Jan 30, 2007 | Caribbean, Moving-To, Travel Tips
David is a regular Costa Rica Living Group contributor. He and his wife, Charlotte, recently spent a month on the wild side. Yesterday, he wrote to the group about it. Since my family has not been, I was captivated by his story. Can’t wait to go – as soon...
Jan 29, 2007 | Cancer, MEGAN
Xavier’s baby sister, Megan, 41, passed away last night. At 32, she discovered she had breast cancer. They gave her four years then. HA! They didn’t know Megan. When you look up determined or fierce in the dictionary, there should be a picture of Megan....
Jan 28, 2007 | Pets, WINSTON
Boo and Winston are inseparable, stuck to each other like white on rice. In the mornings, I open one crate door and that dog rushes to the other’s crate door. They race around all day, taking the occasional nap. Winston naps on a pad next to my chair. Not only...
Jan 28, 2007 | Bureaucracy, Culture Shock
Last August, I wrote about my trip to I.C.E. (EEEEE-say, the phone/electricity company here) and a little bit about waiting in line. Almost everywhere you go to do anything "official" in Costa Rica, expect a line and some type of number machine. If you...
Jan 28, 2007 | Mail and Shipping, Pets, Travel Tips
Since I posted my nightmare experience at customs, several people have let me know about their experiences. Continental Airlines wins hands down over all other airlines for ease of picking up your pet. One woman wrote to me that Continental just handed over the pet to...
Jan 26, 2007 | Banking, Colones, Living-In, Money, Taxes
Many people write to me about living in Costa Rica, asking what it’s like, how to move here. Mostly, they ask about schools and money. Schools are pretty covered on the blog; money has not been. A complicated topic, I’ll tell you what little I’ve...
Jan 26, 2007 | Building, Cost of Living, Culture Shock, Living-In, Moving-To, Real Estate
Be afraid. Be very, very afraid. Backpacker Mom is having the time of her life. It can go this badly in the states, for sure. Make sure you choose your location, architect, builders and advisors carefully. DO NOT BUILD FROM AFAR. Once your new home is built (properly)...
Jan 25, 2007 | Attractions, Culture Shock, Entrepreneurs, Prostitution
"I once had a girlfriend known as Elsie. With whom I shared four sordid rooms in Chelsea. She wasn’t what you’d call a blushing flower. As a matter of fact, she rented by the hour." Sung by Liza as Sallie Bowles in Cabaret When I met...
