Sunday Montevideo Expat Lunch Meeting, Six Year Anniversary It was just about six years ago that the idea for the Sunday Expat meetings popped into mind, and I asked the owner of Old Maz restaurant if it was ok to invite some people over for lunch on Sunday. I really had no idea if anyone would show up. I put an announcement on Total Uruguay and the very first week we had a small meeting and it grew since then.I planned the lunches with an objective of simplicity and clarity (or maybe I was just being lazy). The original concept, was same time, same place, every week. No invitations, no RSVPs. Just show up if you want. That plan has worked out exceptionally well. I've seen other meetings come and go and some speak of the stress of organizing expat meetings. Though there have been some challenges, I have to say that after six years, the original concept has worked quite well and I would follow in my own footsteps for any meetings I might organize in the future. The meetings are now attended by anywhere from 10 to 30 people each week, sometimes peaking at just about 50. It's always a mystery who, or how many will show up. There are usually a few things in common at every meeting. There is a different mix of people, it's not the same people meeting after meeting. There are almost always newcomers, those who have never attended a meeting. Sometimes the newcomers are new to Uruguay and sometimes they've lived in Uruguay their whole lives or a number of years. There are almost always people from several different nationalities. The combination makes for a new and interesting experience every week. Although it is an "expat meeting, " it is not just about moving to or living in Uruguay. With no set agenda or speaker, the conversations may take on any topic. If a particular topic isn't too interesting (unlikely) you can always play musical chairs and find one that is more to your liking. My biggest challenge organizing the lunches has been with respect to restaurants. For the first years it was easy, as Old Maz had an upstairs room unused on Sundays (except for mothers day when they always found a corner for us). However, they closed (and opened a weekday place in Cuidad Vieja) and the search was on for a new place. Finding a place that could accommodate a group with no set reservation has been difficult. Some places want to know "how many". That answer only comes on Sunday. Some say that separate checks are too difficult. A small price for the restaurant to pay for having the benefits of the group and a big stress relief for all of us. Of course space for the group, decent food and some attention to service are necessities too. Most of the feedback I've received about the Sunday lunches has been outstanding. People learning about Uruguay (and other countries), making friends, personal and business contacts as well as just enjoying an afternoon speaking their native tongue. However, a few have brought forward some concerns. Both kinds of feedback are helpful and are taken into consideration. Having lived outside the USA for 9 years I've noticed a cultural gap that can be difficult to grasp at times. For example, some feel that because of the business brought to a restaurant, they should be bending over backwards to serve the group. That is the North American business viewpoint and not necessarily how things work in Uruguay. My challenge has been to find a place that can accommodate the group, and has reasonable food and service. Fellini's has been serving the group well. We did take a break from them for a while and, after being left 'homeless' on mother's day, returned. One of the most important parts to remember about the meeting is that it is not so much about the food as the social experience; a place to meet other expats and freely share information, stories and enjoy the afternoon. Yes, sitting down to eat together adds a dimension to the social gathering than wouldn't exist otherwise. So, food and a restaurant is an important part of the meeting. Though I am always evaulating feedback and looking for the best place for the Sunday meetings, I try to balance making too many changes with the original concept of clarity (always the same place...) and the great benefits to the members who attend. I also have a hard time imagining how a restaurant plans, not knowing if there will be 10 or 50 people. It can help with the service to get your order in early as sometimes the staff will wait too long to take orders and then the kitchen gets backed up. Instead of attending an expat "conference", where you would pay significantly more than the price of lunch, every Sunday you can freely interact with people who have done what you want to do, or are in the process of doing it now. Many have lived in different countries and can offer unique perspectives. This gives a unique opportunity to share notes, experiences and information with others in a way not available at conferences. You can do that every day right here on Total Uruguay too. Unlike a conference where you hear a few people speak, the lunches are based on interacting and sharing. Because it's small groups talking and interacting, be sure to play musical chairs now and then so you can meet lots of people. I appreciate all feedback, positive, negative or otherwise, and, will pass on any comments about the restaurant to the owners, if you wish. Let's all enjoy this experience, and may it last for a long while to come! Expert Page: Quick Tips for Getting Settled in Uruguay | 
