Costa Rica Good News Report
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Kevin's Corner Page 3. .
Sharing good-news stories, adventures & poems about Costa Rica & the Pura Vida Lifestyle every day!
The Big Safari. . In Search of a New Driver's License:
Every 6 years, like clockwork, there's a task that makes its way back onto the to-do list. It's not the most exciting adventure, but it's one that needs to be done. . the renewal of a driver's license. This seemingly simple chore becomes an event, a “big safari,” if you will. So, with a sigh of acceptance and a little bit of preparation, the journey begins.
First. . The Requirements:
The process starts off with gathering the necessary paperwork and preparing for the inevitable small hurdles. Thankfully, the renewal doesn't require any of the stress-inducing written or road tests. No parallel parking under pressure or recalling obscure traffic laws. However, a medical check is required. The most important aspect? An eye test to confirm that the world in front of you isn’t just a blur of colors and shapes. It’s a sensible precaution, of course. After all, seeing where you’re going is quite fundamental to driving.
The Government Fee:
Ah, the payment. It’s a small sum, relatively speaking. Certainly not something that would break the bank, but a mandatory part of the process. After all, it's the government and revenue is part of the deal. The amount may not be overly burdensome, but it’s the receipt that holds the key to getting serviced. No payment, no license. So, ensuring that the receipt is tucked away safely in your wallet is essential before setting out.
The Search for the Office:
Now, for the trickiest part of the safari. . finding the office. In theory, this should be easy. It’s the same office that’s been in the same location for years. Yet, as experience has taught, the brain has a funny way of erasing such memories over time. Mistaken turns are almost guaranteed, despite having been there numerous times before. Luckily, the navigator, a trusty companion, will be sitting in the passenger seat, ready to assist. Their role is crucial in this adventure, serving as both moral support and a second pair of eyes to catch those elusive road signs.
The Timeline:
Estimating the time for this journey is always a bit of a gamble. Optimistically, the round trip, including the license renewal, could take about two hours. That’s assuming there are no unexpected detours, no extra-long queues, and no forgotten documents that require a hasty return home. Of course, “hopefully” is the key word here. Realistically, the time could stretch out, as these things often do. But with fingers crossed and a good attitude, two hours is the goal.
And so, the big safari begins. It's not an expedition to uncharted territories, but rather a familiar journey through the bureaucratic wilds. With everything in order, the hope is to return with a shiny new driver’s license and a feeling of accomplishment, ready to take on the roads for another 6 years. And of course, every 6 years at this time, we gaze at our new photo and can't believe that THAT'S the same person who was photographed 6 years prior!
Today's Story!
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The Many Reasons Why Kevin LOVES Costa Rica. .
We Love Shopping at Local, Mom & Pop Stores. .
We don't really need that much anymore! We haven't made a big purchase like a washer or dryer in years. However, we do like to eat quality, fresh food. Just down the street, Juan Carlos and his wife, Dora have owned the meat store for at least 20 years. We buy our pork and beef there. Dora always adds a little bit more to my order whe Juan Carlos isn't looking! In Santa Ana central, we buy a fresh loaf of bread every three days or so. Wow. . a little butter and strawberry jam. . can't beat it. And the little soda down the street serves the best coffee and Gallo Pinto in the entire Central Valley! Sometimes they run out of Lizano sauce, so I always bring my own. It's fun shopping local and we know that we're helping out the hard-working people of Costa Rica. At times, if we do need something you can't get locally, we always have Walmart and PriceSmart to fall back on! Pura Vida. .
There's MORE Reasons Why Kevin LOVES Costa Rica
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In the Wee Hours of the Morning, It's Either a Rooster or Birds Chirping
that Wake Us Up. .
We get up early. As you may know already, in Costa Rica, the sun rises very, very early. I don't know too many people who sleep 'til noon here. Additionally, it gets dark early. Many folks our age go to bed around 8:00 pm! "Early to bed. . early to rise. ." Nobody needs alarm clocks here. If you live by the rainforest, then the howler monkeys will cause a racket and you'll be up before dawn. Here in Santa Ana, we have a tireless rooster with a huge set of lungs. He'll say, "HOLA" to us a few minutes before the crack 'o dawn! And if he sleeps in for some reason, the birds will be covering for him. We're surrounded by nature from dawn 'til dusk! Add on to this a couple cups of fresh, hot coffee and it's a perfect way to start one's day.
About Halfway Down the Hill, We Discovered Our Own Private Waterfall. .
