i must agree I studied abroad in costs rica in 1999 and have never met another person who has eaten mamonchino so for a while I thought I was a little crazy but I couldn't give it up (since it tastes like starburst) so I decided to google the word and your story came up! I'm not crazy and domeone else agrees, you missed out on the best fruit ever!
You Go Girl! I've been coming to CR the last 3 years and San Ramon has been the area I go to. I just hope that your views get thru to the ones that feel nothing when stepping on others to reach the next dollar/colon. I enjoy reading your open and honest blog.
Thanks for speaking up! I thought I was alone in my feelings. It's so uplifting to hear there really are more people moving here with similar values . We tend to shy away from expats in San Ramon because so many are connected to the real estate game. The North American friends we cherish live in
other towns, no connection to the local hyjinx. Great point about the residency issue! Don't even get me started on the men who come here for the young Ticas, get 'em pregnant and don't marry them.
Thanks for a Costaricenses opinion I can't thank-you enough for commenting!!!!!! The people here captured my heart the first time I visited. It breaks my heart to see them taken advantage of. I feel loved and accepted by the people here, something I never felt living in the states. Gracias para leer mi Blog. Jen
Thanks I really appreciate your point of view, our fear as costarricenses is that we wake up one day and we discover that the country that used to be ours isn't anymore, stories are told about lands and beaches were people used to go before someone thought it was better to put some fences, I welcome everybody wo comes to my country, but I don't want to become the guy who cuts the grass from a property that used to be mine and sold for 1 colon, and later resold for $100 000 dollars, and this happens... But thank you again, for trying to understand us and our culture, If all the people that comes here was like you, open minded, and not trying to put Mc Donalds in every corner it would be much better.
Thanks Saratica! We're looking forward to seeing you in Escazu. Other than going to the play we've only been there one other time, on our tour for one night a year ago. It'll be fun having you show us around. We here you can find anything you're craving there. Let me know if you find pinto beans in the markets, the ones mom sent with a friend got confiscated at the airport. I'll be waiting for your version of the with story as well. :) Thanks for the hug, I needed it!
Hear, hear. Although we are moving to Escazu to be nearer the theatre, I hear exactly what you are saying. As a former real estate broker, what those people are talking about is speculation: buying property solely to make money on the appreciation.
Sickening that they would take advantage of the locals this way and so blatantly. Couldn't they at least have the decency to be slightly ashamed of their behavior?
Unfortunately for them, luckily for you, they are on the wrong side of the curve on this idea... Anyone who jumps into the speculation game at this period in history is going to be burned unless they are very, VERY lucky.
Just my dos colones. Which I earned thru hard hard experience. BIG HUG. Come visit me in Escazu when you need a gringo fix... or anytime! xoxos.
What do we do for a living? We are retired and live off a small pension. By watching what we spend we live very happily here. When traveling we stay at $35 hotels not the resorts like Tabacon at $150 a night. Most North Americans we know in the area end up selling real estate or doing "move to CR tours". It's just not for us. We know of people who've come down and worked here but I don't know all the legal details. It is possible but the wages are very low.
What do you do for a living? I would love to live in CR but do not know what I would do for a living down there. My husband is a truck driver here in the U.S. I'm a stay at home mom. Did you guys retire or something? Do they have decent paying jobs there?
Thanks and God Bless,
Tania
Hey Mich, Pat, Zach and Sophie Thanks for writing! The goal for groundbreaking is still the first part of Nov. We're working with ICE, the electric company on getting the lines in ASAP. Guess it's time for a property update blog. Yes, we feel the property has definate magical, spiritual qualities. You'll have to ask Jesslyn and Dustin their thoughts. We're partial, when we first saw it we knew... no other property would do.
hello from the guindon's Hi Jen, Bill and Calli,
What great pictures and thanks for the update. Gabrielle, Sophie, Zach and I really enjoyed seeing them. Nalii and I are talking about the need to plan a trip!! Your piece of property looks magical, when do you get to break ground? Love to you all, Micheline
Two questions, two answers Water is AWESOME!!!! We save soda bottles and fill them with tap water for hikes, trips and what not. We NEVER drank tap water in AZ. We drink tap water in all the restaurants and sodas without a second thought (except in the Caribbean). You can have generators. On the property we'll most likely have one, just in case. Ticos don't worry about it when the power goes out, unless there is a soccer game on, then you hear groans. Many cook w/ propane or wood stoves so it's not an issue for them.
Hi'ya Hey, been following your blog for a while, gotta hand it to you guys!!!
I have 2 questions, what about water? do you buy water? and also, is there any chance of having a small generator for when the power goes down? Thanks.
Excellent Blog! I couldn't agree with you more . . .Don't move to a country and then constantly complain or compare it to the place you left. If you don't like it, just stay home! Hope you and your family are all well!
Deb & Bob Hey... if you have room throw a couple of old sports pages in your bag for us. Bill would be absolutely thrilled! He's using the internet for sports but there's nothing like getting news print on your hands. :)
Welcome in advance! Did answer back? If not...We bought the beds from our landlord. He has a taller (workshop) on the property. We've now purchased 3, a twin, queen and king. If you have something particular in mind bring a picture and he can probably make it. We've seen him put out some beautiful furniture. We bought the mattresses at a factory in Palmares, we can show you where. Shoot me an email when you get in or ask Beth/Andrew for our number.
From the Arizona desert our family (Bill, Jen, Callista 10 and Bear) began a new life adventure in Costa Rica, January 2006. We live near San Ramon de Alajuela. This journal is a way for us to share our adventures with family and friends both old and new. This travel blog is for our travels , our website http://www.anewlifeincostarica.com will give you a glimpse into our lives in Costa Rica. Our photo journals let you see Costa Rica and our lives thru my eyes. http://community.webshots.com/user/jennifsh0701
We look forward to your comments and questions. PURA VIDA!
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i must agree
I studied abroad in costs rica in 1999 and have never met another person who has eaten mamonchino so for a while I thought I was a little crazy but I couldn't give it up (since it tastes like starburst) so I decided to google the word and your story came up! I'm not crazy and domeone else agrees, you missed out on the best fruit ever!