My Jaco Review - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

As you know,  a couple of weeks ago we went to Jaco for a few days. Although we had driven through (or near Jaco) on several occasions, we had never spent any time there.

This time we took our newbie friends (they arrived in Grecia on 8/9 with their 2 young children) and headed to Jaco for a 3 day visit. We hired a driver with an SUV to take us (the cost was $125 for all 6 of us). Pick up time was 7:30am. We hired the driver mostly because we didn't want the hassle of all of us getting our local bus to the bus station in Grecia and then riding to San Jose and transferring in San Jose to the Jaco bus, so early in the morning. We took a scenic route and stopped in Tarcoles at the crocodile bridge so that they could see the crocs and we could take a little stretch. We arrived in Jaco around 10:00am. Jaco is located on the Pacific Coast about 1 1/2 hrs from San Jose  -- and we are about 1hr and 15 mins from San Jose. It is the closest beach to us. We took the bus back (cost just under $5 each and takes about 2 hrs). The bus ride was pleasant and on time - I would have no complaints taking the bus again.

Lavanson's brother is now back from the US and living in Jaco so we were able to see his new apartment (very nice!). He has 2 bedrooms and has offered for us to stay with him on subsequent visits - which we will take him up on! He was also our guide during our stay.

We met some new friends too, David Paskowitz and his wife. They are from Oakland and have been living in Jaco for about 15 yrs. He is a musician and runs a surf school.  We have a mutual friend in the Bay Area who got us together. We were also fortunate that David's group, HotWax Alien Approved, was playing locally in town and we got a chance to see the show.

us with David and his wife, Nancy

I was not too sure about Jaco before we went, but all in all, I really liked it. I did not witness any of the crime or prostitution - which is what a lot of people think of when you mention Jaco. I am sure it is there, but just like anywhere else you go, you take precaution and stay aware of your surroundings. I found Jaco to be a very pleasant place. The food was good, people were friendly, the hotel was very nice and affordable ($120/night breakfast included - I will post the hotel video separately for those interested) oh and the shopping was plentiful (all signs that make a good place to me!) It was also easier to get US brand food in the grocery stores and also in the restaurants (which was nice for a change for us).

I give Jaco an A and would definitely go back again.

You can check out more of Jaco and my review below.

 

Jaco, Costa Rica Review from Devon on Vimeo.

Jaco, Costa Rica - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

We're back from 3 fun filled days in Jaco!!

Posting some pics here for our non Facebook followers. I will post more later. I have some video from the hotel, the meeting of our "cosmic connection" and sights around town and I will definitely share my impressions of Jaco.

We met up with Lavanson's brother Charles, who is now back in Jaco.  He showed us around town. 

Playa Jaco

Our hotel, which I have featured on my blog sidebar for several years now. We finally got a chance to stay there.  More on the hotel later.

And....Of course there was shopping!!!

Costa Rica Independence Day 2017

Costa Rica Independence Day

September 15, 1821

In 1502, Christopher Columbus landed on Costa Rican soil, claiming the so-called "rich coast" for the Spanish. Throughout the colonial period, Costa Rica was the southernmost province in the Captaincy General of Guatemala, the Central American arm of the Spanish government. On September 15, 1821, after a final Mexican victory in the Mexican War of Independence, Guatemala also declared independence on behalf of Central America. Spain accepted the declaration without a fight. In October 1821, the Independence Act arrived in Cartago to notify Costa Rica of its sudden freedom.

After a brief civil war, in 1822 Costa Rica declared allegiance to the First Mexican Empire, which collapsed shortly after in 1823. At that time, Costa Rica and the rest of Central America united to establish the Central American Federation, or the Federal States of Central America. However, due to the country's remoteness and lack of resources, the Federation showed little interest in its southern province and Costa Rica reaped few rewards from its involvement. 

In 1834, the first Chief of State, Juan Mora Fernandez, signed the Aprilia Law to withdraw Costa Rica from the Central American Federation. In 1838, the second Chief of State, Braulio Carrillo, officially declared Costa Rica a sovereign state. However, in 1842, the new General Assembly claimed that the Costa Rica was still a part of the Federation. Costa Rica's four main cities – San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela and Cartago – argued for years over whether to accept Federation membership or declare freedom. In 1848, the decision was made and Costa Rica again declared itself a sovereign nation. 

source 

American Expat Finds Retirement in Costa Rica - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Hey y'all it's your girl.

