Get off the bus and walk - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

This is just a quick update to last week's post about meeting up with some expat friends in San Jose for a noon time lunch date at Cafe Mundo.

We took the bus from Grecia with another new expat friend, Curtis. We arrived in San Jose an hour early for our scheduled lunch, so we decided to hop off the bus and walk, choosing to rely on our trusty GPS to guide us to the restaurant.

We had never ventured walking too far in the city so this was a treat (and a little hilly in places).

Cafe Mundo is an original family-run restaurant in a sprawling converted turn of the century home. Located on a corner in a residential nook of San Jose, Cafe Mundo is popular with locals, who have no trouble finding it (but we did) behind the massive gate that obscures most of the facade from the road. 

It's also a favorite of celebrities, who turn up for the famously amazing cuisine.

click below for video

Get off the bus and walk from Devon on Vimeo.

Tale of 2 Volcanoes and 2 Expats - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

We contacted The Bold Nomads (Tassie, Kevin and their 4 children) when they moved here back in September and our plan was to visit, however they live in Turrialba which is about 2.5 hours away by car. 

It just so happened that they were going to be in San Jose yesterday so we decided to catch the bus and meet them for lunch.

Earlier that morning we noticed that Volcan Turrialba (one of Costa Rica's largest volcanoes) was erupting as well as Volcan Poás (which is the volcano about 9 miles from us.

We can see them both from our house (not to be confused with "seeing Russia from my house" 😎)

We will definitely be getting together with them again soon. 

 from our house 

Lunch @ Café Mundo in San Jose, Costa Rica

Red Taxi Diaries - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

I always say, one of the BEST things about Costa Rica is the PEOPLE!!!

On our Sunday taxi ride into town and (on our way to meet up with our friends to check out more jazz in San Ramon). Our friend Randall, and Red Taxi driver, explains that the Los Angeles road is decorated for a ceremony. 

So i jumped in the front seat and took some video.

Red Taxi Diaries from Devon on Vimeo.

Fruit Festival Class - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Overwhelmed by all the fruits at the feria?

Well worry no more...

Isabel Arguello a Spanish teacher on El Cajon in Grecia holds Spanish Conversation Classes

On Sunday she held a "FRUIT FESTIVAL". Where we learned about and experienced different flavors, colors, shapes and tastes of a great variety of our Costa Rican fruits.

Spanish only allowed, NO ENGLISH!!

It was very helpful. For any interested, Isabel will be happy to host one for you. Let me know if you are interested and I can put you in touch with her.

Fruit Festival Class in Grecia from Devon on Vimeo.

Two Years to the Day - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

For those of you following our progress this post was done on June 1st but it looks like I only posted it on the Facebook page. However for the sake of continuity I want to have it on the blog as well. 

Costa Rica Residency just got a little closer...📣

And to celebrate a little more. Lavanson got his número de Expediente yesterday (exactly 2 years to the date that we arrived in Costa Rica).  Happy 2 year anniversary to Lavanson!! He no longer has to leave the country every 90 days. This is the initial step for applying. You still have to wait for final approval which could take anywhere from a few months to a year.

And yes, he beat me, but to be fair, he started researching on 4/15 and I had my 1st meeting with my atty on 5/15, so "technically" he hasn't won just yet 😎 but congrats to him for getting this far pretty much on his own (and with the help of his consultant Alberto Ortega!!)

I will be sharing the process he used in a later post so stay tuned!!

A Conversation With Dr Carmen Hutchinson Miller Pt2 - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Video #2
"America" is more than just the United States of America!!

It really bothers many Ticos (a lot) that many of us from the USA call ourselves "American" or say that we are from America. I've been traveling for many years and I actually never heard this complaint until I arrived in Costa Rica.  

After our conversation I wanted to research a little further on the subject of folks from the US referring to themselves as coming from "America." (Since most of the world agrees on a seven-continent view of the world, it is important to remember that we also distinguish a person from South America as South American and a person from North America as North American, more commonly than simply American.) 

