TheBortmans' Guestbook
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Date: 21st December 2010
Wow!
We went to Italy this past summer. We all had a great time and it was so wonderful, I think that the kids will never ask about going to Disney ever again! We went to Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Venice. We're going to France this summer. Your trip sounds wicked awesome and thanks for including me in your news. All my best for a safe journey, Adina
From Blog: What Now?
Wow!
We went to Italy this past summer. We all had a great time and it was so wonderful, I think that the kids will never ask about going to Disney ever again! We went to Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Venice. We're going to France this summer. Your trip sounds wicked awesome and thanks for including me in your news. All my best for a safe journey, Adina
From Blog: What Now?
Date: 20th December 2010
Have a great trip!
Mazel tov and enjoy. Can't wait to see your photos and read all about it.
From Blog: What Now?
Have a great trip!
Mazel tov and enjoy. Can't wait to see your photos and read all about it.
From Blog: What Now?
Date: 20th December 2010
WOW
I admire you folks - you're young and adventurous! What a wonderful experience you have ahead of you. Hope it fulfills all your expectations. Keep the blogs coming! All the best - Rae and Milt
From Blog: What Now?
WOW
I admire you folks - you're young and adventurous! What a wonderful experience you have ahead of you. Hope it fulfills all your expectations. Keep the blogs coming! All the best - Rae and Milt
From Blog: What Now?
Date: 20th November 2010
Good Luck guys!
Can't wait to start reading the updates on your new adventure. Love you all very much. Dara, I will miss you! Come back soon.
Good Luck guys!
Can't wait to start reading the updates on your new adventure. Love you all very much. Dara, I will miss you! Come back soon.
Date: 11th June 2010
Update on Golden Valley School - June 2010
I notice this blog about Golden Valley School is VERY outdated, but yet it is the only one mentioned on this site. I am the director of secondary school at Golden Valley, and would like to share some exciting news about the growth and success of our institute. Since the post of the originaly blog (2006), our school as expanded greatly. We now have over 300 students in grades PK-8, and our facilities are being developed to adequately house this type of growth. The road leading up to the institute has been paved (several years ago, actually), and is currently being expanded from a small paved country road to a large, two lane road with sidewalk. The school facilities include around 20 class rooms, computer lab, cafeteria, two soccer fields, two large playgrounds, an ecological garden of more than an acre and a half of space with a river flowing through, a large area of administrative offices, and even a workshop where our furniture, including student desks are hand crafted from hard wood right here on campus. Our teaching staff includes individuals from Costa Rica, the United States, and Europe, who are specialist in the areas of Montessori, Primary School education, Secondary education, as well as specialists in the subjects of English, Math, Science, German, Spanish, History, Music, Art, and Environmental Science. In addition to our teaching staff we have a guidance department with two psychologists, a speech therapist, and other specialized teachers who support students with special needs. Our curriculum is based on the highest international standards, and we are currently a candidate school for SACS accreditation from the United States, which allows us to issue diplomas which are accepted in the USA and abroad for entrance to the University. Our math and science programs are advanced, and lay the groundwork for Advanced Placement courses in high school. Our students speak English and Spanish as "native-like" languages, and study German as a third language beginning in Kindergarten, and being a core subject by the time they enter middle school. If you have any questions, or if you are interested in being part of our expansion and academic excellence, please feel free to google our website (I won't post it here because it's not allowed by the blog). Thanks, and may God Bless!
From Blog: First day of school
Update on Golden Valley School - June 2010
I notice this blog about Golden Valley School is VERY outdated, but yet it is the only one mentioned on this site. I am the director of secondary school at Golden Valley, and would like to share some exciting news about the growth and success of our institute. Since the post of the originaly blog (2006), our school as expanded greatly. We now have over 300 students in grades PK-8, and our facilities are being developed to adequately house this type of growth. The road leading up to the institute has been paved (several years ago, actually), and is currently being expanded from a small paved country road to a large, two lane road with sidewalk. The school facilities include around 20 class rooms, computer lab, cafeteria, two soccer fields, two large playgrounds, an ecological garden of more than an acre and a half of space with a river flowing through, a large area of administrative offices, and even a workshop where our furniture, including student desks are hand crafted from hard wood right here on campus. Our teaching staff includes individuals from Costa Rica, the United States, and Europe, who are specialist in the areas of Montessori, Primary School education, Secondary education, as well as specialists in the subjects of English, Math, Science, German, Spanish, History, Music, Art, and Environmental Science. In addition to our teaching staff we have a guidance department with two psychologists, a speech therapist, and other specialized teachers who support students with special needs. Our curriculum is based on the highest international standards, and we are currently a candidate school for SACS accreditation from the United States, which allows us to issue diplomas which are accepted in the USA and abroad for entrance to the University. Our math and science programs are advanced, and lay the groundwork for Advanced Placement courses in high school. Our students speak English and Spanish as "native-like" languages, and study German as a third language beginning in Kindergarten, and being a core subject by the time they enter middle school. If you have any questions, or if you are interested in being part of our expansion and academic excellence, please feel free to google our website (I won't post it here because it's not allowed by the blog). Thanks, and may God Bless!
