... Living in Costa Rica (3 day tour) ...
by Christopher Howard M.A.
Author of The New Golden Door Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica

Arrival
People arrive. We meet them at the airport. Our sign reads: "LIVE IN COSTA RICA TOURS." You can't miss us. We'll have a welcome dinner if your flight gets in early. In any event there will be a Accomodations at the Hotel Presidente.

Day 1
(Last FRIDAY to coincide with the monthly seminar at the Resident's Association)
Morning highly informative seminar at the Resident's Association. Lunch break at Tiny's Gringo Sports Bar. Afternoon visit or drive by Clínica Bíblica, Mall de San Pedro, Universidad de Costa Rica, El Hipermás, La Sabana, Rohrmoser, new state-of-the-art in Escazú and Multiplaza and all of the areas in San José where foreigners live . We pick up the dinner at the beautiful Pico Blanco restaurant overlooking the Central Valley.

Day 2
All day trip by bus or car around the Central Valley to see the places where many foreigners live: Escazú, Santa Ana, Alajuela via la Guácima, Heredia and San José de la Montaña. Lunch at La Cocina de Doña Leyla in Heredia, by far the best typical Costa Rican restaurant in the country and very reasonable since we are picking up the tab.

Day 3
Walking tour of downtown San José--Central Market, Barrio Amón, historic buildings, top of the Holiday Inn to take photos and enjoy the spectacul;ar view and more. Lunch of your choice (this one's on you). Scheduled afternoon meeting with individuals or couples to answer final questions, provide you with additionalcontacts and possibly meet with some long-time residents who will share their experiences.

PRICE PER PERSON: $1049 * AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED
( If there are three or more people for the 3-day tour thecost increases by $100 because a larger vehicle will have to be rented).

SEMINAR PROGRAM (From day one of both tours)

9:00 Welcome by Robert Miller
9:10 Real Estate - Buying, selling & Renting by Mercedes Cast (Remax Reality)
9:30 Questions About Real Estste
9:40 Costa Rican Laws & Regulations by Lic. José Carter
9:55 Questions about Costa Rica's Laws
10:05 Residency by Lic. Romulo Pacheco
10:20 Questions about residency
10:30 BREAK FOR BRUNCH
10:45 Moving and Customs by Charles Zeller (ABC Mudanzas)
11:00 Questions about Moving and Customs
11:10 Insurance in Costa Rica by Dave Garrett (Garrett y Associates)
11:25 Questions about Insurance
11:35 Title Guarantee by Christopher Hill (Stewart Title)
11:45 Questions about Title Guarantee
11:55 Banking by Banco ELCA Tel: 258-3355
12:10 Questions about Banking
12:20 Health System in Costa Rica by Dr. Carlos Salazar
!2:35 Questions about the the Health Care System
12:45 Living and Retiring in Costa Rica by Grace Woodman (ARCR Member)
1:00 Closing Remarks

There will be a rafflle at the luncheon for a 5000 colón dinner certificate compliments of LA FUENTE DE LOS MARISCOS

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
powerlines closed many roads. Driving was trecherous. 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 excusion
to the CoffeeBritt 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 spaek 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.