 Andrew Mastrandonas - AndrewNCostaRica | All Comments |
Andrew Mastrandonas - AndrewNCostaRica | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 28th March 2008 Sissi | - From: Summer Ramblings Andrew, I just read your posts in anticipation of one day moving to CR. Your pics and descriptions match to what we first found on CR at www.costaricahq.org! It pleases me to read that so many former USA'ians love it so much in CR!! Thank you . Can't wait to read more |
| 28th December 2007 David Walsh | Congrats on a successful 2007 - From: The Year-End Review I wish you the same for '08. Rock On, viejo ! |
| 25th December 2007 Dan Wise | Thanks for the latest writing - From: The Year-End Review Andrew, because you are so busy now, I know its hard to find time for the blog but I enjoy reading it. Thanks for this latest update. Dan, Oak Island, NC (but in Costa Rica at the moment) |
| 12th November 2007 pooh boo | these r amazing - From: Making T-Shirts in Costa Rica, living it up in the Caribbean and more…. your great at all u do from what i read and saw |
| 24th October 2007 gwendolyn | Halo - From: Storms, Getting Away, Internet, and more.... Just wanted to say hello and thanks for sharing your blog and the exciting things you are doing. Seeing the pictures makes me want to do a return visit-- now! Take care and stay in touch, GG |
| 8th October 2007 Debi | Good Hearing From YOU! - From: Back in the Saddle Again Just a note to say hi and that I look forward to your blogs! I would have LOVED that horseback trip! xo Debi |
| 2nd October 2007 Dave & Mary | Not to worry amigo ! - From: Finding Time to Blog about Life in Costa Rica! Not to worry my friend things are not always as bad as they may seem. Its true that sometimes in life things just seem to build up when your not looking, but they also have a way of going away quick. Myself and Mary have been blessed just to be able to wake up in the morning, know we live in a beautiful country with amazing people, and have some great friends ! Sometimes we all forget where we came from, and how things are where we use to live. I guess after you live here awhile you start to take things for granted, which is only being human. There are times I have to close my eyes and put myself back to where I was just two years ago. We now have FOX NEWS from the states and watched it the other night for the first time. We wanted to see how things were back in the U.S. After about 45 minutes we were totally depressed and turned it off. It was a real wake up call, and really brought it home as to how great we have it here ! No matter where a person decides to plant their roots there will be some problems. The problems we have had here are minor compared to where we moved from. I can still remember the traffic, nasty attitudes of the people, the go, go, go to get things done, the employers telling you that YOU have just been downsized after 25 years of service, and most of all--NEVER being able to slow down and not only smell the roses, but also see them in real life. Here we are at peace and smelling the roses happens when you get up, and lasts all day ! Sure its laid back and slow, who cares, that's one of the reason we moved here. Not everyone has the chance to do what we have done, and I must admit we had our worries. All I can only tell you is that we wake up everyday and it is fresh and clean with the birds chirping, and we do it in an amazing country with great people ! We have been blessed to be here, and wish we could have made the move 25 years ago. So if anyone has fears, all I can tell you is that's normal. When it comes down to it, being able to live through the fear for something better in life is what really counts !!! Your amigo's in the yellow house right down the road Dave & Mary |
| 30th August 2007 Travis | Red dirt - From: Random Thoughts in Costa Rica That dirt in your pic reminds me of the Red River Valley of North Texas. Is it like that all over or just some places? |
| 28th June 2007 Patricia | Definately a lovely travelers palm - From: Wacky Weather isnā€™t for Wimps, beaches, art, and moreā€¦. A lovely specimen. You beat me to it, Paul M |
| 28th June 2007 Rosita Matheson | Love this tree! - From: Wacky Weather isnā€™t for Wimps, beaches, art, and moreā€¦. I believe the tree you love so much is called a "Travelers Tree" (RAVENALA MADAGASCARIENSIS). We really like the looks of them as well. Pura Vida! |
| 28th June 2007 Paul M. | What is this tree? - From: Wacky Weather isnā€™t for Wimps, beaches, art, and moreā€¦. Hi Drew, The photo shows Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as 'the traveler's palm', which it is a popular landscape item in sub-tropical areas such as Florida. It is not a true palm, rather it's related to the bird of paradise and the banana family. The most distinctive freature is that the leaves all emerge in one plane. Its name derives from the fact that there is a bit of water that can be found in the leaf axils, a boom to a lost, thirsty traveler. There is more pertinent info at this URL: http://www.floridata.com/ref/R/rave_mad.cfm Hope this is useful for you. Cheers! Paul M. Tampa, FL == |
