 Andrew Mastrandonas - AndrewNCostaRica | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 17th October 2005 Jennifer | Can't wait to get there! - From: A Toucan, more on food, San Ramon, and more…. Great update Andrew. We're counting the days now. We'll be bringing our binoculars and bird guide! Jennifer, Bill & Callista |
| 6th October 2005 Alex | B&B renovations - From: Our Property Arrives from the U.S….finally! The place is looking great! Glad that your container finally arrived. Can't wait to see everything in person when Davide & I get back in November. Hans is right, the dogs look like lions in that picture! |
| 6th October 2005 Hans from Norway | Scavengers? - From: Our Property Arrives from the U.S….finally! Mucho gusto por meat stick explanation! Have you much lions in country as you show in animals picture on great hill digging soil? Pure vida? Hans, your friend. Learn spanish solve many barriers. Great fun! |
| 4th October 2005 AndrewNCostaRica | Answers - From: A Trip to the Farmacia, Another Road Trip, and More…. To David: Yes, first time with my picture. May add Beth in the future if she allows me. To Eric: Have not been able to take the car in yet. Maybe today. To Hans: Meat on a stick is basically a slab of pork with some nice sauce on it. Yes, plenty of cows here, in fact I see about 12 of them every time I head down my driveway! Andrew am4cr@hotmail.com |
| 4th October 2005 David | First Picture? - From: A Trip to the Farmacia, Another Road Trip, and More…. Hey Andrew...I have been reading your blog since the beginning and to my memory (I might be wrong on this one) this is the first time we have seen what you look like in your picture with the bbq. And we have yet to see Beth. I am actually going to Costa Rica next week and in doing research found your blog. God luck with everything and Pura Vida... |
| 4th October 2005 Eric | So how'd the car turn out? - From: A Trip to the Farmacia, Another Road Trip, and More…. You mentioned the light coming on, did you dread what the mechanic had to say? |
| 4th October 2005 Hans from Norway | Meat sticks - From: A Trip to the Farmacia, Another Road Trip, and More…. What meat is it on the stick? Looks good. Have cows in country? |
| 29th September 2005 AndrewNCostaRica | Casado, Casado, Casado!!! - From: Miscellaneous Mid-Week Musings Okay, why is everyone hung up on Casados?! It is a typical Cost Rican dish of meat (chicken, pork or beef usually) with rice and beans and a soggy salad, often cole slaw. Not much else to say! Hi Debi!! Got your email and comment. Jack is not around any longer. Not sure where he is living but we have our hands full with our puppies now! Pura Vida! Andrew am4cr@hotmail.com |
| 28th September 2005 Debi | I MISS YOU!!!! - From: Mr. Green Thumb this Week, Dinner is Served Hey Andrew - I just sent you a long e-mail. I spoke with Beth this morning and it was great catching up with her - don't forget to call me today! What happened to Jack - or did I miss something? It was great catching up on the blogs - the place looks great! xoxoxo |
| 28th September 2005 Chris | What is "typical" Costa Rica Food. - From: Miscellaneous Mid-Week Musings Hi Andrew, Enjoying the blog and looking forward to visiting you and Beth soon. You have commented on typical costa rican food many times and we have even seen pictures. Can you give us more descriptions. You know I love to eat and am always up for trying something new. Give the puppies and hug for me. I bet they are quite a handful. All the Best. |
| 26th September 2005 AndrewNCostaRica | "Casado" vs. "Asado" Redux - From: Mr. Green Thumb this Week, Dinner is Served Thanks for all the comments on casado vs. asado. I cannot believe you are all that interested in it! :) Yes, the married part that Paul mentions is true and that basically a "casado" is a family plate of Costa Rican food. If you want a basic meat and veggie dish, along with beans and rice, just ask for a casado. Whatever it means, I know I love it! Thanks for reading my blog and especially your comments! Andrew am4cr@hotmail.com |
| 26th September 2005 Paul M. | Casado vs Asado... - From: Road Trip! And, More! FYI, Casado, yes, does mean married but in this context it kinda means what you'd eat if you were at home for lunch and ate what your wife had fixed. It is the equivalent of the blue-plate special. Cheers! - Paul M. / Tampa, Fl == |
