 Mark Bortman - TheBortmans | All Comments |
Mark Bortman - TheBortmans | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 26th January 2007 brodie | questions about your trip - From: Back to School!! i am planning a 2 month trip with 4 & 6 yr old to costa rica. did you get your kids in school down there. any programs for kids near manuel antonio or tamarindo? any help is appreciated. brodiepollard@yahoo.com |
| 2nd January 2007 azalea | moving to heredia - would love advice - From: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH! Hi, I found your blog and am so interested in your experience. My daughter and I are moving to Heredia in a month. I will be teaching 2nd grade at Golden Valley and while I am excited, nervousness is getting the better of me. I would love to hear from you. Please email if you get the chance. azaleamayo@hotmail.com. Thanks so much. Azalea |
| 19th December 2006 Cousin Bev Bashe | Yee-Haw! - From: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH! What a grand adventure you've all had, from the start to the finish. I've loved receiving all the blogs and living vicariously through the entire journey. Also, I really loved the ziplining. What a blast! An experience that few would ever have. Mark and Dara, you two look great...and the kids have grown so much in the past year. I'm happy that you were adventurous enough to spend this time in Costa Rica. Again, few would have been game enough to do what you've done. I can only imagine how the children's lives (and yours) have been enhanced. I'd love to see you soon. Happy traveling. Love, Cuz Bev |
| 13th December 2006 anonymous | - From: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH! Good thing Nana Bortman wasn't there. |
| 13th December 2006 Just Jen | Great ride, huh? - From: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH! Are we still on for Friday? |
| 29th November 2006 eli | - From: What have we done with our time here? I'm exhausted after reading about all of Dara's activities. Sounds like she's had quite a time and made some real contributions to a lot of people and programs. ........ As for Mark, though, I think we're entitled to more than 4 sentences about what he has been doing. (Maybe tomorrow's blog?) |
| 24th November 2006 eli | - From: The people in our neighborhood Well, of course we're glad you're coming back to the States. As much as we enjoyed our two visits with you in CR, we look forward to being able to see you a little more frequently once you're back. But -- keep up the blogging even once you're home. We enjoy the eloquent descriptions of day-to-day life. |
| 23rd November 2006 anonymous | Mixed Feelings - From: The people in our neighborhood I remember so well the excitement of returned home from overseas, combined with the sadness of knowing that a very special era is ending. What a gift you have given the children--and yourselves. How great for you (and for us) that you can keep the bogs as mementos. Don't forget to blog your re-entry tragectory. It should be an interesting experience in itself. Happy Thanksgiving! //Barbara Klingsporn |
| 23rd November 2006 Just Jen | Sad to see you go ! - From: The people in our neighborhood We are happy to call you our friends and even though we didn't get together often we're glad you were a part of our lives here. You will be missed not only by us but by all the other people whose lives you touched in your short time here. Remember, you're loved here too. Once our house is finished you'll always have a place to come back to in the mountains above San Ramon. We love you guys! |
| 21st October 2006 TheBortmans | Response to j.p. - From: Independence Day - Costa Rican-style Hi j.p. - We had no problem at all...I don't think you would at any of the private schools here. Send us an e-mail if you have more questions. Dara |
| 11th October 2006 j.p. | - From: Independence Day - Costa Rican-style Hey guys, We've been reading your blog closely, as we're thinking of coming down to C.R. with our kids. One question, did you have any issues registering them at school on only tourist visas? Keep up the writing... we're living vicariously through you!! J.P. |
| 3rd October 2006 ArtF | Rosh Hashanah - From: Independence Day - Costa Rican-style What you did in Costa Rica is what most Israelis do. They go to the beach! When do you return. we miss you. Art |