Magical. . that's how we describe our lives now. Going on 35 years here in the land of Pura Vida and everyday, we are hit with something else that amazes us more than the last time we were amazed! Our heads may explode one of these days! Last month, we decided to drive due west towards San Mateo and Orotina. We drove about three miles north from the major highway and stopped in to see our friends' property which measures a little over 150 acres. They spend a lot of time in Europe, so we had free reign of the entire property. We met Carlos and Jesus, the caretakers of the property and they had two horses saddled and ready for us. Sue and Stanley, the owners of the acreage, left us a map. We had a lunch packed and in about 30 minutes, we turned the corner and were greeted by a 45-foot waterfall with a nice, shallow pool below. A big, flat rock guarded the scene. . a perfect place to enjoy our sandwiches and salad. Wow, what a day! The horses had a chance to relax and so did we. We're going back in a week and think we'll ride the opposite direction. . there's a beautiful high spot on the property from where we can catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. So many wonderful interactions with nature here in Costa RIca! This is another reason why we love it so much.
We Always Love to Prepare a Big Pot of Soup on Saturday Morning . .
We look forward to "Soup Day!" We have a big pot that used to belong to my great-grandmother back in Ireland. I would guess that this big pot has seen perhaps 5,000 batches in its lifetime and we are still going strong, adding at least 52 more batches to the total every year! I do not like onions, so we don't add them. . everything else goes! Many of our ingredients come from our backyard garden. .basil, zucchini, cabbage, seasonings (an old Irish recipe that I can't disclose). . and a lot of love. Sometimes, we'll add some pulled chicken or some pork or beef. We prepare enough to pass around a bowl or two to our neighbor, Ana. Saturday mornings are special and we'll never stop celebrating our traditional Soup Day! In Costa Rica, everyday is special. . it's the little things in life that seem to stand out here in the land of Pura Vida!
Every Day, We Bask in the Glory of the Culture Here in Costa Rica. .
As you already know, Costa Rica boasts a rich and vibrant culture that is deeply rooted in its history and traditions. The country's warm-hearted people, known as "Ticos," are renowned for their hospitality and the famous "Pura Vida" Lifestyle, which reflects a laid-back and positive outlook on life. Costa Rican culture is a melting pot of indigenous heritage, Spanish influence and Afro-Caribbean elements, resulting in a unique blend that is evident in its music, dance, and cuisine. Festivals and celebrations are a significant part of life here, with events like the annual Fiesta de los Diablitos and the colorful Carnival of Limón showcasing the country's diverse cultural tapestry. The breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica, from its pristine beaches to its lush rainforests, provides a stunning backdrop for these cultural expressions.
We fully embrace the vibrant lifestyle and rich culture of Costa Rica. We celebrate living here by immersing ourselves in the local traditions and participating in community festivals. Whether dancing to the lively rhythms of salsa and merengue at a neighborhood fiesta or savoring the flavors of traditional dishes like Gallo pinto and ceviche, we make the most of our time in this beautiful country. We love exploring the natural wonders of Costa Rica, often taking trips to visit its volcanoes, waterfalls and national parks. Our appreciation for the local culture is evident in our daily lives. Living in Costa Rica has become a joyous adventure for us in the past 30+ years that we have called this amazing country, "HOME!"
We Appreciate the Little Moments in Life So Much More . .
We have been living in Costa Rica for well over 30 years. We come from a part of the world that experiences extreme temperatures. Throughout our lifetime, we've endured -30 degree temperatures and lots of snow throughout the winter season. Now, living in Santa Ana, just west of San Jose, we are blessed with beautiful days, one after another. Our morning walks are more cherished than ever before. As we grow older and wiser, we appreciate these precious moments even more. Not only is our time together incredibly special, but with the stunning backdrop of Costa Rica, we have more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether it's a walk around our neighborhood, sipping our morning coffee in our garden or visiting the farmers market on Sunday mornings.
We Love Meeting New People & Talking to Strangers. .
Well. . I am a talker! I was a salesman back in Canada and also when we lived in the Bahamas. I've never lost that love and excitement of turning a total stranger into a friend. If I'm walking from our house to downtown Santa Ana, I love to search out a new friend. When I am enjoying a cup of coffee at the soda next to the Banco Nacional waiting for a client, I'll stir up a conversation with two or more new friends. This happens every day. This is all an integral part of the PURA VIDA Lifestyle! In the early 1900's, William Butler Yeats penned, "A stranger is a friend I haven't met yet." I try to live by this popular adage! And it's so easy to do so here in Costa Rica. This is only one reason why we love it here!
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We Usually Eat Healthy, but Enjoying Chicharrónes Once in a While is a Treat that We Allow Ourselves. .
We have a very life-lengthening diet! Lots of vegetable and chicken soup, fruits and veggies. . fish and smoothies! HOWEVER. . once in a while, we give in just a little bit for the local chicharrónes! The neighborhood store has been there for years and a very nice family owns it. We love stopping by once in a while for a big bag of this amazing meat! For those of you who don't know what it is. . a dish of deep-fried meat or rinds that are popular in Spain, Central and South America. The word "chicharrón" is Spanish for "crackling," which refers to the sound the meat or rinds make while frying. Chicharrones can be made from many types of meat, including pork, chicken, beef or mutton, but pork-based recipes are most common in Costa Rica. Chicharrones can also include fat and skin. Like I said. . can't eat this a lot, but a couple times a month won't hurt anybody! Pura Vida!
