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| 11th August 2008 regine | hi - From: Hiking in Heredia 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 |
| 1st February 2007 Vanessa Badger. Yes! | Love to hear the rest of the story. - From: Folks in Town and a Change of Plans 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 |
| 29th September 2006 Scott Mack | Change - From: Manuel Antonio National Park "...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. |
| 25th September 2006 Alex DeVicaris | That's Awesome - From: Nature has SERIOUSLY Won! Hi Mike, This is Alex DeVicaris, I used to play rugby with you at PW. I happened to be checking out the website and came across your blog. GOOD LUCK!!! It sounds like you and Vanessa are on an awesome adventure!! I can't wait to keep reading about what happens next, and eventually come and stay at your B&B (as long as there's beer:):):) Alex |
| 11th September 2006 NancyLynne | - From: 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! |
| 30th August 2006 Kathia | Secrets of your kitchen - From: Got Sunburn While Walking to the Bar and An Accidental Poisoning? 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. |
| 29th August 2006 Nancy Lynne | - From: 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. |
| 27th August 2006 Dawn Cassidy | - From: 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! |
| 25th August 2006 4Runner Owner | But do you miss Wachovia? - From: Serenity in the Mountains and Some Thoughts… So good to read the news. Our prayers are for you and with you. |
| 22nd August 2006 ftlog | bladderless pigs! - From: Bought a Truck in Time for the Fiesta de Santa Bartolomé 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! |
| 9th August 2006 AndrewNCostaRica | Welcome! - From: We’ve Got Driver’s Licenses! Hey Vanessa & Mike! Nice blog! You're doing exactly what I did over a year ago: giving up corporate life, moving to CR and opening a B&B! See my blog here: www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/AndrewNCostaRica, or my website www.AngelValleyFarmBandB.com Andrew |
| 7th August 2006 Mary Jo | - From: We’ve Got Driver’s Licenses! Sounds so exciting. Stay safe and good luck. |
| 6th August 2006 CarolLynn | Pura Vida! - From: How It All Began 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. |
| 5th August 2006 Katy8722 | Barbie? - From: Costa Rican National Museum of Art 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 |
| 5th August 2006 Katy | I doubt Don Fran will be the last! - From: Searching for a Truck, Pilgrimage to Cartago and Adopting a Dog Picking up the stray who needed a home sounded so you! I was certainly believing it.I have no doubt when you settle down there will likely be all types of animals to keep Don Francisco company. Good luck finding the vehicle. Your pictures are so awesome. I almost feel like I'm there & then my phone rings to tell me I'm missing yet another conference call!! haha Thanks for breaking up my day(s) & putting some fantasy in my life! |
| 3rd August 2006 Christine | You tease! - From: Searching for a Truck, Pilgrimage to Cartago and Adopting a Dog 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! |
| 31st July 2006 Karen | Hugs to SUVA - From: Run-In with the TSA, Arriving in Costa Rica and La Sabana Park 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 |
| 31st July 2006 Sharyn | Would love to hear more. . . - From: Run-In with the TSA, Arriving in Costa Rica and La Sabana Park My husband Mike and I will be relocating to CR in November and found your experience pretty interesting. I would love to hear more about how you decided to go . ..where you plan on living . . . what you plan on doing etc. We are in our mid 30's and 40's and would love to hear about someone else's experience. You can reach us as sharyn@sharynandmike.com. Would love to hear from you. BEST OF LUCK!!! www.sharynandmike.com |
| 27th July 2006 Kit Rapine | no blogs in awhile - From: A Bat in the Airport in El Salvador and more.. What's up, hope everything is going well. Miss your blogs and not hearing about you adventures and the Costa flavor of things. |
| 24th July 2006 Scott Mack | Back to CR - From: A Bat in the Airport in El Salvador and more.. Hmmmm? Seeing bats in the airport and pink tour buses? Hmm? could it be that the white powder in that bag was in the air and you, Vanessa, innocently inhaled some and all of a sudden there were bats everywhere and pink tour buses. It could happen. We're sorry we missed you guys when you came down to Va., We were at the beach. Stay safe and I hope the move goes well. Keep blogging. Scott |
| 15th July 2006 Nancy Lynne | - From: A Bat in the Airport in El Salvador and more.. Pink & purple mercedes!, bimbo bread!!...what's next?? Be sure to let me know when you need a real estate agent in CR...it could happen!! P.S. The coffee is "out of this world" good, thank you. |