| 20th September 2006 Ashleigh Smith | Hello! - From: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop Hi, my name is Ashleigh and I'll be leaving the states for CR on Sunday the 24th. I am a patient of Dara's sister Marcy. I was getting my shots and malaria medicine from Dr. Hersh when she told me that you guys were in Heredia. She gave me your blog address and I have been reading about your adventure ever since. I just wanted to tell you that I have really enjoyed reading your blogs. They have helped to give me a realistic view of life in Costa Rica and have helped to allay some of my concerns about the trip. So, I just thought that I would let you know that your blogs are very interesting and useful. Also, if you have any advice about traveling it would be greatly appreciated. My email address is ashleigh1083@gmail.com. Thanks for sharing your trip! |
| 19th September 2006 Susanne | - From: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop What a beautiful place and time. I am so impressed with your phtography and writting. We miss you. Love ya fom the Sulby's. |
| 10th September 2006 Mae | Are you sure you want to go back to the US? - From: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop I know one can only vacation for so long, but how could you give up all the experiences which staying could produce. I will make my first trip in Nov. 2006, with intentions of moving there soon after that. I am retired, now, and this has come along at just the right time for me. Sometimes I wonder why I never thought of moving there sooner, but "life is what happens when we are making other plans", and one day you wake up, and realize that it is time to stop making plans, and do them, right or wrong. I'm glad your family has had this wonderful opportunity even if you must leave it all after a year. My children have never forgotten there wonderful years in Italy when they were young children. Mae |
| 8th September 2006 Rabbi Susan Schein | - From: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop I haven't been able to keep up with all of your adventures, but this one sounds/looks terrific!! We miss y'all here, but are thrilled that things are going well. |
| 8th September 2006 Eileen Cove | - From: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop Wow, it looks like you are having the time of your life!!! We are so excited for you. Lauryn gets so excited when we get a blog. You all look terrific. How wonderful to get a visit from Nan and Pop-pop. L'Shana Tovah. Stay well, Eileen |
| 7th September 2006 Rae Koosman | - From: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop What wonderful pictures! And what wonderful grandparents! I can identify with them - they are so happy to see the grandkids. |
| 7th September 2006 Pop-Pop | Great report - From: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop Wonderful report -- thanks for reminding us what a great time we had. And the photography is terrific, too -- I was particularly impressed by the photo down the bottom, of Ari in mid-air going off the water slide. |
| 17th July 2006 Naomi | I'm IMPRESSED! - From: No more teachers, no more books... Hello Bortman Clan! Ari I am extremely impressed with your science project. Eli, I can't believe you are writing all of those words!!! I can't wait to have you back at Kol Emet so I can have you in my class. Thank you for sharing your blog, I really enjoyed reading it! Hugs and kisses to all of you. Love, Naomi |
| 8th July 2006 Eli | Ari's story - From: No more teachers, no more books... Very impressive job by Ari in writing that story. I guess you need a Spanish spell check program on your computer to help him -- it's obvious that many of the spelling errors result from the fact that some Spanish sounds are not spelled the way they are in English. |
| 7th July 2006 Susanne | I'm a yankee doodle dandy... - From: Happy 4th of July! No Fire Works! Oh, man!Pack up now! Just kidding. It sounds wonderful. We all miss you so much. The kids are seriously miffed that you won't be back until December but I told them we could try to come visit. So what adventure is next for you? Shall we try the crazy computer phone thing? Kiss the kids for me. Love Susanne and the crew! |
| 6th July 2006 Saratica | lost again - From: Happy 4th of July! We couldn't find the picnic... and they had HOT DOGS. Our favorite!!! See you! |
| 3rd July 2006 TheBortmans | Great Idea - From: Beware the Power of the Ocean Barbara and Hal, that is a great idea! We don't have a name yet, so we are open to suggestions. Dara, Mark, Ari and Eliana |
| 3rd July 2006 Barbara & Hal | Name That Car - From: Beware the Power of the Ocean A classic jeep like yours should have a name. Does it/he/she? Want to hold a contest? |
