Out of the snow and into the heat

As I wind down my last few days here before returning to the states, I had to go back to Tamarindo. Playa Grande is just around the bend from the far right side of this beach.  My  two neighbors and I picked up another friend in Brasilito Beach for a last visit to Tamarindo. What a fun time. Dinner at The Roof was awesome. I recommend this place for a sunset dinner overlooking all Tamarindo Beach and city. It’s French for one more week then an Indian chef takes over, but they say they will incorporate a blend of the existing menu and add some great curries.

I included this map to show how far out of your way you have to go in the car. One of those places that there is no easy way between these two beaches.  There lies a river right by the Witch’s Rock surf camp and it looks easy enough to cross. But it is impossible and you must take a boat that 50 yards. The river mouth where it hits the Pacific, and is loaded with crocodiles, waiting for a bite of lunch. I mean YOU!!

But back to Playa Grande. Just one beach away (4 km.) is Playa Grande. There were no rooms in Tamarindo for the night so I stayed in Playa Grande. It was a ghost town. The beach is exactly that, grande. I estimate at least 3 miles of beach with huge waves and a  wicked rip current. This beach, I will leave to the good surfers. It was pretty scary, the waves, I mean. I was the ONLY guest in this hotel. It was weird. After dinner, I drove back to Playa Grande, my friends opted to stay in the Tamarindo hostel with a bunch of others. It’s not for me, so I found this inexpensive hotel in Playa Grande called The Park Hotel and Villas.

Very cute, tastefully done and the most soft sheets and pillows. About 30 rooms a great patio and pool area, and only a quick 5 minute down the street to the beach.  I would recommend this hotel. It’s really great and they cook you a free breakfast of anything you want.

This is the beach. I took these pics in the afternoon about 2PM. I couldn’t fit it in my lens. It was deserted, I had the only footprints in the sand, deserted like the town and the hotel.  The largest beach I can recall ever seeing, and I’m the only one.  The water was so warm, just like I remembered last year.

On the way to dinner in Tamarindo, I couldn’t resist pulling off the road for this amazing shot of the sunset over the mountain and through this field.

Sure is a huge difference in people.  Tamarindo, as I’ve mentioned in a prior post, is busy, crowded streets, tourists, lots of surf “bums” living on the cheap; all the time.

I have decided that I will put roots in Las Palmas, Coco Beach. BUT, I love it here. I’m just going to visit occasionally, but live near my job because I love my job. And Coco is one great town, with just enough happening for me and anyone who would like to come visit. Please visit. I’m meeting lots of people, getting a lot of information. The biggest reason if I feel totally safe here and know most of my neighbors.

Back to Playa Grande. I was shocked when I walked the beach again the next morning around 6AM. Where did all these people come from? Lots of surfers and spectators.  The waves looked to big for me, but the riders were surely digging it. And lots of people watching.

I can’t believe I’m have such difficulty uploading these great images of Playa Grande. I know for one, I can’t work without a mouse.  How in the heck do you people use laptops without a mouse.  I really wanted them uploaded as it’s one of my last posts until my return. Bummed….If I can I’ll upload on next post.

Tomorrow is my last day of work. I am surely going to miss the animals terribly. Because things everyday at the refuge, who knows what I’ll be coming back to. I don’t want to leave, but I do.  I have run out of stuff and since EVERYTHING is so expensive here, I’m lugging two empty suitcases home to fill.  I have somewhere to store my stuff in a safe place. (Fingers crossed).

I’ll be snapping pics of the animals tomorrow, mostly so I can see how they’ve grown. Who’s here, who’s set free, whose found a home (bunnies and farm animals only).

 

It’s been a few days since I’ve posted. The heat turned up a notch, if that is even possible, it’s crazy. I know April is the hottest month in the year, but this year seems much hotter than April’s past.

I’ve spoken to lots of people who have moved down here and one of the reasons people don’t stay permanently is they say the weather gets them. They don’t realize how hot it is here. Me, loves Tahoe much due to the great climate. It never gets HOT here, and has four seasons, each with it’s different type of activities

But, as much as the heat really gets to me, I have decided on pursuing permanent status.

Once again, I’m off for a few days as my co-worker Brian has returned to work. I’m so grateful, as I move back to my regular schedule of three days a week, which is fine for me due to the heat. I’m going to enjoy my last few days here in this place. I am not happy about leaving, but I have so much to take care of and need supplies only from the US, so I try to think of these reasons for my departure so as to not be so sad about leaving.