| 25th June 2007 AndrewNCostaRica | T-shirts... - From: Busy June....not so bad rainy season (so far).... Thanks for your comment Mary! The "make your own t-shirts" did not work out so well. However, we are going to have some made. As soon as it's done, Terry or I will let you know! -Andrew |
| 23rd June 2007 Mary Sharpe | Question - From: Busy June....not so bad rainy season (so far).... I read in one of your blog's that you and a friend were making t-shirts...how did that finally turn out? Do you still have any? I will buy one. I enjoy reading about yours and Terry's adventures. Terry is my husband's cousin. You guys are living the life...we envy you. Our days are the same ...day after day.....So, GOOD FOR YOU! Enjoy! |
| 19th June 2007 Debi | Hey You! - From: Storms, Getting Away, Internet, and more.... Andrew - I miss you! The storm sounded wonderful! As long as everyone is safe.....Bill and I will be out at some point - We talk about a land purchase a lot! xo Debi |
| 5th June 2007 Jose | Gravel - From: Mad at Mud! Just come up the road and see what 36 wagonloads did for Rancho Lobo, or come out to Butterfly Dance and see what 120 wagonloads did there, with a road levelers to curve up the road, then a steam roller to pack it down. I“ve had to put in over 150 concrete drainage pipes there as well. If you do proper ditching, which may involve concrete boxes (cajas de registro) and pipes (alcantarillas) to channel the water at certain places, it should last a good long time. You have to do some calculating on how much a year you should put away for this, and maybe re-do it every 3-4 years, or as needed. See if the neighbors will contribute towards the cost. |
| 5th June 2007 Henry | Solution to muddy driveway - From: Mad at Mud! Hi Andrew - I have just finished building a house in San Carlos (Penas Blancas). I had the same problem with my dirt driveway. I ended up buying about 40 truck loads of river rock. The rocks setteled into the mud and I now have a solid driveway. Hope this helps. Pura Vida |
| 30th May 2007 MikeADPG | Sounds like - From: Keeping busy in San Ramon, and beyond…. Sounds like your June is going to be super busy, good luck with everything going on and have a good time! |
| 6th May 2007 AndrewNCostaRica | Hotel Manuel Antonio - From: More Costa Rica Crazy Ron: Thanks for your comment! I am glad you like my blog. The Hotel Manuel Antonio is Tico-run and it is across the street from the entrance to the National Park and right across the street from the beach. The rooms are simple but very clean and they have good air conditioning. It's about all you need. I highly recommended it! Andrew |
| 2nd May 2007 Ron Nowlan | Thanks and congrats - From: More Costa Rica Crazy Andrew I am moving to Costa Rica with my family in late August and your blog has been an inspiration and a wealth of information. I read every post over the last two evenings. You have done an outstanding job and I hope we can come visit your B & B when we arrive. What can you tell me about the Manuel ANtonio Hotel other than you like it? The website is down and I wan to find out about rates and services. Hope to come and see you in the fall. |
| 3rd April 2007 Sam and Jane | Gracious Grecians! - From: Costa Rica-crazy! Dave and Marcia are indeed gracious hosts. Dave spent a great deal of time explaining to Jane and I the rationale behind the startling design of their home, the mechanical construction and reasons for it and the many personal touches that make their home so outstanding. They credited their architect, Rodrigo Torres, with highly professional and competent management of the building proccess and making the project a pleasure. The result is a home that features stunning views, spacious living and a sense of architectural accomplishment. Thank them again for us when you see them. Sam and Jane Indianapolis, IN |
| 3rd April 2007 Sam and Jane | Warning From Jane! - From: Ah…………Good weather, good people and more! Andrew, I've heard many people say something similar to, "life is what happens while you were planning something else." Our trip earlier this year to CR was an absolutel reflection of that saying. We were headed to the Pacific coast, ready to puchase property, and wound up with you, Terry and all the others at Angel Valley Farms. The insights and advice we received from you and the Angel Valley group saved us from making and uniformed decision and getting ourselves into a nightmare we don't need. I would urge anyone reading your blog and intending to visit CR and especially anyone interested in purchasing vacation/retirement property, to consider using Angel Valley Farms B & B as a base camp as we did. We found AVF to be a very convenient place from which we explored much of the Central Valley and the Pacific coast as far as Manuel Antonio. Even a very savvy American, and we weren't, cannot expect to learn enough on their own during a single trip to make decisions that have the impact inherent in purchasing proprety in CR. And AVF affords vacationers interested in seeing what life is really like in CR a rare opportunity to experience authentic CR 'Pura Vida!" One never knows who is going to drop in at AVF! The night Trish and Edwardo stopped by during our visit was a totally extemporaneous and grand evening of food and fellowship. We will always be grateful to you, Terry and all the others for enhancing our CR experience. Jane wanted me to let you know that she intends to have a "sit down" with you and Mike over the motorcycle purchase issue! As an RN in a large metropolitan hospital, you can imagine what you have coming!! We spent quite a bit of time driving in CR and she can't imagine negotiating the roads through the mountains in anything less than a Bradley Armored Personnel Carrier! Keep you impressions and accounts from CR coming. We hope to visit with you in a few months again as our property purchase and building project become a reality. Till then, Pura Vida! |
