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Visiting for 2 months

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newcombgirl84
  1/9/2017 00:08 EST

Hi, I am planning to retire in Costa Rica and will be visiting from the first of July to end of August (yes, rainy season, I know). I am interested in learning more about Guanacaste and Puntarenas. I teach Spanish, so language is not a problem for me.

Do you all have recommendations on where I should stay --- I want to check out the Tamarindo area and around Jaco Beach, especially. Also, about safety for a woman traveling alone, and the best way to get from place to place. Thanks in advance! Pura vida!

shermanwc
  1/9/2017 06:24 EST

While those months are part of rainy season, in Guanacaste it will not rain all the time and you should still get plenty of sunshine. I would suggest checking places available for rent via vrbo.com.

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Kohl
  1/9/2017 07:26 EST

While I agree that there are nice rentals available through vrbo and airbnb, perhaps a hotel would be better in that you would meet others, since you are traveling alone.

shermanwc
  1/9/2017 08:21 EST

Kohl is correct that you may meet more people staying at a hotel, although they will mostly be tourists.

But if you are evaluating places for future retirement, I feel that a condo is better so that you can shop for food and cook at home, like you would be doing if living here.

Kohl
  1/9/2017 08:42 EST

Agreed Sherman, and I was just going to add that if using vrbo or similar, make sure to find something that is near to town as often the rentals require transportation. A condo would 'fit the bill' with others around, rather than a house.

linlewhammond
  1/9/2017 11:23 EST

Although I have never been to Jaco beach, all the reports I have heard, is that is pretty bad crime wise and lots of prostitution, drugs. Maybe someone else can say different??? But that is what I have heard over and over.

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newcombgirl84
  1/9/2017 11:31 EST

Thanks for the heads up about Jaco!

ILuvCR
  1/9/2017 12:11 EST

Hola, for me Jaco is "Dollywood/ Pidgeon Forge, Tn," with hookers!

Not "Pura Vida"!

efn4
  1/9/2017 13:31 EST

Jaco is love it or hate it. About how old are you? I ask because Jaco is a well known party town so it may be more appealing to a younger crowd.

Cecil52
  1/9/2017 14:10 EST

I didn't mean to Visiting for 2 months. I'm moving to Costa Rica ???? permanently. Oh I turn 65 in February and you're right. My clubbing scene is not high on my list. I'm more the laid back kinda dude.

linlewhammond
  1/9/2017 14:18 EST

Efn4 - she said she is retiring. If I was single, or even as married, from what I have heard will never even visit there.

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linlewhammond
  1/9/2017 16:25 EST

I don't understand. Newcombgirl is who started this post, and now Cecil for the first time is responding like we were talking to you???

Cecil52
  1/9/2017 16:54 EST

I didn't mean to step on anybody's toes. I apologize if I did. I was trying to relate my past experience with a motorcycle accident. I was skittish to even ride in a car because I was afraid of getting hurt again. I'm 6'3" tall and weigh about 230 pounds. It was humbling to be hurt that bad and have to depend on my family so much.

JoIanMc
  1/10/2017 09:01 EST

Personally I would stay clear of Jaco. At 65, even a 'young' 65, I doubt there will be much there for you. If you want a more 'americanized' tourist area Tamarindo will fit the bill. For a quieter area filled with expats try Nosara! By volunteering at the Wildlife Refuge or something, you will be able to meet others. It has a stronger community feel for expats than most others. Coco has a stronger retiree community than many other areas and is probably the cheapest expat area. Dominical/Uvita is lovely too but a car is a must down there.... anyway, there is so much to offer, but it depends what you think is important for you. Spend a bit of time in each area until you find your home and your peeps! That's my two cents.... good luck!

newcombgirl84
  1/10/2017 11:01 EST

JolanMc -- thank you for that thorough explanation of the different areas! It will be very helpful.

Best,

Wanda

linlewhammond
  1/10/2017 12:54 EST

JolanMc - Although we are not looking for a beach area to live, in case we want to take a paseo some day, I wrote down your descriptions as it would / will be helpful in deciding where.

efn4
  1/10/2017 13:36 EST

Whoops! I totally missed the word "retire" in your post. I think Coco beach may be a best fit based on the towns mentioned so far. It's also VERY close to an international airport (LIR) so if you plan to take frequent trips back home that is a nice pro. Nice rentals are way more affordable there than in Tamarindo and I see very affordable condos for sale there.