| 26th September 2005 Paul M. | Deja vu all over again... - From: The People of Los Angeles Sur Drew, You'll recall (Janet &) I were there the day you left for DC in March. Just found your blog and am enjoying reading about your 'settling into' your new B&B. I've been staying at Jose's VT in Alajuela since Sept 2002 and when we met you at AVF it was my 2nd visit there. Likewise I started having foot pains after we got back to VT and I had picked up tick along the road somehwere while I was wandering about looking for orchids in the trees. I wasn't so lucky getting the whole thing out from between my toes and the garapato's head walked around with me for a few weeks after, but no bad effects. BTW that the wrong kind of tick for Lyme Disease, so rest assured you'll be fine. Good luck getting things up and running with the B&B. I know Jose will be a great help in getting you steered on the right track. You're in good hands with him. Cheers! Paul M./Tampa, FL == |
| 24th September 2005 AA and Khyler | - From: Back in Action in Costa Rica! My 9 year-old Khlyer and I had the pleasure of staying at the B&B this summer during our 10-day stay in CR. Beth had made great progress in "spiffing" up the place and Khyler wanted to stay longer! He loved feeding the chickens and meeting the puppies. The B&B was a great place for us to stay as we travelled from San Jose on our way to Arenal -- an active volcano. You have to pass by it on the way to Arenal and it's a great place to relax, enjoy the view and the company, and take in the fresh air. We went during the rainy season and it didn't bother us at all, so don't let a couple hours of rain each day deter anyone from visiting. The people in CR are the friendliest and my son is now a devout "pinto gallo" eater (rice and beans mixed together, a Tico staple) |
| 24th September 2005 Mary and Dave | wow - From: Mr. Green Thumb this Week, Dinner is Served I can't believe all that has been done at the B&B since you took over. It's great. Can't wait to get there. We really miss you. Love ya Mary |
| 21st September 2005 Andrew L. | Blog Updates - From: A Novice Takes Care of Puppies…. That's more like it, that's what a blog is all about! And besides, most of us knew what was up with your sabatical from the blog, so there were no complaints. |
| 20th September 2005 Tawnia from Canada | Great read!! - From: Back in Action in Costa Rica! Am hoping to take a trip to CR in the spring, and really enjoyed reading your blog. Looking forward to the next one. |
| 9th September 2005 Elizabeth | Nice read - From: Banking, Haircuts, Cell Phone, Some Philosophy Too Hi Andrew, I read your journal. Actually I've read it several times. I haven't seen anymore journals from you. Hope you are doing fine, and hope to read more from you soon! |
| 30th August 2005 Paula from Ohio | Great Blog! - From: Banking, Haircuts, Cell Phone, Some Philosophy Too Thanks for a great blog. I was in CR for 9 days this summer and fell in love with the country and people (coming back next year and hope to swing by the "finca" to check out Beth's yummy cooking). Your blog makes me feel like I am still there. I also plan on moving there someday. Keep up the great blog! Hope your surgery went well. ¡Pura vida! |
| 19th July 2005 Claudia Cook | Buena Suerte! - From: Moving to Costa Rica! Andrew: Had no idea -- best of luck. Sounds like a hoot, except the part about the horses. |
| 9th July 2005 AndrewNCostaRica | A Picture of a Casado? - From: Road Trip! And, More! I think it would be odd to go into a restaurant and take a picture of a plate with food on it! Picture a plate with meat, beans, rice, and some vegetables on it and that is a casado! |
| 8th July 2005 Hans from Norway | Casado Picture - From: Road Trip! And, More! Perhaps could you post photograph would be illustrative. No? |
| 7th July 2005 AndrewNCostaRica | CASADOS - From: Road Trip! And, More! I don't know what they are called elsewhere but in Costa Rica they ARE indeed called "casados," a typical dish of meat, rice, beans and some veggies. --Andrew |
| 6th July 2005 Carmen | Do you mean Asado? - From: Road Trip! And, More! Hi Andrew and Beth, First of all, I want to say you're doing great! Adapting to a new culture is not an easy task, trust me, I know first hand. Regarding the word "Casado" (or "Cazado")it can mean to be "married" or to be "hunted or go hunting." I believe the word you are atempting to use is "ASADO" which means "ROASTED," or is it? |
| 6th July 2005 Hans from Norway | Meaning of Casado - From: Road Trip! And, More! WorldLingo.com him think means it "married". Interesting. Know it? Nice site to enjoy. Is much warmer their then Norway! |
