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Date: 4th August 2010
How wonderfully clean
The streets all look immaculate. Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures especially the hotel. Glad to hear that the ethnic food is all good so far.
From Blog: Padron, Castles and Leon
How wonderfully clean
The streets all look immaculate. Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures especially the hotel. Glad to hear that the ethnic food is all good so far.
From Blog: Padron, Castles and Leon
Date: 1st August 2010
Gorgeous
V, I'm lovin the blog. (who'da thought I would ever read another one?) The castle is awesome. I love castles and churches, so cool. Now, did you order up that pristine blue sky just for your trip? Or r u just lucky?
From Blog: Castles, Driving and Octopus
Gorgeous
V, I'm lovin the blog. (who'da thought I would ever read another one?) The castle is awesome. I love castles and churches, so cool. Now, did you order up that pristine blue sky just for your trip? Or r u just lucky?
From Blog: Castles, Driving and Octopus
Date: 1st August 2010
Wait, wait...
who ordered sardines on purpose?
From Blog: A Night Out on the Town
Wait, wait...
who ordered sardines on purpose?
From Blog: A Night Out on the Town
Date: 31st July 2010
Time?
If you didn't have dinner until midnight and saw street cleaners at 2AM, where do you find the time to update your blog? BTW, I love it! Its like I'm there myself. You are a gifted writer and I think you should have your own travel show! Or at least write a short book about each town...call it Fodor's Smoder's - THIS is how you do Spain!
From Blog: A Night Out on the Town
Time?
If you didn't have dinner until midnight and saw street cleaners at 2AM, where do you find the time to update your blog? BTW, I love it! Its like I'm there myself. You are a gifted writer and I think you should have your own travel show! Or at least write a short book about each town...call it Fodor's Smoder's - THIS is how you do Spain!
From Blog: A Night Out on the Town
Date: 31st July 2010
The REAL Madrid
I guess I shouldn't read these so early in the morning. The Marinated sardines sort didn't go well with my coffee and cereal. I read David Beckham's memoir and his discription of the night life and social life while he was playng for Real Madrid is a lot like yours. He eventually bought a home there. Actually the home is in a compound next to the home of Elton John and his partner. Beckham commented that at La Liga games, the Madradistas dress up and it is a much more social atmosphere than other European venues for soccer. One doesn't think of Spanish food like say Italian food. It seems as though it is a unique quisine however. Hasta Domingo.
From Blog: A Night Out on the Town
The REAL Madrid
I guess I shouldn't read these so early in the morning. The Marinated sardines sort didn't go well with my coffee and cereal. I read David Beckham's memoir and his discription of the night life and social life while he was playng for Real Madrid is a lot like yours. He eventually bought a home there. Actually the home is in a compound next to the home of Elton John and his partner. Beckham commented that at La Liga games, the Madradistas dress up and it is a much more social atmosphere than other European venues for soccer. One doesn't think of Spanish food like say Italian food. It seems as though it is a unique quisine however. Hasta Domingo.
From Blog: A Night Out on the Town
Date: 30th July 2010
What a mind!
Only you could come up with a story from a bottle of champagne and chocolates.
From Blog: Madrid, Dali, Siesta and Potential Poisoning
What a mind!
Only you could come up with a story from a bottle of champagne and chocolates.
From Blog: Madrid, Dali, Siesta and Potential Poisoning
Date: 30th July 2010
Counseling
Champagne parnoia is one of the most dibilitating forms of mental illness calling for the calssic treatment of repeating the feared behavior multiple times to desensitize and multiple dippings of one's churros in one's chocolate. Ironically, if done with the window wide open sipping and dipping makes for much more interesting black market flicks. Viva La Rojas!!!!!!!!!
From Blog: Madrid, Dali, Siesta and Potential Poisoning
Counseling
Champagne parnoia is one of the most dibilitating forms of mental illness calling for the calssic treatment of repeating the feared behavior multiple times to desensitize and multiple dippings of one's churros in one's chocolate. Ironically, if done with the window wide open sipping and dipping makes for much more interesting black market flicks. Viva La Rojas!!!!!!!!!
From Blog: Madrid, Dali, Siesta and Potential Poisoning
Date: 30th July 2010
heh heh...