| 9th March 2007 drewlove | Lets Go and TomKat - From: More Costa Rica Crazy So you've been secretly hosting TomKat the last two months? And here we all thought they were in LA. As for the Let's Go publication, I used it extensively in college. They operate on a shoestring budget and don't have a staff but take input from readers, so you managed to impress a guest enough to write in, even better! Congratulations, I'll look for it at the book store. |
| 5th March 2007 Lyle Richmond | Motorcycle license - From: Costa Rica-crazy! Don't forget to get your CR motorcycle license before you venture very far away from home. By the way, I really enjoy your blog. I am temporarily back in Florida and your writing takes me back to Costa Rica, if only for a few minutes. |
| 2nd March 2007 Eric Ford | Thanks for the update! - From: Costa Rica-crazy! Sounds like things continue to go very well!! We missed you at the CCY reunion party the other week. It was great seeing everyone. Keep up the good work!! |
| 26th February 2007 Lavinia | what a surprise to find you hear - From: Ah…………Good weather, good people and more! I was taking a break and decided to search the web a bit re: Costa Rica and suddenly found myself at your blog and then your website. What a trip, to see all this and learn more about your farm. Kate's mom. |
| 21st February 2007 Anthony from NY | Motorcycle suggestion - From: Ah…………Good weather, good people and more! Andrew, If possible (budget) check out the BMW FS 650. It is a great all around motorcycle. It can go on and off road. There is a reason most motorcycle tour companies use this as their motorcycle. See you in three weeks!!!! Pura vida. |
| 20th February 2007 Mark in Boston | Car vs Bike - From: Ah…………Good weather, good people and more! Hi great update nice to know that someone has warm weather. Here is some advice on Bikes. (no need to post/reply on your blog) FULL FACE helmet (bugs ouch at 45mph) leather gloves same reason. Must have two vents (mouth and forehead) prevents fogging. I had a Honda shadow 600cc it was 1.) water cooled (a must) 2.) gas tank was too small 3.) needed another gear (4 is not enough), not for speed, but the engine was reving too high "buzzing"at 65mph. good review from someone else: http://laudeman.com/hondavlx/ More power than most people need, and Honda quality was civic like. Remember these things weigh 600lbs so its not a 10speed. You may want to consider Electric mountain bikes or electric bikes/motorcyle. Technology has made great advances. Low maintenance and charging the battery sure beats gas and the oil changes/spark plug nonsence. Not to mention the tranquility and environmental advantages. Gee, no "bike shops" in your area....maybe I should move and open one up:) Good luck Mark |
| 14th February 2007 Sam and Jane | Better Than Advertised! - From: Long-term expat life, weird weather, and more…. Andrew, I decided to catch up on your blog while trying to get the feeling back in my toes and fingers after shovelling the six or seven inches of snow from last night that fell on top of the six or seven inches of snow from the day before! The contrasts between the reality of midwestern winters and the sublime climate of the Costa Rican Central Valley cannot be accurately related in words. One simply has to experience CR to "get it!" Jane and I are profoundly thankful for all you and the Angel Valley Farms B & B'ers did for us during our January visit. Accomodations are certainly an important part of any trip but the people and ambiance of Angel Valley transcends mere hospitality. We came to CR intent on finding a vacation/retirement home somewhere near the Pacific coast but found the heat and humidity much like a hot, humid August afternoon here in Indiana. We quickly began to see the many advantages of the San Ramon area; close enough to the Pacific to see the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance, an hour a half drive on those days we wish to walk the beaches, low enough altitude to miss the cloudy, foggy weather and high enough to escape the heat and humidity of the beaches! We visited many towns in the Central Valley and west and south through the Central Pacific coast and found San Ramon to be our favorite as it is a "real" town where people carry on the events of their lives and not merely a tourist destination. I don't know how many Americans would share our preference but San Ramon is our new "home." San Ramon is a surprizingly modern town with all the conveniences we need but the people who live there are the city's greatest attraction. The San Ramonans who work in the banks, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and mall are genuinely friendly, helpful and a little