| 8th July 2006 Becky Slifer | Hello - From: Hiking in Heredia I'm so glad to hear you made it to CR safe and sound. I too look forward to receiving your blogs. You and your husband have given me the push to finally do something with my life as well. Your pictures are wonderful! I too visited CR and loved trecking in the forests bird watching. Keep those blogs coming! Take care!! |
| 7th July 2006 Scott Mack | The Ants - From: Hiking in Heredia Vanes awesome entry. How do you know about the ants? Tell Matt for me that I'd love to drive that road from Rigo's at night with him at the wheel of Tejoncito-just as soon as hell freezes over. Scott |
| 7th July 2006 JULIO | I Miss C.R.... - From: Good Neighbors Dear CV, I'm a Tico who has been away for 22 years living in Australia, back in 84' when I left CR it was a place full of worderful people, we did not have much but what we had we shared and often 'streched' to the max. The fondest memories are of playing in the neighbourhood with other kids and feeling safe. Now I have a good life in OZ, good career ( and I thank my parents for imigrating ) but the one thing I miss is the sense of 'true' friendship and the sense of belonging... Take care, open up a little and let people come into your heart, you will find that if you give a little you will get 3 fold back. See Ya and 'Pura Vida' - Julio. |
| 6th July 2006 Scott Mack | Blog Fan - From: How It All Began Vanessa, Cathy and I enjoyed meeting you so much and we love your blog. I read a great quote that I think addresses the adventure you guys are embarking on; nevermind that it was on the back of motorcycle club shirt: "Everybody dies. Not everybody lives." Scott |
| 6th July 2006 Susan | - From: Weeds Hello, I finally had a chance to read all of your blogs with just getting back from vacation. I'm glad you finally got your boxes and that everything was in good shape. It sounds like your are REALLy HAVING THE TIME YOUR LIVES............. Take care and I'll talk to you soon. Susan |
| 5th July 2006 Jack Breen | great log look forward to your updates daily - From: Hiking in Heredia glad to hear you have gotten started off so nicely in CR. we look forward to e-mail much more now that we are frequently getting notices of your logs. my wife, Maureen, and I enjoy the regular updates on your adventure. you had our mouths watering for some of those CR fruits. stay safe and keep the logs coming. aloha for now |
| 5th July 2006 anonymous | Nisperos - From: Hiking in Heredia Nisperos is native to Asia. It grows in warm parts of the US where it is called loquat. Delicious. |
| 4th July 2006 Lanita | - From: Good Neighbors Wow, you really did it. I am ejoying reading your journa.l It is so interesting. I admire you for pursuing your dream. Take Care Lanita |
| 1st July 2006 NancyLynne | - From: We've Arrived! The pictures are just wonderful, its nice to see and imagine life in that part of the world! Sounds as though such beauty and freedom makes all the tiny, insignificant stresses we focus on, melt away...and one can appreciate more in a purely natural sense. Gotta have music though and I sincerely hope your Aunt will be okay. I've got to try that coffee, if you can bring back any extra :-) ! |
| 30th June 2006 Michael | ATM machines - From: We've Arrived! are there any Wachovia's down there? |
| 29th June 2006 Mom P. | - From: How It All Began Vanessa, I was truly overjoyed to finally meet Mike and to once again get that hug that only you could give me. I have known Vanessa, the little girl and Vanessa the young woman and now I have met Vanessa the Woman, the woman that you were meant to be with the man that you were meant to be with. You and Jenn and I have a wonderful past together and I am so glad that you want me to continue to be a part of your new future. I know that you will accomplish all that you have set out to do...just remember to hold fast to your family, your faith and your friends, the three things that will suupport you through all things, good and bad. You both have my love and my wishes for success and perhaps some day I will walk through the front door of your B&B with a wonderfully exotic drink in my hand and get another "Vanessa" hug. I love you and treasure our special relationship Momma Parson |
| 29th June 2006 Katy | - From: We've Arrived! I look forward to each new story. Puts a little fantasy right at my doorstep! I don't have to tell you to enjoy life, it seems you have figured out the secret to that pretty darn well, so I'll say stay safe & I'll keep my fingers crossed your boxes finally arrive! Take care! Katy |
| 27th June 2006 John Kennedy | Good luck... - From: You Were a Zookeeper!? ...in CR and thanks for helping teach the boys a litle bit about themselves, and about life, through Rugby. Maybe someday Suzy and I will pay a visit! |
