Argentina -vs- Uruguay

[Patty]

My family and I are planning to travel to Uruguay in May 2008 and stay there perhaps 6-12 months. We have been informed however that there is some sort of disagreement with Argentina and Uruguay over a paper company or something like that and that there may be a war between both countries. For those of you living in both of these countries at the present time, what is your take on this? What are the news like over there? We don't get any news here in the US about the present situation between these two countries. We try to gather information via the internet but we're not getting the full scope. I appreciate any information you are able to give me. Thank You!!!

[Patty]

Thank you Sara. I'm sure I'll love Uruguay and hopefully I'll be able to visit Buenos Aires too.

[Sara]

I shuttle between Buenos Aires and Colonia via the ferry, Buquebus. No trouble at all.

There is no danger of war; the problem is a border squabble, with much bitterness on both sides. As long as you are not identified as Argentinians, you'll have no trouble.

The story goes like this:
Uruguay and Argentina are separated by the Uruguay river. A Finnish company, Botnia, built a paper mill on the Uruguayan side. People on the town on the Argentinian bank are worried about environmental damage, and have blocked traffic on the international bridge between the two countries.

Uruguay is a wonderful place if you like a quiet life. If you want more excitement and city life, Buenos Aires is good.
Think of it as New York, with both problems and opportunities.

Good luck.