There is a website up called Overseas American, it's a new site catering to Americans looking to move or find work abroad. They contacted me a few months ago for an interview to publish during their "go live" phase in September.

And today I got an email that the interview is up. Check me out and then if you would be so kind as to Comment/Rate the interview/Share it (you can choose one or all) - we would like to get the word out for folks looking to make the move and also so that we can see how many folks have read it, I would really appreciate it.

You can click on the link below the toucan or click here

Muchas Gracias!

American Expat Finds Retirement in Costa Rica - Had to Share This One

Panama Jammin 7 - A Border Runs Through it

Well that's all folks! 

We have come to the end of our 7 day Panama Jammin Tour!!
Hope you enjoyed the videos!! If you have not seen all of them you can find them all here along with all my other videos. If you subscribe, you will get videos first, as soon as I release them.

This was really a fun and informative experience -- if you are interested in taking the Panama Jammin Tour I will update you here when we are ready to launch.

Now, Let's Talk Borders --

I would like to mention to any of you Costa Rica expats or potential expats -- if you do not have Costa Rica residency you can only remain in Costa Rica for 90 days on your US passport so you will need to make an exit from the country after 90 days.

If you choose to exit to Panama by land, you can use one of 3 borders.

Most travelers use the Costa Rica southern border at Paso Canoas on the Pacific side as we did or the Sixaola border near Puerto Viejo (which I highlight in this video) and the one we used on our return.

The Pacific border is the busiest border in Costa Rica because most of the commercial traffic exits there. At the Pacific border we were sent to a "special" room where our baggage was searched.

The Caribbean border at Sixaola is crowded as well with long lines (this border is mostly used by tourists and lots of young backpackers). At this border you will need to walk across a bridge from Panama to Costa Rica (or vice versa). The good news is--the bridge isn't as scary as it used to be! Both exits were quite an experience (which is one reason I prefer flying)! LOL I am not a big fan of border crossing, however, there is no way around border crossings if you leave the country (resident or not) so it is something you will need to adjust to. I will say that it was made MUCH easier on the Panama Jammin Tour because we had a Spanish speaking tour company/driver which instructed us and helped us with all the paperwork and dealt with the border people for us.That will be a BIG plus for folks taking this tour in the future! It was very hot outside and there were several very long lines at Sixaola and we got to move to the front of the line!

There is one other border, Rio Sereno located in the mountainous range somewhat in the middle of the Pacific & Caribe borders (it is the least trafficked border with no cargo crossings) if your paperwork is in order you can breeze through in less than an hour.  On the Panama side you will find the roads paved from Sererno to David, however coming from San Vito (Costa Rica), the road is a rather rough rocky road…which is probably why this border is still not widely used and quiet. 

My advice for smooth (land) border crossings is -- Be Prepared and Go By Bus (big or smaller as we did) Much less hassle. Just Sayin!!

Big Thanks to everyone for following along!

Check out our departure and border crossing in the video below
and I will see you back here soon for my regular postings!

Panama Jammin 7 - A Border Runs Through It from Devon on Vimeo.

I'm a G-Gram - Our Life in Costa Rica

I thought I would add a special announcement today for those of you who are not on Facebook.

🍼🍼🍼

On Wednesday September 6, 2017 at 5:04 pm

We welcomed a new Baby Girl to our family

Sharahya Maxwell 

(pronounced Sha-RI-Ya) 

Sharahya means "little princess" in Hebrew

6lbs 7 oz and 19.5 inches long

Born to my granddaughter Khalia Ariel and her husband Carrington

This is my first GREAT grandchild!!!

Welcome to the World Little Princess!!

💜💗💚

Sharahya

Pops doing diaper change duty

My granddaughter Khalia

I never knew any of my great grandparents, so I have no idea what to call myself. Thought I should get out in front of the naming thing lest I end up with some old fuddy duddy name. 

I have read of many.

So...Any suggestions please let me know!

Panama Jammin 6 - Bocas del Toro

We Made It!

