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Sunday
08
December 2002
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I
came back to the United States this week to work
in Nashville Tennessee for a few weeks. I can
use the money to continue construction on my
"Mirador"
First of all, it is nice to see old friends and
feel my talents as a Manufacturing Manager are
really appreciated. I always enjoyed the
challenge of working with people to achieve
their goals.
Secondly, I have the chance to discuss my new
life in Costa Rica. I have been asked by most of
my friends as well as my tour guests, "Why
did you choose Costa Rica?"
I respond - There were three main reasons I
chose to move to Costa Rica:
First, was the fact that every time I visited (7
times over the last 13 years) I loved the
weather. I was raised in Minnesota and then
lived in Texas for the last 30 years. Minnesota
was way to cold in the 8 months of winter and
way too hot in July and August. Texas was way to
hot for the 8 months of summer and way too cold
in January and February.
Second, was the quality of the people.
Everywhere I went, the Ticos were very friendly
and helpful.
Third, was the cost of living. I felt we could
live better on less than in the US.
Now since living in this little town of San
Ignacio de Acosta, I have revised my values.
My first reason I am glad to be here is; I am
overwhelmed by the QUALITY of my neighbors and
their concern for helping us when we are sick,
teaching us new foods, and taking us in to their
lives. They are always bringing food to our
house, inviting us to eat with them, and
inviting us to go with them to visit other parts
of the country. They helped us get set up with
the Medical system, obtain a driver's license,
and buy our appliances and furniture. One of the
14-year-old sons comes over on Saturdays to help
clean windows. He is very computer literate and
likes to use my Internet connection to help with
his schoolwork. I still pay him for his time and
he always shows me what he bought with the
money. It is usually something practical like
new shoes or something for his mother.
My second reason is the actual cost of living. I
keep seeing letters in the various
"Gringo" media by people complaining
about the high costs. They live in a different
Costa Rica from me. I have a small house, which
has a one-bedroom apartment that I rent out for
$325 per month. My total cost for the house AND
apartment of electricity, water, phone, Internet
service, taxes, insurance, garbage removal, lawn
maintenance, AND our Medical Insurance is less
than $250 per month. I do not care if a box of
cereal, which costs $3.00 in the US, costs $4.00
here. I only buy about three boxes per month. I
do not have a car. I do not want one. I can walk
into the local town in 12 minutes. I can buy
nearly everything we want to eat or use around
the house and take a taxi back for $1.00. I can
take a comfortable bus to Central San Jose to
visit Dr's, Dentists, Lawyers, etc. for 65
cents. I can drink a beer on the bus on the way
back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
My third reason is the weather. Every morning is
like the nicest spring day I experienced in the
USA. I went to town the first week to try and
buy an outdoor thermometer to keep track of the
temperature variation. They do not have any.
They laughed and wondered why I would want one.
They said the temperature is always the same, 65
to 75 F. I have now lived through the
"rainy season". I thought it was
great, it rained nearly every day in October,
but I enjoyed the cool, calm rain in the
afternoons. Of course, I do not have to work in
it or drive in it. I can sit on my balcony and
enjoy it.
I am sorry for those who have not found Costa
Rica as rewarding as I have. I suggest they may
never find a place they like.
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