Retirement
Costa Rica
Our
Adventure in Paradise by Carol Burch
"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.
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