Our final stop on the Panama Jammin tour included 2 nights in Bocas del Toro, which is just enough time to get the feel of the place but nowhere near long enough to explore all that Bocas offers. 

Bocas del Toro is located on the northern Caribbean coast of Panama. It is a magical destination! Extending from the mainland cloud forest mountains to the tropical island chains, Bocas del Toro is considered Panama's top travel destination. 

The archipelago has 9 main islands, 52 cays, and thousands of islets. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Panama's first National Marine Park, Bocas del Toro has also become one of Panama's most visited eco-tourism destinations. Considered the 'Galapagos of the Caribbean' Bocas del Toro is also one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Water taxis are available to take you from island to island but we were not there long enough to do much island hopping. One of the islands I really wanted to visit was Bastimentos (Often considered the more relaxed alternative to the busy streets and bars of Bocas del Toro and only 10 minutes away by water taxi) 

Next time!!

Our hotel (pretty self contained) was conveniently located for water taxi service but a bit far from town for walking.

The beautiful, clear water of the Caribbean!
You can rent these cabinas

 You could see the bottom which makes it an excellent location for snorkeling.
Nothing more beautiful than the beautiful turquoise water of the Caribbean
why is that?

We will be making a return to Bocas del Toro!!

Lots of shops and restaurants

As usual I was out scouting the town (aka shopping) for art and locally made crafts. I purchased the painting above (to date, still unframed) from one of the Bocas street artists. We were in such a rush that I forgot to take her photo. When we return I plan to look her up and get some information about her work along with a photo.

Our day in Bocas - Video Below

Panama Jammin 6 - Bocas del Toro from Devon on Vimeo.

As you will see in the video, we decided on a dolphin watching excursion.

In Bocas del Toro, there is a resident population of bottlenose dolphins estimated between 100 to 150 animals. Half of these animals are believed to be year-round residents. Many of the dolphins are in Bocastorito Bay also known as Dolphin Bay. This is where most of the dolphin-watching activities concentrate. The bay is an important nursing ground for mothers and their calves. It is also a important habitat for feeding and social activities.

Panama Jammin 5 - Bocas Bound

I'm back with a brand new video! This one is for everyone!!!

Panama Jammin from Boquete Panama to Bocas del Toro.

You will travel apprx 3.5 to 4.5 hours (depending on weather, your driving and stops) over the Talamanca Mountains (the Cordillera de Talamanca range in southern Costa Rica extends to the Costa Rica border with western Panama. Its highest peak, Chirripó Grande, rises to 12,530 feet (3,819 metres)).

East of Boquete the road that links the Pan-American Highway to the Caribbean Coast is one of the most beautiful drives that can be made in Panama!!

The road gradually goes up in the mountains from the Pacific side to reach the cloud forest through giant ferns, orchids a bromeliads. If the weather is fair, there is a superb point of view from the top.

Coming down on the other side -- on the left and right -- there are small Guaymie indigenous villages in the middle of amazingly exuberant vegetation -- you finally reach the blue waters of the Caribbean sea and the little town of Almirante (means admiral). 

You can't technically "drive" to Bocas del Toro -- In order to reach Bocas you will end up in Almirante.  

Bocas del Toro is a series of islands, reachable only by boat or plane. Generally most transport will get you to the main island Isla Colon or Bocas Town.

Almirante is Panama's banana cultivation center and the starting point of the fast boats that join the mainland to the Bocas del Toro archipelago. A bit further west the road arrives in Sixaola, on the Panama border with Costa Rica.

I for one, really enjoyed the ride. I will add this one to my list of the prettiest drives I have been on. 

Please check out the video below.

Panama Jammin 5 - Bocas Bound from Devon on Vimeo.

Next up -- our last stop
Two glorious days in Bocas del Toro

Panama Jammin 4 - Boquete Real Estate Tour

This video is primarily for those people interested in possible relocation to Boquete, Panama.
So if that isn't your interest you are welcome to skip this one.

We contacted a realtor while in Boquete and she gave us some information about housing prices and rental prices in the area. She also took us to see some homes for sale.

Although I really enjoyed Boquete, once I had a chance to sit down and analyze and compare the prices there against the prices here, I think that Costa Rica is less expensive (even though we hear everywhere that Panama is cheaper).

