“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 Torremolinos 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.

We enjoyed the tour of the different neighborhoods in the Central Valley. We were able to have a good sampling of how people actually live and even see a couple of homes. We were also able to see hospitals, malls, supermarkets and get a good idea of the infrastructure in the area.

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 two days of 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 business consultant, attorneys and other contacts.
We could have NEVER done this on our own.

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.

By Carol Burch

On Sunday the 28th of February I finished my 8-day combination Central/South Pacific and Central Valley retirement and relocation tour. It was a complete success and my clients and I had the time of our lives.

People really enjoy my tours but this one was really special. There were two couples and five single women. The participants instantly bonded because of their common interest in Costa Rica. By the end of the tour everyone had made new friends and promised to keep in contact with each other. This is was usually happens on my tours.

What my guests really liked was the food, different types of housing, infrastructure, the incredible sunsets and views, options for expats and most of all the ambience of the country.

I really enjoy helping people change their lives by introducing them to this wonderful country. It is really rewarding

Beware of the information and advice on the so-called “hobby web sites.” These include the growing number sites put up by expatriates in Costa Rica to share their experiences. On the surface many of these sites seem helpful but the majority of the people behind them are neophytes who have not lived here long enough to really be qualified to give good advice. Most of these individuals don’t even speak enough Spanish to really get an objective view of the country and culture.

There are even a few video-type blogs portraying people’s experiences who have moved here. While they are entertaining they shouldn’t be considered a true source of information. Unfortunately, the internet has now given every “Tom, Dick and Harry” with amateur computer and video skills a chance to be the star of their own reality show.

Despite the world economic crisis big players continue to invest in Costa Rica.

Plans call for the construction of a $280 million convention and fair center near San José Costa Rica. The proposed construction site will be across from the Hotel Herradura and be about 123,000 square meters in size. The complex will also house two hotels, stores, restaurants and a parking structure. The complex will be the largest of its kind in all of Latin America.

The world economic crisis has really had minimal impact here. Two new highways have been completed and upscale shopping centers like Avenida Escazú , a new stages of Multiplaza and Paseo de las Flores have been either built or expanded in the last couple of years. In addition more and more multinational companies like Amazon.com have set up shop in Costa Rica.

People thinking of living, retiring or investing here should take these recent events into consideration when deciding if Costa Rica is for them. Obviously, the continued growth mentioned above, the country’s stability, year-round spring-like weather, first-class medical care, incredible lifestyle and so much more will continue to make the country tops on then list of expat havens. No wonder more Americans live here per capita than any other country outside of the U.S.

This week I sat in on a private consultation to provide feedback and advice to a couple who wants to retire and buy a home here. They visited with their 32-year-old daughter to check out Costa Rica. Fortunately their daughter knows Costa Rica well. She live here for a couple of years and worked as a teacher.

Her father had an accident a few years ago and became disabled and can no longer work. He received a good disability pension and settlement because of his injury but it really isn’t enough to maintain his lifestyle in the U.S. So, his daughter recommended that he and the wife move to Costa Rica. Since she had lived here previously the information couldn’t have come from a better and more trusted source.

It looks like the couple will make the move in a couple of months.