Why we call ourselves Americans

and as you will read, it's not exactly all our fault! 😄

Here's some information that I found. 

As the world knocks out political incorrectness left and right, there needs to be something else to fill the void, it seems. This American moniker dispute has really picked up some momentum in the last decade. However, it is important to note that the definition of American has virtually remained the same in the English language for over two centuries now.  

_____________________

A·mer·i·can

əˈmerəkən/

adjective

1. 1. 

   
   

   relating to or characteristic of the United States or its inhabitants.

   
   

   "the election of a new American president"

noun

1. 1. 

   a native or citizen of the United States.

   • 
     
2. 2. 

   the English language as it is used in the United States; American English.

______________________________________________________________

video #2 here

A Conversation with Dr Carmen Hutchinson Miller Pt 2 from Devon on Vimeo.

In the English language, American came to refer specifically to the peoples of British America, and later narrowed down more to include just the newly-formed country of the United States of America – and note that this happened in the late 1700’s. The United Nations recognizes that the term American refers to the people of the United States.

The name of the country is United States of America. Simply put, there are not any other countries (that come to mind, at least) that have the word America within their official name as does the United States of America. There is much less fault to be found in the full name of the USA, but it is the demonym that draws ire in others. 

Thus, when demonyms (A demonym or gentilic is a word used for people or the inhabitants of a place. The name of a people's language is usually the same as this word, for example, the "English" (language or people). Some places may not have a word for the people that live there) it is usually from the most unique part of the full official name, such as Mexico (whose official name is United Mexican States) for example, or it is with the geographical component to their name, as in the case of South Africa or Central Africa. The unique part of the United States of America is America, so it became the root of the demonym; since there’s no other country with that word within its name.

As the term was not picked by citizens of the USA to begin with, but rather the USA’s mother country/national enemy at the time, Great Britain, so this should not be an example of American ignorance or arrogance. 
Source

Are YOU guilty of being an arrogant gringo?

Hopefully we all know by now to be careful not to come across as having an attitude of superiority. Even so, it still comes across from many of us from North American that we are better than our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world and that our ways and our customs are better than those of others. We really need to make a conscious effort to change this whenever we can. 

I also agree with Dr Miller that in international spaces, we should strive to be considerate in our language and keep in mind at all times that we are visitors in another country!!

A Conversation with Dr Carmen Hutchinson Miller - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

This is a video trilogy discussion with my friend, Dr Carmen Hutchinson Miller.

Carmen Hutchinson Miller is an Afro-Costa Rican, born in the Port of Limón.  She is a member of the Caribbean díaspora and a third generation descendant of Jamaicans who migrated to Costa Rica in the late 19th century.

Puerto Limón

Dr Carmen Hutchinson Miller, completed her PhD in history at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados. She holds a B.A. in Theology from the Universidad Nazarena de las Americas, an M.A. Education from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica and an M.A. History, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. Carmen Hutchinson Miller is currently a University Professor here in Costa Rica.

Dr Hutchinson Miller is the ONLY certified Sisterlocks Consultant in Costa Rica. I had originally planned to interview Dr Miller on these various subjects anyway but...it just so happened that on Saturday I was at her home for a long overdue Sisterlocks hair re-tightening appointment and we began discussing a few very interesting topics (which as travelers, we should all be aware of) so I thought I would share our conversation with you (btw- there is no discussion of hair at!!LOL).  I grabbed my phone and began recording. (Please excuse the camera angles. I was having my hair done while also shooting the video!)

The conversation is in 3 parts.

The topics are:

Video #1. How and why did black people immigrate to the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica in the first place?

Video #2. "America" is more than just the United States of America
And, are YOU guilty of being an arrogant gringo?

Video #3. How much do Afro-Costa Ricans really know about the struggle of African-Americans?

and...here is video #1

Conversations with Dr Carmen Hutchinson Miller (video #1) from Devon on Vimeo.