amused at my inadequate, halting attempts to communicate in Spanish. I was very surprised at the extent to which the people in the town had at least some knowledge of English. You had encouraged me months ago to consider the Central Valley before purchasing property on the coast. I was so focused on the coast that I almost failed to take your advice. We appreciate so much being able to rely on your experience and judgement as we encounter decisions involved in property purchase and life in Costa Rica. We found Costa Rica, Angel Valley Farms B & B, the B & B crew and you and your friends to be better than advertised. Jane and I almost want to keep the Angel Valley/San Ramon connection a secret now that we've found our piece of paradise but I suppose that isn't fair! Your blog has done an execellent job of pointing out that CR presents issues and challenges to Americans considering moving there and that Costa Rica may not be right for some Americans. We feel CR's benefits far outweigh any problems. We'll enjoy keeping up with your blog until we become neighbors, hopefully and possibly, before the end of this year. And it all started, Andrew, with your blog! Thanks from Jane as well as myself for helping us realize our dream. Sam and Jane Indianapolis (Home of the Colts) Indiana |
| 25th January 2007 AndrewNCostaRica | re: basic stuff - From: Long-term expat life, weird weather, and more…. Mark: Thanks for your comments. I've heard it has finally turned cold up your way--sorry! On your questions: We have a septic system as all homes here in my community do. Our water is piped in from a natural spring in the mountains above us and it is outstanding, clean drinkable water. The government tests for heavy metals, etc., frequently--Costa Rica is much better than even the U.S. in this regard! Most of the pollution is water-based and occurs near the ocean, largely from illegal dumping. There is no air pollution out in the country where I live. Something like 90% of the country's energy is hydroelectric. The only pollution, unfortunately, is near San Jose, from trucks and cars--like anywhere else I guess. But even then, Costa Rica has strict emissions testing annually for all cars and trucks and it is even more stringent than in the U.S. However, some manage to skirt the laws. Overall, I'm fairly comfortable with the environmental situation here. Like any small country struggling with budgets, they can do more however, but are trying. Andrew |
| 25th January 2007 Mark | basic stuff - From: Long-term expat life, weird weather, and more…. I have enjoyed reading your blog, please dont stop. This is better than cable tv. I just paid 485 bucks to the oil man to heat my house for 3 or so months here in boston. Your weather rocks! I have three questions that I could find answers to in your blog. Sewage what type of systems do you have and is it the same for your community? Drinking water well or piped in from a larger source. Have you tested it for heavy metals? Have you seen any large or disturbing polution? Oops thats four. Im telling everyone I know to read your blog and your B&B site. Keep up the fine work and thank you for sharing, Mark in Boston (Brrrr) |
| 12th January 2007 AndrewNCostaRica | Thanks Matt and Addie! - From: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica! Thanks for your wonderful comment! It's much appreciated! However, next time you are up my way, do stop in! Thanks, Andrew |
| 11th January 2007 Matthew | Small World - From: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica! Hi Andrew! I've been reading your blog from the start, and wanted to write this note for a long time now, but never got around to it until now. It's probably because 1 year ago I was in Costa Rica and I've been reminiscing about the trip. My wife and I were married last January 4th near Playa Hermosa. I found your blog when we started researching locations for our wedding. While in Costa Rica on a bus tour, I found myself at a little restaurant and shop that reminded me of something I had seen and read about on your site. Low and behold I turned around and saw your great little B&B in the distance. What a great coincidence! I wanted so badly to walk over and say hello and tell you how much my wife and I enjoyed your blog and sense of adventure, but we were only stopped for a few minutes. Happy New Year, Pura Vida and Keep up the amazing work. Matt and Addie Pietryszyn, Toronto, Ontario |
| 8th January 2007 AndrewNCostaRica | Visiting CR Now - From: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica! Hola Meredith! Thanks for reading my blog! This is the busy time of year here and many hotels do get booked up. I'm booked now as well. However, if I were you and if you are adventrous like me, I say "just do it!" There are many small hotels around the country and I'm pretty confident you'll find something. I cannot guarantee anything but I've gotten last minute reservations for New Years and Easter here. Also, people sometimes cancel, so if you are willing to hunt around a little, you can probably find something. I don't know much about the tent camp but it's gotten good reviews. If you plan to visit Arenal Volcano, my place is just off the main road on the way, about 4km north of San Ramon in Los Angeles Sur, so stop on by if you'd like. Andrew |
