Do y'all have any plans to go to the Northeast Unschooling Conference?

I don’t think we would have enjoyed the Caribbean coast for very long. For a visit it is wonderful, but the lifestyle over there is so different. We are used to, and prefer, the North Pacific. Once upon a time Tamarindo was such a cute town, last time I saw it like that was in 2002 then it changed so fast and was overbuilt and its character destroyed. We talked about living in Liberia but we didn’t want to be that far from the beaches we love. If we went back I think we’d go for Santa Ana next to Escazu although it is spendy now. I agree with you that Costa Rica is definitely best enjoyed with plenty of money. The only thing cheap there is labor and groceries. Everything else is on par with or higher than the U.S. prices. I am currently sending my 5 year old daughter to a bilingual public school (she’s in kindergarten). In Costa Rica, that same level of education would cost us $300 a month. With 2 kids in private schools in CR, you do the math. It’s a major deterrent for me. My husband has a large family and friends network down there though and I think that would make our experience so much different than someone’s who didn’t have that.

Living in Costa Rica requires so much patience for foreigners. That isn’t my strong suit. I do long for and miss the natural beauty of the country though. My husband and I (pre-kids) used to drive all over the country in his truck. We did that for months until all my money from a car accident settlement ran out. It was the best experience of my life and only possible because I had several grand to blow through. We also spent a lot of time in Nicaragua, which I love. Many people our age there, at least in the middle and upper classes, speak perfect English, having fled to the U.S. in the early 80s. I met the nicest people there, they are known as the best hosts on earth and it is true. The level of poverty there is a tough thing to witness everyday though, but the Nicas have the biggest hearts. I always thought Americans could learn a lot from people who have truly been through hardships. I’ve met some amazing Nicas and Africans. Not saying move there, but maybe in the future you could check it out. Talk about unspoiled beaches, I hope it stays that way for a long, long time. Love the baseball fascination too and other signs of the gringo influence.

I am thinking of the Tampa area although I am really not sure at this point. Let me know where you are considering. I realized during this current winter in Idaho that I absolutely do not want to be anywhere cold anymore. I’m done with the four seasons I once couldn’t live without. If I can’t spend time outdoors everyday without suffering then it’s not the place for me! Snow is no friend of mine. I miss the Costa Rican food. I am going to whip up a pot of dried beans and make gallo pinto tomorrow. I saw a boxed kit for gallo pinto in the store the other day and had to laugh at the ingredients list, as it was about 50 items long. All you really need is rice, beans and salsa lizano. I like mine with sour cream and a side of scrambled eggs. Gosh do I miss that Tico food! Enjoy your remaining time there, the temps across the nation are nasty right now. Stay till at least April! Take care and pura vida!