| 28th June 2006 The Johnsons | Happy Birthday Ari! - From: We're staying Yeah! A new Bortman Blog : ) That's so cool you get to stay a bit longer. It's like a whole different world.........Fairfield continues to be the same old same old. Tho you missed the Entrance Sign drama. High comedy indeed....have your heard? The other sad note is that our next door neighbors, The Hughes, have their house up for sale. They're so nice but another job change..... Hope Ari has a great birthday! Love, The Johnsons |
| 28th June 2006 Rae Koosman | - From: We're staying I'm of two minds - glad for you that you're staying longer and sad for us that we won't see you for many more months. The pictures were just wonderful - kids and your both look great and happy! What more can we ask for! |
| 28th June 2006 anonymous | I wish you only the best - From: We're staying I wish you only the best in this once-in-a -lifetime experience. for the children - incredible. I can just see the college application essays . . . Art Finkle |
| 28th June 2006 Just Jen | Congratulations - From: We're staying YIPPEE! We're glad you've decided to stay. It gives us more time to get to meet you. Isn't it amazing how you can be so busy here? We've got company here for a couple of more weeks then perhaps we can get together in Heredia. Still hoping to see Sally, Hal and the kids again on their turf this time. Jennifer of "The Sheridans of Sesame St". |
| 28th June 2006 Vivien Freeman | London calling - From: We're staying Hello Everyone - sorry never to write, you sound like you are having a good time and I wish you all the very best. Hope to meet the whole family before your children's weddings! All is wel here - girls and boys are great. Bryony and I are going to Croatia on Friday for nine days, Dubrovnik and surrounding areas. lots of love from London vivien |
| 28th June 2006 Saratica | oh man - From: We're staying Those O'Boyle boys are cute. Almost as cute as Ari and Ellie!!!! We are so glad you are staying, too! 'ta luego... |
| 5th June 2006 Andrew | Nice blog entry - From: Six Months Already? Great blog entry. It is great how your kids are developing here! What a terrific experience for them! -Andrew http://www.AngelValleyFarmBandB.com |
| 5th June 2006 Just Jen | Hope to meet sooner or later - From: Six Months Already? So glad to hear you'll be staying longer. Positive thinking! We've been working on our property the past week so no time for play. Funny how we can to relax and we're busier than we ever were in the states. Life is good though and we're glad to be here for life. Like you said, NO regrets whatsoever. On dentists...great experiences here as well. Both our daughter and I have been for cleanings and fillings, too many fillings. Good experiences for both of us and easy on Bill's wallet. (If anyone can call a dental experience 'good') Take Care...Sheridans in San Ramon. |
| 3rd June 2006 anonymous | Happy you are having such a great time - From: Six Months Already? Happy you are having such a great time amid the privations. SPECTACULAR photos. Miss you. My personal best on this Shavuot. Art |
| 3rd June 2006 TheBortmans | Skype and Instant Messenger - From: Six Months Already? We are on Skype and Instant Messenger. Our skype name is daramarkb. For instant messenger, I use markpb1@yahoo.com (I am on most days for work). Thanks to grandma and grandpa, we have a web-cam, too, so we can do video. Please give us a "call" whenever you feel like it. |
| 3rd June 2006 Rae Koosman | Skype - From: Six Months Already? Have you guys got a Skype number? Let us know and we can talk! |
| 3rd June 2006 Sally | Nice to see you again! - From: Six Months Already? Hi Bortmans - enjoyed reading your blog entry this morning! We'll have to try the park, you told us about it but I'd forgotten! And the doctor thing here is excellent... I've been reading about indigenous medicine men, too. Wild stuff... I think I'll become a medicine woman/acupuncturist... whaddya think? See you around - Saratica! |
| 22nd May 2006 Saratica | Expat from Santa Barbara de Heredia - From: The Green Season Has Arrived Hola Bortmanns! I've had a link to your blog for awhile for just caught up and will subscribe. We are living twin existences!!!! We ran away for a year, too, to have an adventure in Costa Rica. Our boys started at the European School (now at another school - we say so many schools, the choices are huge)... well, I could write 1000 words now. But our lives are amazingly similar. My blog is abroadincostarica.blogspot.com - come visit. We should have lunch sometime - I'm definitely going to the bird house. Thank you - keep writing. I try to do a little everyday - I want this journal forever! Hasta la Vista, Saratica (Sally O'Boyle)(hey, new life, new name!) |