From Blog: First day of school
Date: 30th June 2009
Golden Valley Secondary School
Hello. I was just scanning some of the commentary about Golden Valley School. I am the Director of Secondary School there. The blog has a few things that are either out of date or simply not true. From Kindergarten forward, all classes ARE in English. The school is in a rural setting, about 15 minutes away from Downtown San Jose. The rural setting was chosen by the school in order to support some programs in existence there such as a rabbit farm, natural water treatment plant, reforrestation project, vegetable gardens, and many more. It is a nice option for parents who want a school that offers IB and SACS programs at a fraction of the cost of other schools, as well as programs for the formation of better human beings. If you have questions about our school, please feel free to contact me at patrickcostarica@gmail.com
From Blog: First day of school
Golden Valley Secondary School
Hello. I was just scanning some of the commentary about Golden Valley School. I am the Director of Secondary School there. The blog has a few things that are either out of date or simply not true. From Kindergarten forward, all classes ARE in English. The school is in a rural setting, about 15 minutes away from Downtown San Jose. The rural setting was chosen by the school in order to support some programs in existence there such as a rabbit farm, natural water treatment plant, reforrestation project, vegetable gardens, and many more. It is a nice option for parents who want a school that offers IB and SACS programs at a fraction of the cost of other schools, as well as programs for the formation of better human beings. If you have questions about our school, please feel free to contact me at patrickcostarica@gmail.com
From Blog: First day of school
Date: 6th June 2009
According to school information. Is better you know things are very different form my personal opinion. I have my three kids at Golden Valley, and I really enjoy how this school is well organized and teach my children. My family is very happy with Golden Valley.
From Blog: First day of school
According to school information. Is better you know things are very different form my personal opinion. I have my three kids at Golden Valley, and I really enjoy how this school is well organized and teach my children. My family is very happy with Golden Valley.
From Blog: First day of school
Date: 6th June 2009
Excellent experience at Golden Valley
Hi! I sorry you experience but I want to share mine. For me Golden Valley School is the best school in Costa Rica I ever find. From the moment you come in you can fill the excellent organization and school culture. This school really tries to teach my kid to be prepared. My kids are very happy. I highly recommend it.
From Blog: First day of school
Excellent experience at Golden Valley
Hi! I sorry you experience but I want to share mine. For me Golden Valley School is the best school in Costa Rica I ever find. From the moment you come in you can fill the excellent organization and school culture. This school really tries to teach my kid to be prepared. My kids are very happy. I highly recommend it.
From Blog: First day of school
Date: 6th June 2009
Excellent experience at Golden Valley
Hi! I sorry you experience but I want to share mine. For me Golden Valley School is the best school in Costa Rica I ever find. From the moment you come in you can fill the excellent organization and school culture. This school really tries to teach my kid to be prepared. My kids are very happy. I highly recommend it.
From Blog: First day of school
Excellent experience at Golden Valley
Hi! I sorry you experience but I want to share mine. For me Golden Valley School is the best school in Costa Rica I ever find. From the moment you come in you can fill the excellent organization and school culture. This school really tries to teach my kid to be prepared. My kids are very happy. I highly recommend it.
From Blog: First day of school
Date: 2nd January 2007
moving to heredia - would love advice
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
From Blog: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH!
moving to heredia - would love advice
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
From Blog: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH!
Date: 19th December 2006
Yee-Haw!
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
From Blog: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH!
Yee-Haw!
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
From Blog: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH!
Date: 13th December 2006
Great ride, huh?
Are we still on for Friday?
From Blog: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH!
Great ride, huh?
Are we still on for Friday?
From Blog: Zip-a-dee-doo- DAHHHHHHH!
Date: 29th November 2006
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?)
From Blog: 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?)
From Blog: What have we done with our time here?
Date: 24th November 2006
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.
From Blog: 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.
From Blog: The people in our neighborhood
Date: 23rd November 2006
Mixed Feelings
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
From Blog: The people in our neighborhood
Mixed Feelings
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
From Blog: The people in our neighborhood
Date: 23rd November 2006
Sad to see you go !
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!
From Blog: The people in our neighborhood
Sad to see you go !
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!
From Blog: The people in our neighborhood
Date: 21st October 2006
Response to j.p.
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
From Blog: Independence Day - Costa Rican-style
Response to j.p.
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
From Blog: Independence Day - Costa Rican-style
Date: 11th October 2006
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.
From Blog: 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.
From Blog: Independence Day - Costa Rican-style
Date: 3rd October 2006
Rosh Hashanah
What you did in Costa Rica is what most Israelis do. They go to the beach! When do you return. we miss you. Art
From Blog: Independence Day - Costa Rican-style
Rosh Hashanah
What you did in Costa Rica is what most Israelis do. They go to the beach! When do you return. we miss you. Art
From Blog: Independence Day - Costa Rican-style
Date: 20th September 2006
Hello!
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!
From Blog: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop
Hello!
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!
From Blog: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop
Date: 19th September 2006
What a beautiful place and time. I am so impressed with your phtography and writting. We miss you. Love ya fom the Sulby's.
From Blog: 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.
From Blog: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop
Date: 10th September 2006
Are you sure you want to go back to the US?
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
From Blog: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop
Are you sure you want to go back to the US?
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
From Blog: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop
Date: 8th September 2006
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.
From Blog: 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.
From Blog: Visit from Nana and Pop-pop
art finkle
non-member comment
Consecrated Travelers
Well - you are entitled to a bisl kvell. MAZEL TOV. art
From Blog: What Now?