I did sign a one year lease beginning June 1st in order to give me enough time to take care of some business at “home”. I’m listing my house, so if any of you out there are looking for a great private home in the mountains, I have one.  Totally remodeled and updated, ready to move in. Fully furnished, too. And if you want to buy my cars, they’re available, to. This means selling my beloved Benz which have given me so much joy over the years. Nothing like riding with the wind in your face that I will miss, but NOT here. It’s all about the A/C here. I spoked to a customs agent about the size of the container I should bring.  He said no matter what, I MUST bring the Harley.

The import taxes are ridiculous, just as an FYI for those contemplating a move. There are many more attractive places with regards to retiring in Central America. Belize and Nicaragua along with Panama come to mind right now. But they are not as safe, particularly if you happen to be a woman alone. CR is totally safe, as I’ve mentioned before.

Costa Rica is all about “Pura Vida” and they take this seriously. Oh, I’m sure there is crime and domestic violence in the cities, but the beach communities are very laid back and happy. Again, I cannot speak for the Caribbean side or the southern part of the coastal Pacific, but I hearthings that make me think about moving to those places in Costa Rica.  The Caribbean side is definitely more risky than the Pacific side, that I know.

I’m meeting with an immigration lawyer on Friday to make sure I obtain the proper documents for residency here. I’m serious, for the next five years minimum, I need to fast track residency here, so I can get out of the outrageous health care system in the US. If you are lucky enough to NOT feel the burden of health care premiums, then, you have no idea what I’m going through with the ACA. It is unafffordable for the small independent business owner and self employed, if you have no big company or the government behind you, or a fat pension if you are retired then you don’t feel the crunch on your budget.  When people ask me why I’m here, two words, health care.

Wow, the city is getting back to normal on this eve of Easter Sunday. The traffic was crazy as carloads of folks were heading out of town back to the city. I’m not still not clear on the meaning of Easter in this Catholic country.  On my way home from work today all cars headed north out of here. Can’t say I’m unhappy about this, but I just found it unusual that they left today, Saturday.

Our Easter breaks go through the weekend, but not here. I’m interested to see how many churches will be filled to the brim tomorrow.  There are a lot of churches everywhere, all Catholic. Even in the place I work I pass three churches out in the middle of nowhere with small populations.

There was another marathon this morning, but as I left for work at 7:30, it was finishing up. I think it’s a qualifier for the big one in June.  I still don’t see how these people run in this heat. It was only 96 degrees today. Flipping hot. I work outside in the heat and it’s intolerable.  Last evening my air conditioning went out. Sultry and about 100 degrees in my place. It was not a good night and I had to get out.  My gracious landlord is one of the most fair realtors I’ve ever met. She let me move into the very best unit here. I was in heaven after spending much time in my car with the air on, just to get a temporary relief from the sweltering night. So, for the next 12 days I get to stay here. There was a two year wait list for this particular unit. It’s heaven.

I love it here, but it’s the hottest place I’ve ever been except for that last trip to Thailand where the temps were in the 50 C range. About 120 degrees, maybe more. I haven’t converted to the metric system except when talking distance.

Looks like some thunderstorms will be rolling in Monday, so the wet season may be starting a bit early?? Don’t know.

Toughest day on the job so far in this heat. We have so many different animals currently, it takes even longer to prepare their food. I will snap of a picture o my tiny cocina with no air one of these days.

The best part of my job is interacting with the visitors coming off the zip-lines.  They are amazed by the monkeys. I love to help them feed the wild ones. I think it’s one of their highlights, too. It allows me a break in my work day. Everyone knows I love to chat up people and the joy they get when I ask if they would like to feed them is as much fun for me as it is for them.

Now that the Canadians have pretty much gone home, the Americans have taken over.  Much more my crowd, although I’ve met some amazingly nice Canadians. I’ve met equal numbers of not so nice folks.  Most of the Americans are east coast, New York and Jersey.

BTW, Costa Rica does not celebrate Easter the way we do in America. It’s all about the party leading up to Sunday and religion. No one says Happy Easter, puts kids in their Sunday finest, have Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets, etc.

 

This is not the week to visit CR.  It’s totally insane. I guess the government shuts down for the week of Easter. All of San Jose is here at the beaches. Traffic, rude city people, and the police are everywhere setting road blocks. The locals are paranoid because most of them have illegal cars. Everyone on scooters and motorcycles are wearing helmets. It really is nuts.