| 6th July 2005 Jody | We've Missed Your Entries - From: Road Trip! And, More! We've been waiting for a new entry. They really do sound like a travel book and you should consider writing one. You sound terrific. Much to do, and see, and eat. |
| 24th June 2005 Sarah McCarron | - From: No Hablo Español….Road Trip to San Jose….The Men above Us I love your blogs! Steve,Laura, Jody and I had dinner at Coppi's tonight and talked about how much we love hearing about your adventures. Will call soon - miss you! Keep writing. |
| 24th June 2005 Debi | Jack is Back!!! - From: No Hablo Español….Road Trip to San Jose….The Men above Us Good title for the Book - I think Under the Costa Rican Sun would not be original....I love your Blog! I can just see you cussing up a storm in the BACK seat of the SUV being a MIRROR for Beth! Hysterical! xoxo Debi |
| 23rd June 2005 Nancy Pfeiffer | Sounds like fun, Andrew! - From: No Hablo Español….Road Trip to San Jose….The Men above Us Thanks for sharing your blog with me. It's like reading a novel with a new chapter every once in awhile. The challenges you face are very basic -language, transportation and building repair. Sorta puts things in a different perspective. When you are ready to talk further about our PR proposal, please email me a time to call and I am happy to call you. All the best - Nance |
| 23rd June 2005 Kathleen Bennett | - From: No Hablo Español….Road Trip to San Jose….The Men above Us Sounds like you are getting acclimated the hard way - do or die!! Some of your scenarios soud like they could be candidates for an old I Love Lucy show!! Way to go. Once the rain stops, get ready for the heat!! It will be coming! Keep these updates coming - I enjoy getting the updates |
| 23rd June 2005 Cheyenne | Gulliver's-oops--I mean, Andrew's and Beth's Travels - From: No Hablo Español….Road Trip to San Jose….The Men above Us Hi Andrew and Beth, I write to you from sunny, humid and noisy Washington DC. I'm so jealous of your "pastoral" surroundings. :-) Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I enjoy hearing about your Costa Rican adventures. Have you thought of writing a book? You have a flair with words, and I enjoy your descriptions. The "can of tuna" analogy was a riot! :-) Anyway, I am looking forward to my husband and I making a trip to Costa Rica in the future. I'm bring plenty of books so that I can stretch out in a hammock and vegetate. Hey, Beth, do you make pupusas? I think it might be an El Salvadorean culinary item, and they are quite delicious, especially with a side of homemade salsa. Now, I'm making myself hungry! Beth, Doug and I went to the Capital Jazz Fest at the Merriweather Post Pavilion, and I was able to get some great closeup photos of Kenny G. I have decided that I enjoy his music much better in person. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing more pictures of the hacienda. Peace and joy, Cheyenne |
| 22nd June 2005 Donna | Jack - From: The Chicken Coop and a Night Gown, San Ramon, and Taking in a Stray….. I knew it wouldn't take long before you had a dog. Jack sounds like a free spirit. Maybe he would stick around more if Lindy were there. Do you let him inside? You may need flea medicine. |
| 20th June 2005 Joe | Great Photos! - From: The Chicken Coop and a Night Gown, San Ramon, and Taking in a Stray….. Good photos of CR. http://seecostrica.blogspot.com/ |
| 19th June 2005 Debi | Where's Jack?? - From: The Chicken Coop and a Night Gown, San Ramon, and Taking in a Stray….. Let us know when Jack returns! Pretty soon you both will "get Lucky" - just like Jack! xo Debi |
| 19th June 2005 Debi | I Love This.... - From: The People of Los Angeles Sur Andrew & Beth - I am so into this blog, I so look forward to each entry - Andrew, you are a great writer and I visualize as you write in beautiful detail, I believe you could perhaps begin a book with all your entries.....It sounds like the cultural shock is not too bad, but I am sure you have "your days" - As I sit in DC and wonder what I am going to do for the rest of my life....your new life is sounding wonderful...I will call soon - I am SO proud of both of you....Kisses! Debi |
| 16th June 2005 Eric | - From: The People of Los Angeles Sur Thanks for the updates |
| 16th June 2005 Gaby | Wish I were there! - From: The People of Los Angeles Sur Just the photos alone make want to come. Haven't breathed clean air of seen a nice stretch of green since our recent short trip to Ireland! I know you both are working, but it sure looks like a slice of heaven!-- gaby |