| 18th May 2006 Adina | belt test - From: The Green Season Has Arrived Congrats on the yellow belts - it reminds me of when Josh just started out. Who would have thought he'd be going for his second-degree black belt next year? They call him Mr. Rosenberg when he helps out in class. Very cute... |
| 12th May 2006 mark | Should I stay or should I go now... ? - From: Busy, busy Trip An old Clash song I think (great British Punk band). Mark/Dara I know that feeling. It seems you have been in Costa Rica a long time- probably flown by. With Kids it is not easy to make the right decision always and your own personal objectives come to the fore. I moved my family to Moscow last October and after much consideration and a bloody cold winter, my wife and 6 yr old did not come back after a break in late March. School, the pull of relatives etc. Our plan was also to stay longer (July) but I am currently in Moscow on my own so in case I get into trouble...englishman abroad, time for me to go to. I leave here end May. So I think you have given it a good shot, Don't be surprised that people just won't understand what its all about when you get back to the states. Anyhow it was your experience and not theirs- people have and are limited by their own experience, enjoy yours while it lasts! You can still support Costa Rica in the soccer World Cup! Hasta Luego Mark Pegler |
| 12th May 2006 eileen | What fun. - From: Disney World Looks like you guys are having the time of your lives!!! It was so great that you visited Kol Emet. I wish I knew about it ahead of time, I would have loved to see everyone, I know that Lauryn was very excited. Stay well and have fun!!! Eileen and Lauryn |
| 11th May 2006 Stephie | Disney World - From: Disney World I'm so jealous that you went to Disney without us!! Maybe next year... |
| 11th May 2006 eli | HS Spanish tutor - From: Busy, busy Trip How much do you (Ellen and Rob M.) think Ari ought to charge Joel to help him with his HS Spanish? |
| 11th May 2006 Ellen and Rob M. | - From: Busy, busy Trip It's so great to read about your adventures. We miss you. Can Joel call you for help with his HS spanish next year?? |
| 10th May 2006 anonymous_tico | Golden Valley - From: First day of school… I read your passage online and was happy to hear how Golden Valley was doing as a school. I myself worked there during the first few years of the formation of the school. I felt that things were unorganized and controlling and that employees were mistreated. I hope this is no longer the case and hope that you continue to enjoy your Costa Rican experience! |
| 8th May 2006 Adina | Sorry I missed you guys! - From: Busy, busy Trip I didn't know you were coming back home. If I would have known, I would have stopped at Kol Emet. I don't think your kids have any self-confidence issues or any issues with making new friends , but I'm sure that their unique experience of living within a new culture is just one of many that they will have growing up in which they learn about tolerance, respect and what it is to be human. |
| 8th May 2006 TheBortmans | Replies - From: Busy, busy Trip It does seem there is a little bug on the site affecting some of the pictures -- we're already working on posting pictures of Disney for the next blog and we're having problems. Hopefully the site will be fixed soon. Also, as noted in my Dad's e-mail, we have skype and Instant Messenger so if anyone wants to talk, we're around (and we have a web-cam so you can see us). Mark |
| 8th May 2006 The Johnsons | Belated Happy Birthday Eli! - From: Busy, busy Trip Got a little behind here on the blogs with all the sickness/medical issues going around in our house....it did cross my mind at yesterday's Fairfield Garage Sale that it's been awhile since a Bortman Blog Update had popped up! Happy Belated Birthday Eliana! Just seems like yesterday your Mom was at our house right before you were born! Such a big girl now! Ari is a big boy now too : ) Glad to hear you are all doing well : ) Love, The Johnsons |
| 7th May 2006 Cousin Bev | Finally!!! - From: Busy, busy Trip I'd almost given up on hearing from you again. Thanks for the new blog. The kids look wonderful...just beaming. I'd imagine that the entire experience has been a positive one for them. One prob.: although the captions came through when the pics were clicked on for "larger image," some of the pics didn't show. Wonder why? The smaller versions were just fine. It's been a joy following your adventures. Hope more blogs are coming...but, if not, thanks for the vicarious fun. Have a blast, no matter what your choice is. Love to you all!!! |
| 7th May 2006 Art F | Come home - From: Busy, busy Trip I miss you guys. Art |
