Preston Gitlin
Hey everybody! My name is Preston Gitlin and I moved to San Ramon, Costa Rica in late July of 2006. Hopefully you'll be able to read my stories and use the information in a way that helps prepare you for your Costa Rica adventure. I hope you find my blog useful. Please feel free to browse about my website as well. www.CRCommunities.com. Keep in touch! PrestonNCostaRica
Travel Blog Posts
A night at the public hospital
Published: March 20th 2008Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » Alajuela » San Ramon
March 20th 2008
Yes, I realize it's been a very long time since I've updated this blog, but today I realized a new benefit to keeping it updated more frequently. This morning as I went to greet a Canadian family who showed interested in one of our communities, she surprised me with a jar of REAL maple syrup. Pleasantly surprised I asked her, "How did you know I loved maple syrup." She responded, "I read your blog!" This was exciting for two reasons. One, it's incredible that someone from Canada, after reading a blog from Costa Rica, was thoughtful enough to bring down a special treat for somebody she had only met vicariously. And two, I absolutely love maple syrup. As I'm writing this, I have not discussed a new idea that just came to mind with my business ... read more
Thanksgiving brings a change of season
Published: November 29th 2007Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » Alajuela » San Ramon
November 29th 2007
Hello friends and strangers! Thanksgiving has passed, but not bringing some great memories. We threw a party for both Ticos and Gringos at the Angel Valley Farm Bed and Breakfast. About 30 people showed up in a pot-luck style dinner. It was interesting to see Costa Ricans reacting to the food we eat in the States. The running joke of the party was how I made way too many potatoes. I actually spent the previous evening sweating as I peeled and sliced dozens of eventually wasted taters. I actually added way too much butter as well. But, what can you do, right? I was really happy to see many of the friends that I've made since moving here 16 months ago show up. I even had a visitor from France who I had met about 3 ... read more
Horse Play in Costa Rica
Published: October 7th 2007Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » Alajuela » San Ramon
October 7th 2007
Hello All! Today I have experienced one of the freest feeling simple pleasures that I have never seen much value in until today. I RODE A HORSE!! Whether it was seeing the pride the Tico farmer had in his arsenal, trotting through the natural beauty-The type only Costa Rica can offer, or finding the joy in galloping uphill in a torrential down pour, the whole ordeal was overwhelming. For the first time in a VERY long time, it felt as if all the important little stresses or anxieties in life had been demoted to trivial. It was as if true freedom could alleviate anything. For one afternoon, 172 acres of pure greenery, nature, and horizon completely took me over and it felt terrific. I must be perfectly honest. I have never ridden a horse before. However, ... read more
A much needed update
Published: October 1st 2007Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » Alajuela » San Ramon
October 1st 2007
Hello All! I am embarrassed at how long it's been since I've written. As promised, I'd like to give a shout out to Peter and Sue from Rhode Island. They were the ones that gave me the most grief for not updating this blog. But no worries, I still think Costa Rica is the best place in the world to live. As you can probably see from my picture, yes I did buy a puppy. I named her Finquita, which means " small farm" because she is like my " little project." When I bought her, she actually had a virus that the doctors said would more than likely take her life. However, Dr. David, a San Ramon Vet worked with her everyday for a week until she finally recovered. She has proven to be the ... read more
Rainy Season brings Sunshine in San Ramon
Published: June 10th 2007Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » Alajuela » San RamonJune 10th 2007
Hey Everyone, "Winter" has finally arrived here in Costa Rica and I couldn't be happier. The weather is still 70 to 80 degrees everyday here in San Ramon, as we are living in a higher altitude. And yes, the rain has arrived. Normally, if it were a rainy day, I might feel a lil lousy, might feel stuck playing bored games (yes, I spelled it that way on purpose). However, during the rainy season there is almost a 100 percent chance that each morning it will be sunny. The rain doesnt usually come until the afternoon. The grassy scenery is much much greener. It's absolutely spectacular to view each and every day. The rain becomes a part of your day, it's tranquility in nature. Salsa lessons update- Yeah, it's getting a little bit more confusing. This ... read more
Salsa, Our Project, and some thoughts!
Published: May 15th 2007Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » Alajuela » San Ramon
May 15th 2007
Hey Everyone! I realize it's been a while since I've written anything, but believe me, it's because I've been as busy as ever. Only a couple months away from my one year anniversary of the move to Costa Rica, life has never been better. I finally started taking Salsa lessons (3 private classes for a whopping 12 bucks a class!) It has been one of the more rewarding experiences thus far. I believe it's important to learn and participate in the cultural aspects of a new country. My goal at the beginning of my trip was to become fluent in Spanish, integrate fully into the culture, and to contribute to the community that gave me this opportunity. So far so good. My spanish is improving drastically, the Salsa and the cooking are picking up, and ... read more
Cali and Back
Published: March 16th 2007Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » Alajuela » San RamonMarch 16th 2007
Greetings friends. I recently spent 4 days in Pasadena California to spend some quality time with my old man. While it is always nice to spend time with family, truthfully I couldn't wait to get back to Costa Rica. This place really feels like home now. I never imagined that taking a trip to the United States would seem like a vacation. I also couldn't believe to the extent of reverse culture shock I experienced during my mini-trip. It all started when I got off the plane and the went through customs. The officer at the desk was incredibly rude to me. He patronized me with questions and comments that were unnecessary and actually somewhat offensive. For example, on the sheet we are all told to fill out it asks for " flight number or aircraft ... read more
My First Entry-Why Costa Rica was right for me
Published: March 2nd 2007Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » Alajuela » San Ramon
February 22nd 2007
Firstly, I owe a special thanks to Greg Waxmonsky. I met him 3 years ago in Alexandria, VA, where I spent a summer waiting tables with him at Bertuccis Restaurant. While I haven't tried every job out there, I will go out on a limb and say waiting tables and being a salesman at a mattress store are probably the two worst ways to make a buck. I call them the mirage jobs, comparing them to the feeling of thinking you see water in the desert when you've gone thirsty for 2 weeks. With waiting, after you've spent 8 hours thoroughly demeaned by every anal retentive 3 ice cubes in my cup, not 2, forkaholic, you are nothing but hungry, and there is nothing but food all around you reminding you of what you could be ... read more
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