Live, Laugh, Love In Costa

Best Barbecue in Costa Rica---3 Sisters!

Ask my husband Barry, I am always looking for and frequently find "The Best I've ever had in my Life". He says that's why we're still together.' Here's a special place you must stop at if you have a hankering for pork or beef barbecue.   It is in our combined opinion of eating ribs from Argentina to Texas , that they are the best we've ever had.

The Three Sisters had no cards or phone number I can share, but you can't miss their marker on the way to the beaches of Guanacaste.  Look for the Big Bull and the Howler Monkey in the Tree. Precise Location (Costa Rica directions). At the turnoff for the  Amistad Bridge headed to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Tony Romas?  Forget About It!

Death by Coconut Costa Rica

We just returned from a 2 day retreat in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.  Our destination just south of the popular beach resort of Tamarindo.  Shown in the picture, a ladder next to a Palm Tree and a young Costa Rican climbing high to take out the Coconuts!   Yes, Coconuts have been known to knock out lights and life in Tropical Paradises.  After all Death by Coconut in Costa Rica would be not be good for Tourism.

This is what we call "Costa Rica's Green Season".   Fabulous re-branding of Rainy Season where although it frequently does rain most days, the mornings are typically bright and sunny with about 2 hours of rain in the afternoon (perfect for napping).  Why Green?   The land is simply lusciously green from the rains.   The exception is when we are in proximity to a tropical storm like the one the Southern U.S is now bracing for.   Because of Costa Rica's unique geography we are blessed and not typically in the path of major tropical storms.  The Southern coastline  of the U.S is actually much more vulnerable. 

Travel Weather Tip for Costa Rica:  You can practically pick your climate in Costa Rica.  In September and October we take our Family Reunions and Executive Business Retreats to the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. It's Sunny at the Caribbean at this time of year and we have a lovely Safari Tent Camp which gives our participants a unique experience of sleeping with the monkeys and hearing the sounds of the surf.  Quite simply the weather pattern is split between Pacific and Caribbean so when it's raining on the Pacific, it's often not at the Caribbean and vice versa.  The current Green Season also has plenty of travel bargains for vacationers and residents.

Very Important Note about Climate Variables when Moving to Costa Rica:

We chose the Central Valley Mountains because of a nearly constant 72 degree temperature.  The heat of the beach we decided was not for us day to day (though we love our beach retreats).  However Some like it Hot! Some like it Cool. If you are contemplating a move to Costa Rica, pick your climate then pick your dream house.

www.costarica.org.com

www.retreatscostarica.com

www.businessmeetingscostarica.com

The Beauty of Road Trips in Costa Rica

"You Talking to Me?"  Pancho has a chat with Rosemary"

The beauty of taking a road trip in Costa Rica is your up close and personal encounter's with "Animal Medicine and Mother Nature".  There's something  to be said about the fact that you are likely to cross the path of  birds, butterflies, monkeys and sloths more than you would a Wallmart.   Yesterday I met Pancho while driving across the Pampas of Guanacaste.   He's a big talker and frankly "Had me at Hello"

Keep your camera handy on your exploration of Costa Rica. In the blogs and months ahead, look for pictures and videos of Costa Rica's natural wonders taken by explorers.  Post your own!  Be part of the Nature of Inspiration to be found in Costa Rica,  known as the Switzerland of the Americas.

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D hosts personal growth and leadership retreats in Costa Rica and lectures around the world on creativity, teambuilding and application of wilderness survival skills to business and life.

Visit Rosemary at www.gowildgogreat.com and wws.retreatscostarica.com and www.costarica.org

What's On Your Bucket List? Costa Rica?

I guess even before there was a "Bucket List" I had one.  For those of you who haven't yet caught this great film about two very different men,  who are given a death sentence and a second chance to live, go straight to Blockbuster! I won't give away the nuances that makes this film remarkable but will advise you to create your own  "Bucket List" of things you want to do before "You Kick the Bucket".  Small Things, Big Things, Stupid Things and Yes,  Very Big Dreams. 

