Hola!
I have been waiting to get some pictures to go along with this post. But, Pura Vida, they will come later.
Things have been moving along, did not remember that it is Memorial Day weekend in the States! LOL! Time is so very different down here, slower, and things that used to be important have started to fade away.
Last weekend we were invited to the beach with another family. It ended up just being us girls. The husbands stayed home. We met Emily and her Mom downtown and headed down to the beach. Cold coconuts, meat on a stick and popcorn balls were on the menu for the afternoon. YUM! Nothing better than street food cooked and prepared out in open air. It always has the feeling of a festival and I love purchasing products from the local people. So much love and care is put into everything.
Anyway, Emily's Mom and I started talking (can I remember her name? No.) and it was as if I met an old friend. Two years ago, she packed up her family, took her children out of school and started traveling the world. They ended up in France, Croatia, and Africa. She started getting hassled by her family that her children were not in school, so they ended up in Costa Rica. If anyone started hassling me about my kids, I would go the exact opposite direction! LOL! The unresolved rebel in me. What an experience for her and her children! I sat in awe as she told me her stories.
We swam in huge waves last weekend. They are pretty uncommon here. I did find out there was a storm in the Antarctic which was pushing waves up the Pacific Ocean. Well, we took advantage of them. They were sustained at least 6 feet! I remember swimming in that kind of surf in the Atlantic Ocean. Hannah and I got caught in 2 big ones back to back. The second time she was ripped away from me and I instantly stood up and blew water out of my nose and yelled I lost her! Sam and Emily were right behind me frantically looking for Hannah. She all of a sudden stood up. Poor sweet girl! She was pretty shook up. I brought her up on the boardwalk, comforted her while she spit up the ocean. I had dreams about that for a few nights......
A few days later, we went back down to the beach. Hannah told me she did not much care for the ocean. I don't blame her! After some coaxing and the waves settling down, I think she may be falling in love again!
On Tuesday, Kurt said he needed a dentist. Thank goodness for good old Face Book! I posted in a local chat to find out where the nearest and best dentist was. Of course, instant replies! I called and he headed over there. Abscessed tooth. They put him on anti biotics and he will have it pulled on Saturday. I am sure he is not looking forward to it, but it will give him relief. $40 for an xray and $40 for the tooth being pulled. Not too bad considering we do not have health insurance here as of yet.
We (I) have decided a vehicle is required for our family. Don't get me wrong...I love Coco...but there is a whole country to explore! Yes, there are buses, shuttles, and taxis, but if you know me, I like to be on MY time, and no one else s. I have been searching the internet for a used vehicle. This is no small feat by any means. Cars that would go for $4,000 used in the States run double down here if not triple. The first one I found fell through. When you purchase a vehicle, all the paper work has to be current, the government inspections, and you have to have a lawyer also. There was something not quite right about this vehicle.
I thought great, now what am I going to do? So I started searching, and it was not 5 minutes later, another one showed up! Better shape, lower miles, found the mechanic who had worked on it, the flow was much easier on this one. Great lesson to take heed, if you encounter resistance, no matter how badly you want something, STOP! Take a breath and look at other options.
Kurt is currently in Tamarindo picking up our new vehicle and getting all the paper work done. Another adventure on the books! Loving life! I am excited for him to get home. Miss driving! I will take the Jeep for a spin around town...see what it shaking!
Look at me ramble...enough for now! Enjoy your Holiday weekend!
Sending so much love from Costa Rica!
Pura Vida!
Friday, May 23, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Happy Saturday!
Oh I am so grateful it is Saturday! It is thundering, lightening, and raining a bit this afternoon. Cool temperatures which is a blessed break!
Dr Nick came to our house on Thursday for adjustments. He set up in our outdoor area and the skies opened up and started pouring! Of course...divine timing! We moved his things under our rain eaves, and kept going. Chiro adjustments in the rain, that is a first!
The four of us gathered our gear this morning and hiked to town to get groceries. Backpack and water bottles in hand, off we went! I think we were gone about 3 hours round trip.
I first went to see the young man whom I have become quite fond of at his local fruit and veggie stand. He speaks broken English, and I speak, well, not much Spanish. If ever I needed a desire to learn Spanish, it would be because of him. Today he had something special, very special....he had gone out and collected Wild Cilantro. I posted pics below. The smell is nothing I had ever smelled before. He told me it is very medicinal, especially the wild version. It will remove all heavy metals from your body, and more. Look up the benefits of Cilantro. You may be quite amazed!
