Expat Journal Arriving in Montevideo

FIRST Impressions: As the plane was about to touch down I was surprised to see the amount of development/suburban sprawl that was to the east of the airport. The flight was long, but nothing 10mg of Valium couldn't counteract, neck was a little stiff, but all in all not a bad flight. Off the plane, walk down a flight of grey metal steps down to a bus to take you to the main terminal. Line at Immigration went quickly, no questions, just stamp, stamp, turn page, stamp, off to carousel 3 to wait for baggage. Baggage carts are free to use, not $3 like in NY. We needed 5, 11 bags checked, 4 carry-ons, backpacks. Had to pay $350 extra for bags and weight in Miami, and the guy was giving us a break. But on the advice of the Southron Forum we brought sheets and flatware and kitchen utensils, and I think we made the right decision. Other thing, all electronics for carry on have to be out of their case so we tied up the line a little pulling out 2 laptops, HP Printer, portable hard drive, etc. Kids got a little upset cause they wouldn't let them board with their little snow shaker globes that grandma gave them last christmas. :cry: I also got a lecture from a security woman because although our carry-on toiletries were all under the 3oz. limit I stored them in a one gallon Zip Lock Bag and the regulations "clearly state that such items are to be carried in a one Quart zip lock bag".

So, on to Customs, a very nice gentlemen taps on the suitcase containing my rather bulky all-in-one printer and says to Marlyn "this is all clothes for your family Right?" she nods her head in agreement. he comes over to me and says the same, I palm him US5, as I saw the guy ahead of me do, and we're through customs, welcome to Uruguay. Pushing our 5 overloaded baggage carts through the doors, the helpful crew descend and for 5 bucks each get us to our van fully loaded and on our way. Quoted UY850 for a full van load and family of 4 seemed very reasonable.