I am sitting here giggling over the fact that champagne and chocolates threw you into paranoia! I would have been like, "what? no strawberries?" ;)
From Blog: Madrid, Dali, Siesta and Potential Poisoning
heh heh...
I am sitting here giggling over the fact that champagne and chocolates threw you into paranoia! I would have been like, "what? no strawberries?" ;)
From Blog: Madrid, Dali, Siesta and Potential Poisoning
Date: 30th July 2010
Now that's a way to start a vacation.
Looks like your on your way to rest, romance and relaxation. Enjoy!
From Blog: Now THIS is how you start a trip!
Now that's a way to start a vacation.
Looks like your on your way to rest, romance and relaxation. Enjoy!
From Blog: Now THIS is how you start a trip!
Date: 27th July 2010
Vanessa, Thanks so much for the update! It's great to hear all that you and Mike have been busy doing. Love the house! It looks like you've created a wonderful home. The star theme is fun. Would have loved to have caught up with you at Surfside Sevens but Andrew stayed in New Hampshire this summer. Though I have to admit I didn't miss being in the heat last weekend! So glad to hear that all is going well. And yes, vacations are very important to recharge!
From Blog: It's Been Too Long
Vanessa, Thanks so much for the update! It's great to hear all that you and Mike have been busy doing. Love the house! It looks like you've created a wonderful home. The star theme is fun. Would have loved to have caught up with you at Surfside Sevens but Andrew stayed in New Hampshire this summer. Though I have to admit I didn't miss being in the heat last weekend! So glad to hear that all is going well. And yes, vacations are very important to recharge!
From Blog: It's Been Too Long
Date: 11th August 2008
hi
I live in CR in San José. My boyfriend and I are always looking for nice walks to go on. Are these pictures taken on Private property? How do you get there? Thanks, regine
From Blog: Hiking in Heredia
hi
I live in CR in San José. My boyfriend and I are always looking for nice walks to go on. Are these pictures taken on Private property? How do you get there? Thanks, regine
From Blog: Hiking in Heredia
Date: 1st February 2007
Love to hear the rest of the story.
Yes, we have the same name. Is your father's family originally from England like mine. (Cornwall) What an experience! But I can understand you wanted something a bit more meaty for the rest of your life! Now at least. I'm English and now live in Spain and even I miss things from home. Beautiful photos and reading your experience has been so interesting. Why don't you write a book and fill it with those wonderful scenes! Good luck for the future. vanessa@us.es
From Blog: Folks in Town and a Change of Plans
Love to hear the rest of the story.
Yes, we have the same name. Is your father's family originally from England like mine. (Cornwall) What an experience! But I can understand you wanted something a bit more meaty for the rest of your life! Now at least. I'm English and now live in Spain and even I miss things from home. Beautiful photos and reading your experience has been so interesting. Why don't you write a book and fill it with those wonderful scenes! Good luck for the future. vanessa@us.es
From Blog: Folks in Town and a Change of Plans
Date: 29th September 2006
Change
"...Tough life being technically retired." I know you meant that ironically, but what you are experiencing is tough. The transition from a culture that emphasizes: a career path, punctuality, the rule of law, regulation and predictability to one that dosen't can be disorienting. Its like hanging a painting in your living room that has very warm colors and is abstract. If you have been a realist, the presence of that painting changes your life and you feel disoriented. The painting is there daily dominating your living space and making you think. This art, this new reality, is an invasion, an annunciation which as George Steiner says , "... breaks into the small house of our cautionary being and commands us; change your life." Which way to change it of course is the problem. After you make the change, you life is will never be what it once was and that can be a good thing. God Speed.
From Blog: Manuel Antonio National Park
Change
"...Tough life being technically retired." I know you meant that ironically, but what you are experiencing is tough. The transition from a culture that emphasizes: a career path, punctuality, the rule of law, regulation and predictability to one that dosen't can be disorienting. Its like hanging a painting in your living room that has very warm colors and is abstract. If you have been a realist, the presence of that painting changes your life and you feel disoriented. The painting is there daily dominating your living space and making you think. This art, this new reality, is an invasion, an annunciation which as George Steiner says , "... breaks into the small house of our cautionary being and commands us; change your life." Which way to change it of course is the problem. After you make the change, you life is will never be what it once was and that can be a good thing. God Speed.
