Started off the year with four months under my belt living in a brand new country. Finished up a two week intensive Spanish immersion course. Made my way to my dream destination, Rio de Janeiro where I … Continue reading A Year I Will Never Forget – 2018
Christmas in our PJs
All I wanted for Christmas was to remain in my PJs and watch Christmas movies. And I got my wish plus a little extra. I woke up to the sweetest slips in my stocking. Mom and I decided that instead of presents, we would write notes of wishes - items or ideas that we would … Continue reading Christmas in our PJs
A Very Special Christmas Eve
Mom and I were invited over to my friends Javi and Carla's house for a friends and family Christmas Eve. Christmas day in Uruguay is not a very big deal. Most of the big presents are given to the children on the three kings day (Jan 6). In addition, the magic of Christmas comes at … Continue reading A Very Special Christmas Eve
Hooked on Phonics…Spanish Edition
My mom has been obsessed with the grease man coming. My sink has a strange odor and the grease man comes to empty the trap once a month. I told her I think he comes on a Wednesday but we needed to ask. So, she asked my neighbor and my portero, using her google translator...GO … Continue reading Hooked on Phonics…Spanish Edition
Second Day / Second Year
I still cannot believe I am in my second year as an international teacher. Even more wild is this is my eighth year in a classroom! The second year means familiarity and comfort. The newness and nerves are no longer present. I know the routine and most of the kids. I have an established place … Continue reading Second Day / Second Year
Paysandú and Semana de la Cervezas
Paysandú is nestled in the middle-western boarder of Uruguay and Argentina. Known as the second largest city in the tiny country, its 80,000 people population is dwarfed by Montevideo's 1.8 million. So when a city-dweller goes to Paysandú, she is really going to a town. I cannot recommend this place enough. Not only is the drive … Continue reading Paysandú and Semana de la Cervezas
The Burn: Week Three
By this point, I was going crazy. Imagine being cooped up in an apartment all day long while everyone else was out living life. Now imagine ME doing it. I love people and I love outdoors. This was pure torture for me. There is only so many books to read, Netflix to watch, and mind … Continue reading The Burn: Week Three
Teach Abroad Coyle-Gamero 