About AllieM

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Argentina: Expat Peso Airline tickets:

I never thought to ask about cheaper airline travel within Argentina, and read these posts and so, I will now ask, what deals are out there? We are still living in US, but have a vineyard in Mendoza (and beach house in Uruguay). We have to come out yearly to check the vineyard, or the foreman will quit. We totally respect him, want to keep him, and of course, we love the trips as well. It is however, a very pricey trip. Any guidance from you all as to how expats can travel more cheaply would be helpful. My husband just turned 65, and I have a few years to go...

Uruguay: House Inspectors:

I would suggest a contractor. As to how to get one, get referrals from locals you trust. We have a house in a smaller city. I typically start asking at a restaurant we frequent, where again, we have established relationships, and we also get referrals from the referrals that were referred to us! If you don't speak Spanish - don't forget to say a 'Hail Mary' because you will need it. The reception and information I get from any of my fix-it people, and the cost I pay is related to my ability to speak directly with them. If I have local connections that referred me to them, there is an indirect, implied accountability to perform well, as well. I have come across some amazing, talented people who have performed services for me. Good luck!

Ecuador: Spanish immersion school recommendation:

http://www.nexus.edu.ec/indexIngles.php My husband attended this immersion program, and I joined him for the last two weeks. Staff was fabulous, and attentive to our needs. They assessed our learning needs, and providcd us with instructors, which met our very unique, individual needs. We enjoyed the home where we stayed, and the people we met. As it turns out, Marcella, who runs the school, has a brother who leads tours. With him, we have traveled and stayed with the Shaman Indians. Juan became our 'cultural.interpreter', helping us to understand what we were seeing. 'nuff said Both of them have studied abroad, understand and speak English, and understand our culture.

Ecuador: Who will we meet in Ecuador:

It seems that people give up, because they look at difficulties as the 'end of the road', instead of just a 'bump in the road'. There is book that chronicles one woman's road, with the difference being that she moved to Argentina, not Ecuador. Her husband, who plays a musical instrument, fit in very quickly, and she did not. It is her story of 'adapting and adjusting in a Foreign Land', as she says. if you are interested, her name is Helena Louwe, and the book is, Life on our Land.

Uruguay: Moving to Montevideo, Uruguay:

Cost of living is first-world expensive! Food costs comparable to US, fuel costs more so, my electricity bill in the Winter for one month, in a beach house with no insulation, using space heaters and a fireplace regularly, was $300.00. However, somehow, home repairs have generally been very inexpensive. The most surprisingly high repair we are seeing, is $5,000. for a new thatched roof. We are still looking :-) The people here, however, are 'priceless'.

Date Joined:

8/9/2013

Total Posts:

5

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