the basics

One thing you don't think about really closely when you live overseas is what I am now calling "the basics." At least, I haven't paid much attention until, well, I needed to. 

In Finland, I remember really wanting to watch Netflix shows (so I watched and rewatched my Arrested Development DVDs). In China, we were often on the lookout for familar Western style food (ie: iceberg lettuce salad at Pizza Hut was suddenly AMAZING!). In Uruguay, I have been really focussed on finding Asian food (the adage you don't know what you are missing until it is gone rings true here). But really, "the basics" are what we should be focussing on as we acculturate.

Our experiences with "the basics" have come in different forms, and different degress. In Finland, M and I had a really bad cold by the time we landed and the first week there, we found our way to the emergency doctor (on a Sunday, no wait.) Luckily everyone speaks English, and the bus system was very easy to navigate thanks to the internet. Thank you well organized socialized medicine! In China, I worked for months trying to figure out how to get to the doctor in an emergency. I don't think we ever figured it out, and luckily, never needed it. The closest advice I received was "get in a taxi, close the door, then say take me to the hospital." In Uruguay, we are just getting our medical stuff sorted out (between the nationalized health system, which we now quality for, to the "mutualista" or the private insurance we have on top of that AND the international insurance...and you can actually call 911 for an ambulance to take you to a hostpital! But, what do you do if your car breaks down?

I got to experience this "basic" need on Friday. I tried to run a quick errand at lunch and our car decided to die 3 times, the forth seemed to be the final death blow. I was stopped on a busy 2 lane thoroughfare with no breakdown lane. Some things that were on my side:

1. people often pull off randomly and put their blinkers on, so drivers are used to swerving around stopped cars

2. it was the middle of the workday, so traffic was relatively light

3. I was stopped in front of a church. Not sure if that helped me.

I put up the hood, opened the door, and tried to look like I was trying to solve the problem. I called Rob, told him the situation, and he tried to figure it out from school. We have insurance, but not AAA. I have never seen a tow truck here. What do you do if your car breaks down in UY? We had no idea.

Luckily, the car was able to start again and I made it home, careful to not stop and roll through every yield sign I could. The mechanic (who just fixed the car) came, arranged for a tow truck, and took it to his shop. We rented a car, and at least have transportation. And the mechanic thinks the temperature gauge broke (after we just replaced the brakes and the timing belt...). 

the red light means something bad, I am sure of it.

So back to the basics:

How do you get a car towed?

How do you get to the doctor?

What do you do if you get in an accident (car, bike, whatever)?

What do you do if you get locked out of your house? (this is one thing we have sorted out...)

In other news...

The weather continues to change, and spring will soon become summer. Last week was wretchedly hot and muggy, this week has included wind, rain and 70 degree temperatures.

These are stairs to the river from our neighborhood. They are quite picturesque.

More spring

Marieka was able to give candy to the 2 groups of trick or treaters. We saw kids out from 11am-7pm.

A local athletic club on the river giving great views and natural breezes to the treadmill users. I want to say "just go run outside" but you do you!

There are ceremonies on the river and the remains often look like this- candles, ribbons, flowers, dead chickens. I haven't seen the goat or sheep head yet I have heard about.

I bought some new furniture on fb. Expats are always coming and going, so its pretty easy to find furniture. I love these stools and lamps. Our house feels much more cosy.

It has been windy, and MM got a combover.

I went on a long bike ride (not as long as Rob, but still) and discovered this beautiful beach - El Pinar- Rob and Alyson had told me it was a sweet town with endless white dunes. They were not wrong. When the sky is blue in this place, it is really, really, really blue.

I can't believe I have never had a maracuya (passionfruit). So weird, so sour.

Last week, I was buying veggies at the market, and the seller asked how long I had been here, I said since July 12. He said my Spanish was "barbaro" (wicked) which made my heart sing, even though I know he was just being nice to make a sale. He then proceeded to work out my change by WRITING on the paper bill I handed him to pay. I was shocked. He assured me EVERYONE does this. The women next to me shook their head, and said no, not everyone does that. Just him.

And, for the record, we did find some amazing Chinese food. Through Instagram, because that is how everything is done here. A women, who lives about 15 minutes away, has an account called dumpling_chino and she makes homemade baozi, jaozi and moon cakes. Be still my heart.

MM continues to be a popular and incredibly happy dog. I am so grateful for her.

Twins. She has had this toy since we got her. Lamby is definitely her favorite.

AND the best news? Marieka gets to compete in a competition, the first in 2 years in UY. We cannot wait!

And if you want to see a beautiful day at the beach, here you go!