Got home from work today, parked the car, and vow to not go anywhere in the car except work. I’m going on foot or hanging here at my pool on my off time. It’s impossible to get through town. My usually quiet town is bursting at the seams. The grocery stores are packed since they too will be closing. The banks closed yesterday for the rest of the week. When the Tico’s take a holiday, they run for the beaches.  I’ve never seen so many people on my usually deserted beach.

Next year, I will plan on being in the US for this week.  Every hotel, apartment, and hostel are packed. I wanted to go to Tamarindo, but next week I’m going to look at two homes for sale.  The more I think about it, Coco is a better place to make my roots.

I found a perfect home right around the corner from me in the Las Palmas district that is for sale. My neighbors who are Canadian told me about it as they are looking for an investment business here.  They, too, agree that this area I’m in is the more prosperous and safe place to be.  I could walk to town at midnight and feel safe, not that I would, I’m in bed by then, but I could.

This little house is so perfect, but even the realtors are not working. Tomorrow is Good Friday, and I expect the traffic to be even worse. This is the bigger holiday than Easter Sunday.  So,Monday I am going to meet this realtor. Beautiful home, 2/2 huge patio, big swimming pool with a waterfall at the end of the street. Asking $199K, but…may get it for $170K.

I’m serious, I have to stay here till I’m 65 or they change the health care system.  What I pay in premiums a year, I could get a new knee. It’s really bothering me, more here than at “home” standing on cement all day, walking.

All the monkeys are good and the rest of the critters are thriving, too.  I had to work alone today. I’m telling you, it takes forever to feed all the animals. They all have different diets and types of food they eat.  It was busy, non-stop till quitting time, which is when all the animals are fed and watered. That’s what I call quitting time, anyway.  It’s so hot and my knee and back can’t take much more than I give.

Until later…I’m off tomorrow, but have 4 in a row after that. Can’t wait for Brian to get home from the states.

Gotta love that smell. OFF!!  I live in it. It seems no one is immune to Dengue, Zika, or the worst type Ch…something. It’ll put you on your back and in the toilet for a week or more. I go through a can of OFF every week. That’s $10. well spent.  Before I come back I’m getting some stronger, cheaper water-proof stuff with Deet. The Canadians swear by a product called MUSKOL.  We’ll see. Brian is bringing back some eucalyptus-lemon repellent he found on Amazon. Sounds like it smells good, but does it work? We’ll see. Anyway, the smell wears off after a while.

A lot of you folks live in places where mosquitos are a real problem, but I’m not used to it, yet.

Today was Monday, yeah, I’m free for the next two days. On Mondays and Thursdays these guys come by in their German Baking Company truck. Today I stopped them. Oh my, the goodies they’re baking and selling are amazing.  Here’s a quick way to put those 12 pounds I lost right back on.

I bought three croissants for under $5 bucks. That’s a good deal.  The other day I was walking round the corner to the Pescaderia to see what was fresh.  The fish monger made me a mahi-mahi ceviche. HUGE portion with homemade bread for 2,500 or $5 bucks. Two meals.  I could eat ceviche everyday.

Work today, what a hot grind, but I’m free for the next two. Because the town and beaches are packed with folks from the big city, San Jose, I may just kick around here and enjoy my Coco neighborhood and pool.

I live in Las Palmas district. It’s the best neighborhood. So I am going to look for a casa here, too. There’s a lot of condos, but I’ve realized I’m not a condo kind of girl. I’ve seen a few places that look intriguing in my budget, but most are condos (but I could get into a rent pool) when I’m not here. But the rules are quite strict for my taste. This small condo complex I’m in is perfectly situated and has a true neighborhood feel. This tiny complex is laid back and not full of rules. I can walk to everything. It’s gringo friendly, safe, and has anything you’d want within 600 meters. Supermarket, beach, lots of restaurants, hair salons, tattoo, too. Best coffee house in town with real tasting New York style bagels, not that I’m an expert at bagels.

Such a dilemna. Glad I’m not yet having to deal with America and getting pissed off all over again. Don’t even think about the problems. I do read, but only headlines. And there seem to be many these days. I knew Trump would stir the boat, and I’m glad. I’m not paying attention to how he stirs up such hatred amongst Americans, however.  Every American here in CR who I’ve spoken to, except one couple, are here because they hate what is going on at home. Of course, they’re more liberal than me, and I have different reasons for being here.