Carmen Hutchinson Miller is the author of several books as well as numerous articles:

Hutchinson Miller, Carmen. “Contemporary Gender Relations Among Afro-Costa Ricans.” In Love and Power: Caribbean Discourses on Gender. Ed. Eudine Barriteau. UWI Press. 2012: 418-449.

Hutchinson Miller, Carmen. “Portrayal of Eugenia Charles in the Regional Print Media 1980-1995.” In Enjoying Power: Eugenia Charles and Political Leadership in the Commonwealth Caribbean.  Eds. Eudine Barriteau and Alan Cobley.  Jamaica: UWI Press, 2006: 239-258.

Hutchinson Miller, Carmen. “In Memory of my Ancestors: Contribution of Afro-Jamaican Women in the Cultural and Economic Development of Port Limón, Costa Rica.  In Regional Footprints: The Travels and Travails of Early Caribbean Migrants.   Eds.  Annette Insanally, Mark Clifford and Sean Sheriff.  Jamaica: Latin American-Caribbean Centre (LACC) UWI in association with the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), UWI, 2006: 266-291

Take Your Clothes Off - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr#2

This has been a surprising "change of season" - that's all I can say!!

We have seen critters and bugs that we never saw before. 

Believe it -- when they talk about the biodiversity here. 

It is REAL!!

So here's the back story - For the last few weeks I've had an extremely difficult time hanging clothes on the line or even sweeping the back driveway/patio area. Every time I go out, these small little bees swarm around me. They haven't stung me or anything, but they are truly annoying. I've been searching for the hive because in the past bees have made small hives on the eves of the roof over the patio. So far I have only spotted one hive which upon thorough examination, turned out to be a dead hive. However the other day our friend Mauricio was over and he saw a HUGE hive way up in the ficus tree. Mauricio is very familiar with the insects here as he gives hiking tours through the ridges etc.

I sent our landlord, Marcelo a photo of the hive and he said he would come over that day. (I think I've said this before, but we could not ask for a better landlord!) True to his word, with a smile on his face and still dressed in his work attire, he showed up later in the afternoon. (He works in San Jose (about an hr away, and even longer in rush hour) and he drove all the way to Grecia to help us) He took a look up at the hive and told us that although, we might be able to live with the bees, they can become aggressive, so better to get rid of them right away! Looking around for something long enough to use (and finding nothing), he excused himself and went next door to his sister's house and returned with his brother in law, Carlos, a long pole with a hook on it and a can of bug spray.

Here's what happened next -- and BTW - I was told that these bees will get into your hair and as you know I have plenty of hair, so I pretty much stayed inside the whole time. Like a true pioneer -- NOT!!

Take Your Clothes Off from Devon on Vimeo.

THANKS MARCELO!!!👏👏👏

UPDATE #1 - Filing for Temporary Residency in Costa Rica

It's update time!!

It's been about 1 month since we officially began the process of filing for temporary residency status in Costa Rica. I am going to attempt doing monthly updates, as long as there is something to report.  

BTW -We're on our own - the United States Embassy does not have jurisdiction or influence over the Costa Rican residency process for American citizens. 

First meeting with our attorney

Finally found the office location in Escazu 

(driving with NO street addresses here in Costa Rica can be difficult sometimes!)

Our attorney Rafael Valverde.

 Mr Valverde has an excellent reputation in the expat community. I met him & his wife in Aug 2016 when I was the photographer for the expats remarriage on El Cajon - he did the officiating. 

Retiree

“Pensionado”

This program applies to any person who is already retired from his/her usual occupation and who is already receiving pension benefits.

Income Requirement

"Demonstration of economic solvency, which corresponds to show proof of monthly income from a qualified pension plan of at least $1,000 USD per month. A married couple needs to show proof of only one (1) monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD for both husband and wife to qualify to apply for residency. Lavanson & I will file separately under pensionado status.