| 8th January 2007 Meredith | Last minute trip to Costa Rica - From: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica! Hi Andrew. I enjoyed viewing your blog. On a moment's notice (as usual), my fiancee and I are thinking about hopping a plane to Costa Rica this week for about 6 days. We were thinking about renting a car and just going it alone. Do you think we will have difficulty finding places to stay without reservations this time of year? We are also interested in staying a few days at Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp. Have you been there? Any comments? What would you recommend we "don't miss" during our trip? Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you! |
| 7th January 2007 Debi | !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - From: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| 6th January 2007 AndrewNCostaRica | Re: Medical care in Costa Rica - From: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica! I'm glad you enjoy my blog. Thanks. It's not too personal Amber. Actually, medical care is very good here and most things I would do here-even most serious things. However, my ailment was very specific and there are not many doctors outside of the U.S. who can deal with it well--and I wanted the best doctor my insurance would buy! I don't believe you need to factor in plane trips back to the U.S . for medical reasons but if you want to discuss more, drop me an email at: andrew4cr@gmail.com. Andrew www.boomersincostarica.com www.angelvalleyfarmbandb.com |
| 6th January 2007 amber fom oregon | medical care in costa rica - From: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica! Hi andrew, i really enjoy your blog. My partner and i are considering costa rica as a retirement destination and your adventures are helpful and interesting toward that end. One of the things we like about costa rica is the reputation for quality medical care. Yet you had some surgery in the US not available in Costa Rica. While not getting into your privacy too much (I hope), should we factor plane trips back to the US for medical care into our plans, or are Costa Rica docs pretty good with the medical needs of the aging boomer? Feel free to ignore this if it's too personal. . . again, thanks so much for your insightful perspective. sincerely, amber and carol |
| 17th December 2006 Little Deb | Safe Travels - From: Hola from New York City! Andrew, hope all goes well with your surgery. Hopefully, by the time you get back home, we'll be able to make plans for out return visit. Stay warm in NY, and Happy Holiday's. Ded & Bob |
| 15th December 2006 Mark | expect what you get - From: Hola from New York City! I posted a comment about people wanting progress in Costa Rica and how it would be a negative in some respects to the culture. One other result of progress (better mail service, better roads, shorter lines and more access to cable tv and internet), is the prices for everything will go up. This includes real estate taxes and other taxes. There has been talk in the CR government of taxing expats on income. Remember, foreigners pay very little in taxes and expect alot in service. I highly recommend that anyone thinking about living in CR rent a place for 6 months before buying. As for as the people that want US style services and amnenities, think, sooner or later the cheap Costa Rica will not be so cheap. |
| 30th November 2006 james | beautiful sunset! - From: On the Weather in Costa Rica, and More Wow...I never knew the Central Valley had such beautiful land...WITH OCEAN VIEWS? Your blog as usual is very informative. My wife and I will have to make a trip down there to see Magallanes for ourselves. Thanks again! |
| 30th November 2006 Sharon & Rick | Can't Wait - From: On the Weather in Costa Rica, and More Andrew Thanks so much for the pictures of Magallanes, We bought Ben's A-Frame when we were down there in October,and that River runs alongside it. We made it out to your bar-b-que with the new grill, but had to leave early to get back to San Jose for our flight. Our house is up for sale in Fl and we'll be there ASAP after that happens. |
| 30th November 2006 AndrewNCostaRica | Thanks SamSr & Barbara! - From: Misc. Ramblings Thanks so much for your wonderful, insightful, helpful and fun comments on my blog. It makes writing it SO worth it! You may wish to check out my other, business (mostly real estate) blog: www.costaricarealestate.typepad.com and www.boomersincostarica.com. Thanks again! Andrew andrew4cr@gmail.com |
| 28th November 2006 SamSr | Wonderful Chronicle! - From: Misc. Ramblings I just found your blog today and have spent far too much time reading your entries from the beginning. My wife and I live in Indianapolis and are coming to CR in January to look over building sites. I tried to do this in northern Chile but the marketing infrastructure just isn't there to make the process of purchasing land feasible, at least for us. I travelled to Chile, hired a consultant when I returned and lost at leats a year chasing down property leads there. I thought CR was out of our price range until I investigated. Your writings are a great find for people like us who are trying to get a sense of what life is like in CR, the good, the bad and the ugly. We will be building a vacation home and spend three to four months a year somewhere near the Pacific coast. I think our approach will be much more realistic having benefited from your evaluation of the country and its people. Thanks for sharing your insights. We will make an attempt to visit you when we visit early this January and we'll try to remember to bring treats for the dogs! Sam |