With the rainy season coming up, I asked him if he had Papaya Leaves. Why is that, well the mosquitoes down here carry Dengue Fever. From what I have heard, it is pretty intense. During my research before moving down to Costa Rica, I discovered that Papaya Leaves is an actual remedy for Dengue Fever. He took me behind the market, and cut Papaya Leaves for me....Happy Day! They look like they are just about done for the season, but I like to have a few bunches on hand, I may make a tincture out of it.
There were 2 men on the street today selling BIG containers of Strawberries. 2 thousand Colones per container. I bought two. The strawberries only grow in the mountains in Costa Rica because of the cooler climate. I cherish them as a treat.
The girls and I talked Kurt into stopping at the Gelato shop....YUM!!! Unexpected and wonderful!
Now we are home, everything is put in it proper space, soup simmering on the stove, and all is well.....
Pura Vida!
Amy
Dr Nick came to our house on Thursday for adjustments. He set up in our outdoor area and the skies opened up and started pouring! Of course...divine timing! We moved his things under our rain eaves, and kept going. Chiro adjustments in the rain, that is a first!
The four of us gathered our gear this morning and hiked to town to get groceries. Backpack and water bottles in hand, off we went! I think we were gone about 3 hours round trip.
I first went to see the young man whom I have become quite fond of at his local fruit and veggie stand. He speaks broken English, and I speak, well, not much Spanish. If ever I needed a desire to learn Spanish, it would be because of him. Today he had something special, very special....he had gone out and collected Wild Cilantro. I posted pics below. The smell is nothing I had ever smelled before. He told me it is very medicinal, especially the wild version. It will remove all heavy metals from your body, and more. Look up the benefits of Cilantro. You may be quite amazed!
With the rainy season coming up, I asked him if he had Papaya Leaves. Why is that, well the mosquitoes down here carry Dengue Fever. From what I have heard, it is pretty intense. During my research before moving down to Costa Rica, I discovered that Papaya Leaves is an actual remedy for Dengue Fever. He took me behind the market, and cut Papaya Leaves for me....Happy Day! They look like they are just about done for the season, but I like to have a few bunches on hand, I may make a tincture out of it.
There were 2 men on the street today selling BIG containers of Strawberries. 2 thousand Colones per container. I bought two. The strawberries only grow in the mountains in Costa Rica because of the cooler climate. I cherish them as a treat.
The girls and I talked Kurt into stopping at the Gelato shop....YUM!!! Unexpected and wonderful!
Now we are home, everything is put in it proper space, soup simmering on the stove, and all is well.....
Pura Vida!
Amy
Farmers Market Today
 |
| My soup pot today after going to the farmers market! |
 |
| Wild Cilantro.....the smell is times 1000!!! |
 |
| This is what bananas are supposed to look like. No more than 3 inches long. |
 |
| Mango Leaves |
Monday, May 5, 2014
Hola!
It is done!!!
Our border Visa run to Nicaragua. With Divine help from a few people in the know, it all went smoothly!
The first thing I would like to say is how proud I am of my Daughters. They are incredible. We moved them over 3,000 miles from only home they ever knew. They have a light and strength that amazes me. I am so proud to be their Mom. Just thinking about it moves me to tears. I am blessed. No resistance from them yesterday when we boarded the bus, went through the border, custom officers, and then did it all over again to come back to Costa Rica.
It was a beautiful drive to Nicaragua yesterday. Huge ranches that went on for acres and acres, so calming. The mountains standing tall in the distance and the clouds dancing around them. Seeing the very simple houses along the way. People just living with the land. I took time to breathe it all in.
Then came the border.....organized chaos can I say? Lines and lines of shipping trucks (semi trucks), drivers having to wait for inspection and hanging their hammocks under their long bed trailers and taking a siesta in the mid day heat.
We scooted around all of this in our little tour bus and got closer to the border. Dusty, hot, noisy in the mid day sun. We are now on our own! Not quite knowing what we were doing or where we were going, we started walking. There were other people in our group, and they had done this before. Sorry to say, they were not releasing much information to us. They considered us Newbies, I am sure. But please, do not underestimate a woman with a family who is beyond focus! LOL!
Paper work...the unending paperwork...by the time we were coming back to CR, I considered us pros at filling out a million little slips while standing in line! Checking and rechecking. I have to say, the Policia and the Custom Agents were very kind to us. We smiled and said Gracias to each of them.
