Even as my life gets simpler, my mind continues to create worries to keep me up at night. You would think that after raising four kids, having my own business and paying for four nearly simultaneous college educations that I would learn how to “chill”.
Nope, not going to happen.
When it comes to thinking up things to be paranoid about, I am the king.
So, was the move to the farm in Uruguay worthy of the angst it gave me for the four weeks since we made our deposit on the property? Let me share a brief synopsis:
Carrying tens of thousands of dollars of cash over international borders? Piece o’ cake. Not even a customs form to fill out to make me feel like I was doing something wrong.
Getting a rental car in Uruguay for a week during the 10 busiest days of the year? “Feel free to keep it an extra day at no charge since we are going to be out of the office on your scheduled return date” says the agent.
Exchanging cash for the deed to the farm at the lawyer’s office? Took less than 30 minutes and we walked out with keys.
Buying a washer, oven and fridge? “We will deliver AND install them tomorrow PLUS set up the gas service” says the appliance store owner.
Getting a cell phone? “Oh, we can do that too” says the appliance store owner (above) as he sends an employee out to get the paperwork from the telephone company.
Internet service? 25 minutes after walking into the telephone company office we walked out with a cellular modem to “try” at our farm since they were worried we would not be happy with the signal. No money down, no passport number, only a signature required. Bonus: the reception is not bad.
Buying a used car from a private party? Found one, made an offer, set up the closing with the lawyer (they do a title check) tomorrow. Three-day process.
Septic tank pumping? While waiting at the phone company for the modem we asked a phone company employee who they would recommend. They found one, called and set up an appointment for the next day.
I don’t think we have ever had an easier time setting up a house. Our Spanish is not very good (but getting better…finally!) but people are very patient as we continually trash their language.
As per usual when I get stressed, I felt a rash coming on but there just was not enough “oomph” to the stress to make me break out.
Uruguay: Leave Your Paranoia at the Border.
