The Long Goodbye

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » Alajuela » Alajuela
April 18th 2008

Published: April 26th 2008

While moving to a new country, city, or neighbourhood can be extremely exciting; the act of actually packing, hauling, and transporting one's worldly possessions has the well earned reputation of being a most unpleasant and stressful experience. We knew all along that the day would come when we would have to leave our beautiful yard and comfortable home and return to Canada. Having to move all of ... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 30, Displayed: 21

The View from Our Room

The Mango Verde Hostel was a pretty sweet deal at $42 per night including a three course breakfast and it is only one and a half blocks from the Parque Central.

Unknown Plant/Fruit?

This was in a small garden at the center of the Mango Verde courtyard.

Little Nico & Benjamin

Nicolas and Benjamin have both grown a great deal since they first met in August.

Crazy Train

The boys were frantic with excitement on our train ride home.

Keeping Busy

The boys found ways to pass time on our 23 hour train ride. The Saprissa toque will come in handy before we realize it too.

Fine Dining

Nataghia and Benjamin enjoying the dining car.

Happy Traveler

Actually the smiled was forced as we were sitting and waiting just outside of Williston.

Welcome Home

This is what we woke up to our first morning back home.

Back to Reality

Yes I shoveled snow this winter so don't bug me about how tough it was this year. No that is not me. That is the neighbour about two hours after I did the driveway and walk at Nana and Papa's.

26th April 2008

Gail
non-member comment

Welcome Back!
That picture of the boys looking NOT happy to be leaving Samara would be me if I had to leave Costa Rica before my year was up! You've had a great adventure and it's wonderful that you have a place there to go back to. I could get used to avocado and star fruit trees in the yard. I tried to identify your mystery tree, but couldn't find anything in my little book.

27th April 2008

Stephen Girard
non-member comment

welcome back
It was great to follow your travels and trials and tribs while trying to acclimatize to a culture very dissimilar to our own.Fascinating and welcome back after a successful year(nearly) of travel. Shon and (I travelled to Mexico after the New Year.It was fabulous.Landed in Cancun and immediately left there to discover Mexico.Fascinating country--110,000,000 million people-63 language groups.How do they hold it together?Amazingly,they do and are so beautiful in how they do it.Something we could learn from.Shon and I want to go back but we have purchased a piece of land in Eastend and our intention is to build a studio and shop in one building.I'm sure you don't want all the details.If you are curious I would be glad to write more.As for now I will only say it is going to be "alternative building"--ie.as green as we cAN MAKE IT.Lots of solar gain technology-ie.house aimed the correct direction with glass in the correct spots etc.We are beginning our sojourn side by side with an alternative building Co. composed of engineers at U.of Manitoba,who have set up a company to work with people who want to build differently ie.stackwall,earth-berm,straw-bale etc.We are excited.WE are still happy to be here although we have looked at alternatives in this past year and have not found anything better that is also in our price range.Enough already.Good to hear from you.I look forward to hearing more from you.Keep well.Stephen

27th April 2008

Pat
non-member comment

Welcome back!
Hey guys welcome back and so glad the trip home was enjoyable. It was great to read about your adventures in Costa Rica, I can't wait to see you person so I can give you all a big hug. Too bad about the snow but what a welcome home gift from the weather gods. Hey Ron, could you use a long board instead of a tobogan.

28th April 2008

Michelle
non-member comment

Welcome Home!
I'm so glad you made it home safe and sound, i have been thinking about you guys. Im sad though, cant help it, sounds like it would be difficult to just pick up and leave after such a wonderful adventure. Oh well, youll have a great time in Regina too im sure, you have such a great family unit. WHo knows what the future will bring. Thanks for all the reports, i absolutely loved reading them. Take care and keep in touch Michelle

28th April 2008

Charlene
non-member comment

Welcome Home!
Glad to hear you are home safe and sound! Sounds like you have had a wonderful time! Hope to hear from you soon.

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The Long Goodbye

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