From Blog: Manuel Antonio National Park
Date: 11th September 2006
Mother Nature always wins, there is just something right about that. True , too, as they say.. "you can't fool her". Never- the- less... most of life's precious gifts will always be worth the test, and the rewards, sweet! Hang in there and stay well. Thanks for all the info, it's great!
From Blog: Nature Has Won
Mother Nature always wins, there is just something right about that. True , too, as they say.. "you can't fool her". Never- the- less... most of life's precious gifts will always be worth the test, and the rewards, sweet! Hang in there and stay well. Thanks for all the info, it's great!
From Blog: Nature Has Won
Date: 30th August 2006
Secrets of your kitchen
I am from Costa Rica and all that I remember about Sal Inglaterra is that you use it to wash off scales of the fish. That is a secret that people have from a long time ago. That is why I think it would be with the spices and say "the secret of the kitchen" on the bag.
From Blog: Got Sunburn While Walking to the Bar and An Accidental Poisoning?
Secrets of your kitchen
I am from Costa Rica and all that I remember about Sal Inglaterra is that you use it to wash off scales of the fish. That is a secret that people have from a long time ago. That is why I think it would be with the spices and say "the secret of the kitchen" on the bag.
From Blog: Got Sunburn While Walking to the Bar and An Accidental Poisoning?
Date: 29th August 2006
Hey there! It's me, your Limerick real estate agent, writing to say you're not missing anything all that new and exciting back here. There is no time like the present (it's true!) and you both are great examples of that. In the short time we got to know each other, it was very clear you could handle more than the average/typical daily life we take for granted and subsequently abuse. You were meant for bigger and better in our short lived lives! I'm hoping to come see your progress someday soon, be happy and well. P.S. How are the mortgage rates, do sellers disclose...Haha - just kidding!! P.S.S. Mike, your Mom's pesto was the best, thank you, we loved it.
From Blog: Serenity in the Mountains and Some Thoughts
Hey there! It's me, your Limerick real estate agent, writing to say you're not missing anything all that new and exciting back here. There is no time like the present (it's true!) and you both are great examples of that. In the short time we got to know each other, it was very clear you could handle more than the average/typical daily life we take for granted and subsequently abuse. You were meant for bigger and better in our short lived lives! I'm hoping to come see your progress someday soon, be happy and well. P.S. How are the mortgage rates, do sellers disclose...Haha - just kidding!! P.S.S. Mike, your Mom's pesto was the best, thank you, we loved it.
From Blog: Serenity in the Mountains and Some Thoughts
Date: 27th August 2006
Vanessa, Your photos are beautiful! Best Wishes to you and Mike. If there is any thing you would like us to send you let us know and how we can get it to you! We would be happy to send you a few comforts such as liquid soap!!!!! Hope you are both well! Enjoy! We love reading your blog!
From Blog: Serenity in the Mountains and Some Thoughts
Vanessa, Your photos are beautiful! Best Wishes to you and Mike. If there is any thing you would like us to send you let us know and how we can get it to you! We would be happy to send you a few comforts such as liquid soap!!!!! Hope you are both well! Enjoy! We love reading your blog!
From Blog: Serenity in the Mountains and Some Thoughts
Date: 25th August 2006
But do you miss Wachovia?
So good to read the news. Our prayers are for you and with you.
From Blog: Serenity in the Mountains and Some Thoughts
But do you miss Wachovia?
So good to read the news. Our prayers are for you and with you.
From Blog: Serenity in the Mountains and Some Thoughts
Date: 22nd August 2006
bladderless pigs!
It has come to my attention that there are many pigs wandering the coasts of Costa Rica without bladders. I'm sure their American cousins are doing all they can to ship in extra bladders during this tragic time in pigdom. With that said, the Spongebob mug is also still missing and I'm afraid, alas, that it is doom to a life of solitude and replaced by the new pup. So is the life of the mug!
From Blog: Bought a Truck in Time for the Fiesta de Santa Bartolomé
bladderless pigs!