Here’s some precious pictures to change the subject.

He’s so nice when he’s asleep. Often he gets me when he throws his water dish at me when I feed him. That little rascal.

I was able to do it yesterday. He took a pic with his camera, I must get it from him. But I did pay the price after I got home. I’m not sure if it was the deer or the new baby bunnies, but my allergies got the best of me. Thank goodness for benedryl, 100 mg, took a nap and felt just fine when I woke. The sun was setting, it was a beautiful evening. Cool, yes, that’s right. It was cool, perfect end to the day.

It’s time to begin the contemplation of going home as my visa is expiring soon. I won’t become an illegal because they could not let me back in for 5 years and it’s not worth it.  I really am working toward residency the quickest way possible.

Looking at flights for my return are crazy expensive at this moment…and it’s off-season. What do I do? It’s causing sleepless nights and anxiety. Almost feel like I did at home with too many decisions.

The biggest questions are when to come back, how long to stay, and where do I  ultimately want to live? I definitely do not want to reside in the US, that much I know. I’d head for Tamarindo if not for work. I love what I do with the people I do it with. Honestly, I’ve visited many refuges on my off time, and this is one of the best. If you come to Costa Rica, The Congo Trail, aka, Monkey Trail (NOT to be confused with the Monkey Farm), is a must. There’s a lot of monkeys, howlers and white facers that you can actually interact with and feed everyday.  It’s definitely a highlight for the visitors and for me, too. I love the monkeys.

The only thing about Coco Beach I don’t like is the huge Canadian population from Jan-April. Seriously, everyone is Canadian and French Canadians are difficult and rude.  They truly think this is their town. Now, that they’re mostly gone, there’s a huge influx of Americans, yeah. Disgruntled with the way the US is currently, or retiring somewhere warm and beautiful to cure those arthritic blues. My whole complex, all 8 units, is now occupied with Americans.

Just as I’m learning Coco so well and meeting friends…my MO for sure. Leave and start anew. I keep searching for Paradise and I hope it’s not just a state of mind.

Tomorrow is finally my day off. I feel like this is a job, just worked 5 days in a row to cover for my amigo Brian while he’s in the states, re-uppping the supplies.

EVERYTHING is three times higher here and the import taxes are crazy high, too. I’ve been hearing a lot about the high season not being so high this year.   I think the word is getting around how ridiculously expensive it is here.  Housing, dental, and medical care are cheap, really cheap, but everything else is crazy. Gas $6.00 gallon for regular, for example.

My day off tomorrow I’m going back to Tamarindo, I think.  It’s Easter week here and all the government is on holiday.  All of a sudden Playas del Coco is invaded by big city people. Definitely a clash of two worlds. Beach vs. city community. It’s gotta be the worst week all of the year, so maybe I just hang here. We’ll see. There’s definitely no vacancies if I wanted to stay the night in Tamarindo. It’s only 57 kilometers between Tamarindo and Coco.  It’s all over April 17th. The winter crowd, the city crowd, and high season is OVER. I’m anxious to see how this town really is, but I really want to live in Tamarindo, but only if I am able to buy. Renting, I’m staying put, except moving units for the next year.

This is an example of what you can buy for under $225,000. In Tamarindo, block from beach in quiet neighborhood.  The picture above is a brand new development.  My next door neighbor bought one of these.  Both are turnkey and nicely furnished. Upgraded and I like that. I think I’m done with remodeling projects for a while.

My Tahoe house will be on the market as soon as I get home, if I can’t get a renter for one year while I determine my best options.

Just when I didn’t think it couldn’t get any hotter, we have reached a new level of hotness. It’s really unbearable now.  The bugs are growing in numbers, too. I found a cockroach in my house yesterday morning and the mosquitos are waking up.

It’s like a Louisiana summer, darn. I’m heading back to the states soon. I have found a buyer for my house at the lake. I need to get back here as soon as possible before I let the awesome Tahoe summers suck me in and then I’m there until August.

Because I’m trying to establish my residency as quickly as possible, I cannot be away for long. As soon as I obtain residency, I will be able to cancel my health insurance which is staggering and unbalanced. This is my main reason for moving out of the country; for at least the next five years. I’m learning a lot about the types of residency,proper  documents, the right lawyer, etc. By the time five years are upon me, if Medicare won’t exist, then I die here.

