And we´re off to the races...

So the season is officially open in Punta del Este. It used to be that this past long weekend -- Columbus day, or Día de la Raza -- would provide an indication of how busy or quiet the summer season would be, based on the number of rental agreements closed. Now that indicator appears to be muddled, as Punta del Este was completely packed, but realtors claim to have closed relatively few rentals.

Then again, this is the time of the year when realtor associations come out to gripe about all the factors that are threatening the success of the summer season. This year, as usual, there is a problem with the exchange rate, as the dollar plunges to new, scary lows; the greed of home-owners who prefer to raise the rent and end up with an empty property than to rent it for a reasonable price; and as usual, calls for a greater commitment from the government on security issues. Ah, and the still unresolved issue of bridge border crossings with Argentina. But nobody mentions that one anymore.

To us, the almost euphoric levels of activity seen this past weekend -- the shopping activity had a frantic, like-there's-no-tomorrow quality -- portend another blowout season. It will be hard to top the 2008-2009 summer, but things look like they will be close, a gigantic achievement in light of the equally humongous global crisis.

In addition, with the general growth of "Greater Punta" and changes in visitor dynamics -- shorter stays, increased number of hotel stays versus renters, higher spending per person, continued growth in partial residents staying for three to nine months -- you can be sure that things will get lively in a couple of weeks, and outright busy at the beginning of December, before going bananas after Xmas. The empty aisles at Tienda Inglesa that surprised us on the days prior to the long weekend will be hard to come by until April or May again.

As for the English speakers, many are back or arriving soon, so our November bbq should be fun. Speaking of which, if you would like to attend the wine tasting this coming Friday, please RSVP urgenty. Otherwise, we'll see you at Kitty's next Monday.