Paper signing - Pensionado status for me

Legal Resident

“Rentista”

To apply for residency under the Rentista portion the applicant must demonstrate that they will receive at least US$2,500 per month of income in a permanent, stable and irrevocable manner for at least 2 years. This amount includes the applicant, their spouse and all their children which are under the age of 25.

Income Requirement

This program applies to individuals who (1) are not yet retired, (2) do not need to work while living in Costa Rica, (3) are receiving guaranteed, unearned income of $2,500 USD per month from investments, savings or other sources, and (4) who can prove that the non-earned income is guaranteed to be received for at least a period of 24 months (2 years).

The most common method used to prove the unearned income is by means of a notarized letter from a bank or financial institution indicating the applicant has at least $60,000 USD ($2,500 x 24 months) in a long term account such as a CD, and that the applicant agrees to withdraw and transfer to Costa Rica $2,500 per month for the next 24 months.

Rentista status for this married couple

I will NOT be gathering my own documents (birth certificate, FBI report, etc) but instead will have the attorney obtain docs and required apostilles (if you are married you will also need a copy of your marriage license).  Docs obtained by this law firm, on my behalf, will cost an additional $250/per. All forms must be apostilled (certified-authentic-complete) dated within 6 months and translated into Spanish. After completing the requested preliminary paperwork online in April, I then scheduled an appointment for 5/15 at the attorney's office in Escazu to meet and sign forms. Just by chance...our friends, the Washington's had scheduled an appointment for that day as well, so our attorney decided to meet with us both at the same time. The Washington's had already tried to obtain their FBI reports and birth certificates  TWICE (while in the states), with no luck so they turned to Outlier Legal for help. (Hopefully we can follow the Washington's progress as well.)

The 1st meeting took several hours and included an explanation of services, signing of forms (including limited power of attorney forms), fingerprinting for the required FBI report. After we had completed everything, a member of the residency team escorted us to San Jose to a police station for required fingerprints and photos to be kept on file for Costa Rica. You will also need to sign up with STEP (SmartTravelerEnrollmentProgram) a part of travel.gov. Also a verification of benefits letter is needed, which (if you are using social security as your income) can be obtained online through the Costa Rica Embassy.  FBU Inquiry Form 

Our photos were taken at a little "soda" (diner) located next to the police dept. 

We went inside and there was an area with a chair against one of the walls. We each sat down and had our photos taken. After the photos we went next door to the police station where we met individually with one of the officers (we each met with a different officer). They went over our paperwork, asked us any questions they had re what was on the form, typed it into their computer and then took our fingerprints. 

We left Grecia at 10:30 am and returned home around 7pm - L-O-N-G Day!!!!

Note - Since Lavanson is gathering his own documents and filing through a residency specialist he has been keeping a log. I will post his progress in a separate post. It might be helpful for those of you who are doing all the leg work yourselves. Just to let you know, my residency will cost just under $3,000 - we are hoping that his will come in at about 1/2 the cost. 

That's it for this update. Let me know if you have questions. 

Stay Tuned...

What's Mud Got To Do With It? - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr#2

A few weeks ago, 7 of us took off for a relaxing 3 day weekend trip to the hot springs in Guanacaste. Our plan was 3 days - 3 hot springs.

Believe it or not, this was my FIRST time going to a hot springs.

I had never researched the benefits, but discovered that the springs are excellent for relaxation, health, and more. Hot springs, onsens, mineral baths, spa therapy—or whatever name you want to call them—have a rich history and are cherished in many parts of the world.  

The healing powers of hot springs have been used for thousands of years and are widely accepted in Europe and Japan as natural treatment options for various common ailments. The therapeutic use of water, or balneotherapy, could be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to relieving pain, stress, skin woes and more. Scientists from Japan, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere have long been studying balneology (or balneotherapy), which is the “treatment of disease by bathing” and usually in waters containing minerals. 