| 21st June 2006 April S | Great Pictures - From: The Plan - Housing Awesome blog! Can't wait to hear more! Get started on your "Job" list for Salvi for next summer! |
| 20th June 2006 Jack Breen | Returning home with a suitcase of coffee - From: I Heart Coffee Enjoyed your first entry. Your adventures remind me of our own. Packed up in '89 and moved to Maui from Drexel Hill. It must be somethign in the good quality coffee beans. We like certain coffees so much have traveled to Jamacia for the sole purpose of returning home with 20 pounds of Blue Moutain Coffee. Only learned of Costa Rican coffee earlier this year when as a token of appreciation a client dopped some off at the house. Now have the same list of 3 favorites as you, Blue Mountain, Kona and Costa Rican. Have a wonderful adventure with your leap of faith. We did and are heading back home to Maui this year as Mike is aware. Look forward to reading more of your blog and hope to see the start of high school rugby in Costa Rica reported there soon. Aloha nui loa |
| 16th June 2006 DIANE BOYLE | GREAT JOB - From: The Plan - Housing HI VANES, BEAUTIFUL PICTURES AND I AM LIVING ALL THESE FANTASY'S THROUGH YOU. KEEP UP WITH THE GREAT PLANS AND I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND MIKE AND ALSO PROUD TO SAY YOUR MY COUS. PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH. LOVE YA, DIANE |
| 15th June 2006 Bill " Erine" Racich | AWESOME! - From: How It All Began Mike and Vanessa- you have balls for sure and I know that you'll be as successful in Costa Rica as you were in the states. Good Things happen to Good people and you two are the BEST! Mike. the USA rugby world will miss you as will everyone from Philly Whitemarsh, Valley Forge, and Spring-Ford. Juls and I are excited we'll have a nice place to stay in the Jungle and hopefully near the beach. OH! I like mushrooms and pepper on my omlet |
| 14th June 2006 gerry | best a luck - From: How It All Began het there its gerry- just want to say the following must people spend their lives making plans for it while life is passing them by -so good for u guys u will never regret it. |
| 13th June 2006 Rob Schoen | I'm jealous - From: The Plan - Housing What a great and fascinating read! Good luck as your final move day draws near. I'll look forward to reading about your progress. |
| 5th June 2006 Nancy Lyne | Awesome Blog & Pictures - From: The Plan - Housing Great job on your blog, will check for updates to see how the story progresses! Take good care... |
| 3rd June 2006 Elaine | Go Girl!! - From: How It All Began Vanessa, it's Elaine....I'm seeing this for the first time and all I can say is you go girl....I'm so proud for you. I'll continue to monitor your progress and keep in touch. What an awesome adventure you're going to embark on and I couldn't be happier for you. You're an inspiration. I hope Joe and I can be some of your first customers! |
| 2nd June 2006 Rob R | I am losing a coffee buddy - From: The Plan - Residency If this works for you I may be down to open up a bait shop next door. Send coffee soon!! |
| 2nd June 2006 Christine | WOW - From: How It All Began Vanessa, you and Mike are a true inspiration for those of us who are still running on the corporate hamster wheel! I look forward to following your story, coming to visit, and knowing that dreams really can come true if you want them badly enough! |
| 1st June 2006 Katy W | What a wonderful life ahead! - From: The Plan - Residency This is just too neat! If you keep including these awesome pictures I might be on the next plane with ya! I know family & friends will miss you terribly.I'll bet tourism in CR will jump dramatically once you guys are set up. We'll all be coming over! The trick will be to get us to leave! haha If anyone can make this work it will be you! You should be proud of yourself & hubby for not just imaging, but for taking action! I look forward to more blog alerts! |
| 1st June 2006 Susan Walsh | Best of luck to you and Mike - From: How It All Began Vanessa, I just wanted to tell you that I admire your outlook on life and that it takes great courage to make this move. Most people only wish and dream about doing something like this. You will be greatly missed and I only wish that we could have worked more closely with each other, I know I could have learned much from you. I look forward to reading more about your progress, adventures and stories in the future. PS you should have been a writer............ Best of luck...............Susan |
| 31st May 2006 Joanne | It is finally here!!! - From: How It All Began I wish you both the best that life has to offer. I know the 2 of you will succeed in all that you set out to do. Vanessa, know that our Sicilian bond will always hold our friendship strong, no matter how far away we are. You are a true friend and Sicilian Sister. Molti anni di felicità--- Many years of Happiness!!! Ciao Bella |