When we were in Panama City the costs were less than what we pay here but not so for Boquete (i.e Bernie's 2 bedroom home is $1,800/mo and includes utilities). Our 3 bdrm home in Costa Rica is only $800/mo (we pay electric and cable). Which doesn't add up to $1,000/mo. Also the town of Boquete is quite a bit smaller than Grecia and the entire Boquete/David area are the only places to go without getting on the road and making a long trip. I love our easy access to San Jose, Escazu and many other cities close by. Also it seemed that all 3,000 expats live together in one area. I love our nice buses over their chicken buses and I did not see much inter mingling between locals and expats (although I was only there for 2 days so may have been too soon to make that judgment but was the impression I got)

In the end, I will stick with my choice of Costa Rica!!!

Would definitely go back to visit though. And BTW Boquete has excellent restaurants and wins hands down over Grecia IMO!! (the prices in the nice restaurants were about the same as you would pay in the US -- so no savings there)

Click the link below for real estate discussion and home tour. 

Panama Jammin 4 - Real Estate Tour Boquete, Panama from Devon on Vimeo.

Panama Jammin #3 - BEAUTIFUL Boquete, Panama

We made it to Boquete and we wanted to stay!! 

Our bus pulled into Boquete on day #2 at about 5pm. We had planned to meet with Bernie (a friend of a friend) who was going to give us some background about Boquete and explain some facts about Panama's popular retirement /pensionado program. We arrived a little late so the meeting was rescheduled for the following morning at 8am.

We were a bit tired from riding anyway so we checked into our rooms at The Haven (LOVED💜 the hotel and the rooms - highly recommend) and made our way to an upscale restaurant for dinner. (I have forgotten the name of the restaurant but it was VERY nice as well -- they even had California Chardonnay!) 

Early the next morning we all attended the relocation meeting at the hotel. Some of us were able to go with Bernie (due to space available in his vehicle) on a guided tour of Boquete.

and some of us......well...

Following the Panama relocation meeting, some of the Panama Jammers decided to hike THREE HOURS to a nearby waterfall 

Rod, Diana and volunteer taxi driver

Boquete Panama (pop 6,000) is small town located on the Caldera River at an elevation of 3,900 ft in the western-most Province of Chiriquí, about 60 kilometres (37 mi) from the border with Costa Rica. The surrounding Chiriquí Highlands are home to coffee plantations and the Barú Volcano National Park.

Boquete is only 40 minutes from David (Panama's 3rd largest city). It is also only about an hour from the beach. Boquete has basic necessities but most people make the trip to David for more extensive shopping (they have all the major stores, popular US restaurants and a BIG mall).

We rode to David in one of the local buses (a clean & comfortable chicken bus) which had a tricked-out interior & dashboard.

About 30 minutes into the hike they encountered the broken bridge

Boquete is one of Panama's Top Expat Havens

The climate in Boquete is cooler than that of the lowlands (no heat or air required). It's scenic location, temperature (daytime temps in the 70's and 80's with cooler nights), and natural environment make it popular with Panamanians and attracts tourists and retirees from all over the world. (It's proximity to Costa Rica also makes it a popular destination for Costa Rica expats making their 90 day Visa Runs)  The expat population of Boquete is somewhere between 3,000 - 5,000, depending on "who" you talk to. International Living has been responsible for bringing many expats to Boquete.

The Jammers called a taxi to take them to the falls and by the time they arrived

 the driver had decided to hike with them. 

when you don't have proper hiking shoes and you hike on muddy trails -- some covered with streams 

you return with shoes that look like this!

We liked Boquete so much that we added an extra day to our trip so that we would have more time there. There were several Jammers that were still undecided as to where they wanted to settle down for retirement. This would give us all a chance to explore more of the area and hopefully see some houses (house tour in next video). 

Our guided tour with Bernie through beautiful Boquete was spectacular and even made a few of us who have settled in Costa Rica reconsider exactly WHERE we wanted to live!

Check out the tour below

*Note - If you are considering moving to Panama, the Panama Jammin Tour is a great way to do your due diligence for Panama 

Panama Jammin 3 - Beautiful Boquete, Panama from Devon on Vimeo.