Our Adventure in Paradise

"Oh that's far too beautiful to be real," I muttered to myself, while examining the photographs in Christopher Howard's latest book. "These photos can't be real, I'm sure," I commented cynically. It was October, a comfortable autumn day. But the days were getting shorter and the nights colder. Cold, windy, bleak, winter days were just around the corner. Summer and fall are enjoyable seasons in northeast Ohio. And then there's winter...my thoughts drifted to the ice storm of 1991. Downed trees and powerlines closed many roads. Driving was trecherous. Stores were closed, schools too, and cable TV was out. "How would you like to see Costa Rica?" my husband Jim's question interrupted my thoughts. "Christopher Howard is leading a tour in January," Jim remarked. "Do you think you could get time off? "What are Costa Rica winters like?" I asked. "January is their summer, and in the Central Valley it's 72 degrees year round," he replied. "If you like it we could live there comfortably on my pension. You wouldn't have to work, it would be optional." "Even with the two children," I asked. "Yes," was his reply.

We departed from Cleveland and had an enjoyable, uneventful flight to San José. Jim and I were weary of customs, but it proved to be easier than car trips to Canada. Costa Rican warmth and hospitality were immediately evident; we felt welcome. Someone from the tour company was expected to meet us, but we were flattered and amazed this it was Christopher Howard! 

Our Costa Rica adventure had begun. On the way to our hotel Chris helped us get our bearings and was more than willing to answer our many questions. I was immediately struck by the absolute beauty of the country. Such contrasts! It is even more beautiful that the photographs. The Hotel Presidente was convenient and comfortable. The location was perfect for touring the city on our own. Meals were delicious and reasonable, and in close proximity to numerous "sodas" (small cafés), souvenir shops, a museum, the Central Market and casinos. Hotel security watched over us. We were able to mail our postcards and exchange money at the hotel. They also gave directions and called taxis for us. Imagine that at a Holiday Inn. The streets felt safe too, unlike big cities in the States.

The Irazú Volcano Tour and trip afterwards around the lake in the beautiful Orosi Valley had to be seen to be believed. The morning excusion to the CoffeeBritt plantation in Heredia to see how coffee is grown and processed was very educational. We were especially enthralled by our catamaran boat ride to Tortuga Island. We lunched on the island with an iguana, saw a school of playful dolphins jump next to our boat. and marveled at Costa Rica's spectacular scenery.

We also loved the Banco de Mariscos restaurant in Heredia. It is touted as the best seafood restaurant in the country. Their dishes are absolutely delicious and a bargain. Tiny's American Sports bar was great fun. We had a group luncheon there and enjoyed hamburgers and fries Costa Rica style. The lectures and seminars were helpful and informative, especially the representative from the Residents Association of Costa Rica. We have been in touch with several speakers from the tour since our return to the States. Without Chris, we would have never met the realtors, movers, a C.P.A., a business consultant and an attorney. The Clinica Bíblica Hospital offers great medical care. Not wanting to miss any of the tour, I saw a doctor there for a minor problem. The doctors and nurses speak great English. Bedside manner far exceeds what I'm accustomed to. The wait was short, care great and fee minimal.

When we departed paradise, our flight from New Jersey was cancelled due to the weather. The next flight was delayed for hours while all planes de-iced. Both at the airport and at home we shoveled snow. Sniff, sniff, good-bye for now, paradise.

Update : We are now in the process of selling our two homes in the States and plan to move with the kids to Costa Rica before the new millennium. It came down to a choice between Costa Rica and Florida and the former won out easily. Florida's sweltering summers cannot compete with Costa Rica's spring-like climate.

San Jose Real Estate
South Pacific Real Estate