| 16th June 2005 Gaby | Hi from Beijing - From: Finally in Costa Rica!!! Great Blog. Keep it going! Tell Beth we're sad we'll miss her next week when going through DC as part of our R&R. Next time we're somewhere in the Americas, we'll try a trip down to see her, meet you and take in that wonderful B&B. --Gaby (John and kids say hi, too!) |
| 14th June 2005 anonymous | What are all these plants? - From: Moving to Costa Rica! Andrew, So what are all these plants? 1. The stick looking trees about 3 ft tall near the fence with only leaves on top. 2. What's growing in the field? Corn? Hallucinigens? :-) 3. The taller bush in the upper left corner. - Ted |
| 14th June 2005 anonymous | Networking - From: Laura Ingalls hits Los Angeles Sur/Early Week Ruminations Sounds wonderful- especially the tamales. Glad you're networking. It always helps to get the lay-of-the-land from folks on the inside. I'm sure you'll be holding your own salon at the B&B soon enough. Has Beth found any ice-cream yet? - Jody |
| 13th June 2005 anonymous | - From: The People of Los Angeles Sur Andrew - I love your description of the local people. I think that's what makes your adventure so interesting. Can't wait to hear the story of the ex-pats. - Donna |
| 13th June 2005 anonymous | Glad to Meet your People - From: The People of Los Angeles Sur Thanks for introducing us to your people. You're laying the foundation for your first novel. Great characters, including you and Beth. Keep it up. We've been waiting for your updates. - Jody |
| 9th June 2005 anonymous | One Day at a Time - From: Finally in Costa Rica!!! Congratulations on taking a leap of faith like you are. One can spend their life working in a cubical and dreaming of the serinity type of life. Very few have the guts to actually turn a dream into reality. I applaud you for doing something to enrich your life! PS - Do they sell copenhagen in San Ramon!!!! : D I really enjoy reading your blogs. C U Soon Baboon! - Richie Rich |
| 9th June 2005 AndrewNCostaRica | Rainy Season - From: Finally in Costa Rica!!! Carolyn: The rainy season is generally May to December. It usually rains in the afternoon to early evening but the mornings are amazing! "LOL" is computer-speak for "Laugh out Loud!" Glad you are enjoying the blog! --Andrew |
| 8th June 2005 anonymous | hola! - From: Finally in Costa Rica!!! glad to hear from you, and about the beginning. i've been thinking about you guys. how long does the rainy season last? is it hot? here we have pure misery 90+ and total humidity. andrew, what does LOL mean?? - carolyn roth |
| 8th June 2005 anonymous | Glad You Made It OK - From: Finally in Costa Rica!!! The place sounds wonderful. We can't wait to come down. Hey - what's so funny? I hold my seat belt across me all the time. Tell Beth Lauren misses her already. - Donna |
| 10th May 2005 AndrewNCostaRica | Thanks Tcharly for your comment - From: Ramblings First thanks for your comments! To answer your questions, I "came to it" because I was involved in the travel industry for many years and have always loved Costa Rica. So I thought I'd settle down there. Yes, this new life will be challenging but a couple of factors: 1.) I won't have to answer to anyone but myself, 2.) I can make of it what I want to, 3.) I'll be living in a beautiful country and much more cheaply than in the U.S., and finally, 4.) I don't like what is going on in the U.S. politically! Thanks again and keep checking back! Andrew |
| 8th May 2005 deleted_1460 | Living the dream - From: Ramblings First of all, WOW !!! So you're one of these legendary employees who finally dumped their nine to five jobs for a quiet life in what used to be a 'holiday destination', but now your home... I'm just curious, how did you come to it? Why this new challenging life? Why Costa rica ? good luck with your guest house and living the dream ! |
| 4th May 2005 anonymous | Good luck - From: Moving to Costa Rica! Enjoy the change. It takes a lot of courage to jump into something completely different. I'll be back often (to the site) to check out the latest that's going on. - Eric |
| 2nd May 2005 anonymous | Congratulations - From: Moving to Costa Rica! Andrew This will be a great chronicle of your life over the next few months. When you go through a change like this you always say, "I'm going to remember this." Now you can. I hope you keep it up. It will be fun to share your adventure from DC. - Jody |