We were on a timeline per the other members in our group. After we got through Costa Rican Customs, we had to walk about 400 yards in traffic to get to Nicaragua. There was a place where the semi trucks, buses and vehicles had to be inspected. There were men in suits with gas masks on spraying every vehicle. I am thinking it was fungicide, to stop the transfer of ??? from country to country. In my head I was thinking.....there is the wind that carries things all over the world. I told the girls to be careful where they stepped and to get through as quickly as possible.
Then, we went through Nicaraguan Customs.....did everything all over again. We were on a timeline, so we went to the outdoor market and grabbed something to eat and drink. The girls had boiled Yucca roots, fried pork skins with cabbage and vinegar.
OH! And through this process...we met Tamarindo Dave! LOL! Everyone has a story...upon story....upon story....he really kept us going and our moods light!
I took the girls to the Duty Free Shop. I bought them some chocolate. Kurt bought a bottle of rum, (and oh is it yummy and smooth) and I bought 2 bottles of Mango wine made in Nicaragua. It is like heaven in your mouth! A little treat for all of us.....
Back to Nicaraguan Customs...and then to CR Customs.....it is like a never ending circle.....btw....I did get 90 days on our Visa's this time! ;-) All is well!
Now we are in the know! It is like the Universe has told us, no more hiding, no more just holding space....it is time to get out and get moving!!!! Ok...we will!
Kurt took some pictures yesterday, looking for the cord so we can download. I will post later!
Pura Vida!
Get out of the box....your life begins there....and really, I don't think a box has really ever existed except in our minds. Enjoy every precious moment......
It is done!!!
Our border Visa run to Nicaragua. With Divine help from a few people in the know, it all went smoothly!
The first thing I would like to say is how proud I am of my Daughters. They are incredible. We moved them over 3,000 miles from only home they ever knew. They have a light and strength that amazes me. I am so proud to be their Mom. Just thinking about it moves me to tears. I am blessed. No resistance from them yesterday when we boarded the bus, went through the border, custom officers, and then did it all over again to come back to Costa Rica.
It was a beautiful drive to Nicaragua yesterday. Huge ranches that went on for acres and acres, so calming. The mountains standing tall in the distance and the clouds dancing around them. Seeing the very simple houses along the way. People just living with the land. I took time to breathe it all in.
Then came the border.....organized chaos can I say? Lines and lines of shipping trucks (semi trucks), drivers having to wait for inspection and hanging their hammocks under their long bed trailers and taking a siesta in the mid day heat.
We scooted around all of this in our little tour bus and got closer to the border. Dusty, hot, noisy in the mid day sun. We are now on our own! Not quite knowing what we were doing or where we were going, we started walking. There were other people in our group, and they had done this before. Sorry to say, they were not releasing much information to us. They considered us Newbies, I am sure. But please, do not underestimate a woman with a family who is beyond focus! LOL!
Paper work...the unending paperwork...by the time we were coming back to CR, I considered us pros at filling out a million little slips while standing in line! Checking and rechecking. I have to say, the Policia and the Custom Agents were very kind to us. We smiled and said Gracias to each of them.
We were on a timeline per the other members in our group. After we got through Costa Rican Customs, we had to walk about 400 yards in traffic to get to Nicaragua. There was a place where the semi trucks, buses and vehicles had to be inspected. There were men in suits with gas masks on spraying every vehicle. I am thinking it was fungicide, to stop the transfer of ??? from country to country. In my head I was thinking.....there is the wind that carries things all over the world. I told the girls to be careful where they stepped and to get through as quickly as possible.
Then, we went through Nicaraguan Customs.....did everything all over again. We were on a timeline, so we went to the outdoor market and grabbed something to eat and drink. The girls had boiled Yucca roots, fried pork skins with cabbage and vinegar.
OH! And through this process...we met Tamarindo Dave! LOL! Everyone has a story...upon story....upon story....he really kept us going and our moods light!
I took the girls to the Duty Free Shop. I bought them some chocolate. Kurt bought a bottle of rum, (and oh is it yummy and smooth) and I bought 2 bottles of Mango wine made in Nicaragua. It is like heaven in your mouth! A little treat for all of us.....
Back to Nicaraguan Customs...and then to CR Customs.....it is like a never ending circle.....btw....I did get 90 days on our Visa's this time! ;-) All is well!