There is excellent medical care in CR. I feel totally comfortable with the sanitation, the equipment, the techniques. It’s just like the states, but about 1/8th the cost.

My days off this week were awesome. Friends came down from Georgia and we had a blast. Took them to my job and then showed them my town. They loved it. Tanya Marie and Jared, the door’s always open.

A mural painted outside my work at the refuge center. Tanya Marie, Jared, and me in front of this amazing painting.

We monkeyed around here for a while. Think Tanya liked him best, too. So hot, ok, I will try not to say this again, went for a swim before a night at Coconutz. Food and lots of drink and karaoke.

My tiny town comes alive at night, once the sun sets. Hopping place and Tuesday nights are the best at Coconutz Bar. For only being a few blocks big, it’s big fun and good food happening downtown, which is right off the beach.

Also home of the Angry Goats Brewery. Since I don’t drink, don’t know how it tastes.

Found another great flip-flop company “Ipanema”. A lot like my freak flops, but these are sturdier. Great designs. I’ll be bringing home lots of pairs.

If anyone in particular wants me to bring them a pair, let me know. I’m happy to get them $13.  Or the freak flops, $26.00 Good quality.

Send me an email or reply to the post.

Recuperating here at home today after the last couple busy days. It’s back to work tomorrow. I think the landlord is trying to make it difficult for me to go.  She bought me a brand new bed, great knife set, and new futon for guests (Hint, hint).

The amount of people leaving until next year is phenomenal.  I had no idea, most of the retired folks come in December and are skirting it back home now.

Today was the hottest and hardest day I’ve had at work. The heat settled in and wow. I know I always talk about how flipping hot it is, but today hot went to another level. It’s almost 11PM and still uncomfortable outside.

I expect as the wet season descends on Guanacaste, it’s going to look like another place. I’ve only seen CR in the dry hot months. I am told by all the locals the best season is yet to come.

I wish it would rain…

I visited another refuge and rescue center a couple hours away from my home.  Mostly highway and only 320 meters of dirt road today. Yeah, but I sure can feel the effects the last trip had on my knee. I can barely bend it. Ouch, but anyway

This is the big cat refuge. The Cougars, Jaguars, Manigordo/ocelot, Jaguarundi, Margay , and Puma cats. boy, oh, boy is the jaguar huge. He’s definitely king of the jungle here. On site they also had a couple of spider monkeys and white faced capuchins. A couple of beautiful scarlet macaws, lots of parrots, and a lovely toucan. A three legged deer and a pig rounded out the lot. Oh, and bunnies. One loose howler monkey, too. I think that’s all.

It’s the work of a woman and her husband from Germany,  long since dead. Mrs. Hagnauer had a fondness for the big cats and saw a need to fill. This was a long time ago, over 50 years.  Her story is a lot like Diane Fossey with her gorillas. This non-profit, The Hagnauer Foundation still bears her name and is funded with the generous donations, entrance fees, and the gift shop. I think those cats eat a lot of meat. While I was there, they were all sleeping, bummer. Feeding time would’ve been fun to watch.

The king of the Costa Rican jungle, the jaguar, aka,”Curubanda”. He was huge. His space for roaming is over an acre all by itself.

Here’s some other cats.

Another pic I bought as I couldn’t see this guy.  I tried coaxing him out of his hollowed out log, he yawed and went back to sleep Small badger like, but cuter.

A very large and scary animal. There were two in this enclosure. The one pacing was hissing while the other slept in a tree.  I didn’t get a pic of these guys, it’s a photo I bought.

So cute, but deadly to a person. Smaller cat with beautiful markings.  He, too, slept in a tree and wouldn’t face the camera. Getting old.

I’ve never heard of these cats before, except the obvious.  This small refuge has five of the six native cats. They all have a story like so many animals at the many refuges around Costa Rica.  When the fines to own wildlife went up dramatically, there were a lot of varied animals given to sanctuaries. Many come in injured and are sent back to the wild. Unfortunately, many enter as small animals and it’s difficult to re-enter them into the wild.

It’s crazy how many refuge/rescue centers there in CR.  It doesn’t matter where you are in the country, there’s a refuge nearby. Some real good ones, some with best intentions, but not the best practices, and some bad ones, too.  But having visited so many, I see the best intentions of the staff to ensure the wildlife have the best chance of survival or a comfortable home for the rest of their lives.