It has come to my attention that there are many pigs wandering the coasts of Costa Rica without bladders. I'm sure their American cousins are doing all they can to ship in extra bladders during this tragic time in pigdom. With that said, the Spongebob mug is also still missing and I'm afraid, alas, that it is doom to a life of solitude and replaced by the new pup. So is the life of the mug!
From Blog: Bought a Truck in Time for the Fiesta de Santa Bartolomé
Date: 7th August 2006
Sounds so exciting. Stay safe and good luck.
From Blog: We’ve Got Driver’s Licenses!
Sounds so exciting. Stay safe and good luck.
From Blog: We’ve Got Driver’s Licenses!
Date: 6th August 2006
Pura Vida!
My family and another family are setting the stages to move to CR in about 6-8 months. We are all here in the Beautiful area of San Francisco CA but have had enough of this lifestyle. No more keeping up with the Jones' and stressing out about money when happiness is most important to us. We have three kids 2-4-and 6 and our best friends have a 4 and 6 yr old. We are still really crazy excited but have so many things to look into still. We are going to join the ARCR and try and get residency started here. I hope hope hope and know one day we will be happily coexisting with all of the other folks who decided the rat race isnt a race worth running, and want out. Love your blog. It is inspirational and I am so happy to have read it. You are awesome and talented and going to have the life of your dreams at this rate. Congratulations for just doing it.
From Blog: How It All Began
Pura Vida!
My family and another family are setting the stages to move to CR in about 6-8 months. We are all here in the Beautiful area of San Francisco CA but have had enough of this lifestyle. No more keeping up with the Jones' and stressing out about money when happiness is most important to us. We have three kids 2-4-and 6 and our best friends have a 4 and 6 yr old. We are still really crazy excited but have so many things to look into still. We are going to join the ARCR and try and get residency started here. I hope hope hope and know one day we will be happily coexisting with all of the other folks who decided the rat race isnt a race worth running, and want out. Love your blog. It is inspirational and I am so happy to have read it. You are awesome and talented and going to have the life of your dreams at this rate. Congratulations for just doing it.
From Blog: How It All Began
Date: 5th August 2006
Barbie?
Is that Barbie I recognize as the "Our Lady of Modernism"? I really enjoyed "our" visit to the museum. I still haven't found the face on that one. haha
From Blog: Costa Rican National Museum of Art
Barbie?
Is that Barbie I recognize as the "Our Lady of Modernism"? I really enjoyed "our" visit to the museum. I still haven't found the face on that one. haha
From Blog: Costa Rican National Museum of Art
Date: 3rd August 2006
You tease!
You had me going with Don Francisco! I'm so glad that you guys are settling in and having such a great adventure...you're still an inspiration to those of us back here on the hamster wheel!
From Blog: Searching for a Truck, Pilgrimage to Cartago and Adopting a Dog
You tease!
You had me going with Don Francisco! I'm so glad that you guys are settling in and having such a great adventure...you're still an inspiration to those of us back here on the hamster wheel!
From Blog: Searching for a Truck, Pilgrimage to Cartago and Adopting a Dog
Date: 31st July 2006
Hugs to SUVA
Hi, so glad to see you have arrived and trying to settle into your new life. Just had to come check out your site - I have a link to your blog on mine for all my clients to check out.....we all hope to come visit soon! Karen
From Blog: Run-In with the TSA, Arriving in Costa Rica and La Sabana Park
Hugs to SUVA
Hi, so glad to see you have arrived and trying to settle into your new life. Just had to come check out your site - I have a link to your blog on mine for all my clients to check out.....we all hope to come visit soon! Karen
From Blog: Run-In with the TSA, Arriving in Costa Rica and La Sabana Park
Susan Walsh
non-member comment
HELLO STRANGER!!!
Hi Vanessa, How wonderful to hear from you. I can't tell you how much in enjoyed reading about your trip and of course what you have been doing since you came back from Costa Rica. The pictures are awesome as well. Also you home is Cape May is just beautiful; you both did such a wonderful job with all the renovations you did. Joanne Bondi told me she visited you not long ago and that you were doing well so I was so happy when you decided to start up your travel blog again. I am sorry I haven't sent anything sooner but I have been so busy at work, I am finally getting a break on a quiet Friday afternoon. Please keep in touch and take care, Susan
From Blog: That's a Wrap