And...it has been said that, soaking in hot springs increases your blood flow, circulation, metabolism, and absorption of essential minerals. Plus, their waters could help “treat chronic digestive diseases, constipation, diabetes, gout, and liver complaints.” 

WOW! What took me so long?

Our 1st stop - Las Hornillas Volcano Hot Springs, located at the foot of the Miravalles Volcano. The admission cost was $25 per person for an all day pass. They have several different thermal pools (plus a sauna) with varying temperatures. One pool was so HOT that no human body could possibly stand it! They finally ran some cold water in it to cool it down, but it was never cool enough for me. 

The Miravalles Volcano  -  Guanacaste Costa Rica

Miravalles has been sleeping for centuries, except for a small steam explosion in 1946. It is Costa Rica’s only live volcano where you can walk around a crater, see and feel the smoke rising out from the boiling, muddy caldrons & steam vents. This volcano is known for its sulfur springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pots sits 6.653 feet high and is the highest peak of the Guanacaste mountains.

BENEFITS of Taking a Mud Bath: 

The benefits of bathing in volcanic mud are many and varied. They include beauty benefits such as conditioning of the hair, exfoliation and softening of the skin, an improvement in circulation, and the alleviation of some skin conditions. It’s also very relaxing, resulting in a great feeling of calm. The possible health benefits include reducing inflammation, a balancing of pH levels, and the relief of joint and muscle tension. Source

Don't miss our video below!!!

What's Mud Got To Do With It? from Devon on Vimeo.

BENEFITS of Thermal Hot Springs: 

Boosts Blood Circulation

 Reduces Stress

Promotes Sleep

 Relieves Pain Naturally

 Solves Skin Problems

A Lunch for 12 - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr#2

THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to post a comment/note re the loss of our 2 little Yorkies. I speak for both Lavanson and myself when I say, your words were greatly appreciated!!

As sad as we have been, I think it's time for me to get back to work.

I have a lot of information to pass along. So, let's start with our recent visit to Alajuela for lunch at a Caribbean restaurant.

It's no secret (or at least it's not a secret anymore) that I am not a huge fan of the local food here. It's not that it's bad, it's just that it is a bit bland for my taste. So... I was really excited when Jeanetta Owens of La Terraza invited our group to join her for lunch at a Caribbean restaurant in Alajuela, only 45 minutes away from Grecia.

the photographer could not fit everyone into the photo at once - so he took a series of photos. Please excuse my attempt at pasting them together LOL

At that time we had visitors from the states and Jeanetta had visitors from the states, plus some of us local expats so we all got together for A lunch for 12.

I absolutely LOVE Caribbean food and "Caribbean's Food Garage" did not disappoint! The food was excellent as was the service. Great options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. We will be going back often!

While we were there we also talked a bit about costs to move to Costa Rica.

Check out the video below

A Lunch for 12 from Devon on Vimeo.

Some Days There Will Be Sadness - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr#2

It has been a week since tragedy struck our little family in Costa Rica. I don't have the strength to post any photos right now but here's what happened.

Last Friday we returned from our 3 day trip to Ft Lauderdale. It was around 1pm. We arrived back at our home to be greeted by our cat Luis and our 2 yorkies, Lily & Lola. The girls were super excited to see us, as always, and I had brought them some treats and some of the special cooked chicken they like and had not had since we've been here ( I carried it in a small freezer bag in my luggage). It was pretty much business as usual after that.

Around 6pm we were all sitting in the living room waiting to watch the next Warriors basketball game and the girls were sitting on the sofa, one on each side of me. The side door was still open for them to go out and use the bathroom in the enclosed, narrow, cemented and gated area where they play. We usually close it up around this time (mostly so that Luis doesn't sneak in as he has a tendency to do after dark). At about 6:15 Lola jumped down from the sofa and ran out the side door barking. Lily immediately followed her out. There was a lot of barking going on which usually means Luis is somewhere in the area taunting them but still I asked Lavanson to go out and check on the commotion and bring them in and close the door.