| 28th November 2006 Barbara Nielsen | Thank you for sharing your idea on this subject - From: Misc. Ramblings I must admit while visiting Avenada Central in San Jose I was not pleased to see a Mc Donald's and other advertisements for large America Corporations. I was also a little dismayed to see Burger King, Kentucy Fried Chicken, and Subway Shops in downtown Liberia. I believe that each human being on the face of the earth is unique and the product of their own environment and experiences. I believe that this applies to all nationalities and to all peoples who are allowed free thought and free expression. Based on my unique experiences I write the following: I too am guilty for my own biases and feeling toward North American companies who motivated by profit seem unconcerned about the impact that their business have on the local ecology or the health and welfare of the peoples who have made that area their home for perhaps centuries. One area that concerns me in particular is the negative health affects of the fast food industry. I remember a time when families in the US had dinner at home each evening. Sitting around the table talking and sharing events of the day. That seldom happens in the US now. Most families are running around all evening delivering children to activities and picking them up. Often the adults have evening functions as well. Some families would starve to dealth is it were not for fast food businesses. Many of the young people in our culture don't even know how to make food, today. I am related by relationship to a family where the father is 48, the mother is 36, they have two children 17 and 13. This family eats every meal in a fast food establishment except perhaps once a week. I believe this is another negative influence of fast food. North Americans have lost a lot of their culture in the past 50 years. So much of our ethnicity and specialness comes from the ways of our old countries and old traditions. Young people today have lost all of this treasure trove of stories, traditions and skills. I sure hope that the introduction of the fast food industries to Costa Rica don't have the same results there as here. Perhap the economic realities in Costa Rica will keep the family unit strong and together. I sure hope so! |
| 20th November 2006 Little Deb | Miss you too! - From: Misc. Ramblings Okay, now I will get all teary-eyed! Wish we could get back there sooner. Sounds like we won't recognize the B&B when we come down next year. You MUST put a pic of Osita in your next blog! Glad to hear things are going well. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving! Deb and Bob |
| 19th November 2006 mark | progress changes everything - From: Exploring the area, Keeping Busy, and Dealing with the Government…. We are long time home owner's in Zarcero. We love the way things are in C.R. When everything gets to be just like in the U.S. then why go to C.R. Time slows down here and that is the reason for visiting. Why be in a hurry? The changes that come with progress will also change the unique culture of C.R. The "got to have it now mentality"is not one to be imported. We spend about 4 months to a year at a time in our home. The things that make us want to live there forever are not to be found in the states. I am always in a hurry in the U.S. because everyone can find me anytime, so business never stops. In C.R. I wait in line at the electric company and talk to the people around me, it is always a pleasure to better my spanish and enjoy the company. That is why I love tico time. Last year I spent two weeks getting my truck to pass inspections-another adventure in paradise. We have visited Angel Valley several times and find it to be a very beautiful and peaceful place. We wish you grand success. |
| 3rd November 2006 Bob & Deb | Thanks for the memories! - From: Bon Voyage Bob & Deb! Hola Andrew, Love ALL your blogs, but this one will always be a little special. Glad you enjoyed all the food. I think I gained a few pounds on vacation! I think you need to have a Guess what color Renee's car really is contest! Ready to come back. Deb and Bob |
| 30th October 2006 Debi | I love it! - From: A Dinner Party Every Night at the B&B! Andrew - I want to come to Costa Rica just to meet your friends!! Miss you! xoxo Debi |
| 30th October 2006 Debi | No Pictures - From: Exploring the area, Keeping Busy, and Dealing with the Government…. Andrew, I cannot open the pictures you took of Zarcero - the water fall sounded fantastic! I hope you are well! You sound wonderful and so happy! Enjoy! xoxo Debi |
| 13th October 2006 Owleyes | one possible theory - From: Dogs Just Want to Bite Me! Maybe the animals are smarter than the people in Costa Rica. The people want your money. The animals don't need it, so they can see ambitious, greedy looters for what they are. |