Now we are in the know! It is like the Universe has told us, no more hiding, no more just holding space....it is time to get out and get moving!!!! Ok...we will!
Kurt took some pictures yesterday, looking for the cord so we can download. I will post later!
Pura Vida!
Get out of the box....your life begins there....and really, I don't think a box has really ever existed except in our minds. Enjoy every precious moment......
Saturday, May 3, 2014
 |
| Vultures we met this morning on the way to the beach after garbage pickup! Please right click on the link above! |
 |
| A few more joined in! |
 |
| This one must have been the leader, he/she let me walk right up! |
 |
| The beach this morning...all to ourselves! |
 |
| Coconut Palm |
 |
| And aren't these just pretty! Beauty even in the dry season! |
Good Morning and Pura Vida!!!
We asked for an adventure and we sure have gotten it! LOL! Wow! Everyday is a new surprise! And what would seem like an OMG moment, which sometimes it does, a moment of silence and focus changes all that.
Kurt went to the Immigration Lawyer on Thursday to get information about getting our residency. Where to start, what to do, ect. She informed him he should check our Passports to make sure they are good for 90 days. Never would have thought to do that! When we arrived in CR, it was a whirlwind through the airport and customs. And into the van we went to find our new home.
Well, we checked the passports and the Visa is only good for 30 days......and we are 7 days away from expiration....there in lies the OMG moment! Whew...now what?
Having met a few people down here who have had the experience, I started contacting them on FaceBook and on the phone. Lots of suggestions, lots of different stories about making a border run. I spent a good part of the day sorting through all the information, taking what we needed, and leaving the rest. It is a good lesson to learn about peeling through peoples perspectives. Everyone has a story, and it comes through their filters....everything with a grain of salt.
So, after contacting 4 different shuttle companies, and speaking back and forth to people, I think we have it together now. I thought we had at least 2 more months so I could really research this, but no, only a few days which makes feeling it in your gut about what fits, well, it goes into hyper drive instantly.
Tomorrow we meet at the crossroads...(profound statement) and pick up our shuttle to Nicaragua to get our Visa's updated!
Just an FYI.....you can stay in the country for as long as your Visa does not expire. You have to leave the country and get an open ended bus ticket or flight to get back into CR. Then your Visa is good for another 90 days. Make sure you check your passports! HA!
Well, off to the beach this morning to relax a bit and have some fun with the big beautiful ocean! Putting our feet in the sand and our faces to the sun!
All is well!
Pura Vida!
P.S. I want to add the remarkable people in CR who gave perfect direction, help and guidance...I could not have done this with out them! LOVE!!!
We asked for an adventure and we sure have gotten it! LOL! Wow! Everyday is a new surprise! And what would seem like an OMG moment, which sometimes it does, a moment of silence and focus changes all that.
Kurt went to the Immigration Lawyer on Thursday to get information about getting our residency. Where to start, what to do, ect. She informed him he should check our Passports to make sure they are good for 90 days. Never would have thought to do that! When we arrived in CR, it was a whirlwind through the airport and customs. And into the van we went to find our new home.
Well, we checked the passports and the Visa is only good for 30 days......and we are 7 days away from expiration....there in lies the OMG moment! Whew...now what?
Having met a few people down here who have had the experience, I started contacting them on FaceBook and on the phone. Lots of suggestions, lots of different stories about making a border run. I spent a good part of the day sorting through all the information, taking what we needed, and leaving the rest. It is a good lesson to learn about peeling through peoples perspectives. Everyone has a story, and it comes through their filters....everything with a grain of salt.
So, after contacting 4 different shuttle companies, and speaking back and forth to people, I think we have it together now. I thought we had at least 2 more months so I could really research this, but no, only a few days which makes feeling it in your gut about what fits, well, it goes into hyper drive instantly.
Tomorrow we meet at the crossroads...(profound statement) and pick up our shuttle to Nicaragua to get our Visa's updated!
Just an FYI.....you can stay in the country for as long as your Visa does not expire. You have to leave the country and get an open ended bus ticket or flight to get back into CR. Then your Visa is good for another 90 days. Make sure you check your passports! HA!
Well, off to the beach this morning to relax a bit and have some fun with the big beautiful ocean! Putting our feet in the sand and our faces to the sun!
All is well!
Pura Vida!
P.S. I want to add the remarkable people in CR who gave perfect direction, help and guidance...I could not have done this with out them! LOVE!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)