JASueiras7
  1/11/2017 17:24 EST

Hello, our Corporate Group owns a Bed and Breakfast in San Jose, Costa Rica, close to the Embassy of the USofA and the regional airport Tobias Bolanos. We would be please to accommodate you with special rates for the length of stay your needing.

Pombinha
  1/11/2017 21:02 EST

JASueiras 7
The person inquiring mentioned Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Tamarindo and Jaco,
Nothing was mentioned about San Jose.

newcombgirl84
  1/11/2017 21:06 EST

I do want to stay near the water. Within a few minutes.

newcombgirl84
  1/11/2017 21:13 EST

I forgot to mention I'm doing this trip on a tight budget....I'm divorced with a mortgage to pay while I'm gone. I am fortunate that I am a teacher, so my checks are split over 12 months. Any ideas for staying on a tight budget?

CdnRugger
  1/11/2017 21:55 EST

if you are into the coastal scene...like suggested book two hotels for a week each =different areas....use shuttle services/cabs/buses.....( expensive part)...in those stays you should be able to find a rental for a month fair well priced...cant do it all....but don't want to try either.......just a suggestion to a fellow educator

ILuvCR
  1/12/2017 08:34 EST

Hola newconbgirl84,

with due respect and tongue in cheek but sorta serious,

"Any ideas for staying on a tight budget? "

Nicaragua?

newcombgirl84
  1/12/2017 17:22 EST

Thank you very much! I will certainly consider your very kind offer!

Wanda

pebbalita
  1/13/2017 13:37 EST

yep..and apparently foul mouthed
ones !

pebbalita
  1/13/2017 13:51 EST

There are MANY furnished apartments in much nicer areas PM me for more details >Near the Embassy..is a boring commercial area and I cannot imagine why anyone needs to live there,Do they intend visiting the Embassy daily ?LOL

linlewhammond
  1/13/2017 17:12 EST

Listen to Pebblalita.

Near the embassy is very expensive. If you want to visit pricey marble floor mall and a bunch of stores in traffic and pay a lot for a restaurant meal, stay in US.

newcombgirl84
  1/13/2017 17:19 EST

This was my first post to this forum. I am never surprised the heights and depths to which humans will reach - given the opportunity. Just my observation. As they say: You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

Wanda

Cecil52
  1/13/2017 18:43 EST

Dear newcombgirl84,
I admit I responded to your original post about some information about myself and was called on it. I too believe that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. I'm also a Christian and believe that if a person apologizes when they are wrong then they should be forgiven. I apologize to you newcombgirl84 for overstepping my boundaries by commenting on your post. I still don't know how to start a post so I've been reading all that I get. I understand the purpose and the only experience that I have to draw upon is being in Facebook for 4 years. I used to make mistakes there at first but I'm a lot better now.

Cecil52
  1/13/2017 18:43 EST

Dear newcombgirl84,
I admit I responded to your original post about some information about myself and was called on it. I too believe that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. I'm also a Christian and believe that if a person apologizes when they are wrong then they should be forgiven. I apologize to you newcombgirl84 for overstepping my boundaries by commenting on your post. I still don't know how to start a post so I've been reading all that I get. I understand the purpose and the only experience that I have to draw upon is being in Facebook for 4 years. I used to make mistakes there at first but I'm a lot better now.

newcombgirl84
  1/13/2017 19:33 EST

You are forgiven. Let's all start over??

Pombinha
  1/13/2017 20:29 EST

Cecil 52
Don't worry!
There is no one here who is perfect!
I understood your point of view!
You didn't commit any crime!

CdnRugger
  1/13/2017 20:53 EST

Spoken like a true Christian

linlewhammond
  1/13/2017 21:55 EST

You had nothing to apologize about - I just didn't understand exactly what you were saying. Of course, when my husband and I are talking, it's as if we might as well be both speaking another language.

Cecil52
  1/13/2017 23:03 EST

Hi newcombgirl84,
I, Cecil52 would like that. So to new beginnings. I believe we can have a beautiful friendship.

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