When he got outside he yelled to me that the dogs were attacking something, which he thought was a mouse but it turned out to be a cane toad, a very toxic animal. Both dogs were attacking it and when we could get them to stop, it was obvious that they were already being affected. Lily had the venom on her face and Lola had already lost control of her limbs (it attacks the nervous system). Both girls weigh less than 6 lbs so it didn't take long for the poison to spread through their bodies. It has now been about 10 minutes. We have called the vet for emergency assistance (we followed their instructions to wash the poison from their faces only, they did not say to give them milk (a much talked about option) & a taxi is in route to take us to the vet in town). At this point the girls are in convulsions on the kitchen floor. Then, they went still. I think there may have been some shallow breathing as we rushed them to the vet. Total time elapsed now, maybe 25 minutes. When we got them there - it was too late. They were both gone. They were so small, they really did not have a chance. I think it is better that they both went together though. They lived their lives together and I do not think that one could have been happy living without the other. So they are still together.

The loss and sadness we feel has been overwhelming to say the least but I have had lots of time to think and reflect.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed of terrier type, developed during the 19th century in Yorkshire, England, to catch rats in clothing mills so they were just doing what terriers do. I feel like I need to find something or some way that I can help other people who have pets in Costa Rica so that they can be aware of the danger. Since telling my story I have heard so many people tell me that they have seen these toads in their yards as well and most are worried about the safety of their pets. To date there is no antidote. A friend of mine here in Costa Rica has already been researching the problem with vets in Australia (where the cane toads are very prominent). She has been trying to see if there is something we can have on hand to use if this happens to one of our pets to buy the precious time needed for them to get medical attention. She said she is now more inspired than ever since hearing of our loss and I am going to work with her to get the information out to help as much as I can. My babies will not have died in vain! 

I will let you know when I have decided how to share more information. Will probably add a section to the blog for information. 

(Also, outside dogs tend to stay away from these toads as well as cats) 

I saw this yesterday... so looks like there may be something available in the future

Ticos Invent Syrup That Would Prevent Death Of Animals From Poisoning

Taking the Immigration Plunge - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

If you decide to relocate to Costa Rica, at some point you will have to decide how you are going to handle the 90 day limit for staying in the country using your US passport. 

For us it has been an exciting adventure - taking short hops every 90 days to visit neighboring countries in Central America & Mexico but...at some point you will run out of new countries to see  Going further away requires longer travel times and more $$.

So...after 2 yrs of traveling around (we moved here on June 1, 2016), we have decided to take the plunge and apply for our temporary residency. You must apply for temporary residency 1st before you can apply for permanent residency and then after that you can apply for citizenship (if you desire). When we 1st moved here, I was not interested in dual citizenship, but with the way things are going in the US we are re thinking that option. 

If you are interested in the process you can follow our journey here and I will let you know how we proceed each step of the way.

COMPARE
Lavanson and I are filing separately using 2 different methods.
To save money he is using a service where he will be doing most of the legwork himself - obtaining the required forms on his own and submitting for processing through an Immigration Consultant and I am using a recognized Costa Rican law firm (many expats have used them - and they provide excellent immigration assistance). The firm will obtain and handle all forms, docs and do all paperwork for me (the lazy way out). There is a significant difference in cost, but we will talk more about that after we are further along. 

Stay tuned!

I Would Rather Fight a Grizzly Bear - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

It seems that our biggest battle is against some of God's tiniest creatures...ANTS!!!

It's been like an ongoing battle off and on throughout the year.

We are in the transition between the dry season and the rainy season so I guess all the bugs are re grouping and looking to move to new homes. At least that's the way our landlord describes it.

On Sunday I went outside to find a million ants (with wings) huddled around the post on our patio. Not knowing how else to deal with it, we got out the trusty water hose and drove them into the coffee fields.

