As someone who has spent most of his life in cities and college towns, it remains an unexpected turn to own an organic coffee and fruit farm. These are THE crops of Costa Rica and before tourism and foreign investment became such a powerful part of the economy, coffee and bananas ruled. My farm in El Empalme has an amazing ocean view and the sunset in the Pacific is an inspiring experience. El Empalme is one of the highest altitudes in the area making it ideal for coffee farming. It is also part of Costa Rican history. During the revolution that [View Full Entry]

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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 [View Full Entry]

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It’s hard to live in Costa Rica and not get to the beach frequently. Even if those of us living the Central Valley complain about the heat and humidity, too many tourists and higher prices, it is still fun to get to the beach. This is definitely a benefit of living here—being only about one hour from the coast and 1.5 hours from a nice, white sand beach. I wish I could go more often but work keeps me busy most days. We are in the midst of summer here now which means sunny days, warm temperatures and most importantly, no [View Full Entry]

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In Costa Rica there is only one sport … soccer/futbol. So, watching the NFL is an exotic mysterious thing for Ticos. For me, and a very small group of friends, it is a pleasure when it is time for the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl. Here’s an idea of what it’s like…? Last Saturday, after a hard day of working, I went home to watch the Patriots and Jaguars game but things don’t always turn out as planned. When I arrived home and popped a beer, I discovered that my cable was not working and there was zero reception. I assumed [View Full Entry]

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Since I moved to Costa Rica and have been keeping up this blog, I have been writing a “year-end review,” which is essentially my take on the preceding 12 months. With the holidays here and everything going on, I thought I’d get it done now—well now, meant I started it several weeks ago but I finally finished it today. So here goes, and it’s bound to be long-winded! Looking back… Wow, what a year! I never thought I’d be as busy as I was this past year and the “life-changing” events have been numerous. A few highlights: 1. Finis [View Full Entry]

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While there’s something charming about a white Christmas, it’s way overrated. I barely escaped a week of snow and ice storms in Upstate NY to return to the mild weather and festive Latino scene here in San Ramon. Our partners Pablo and Mary welcomed us back as family and our neighbors and friends shout their greetings as we walk the streets of San Ramon. After 6+ years here, I feel accepted as a Ramonenese (San Ramon person) and more like a visitor in my home of origin. This year all the trees in the central park are decorated with lights as [View Full Entry]

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Hola, Como estas? I hope this finds you doing well? All is good here in Costa Rica. It is hard to believe that well over a year has past since I first arrived. I have learned a lot, seen a lot but have not explored as much as I would have liked! In addition, I got my first critical review…now I use that term loosely. After going off on me, they were kind enough to follow-up with an apology and explanation! Personally, I feel this was a bit much however I thought I would share the comment & apology and elaborate [View Full Entry]

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I don’t consider myself a funny person but when I met my first and best friend here in San Ramon, Pablo Hidalgo … making him laugh was a joyful part of our time together. Now, many years later, our friendship has deepened and the laughs are a regular part of our day. Here in San Ramon, making people smile and laugh is held in higher regard than showing how smart or knowledgeable you are. The other day my Chinese friend Kenneth asked us to take a look at a property he owns and try to help him sell it. Kenneth speaks [View Full Entry]

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This blog entry includes some recent pictures I took of San Ramon—all fairly random—but they give you a flavor for this terrific town. It’s been windy today! And chilly! I’m sure it is still in the 50s but it seems like it is freezing out for someone now used to semi-tropical and tropical temperatures. The winds are supposedly a signal that the season is changing. I do this every year and usually I’m wrong (as it’ll probably rain again tomorrow!). However, AM Costa Rica (www.amcostarica.com) reported that the season is beginning to change as evidence [View Full Entry]

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If you can look over all the entries we just were able to upload a lot more photos, when we get back we are going to do a big upload to one ofthe photo sites but this gives youan idea of what we are seeing, two more days to go. love to everyone, lara [View Full Entry]

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