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Date: 5th March 2007
Motorcycle license
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.
From Blog: Costa Rica-crazy!
Motorcycle license
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.
From Blog: Costa Rica-crazy!
Date: 2nd March 2007
Thanks for the update!
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!!
From Blog: Costa Rica-crazy!
Thanks for the update!
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!!
From Blog: Costa Rica-crazy!
Date: 26th February 2007
what a surprise to find you hear
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.
From Blog: Ah Good weather, good people and more!
what a surprise to find you hear
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.
From Blog: Ah Good weather, good people and more!
Date: 21st February 2007
Motorcycle suggestion
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.
From Blog: Ah Good weather, good people and more!
Motorcycle suggestion
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.
From Blog: Ah Good weather, good people and more!
Date: 20th February 2007
Car vs Bike
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
From Blog: Ah Good weather, good people and more!
Car vs Bike
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
From Blog: Ah Good weather, good people and more!
Date: 25th January 2007
re: basic stuff
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
From Blog: Long-term expat life, weird weather, and more .
re: basic stuff
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
From Blog: Long-term expat life, weird weather, and more .
Date: 12th January 2007
Thanks Matt and Addie!
Thanks for your wonderful comment! It's much appreciated! However, next time you are up my way, do stop in! Thanks, Andrew
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Thanks Matt and Addie!
Thanks for your wonderful comment! It's much appreciated! However, next time you are up my way, do stop in! Thanks, Andrew
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Date: 8th January 2007
Visiting CR Now
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
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Visiting CR Now
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
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Date: 8th January 2007
Last minute trip to 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!
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Last minute trip to 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!
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Date: 7th January 2007
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Date: 6th January 2007
Re: Medical care 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
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Re: Medical care 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
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Date: 6th January 2007
medical care 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
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
medical care 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
From Blog: Home Sweet home....in Costa Rica!
Date: 15th December 2006
expect what you get
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.
From Blog: Hola from New York City!
expect what you get
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.
From Blog: Hola from New York City!
Date: 30th November 2006
beautiful sunset!
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!
From Blog: On the Weather in Costa Rica, and More
beautiful sunset!
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!
From Blog: On the Weather in Costa Rica, and More
Date: 30th November 2006
Can't Wait
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.
From Blog: On the Weather in Costa Rica, and More
Can't Wait
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.
From Blog: On the Weather in Costa Rica, and More
Date: 30th November 2006
Thanks SamSr & Barbara!
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
From Blog: Misc. Ramblings
Thanks SamSr & Barbara!
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
From Blog: Misc. Ramblings
Date: 28th November 2006
Wonderful Chronicle!
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
From Blog: Misc. Ramblings
Wonderful Chronicle!
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
From Blog: Misc. Ramblings
Date: 28th November 2006
Thank you for sharing your idea on this subject
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!
From Blog: Misc. Ramblings
Thank you for sharing your idea on this subject
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!
From Blog: Misc. Ramblings
Date: 19th November 2006
progress changes everything
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.
From Blog: Exploring the area, Keeping Busy, and Dealing with the Government .
progress changes everything
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.
From Blog: Exploring the area, Keeping Busy, and Dealing with the Government .
Date: 3rd November 2006
Thanks for the memories!
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
From Blog: Bon Voyage Bob & Deb!
Thanks for the memories!
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
From Blog: Bon Voyage Bob & Deb!
Date: 30th October 2006
I love it!
Andrew - I want to come to Costa Rica just to meet your friends!! Miss you! xoxo Debi
From Blog: A Dinner Party Every Night at the B&B!
I love it!
Andrew - I want to come to Costa Rica just to meet your friends!! Miss you! xoxo Debi
From Blog: A Dinner Party Every Night at the B&B!
Date: 30th October 2006
No Pictures
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
From Blog: Exploring the area, Keeping Busy, and Dealing with the Government .
No Pictures
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
From Blog: Exploring the area, Keeping Busy, and Dealing with the Government .
Date: 13th October 2006
one possible theory
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.
From Blog: Dogs Just Want to Bite Me!
one possible theory
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.
From Blog: Dogs Just Want to Bite Me!
Date: 9th October 2006
The Yankees..and Mets
I was born in NY so if the Yankees don't work out, I'm just as happy to support the Mets! A NY pennant is still a NY pennant, no matter the team! Andrew
From Blog: A Dinner Party Every Night at the B&B!
The Yankees..and Mets
I was born in NY so if the Yankees don't work out, I'm just as happy to support the Mets! A NY pennant is still a NY pennant, no matter the team! Andrew
From Blog: A Dinner Party Every Night at the B&B!
drewlove
non-member comment
Lets Go and TomKat
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.
From Blog: More Costa Rica Crazy