On Saturday I was bitten by microscopic ants that got into a pair of shoes that I had sitting by the sofa. When I put them on I felt a little pinch but thought it was just the pinch of the tongue of the shoes being folded back. When I felt it again I immediately took off my shoe and several of the little boogers fell to the floor. Soon after my foot swelled up like I had broken it or something. It hurt like hell too.  I put everything I could think of on it but the pain persisted. Today most of the swelling is down.

I just do not understand how an ant so tiny can pack such a wallop!!

But they do

A bigger version of ants were in the closet, making a home (larvae and all) in Lavanson's flute case and I found them in a drawer making a nest in a toothbrush holder!

They are also back in our refrigerator again. The refrigerator man has been contacted but seems he is very busy and so has not come by as of yet. If you do not remember that whole issue here is the video

(In all honesty, I must admit, this is really partly our fault - we have not had any extermination in the 2 yrs we have been here due to the cat who lives outside and the 2 dogs we have inside.  I am sure things would be much better if we did. Still trying to get an organic exterminator to come out. No luck so far)

It is estimated that there are about 20,000 different species of ants. So I guess we still have a long way to go if we're going to meet them all!

I'd Rather Fight A Grizzly Bear! from Devon on Vimeo.

New B&B in Grecia - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Hi folks - Posting video of a new B&B project in Grecia that I visited the other day. Marta Mata has a beautiful property in Grecia Central. She has been renting out space for events but has decided to open her home and share her lovely space with visitors.

In case you missed my Facebook post - here it is below

A new family has ESCAPED from the states and landed in Grecia last week! Congrats!! As they were getting all settled in, they were told of a new B&B which is just getting started in Grecia Central. As a matter of fact, they are the 1st guests. Big welcome to Fran and family!!!
The B&B is a new project Marta is adding as it is already available for social events. Marta is a joy to be around. The property is gorgeous with very nice views (remember views are something you don't usually see in town) Prices are very good as well. The rooms are being refurbished. If you are interested in hosting an event or reserving a room.

please contact Marta at

marta1506@gmail.com

or call (506) 8833-1488

Here is the video

Casa Nostra from Devon on Vimeo.

The REAL Costa Rica - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

I was lucky smart this year. We learned a hard lesson the 1st year we were here. 

FACT: Leather (especially black leather) items can and do mold here during the rainy season. 

I only have 2 pairs of dress shoes. Last year during the rainy season I put them both in one of those Ziploc Space Bags and then put them in a plastic storage container. The other day I took them out and there was NO indication of mold (that I could see) but there was a slight odor. So today I hung them on the line to air out. 

FACT: Direct sunlight will kill mold

It's a good thing that Lavanson is vegetarian and I don't like to cook! 

But after 2 years, it was even too much for me!! 😢 Dinner parties were pretty much a "no go" in our house. I couldn't get a regular size pan in the oven. Couldn't bake a pizza and had to make teeny tiny cupcakes! I bought several pans which I thought would fit but when I got them home they wouldn't sit flat on the rack. Truthfully, in Costa Rica you can't choose just any size pan you want. You pretty much have to take what they have.

We tried placing the new oven directly on the bottom counter but it was too tall so we had to put it on the top ledge. It barely fits the space - we have less than 1/2 in to spare. So now the only problem is, I have to stand on a step stool in order to reach the inside of the oven and not be burned by the door. But its a trade off. We are both pretty happy to have such a big oven (to us it seems enormous even though a standard size oven is still a bit bigger) at least...we can finally use NORMAL size pans.

Now, if we could only get MORE counter space! 

(for the photo we have the old oven where the microwave used to be - once we move the old oven we will reclaim some counter space as we have already moved our microwave to another location)

We LOVE our house!! 

♡♡♡

Our house is furnished and we actually have a pretty nice kitchen, all things considered. If you rent an unfurnished house it will most likely be devoid of all kitchen appliances (including stove and refrigerator). You will have to provide your own. 

Sometimes you have to decide what is most important to you and then deal the best way you can with the rest!

Just thought you might like to know!