Odeliza Life of a US Expat in South America

Mahalo Chico,

Here is a response to your question Edo, you might not have a chance finding real spices in Colonia del Suiza or any neighboring areas.

If you are going to make any trips to Montevideo, I’d suggest the following places:

La Moliedna Productos Naturales-Ejido 1439 esq. Mercedes T: 901 39 47 Open M-F 9:30-13:00 and 13:30-19:00

Singer -18 de Julio 1612 Casi Roxlo T: 409-4030 (They only accept pesos)

Bambu- San Jose 1290 T: 902 7720 Open M-F 9:30-19:30 Saturday 9:00 - 14:00 (They only accept pesos)

Here is a link to my cooking site: I talk about where to purchase other “exotic” goods in Uruguay.

Edo, I must say that most spices are raw, in that you’d have to put together your own mixtures, but for the most part, you can purchase some items in those three places above. Also, if you are really serious and since you live so close to the boats, you could go to Barrio Chino in Buenas Aires.

Good Luck! And if you need anything else, just let me know.

Ciao,

Odeliza

Mahalo Chico,

Most recently I planned a menu for the remaining three weeks of February to help keep spending low.

Here was the idea:

Monday:

Lunch; mushroom burgers and fries

Dinner: adult style mac and cheese

Tuesday:

Lunch: quesediallas with pinto beans and rice

Dinner: chef salad with grilled ciabatta bread with olive tapenade, ricotta, and gruyere cheese

Wednesday:

Lunch: spinach gratin with house salad

Dinner: vegetarian lasagna with house salad

Thursday:

Lunch: ciabatta bread with house salad

Dinner: mash potatoes, fresh baked bread, and vegetarian loaf

Friday:

Lunch: asparagus and spinach quiche with house salad

Dinner: vegetarian enchilada with rice and beans

Saturday:

Lunch: adult mac and cheese with house salad

Dinner: spinach gratin

Sunday:

Brunch: French toast

Dinner: asparagus quiche with house salad

The results:

The spinach gratin and vegetarian loaf was not a favorite, so that is out of the question for the next month. I did not make the adult mac and cheese because I was expecting a package of real cheddar from the states and that did not pan out. The ciabatta bread sandwich was good but not sufficient enough for a stand alone meal. I did not make the vegetarian enchilada either. The goal was not to order or eat out, but company came over and we ate out. One of the days, I had my other half order pizza.

Plus, I ran out of eggs, bread, and cereal, so I had to order food from the auto service (mini mart) which I did not account for in my budget.

I am going to create another menu and grocery list for the end of February up to the third week of March. We’ll see how that works.

Ciao,

Odeliza

Mahalo Chico,

Our golden Labrador, Midori, is such a handful, but she adds that splash of bright color to our lives. Corny, I know, but what can i say, I am a corny person. Sometimes.

Now we are in the process of teaching her how to perform other tricks. So far she can, sit, stay, and lay-down on command. Most of the time. Now she is learning how to shake. I wish there was a dog school she could go to in Montevideo, Uruguay, but just can’t seem to find one.

Here is video clip of Midori and my other half at Uruguayguy.

Ciao,

Odeliza Jacoba

Mahalo Chico,

February is such a short month, I thought that maybe this is a good time to test out my savings plan.

The North American dollar is to 22.00 Uruguayan pesos. In 08, the dollar dropped to as low as 1.00 to 15.00 pesos.

I spent 3,946.67 pesos for groceries at the grocery store for this week, plus 529.00 pesos for fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market. The grocery goods are suppose to last until the end of February. The farmer’s market fresh produce until the following Tuesday -when they have it again-. Now normally I could spend up to 1,500 pesos at the farmer’s market and up to 6,000 pesos at the grocery store four times a month. I plan to spend  a lot less, so far I’ve done pretty well with following the menu for this week. 

Fortunately, our meals don’t vary too much. So, Saturday and Sundays can be repeat menus.

Just to give an example, Wednesday and Thursday menus consist mostly of baked goods (low fat, of course), vegetarian lasagna, adult mac and cheese, spinach gratin, and vegetarian enchilada. Paired with fresh house salad.

The idea is too cook once for the weekend. This would  be our traditional Sunday brunch. All the other meals are just reheats and quick house salads. I take the already baked goods from the past Wednesday and Thursday, reheat for weekend meals.

We’ll see what the end results are.

Ciao,

Odeliza Jacoba

Mahalo Chico,

I just recieved word that ,BookShop located in Ellauri, Montevideo, Uruguay, just got in the New Moon book from the Twilight series. How exciting! The folks there reserved my copy and I just picked it up.

Yeah, its tailored for teens, so is Harry Potter, but I love it! So, if anyone that is in Montevideo, Uruguay is looking for the Twilight series in English, just stop on by at BookShop and ask for your copy.

Ciao,

Odeliza Jacoba