|
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 power
lines closed many roads. Driving was treacherous. 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 excursion to the Coffee Britt
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. |