The reason I moved to Costa Rica is somehow I got that lesson the hard way, through the loss of my parents who were taken  way before they had a chance to live their dreams.   My Father wanted to go back to France.  He was in D-Day and wanted to see the country he helped liberate and the beaches he once looked upon with such anxiety.  He wanted to return without that  fear and with the knowledge that he had been a part of something remarkable. My mother on the other hand wanted the romantic cruise of a lifetime and wasn't eager to return to France, since my father taunted her with the beautiful Parisian Woman he had fallen for while "Over There".

  Shortly after the loss of both of them within a very short time frame---Yes, sometimes dreams do live and die together,  I read a book about moving to Costa Rica and began exploring the options.   Oh I didn't do something stupid like pack my bags and say "Hasta La Vista" but I did begin looking at the question and research behind "Why Not?".  Why not live in a tropical paradise where the temperature was 72 degrees year-round and I could still continue my coaching and consulting practice?   I was on the road anyway and well frankly after my 7th snow storm in the winter months of battling I-95 and commuting from Philadelphia to  Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Costa Rica really did seem like paradise.

I have lived here over a decade now and despite the inconveniences of things not being quite like home, Costa Rica remains one of the best outcomes and choices on my personal bucket list.

This October, I will have the opportunity to teach at a Creativity Conference hosted in South Africa.  Going on Safari has always been a dream of mine.  I will also be coaching in Paris, France for a week.   My first time ever in Paris and "yes, si, merci" I already know "por favor" will pop out of my mouth when ordering that croissant and surely give me away as a Non-Parisian albeit passionate resident of Latin America.  Note: hopefully by wearing my "D Day Liberation bracelet" given to me by my Father, my non-existent french will be forgiven by discriminating Parisians and I will have a chance to live my father's dream.

Visiting Costa Rica?  Take the Non-Tourist Route:

WOW! In one month, that's two checkmarks on my  Bucket List!   In both countries that I will be visiting as a tourist this fall, I am fortunate that I will be  with "residents" who can show me the real "Paris and South Africa" not the tourist version.  If Costa Rica is on your Bucket List I advise you to do the same or experience what I call a "Learning Vacation".

I fly into San Jose, Costa Rica "alot" and first time visitors frequently tell me they are staying at a luxury resort for 7 days and alas, not really touring the country. It is my view that unfortunately they will not see what I believe is the "Real Costa Rica".  Many of the resorts could be anywhere and trust me, there are parts of Costa Rica that  could pass for  Miami Beach.  Rather I advise visitors to embark on a Learning Vacation with Costa Rica's Rainforests, Volcanoes and Yes, Beautiful Beaches.  Remember "Romancing the Stone" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark"?  Well, it's all here and plan at least 7 days if not 10 to get a flavor for the country's diverse climates and and varied experiences.

Imporant travel advisory about driving in Costa Rica:  Although the size of West Virginia, the distance and unmarked roads of Costa Rica can be daunting. I always advise the use of a reputable agent and if you're not wild about potholes and wild drivers, arrange for a driver or use the excellent in-country air travel or bus transporation system.   It doesn't look far on the map.  It is! 

Also, do keep in mind that your Bucket List should have on it an "Amazing  Costa Rica Adventure".  Yes, do something bold that pushes your envelope!  You must and can fly above the trees strapped in safe parachute gear and discover your Inner Tarzan and Jane.    One of my recent women's retreat attendees was 75 years young and put us all to shame on the Zipline.  (Way to Go Joan on your exemplary and bold Bucket List!)  For sure when you visit Costa Rica, you should also "get wet" and   feel the thrill of White Water Rafting.  If you are  less physically inclined, No fear!  You can still experience a Bucket List adventure by waking up to the sounds of Howler Monkeys and tasting the best coffee in the world, in a luxury tent camp.

This is the Real Costa Rica.  Worthy of consideration on anyone's travel plans and Personal Bucket List for an amazing vacation and a Real Life Learning Adventure!

Go Wild! Go GREAT!TM in 2008 in Costa Rica.

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is the Author of "Go Wild! Surivival Skills for Business and Life" and "Blueprint for Success" with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard.  Dr. Rein is a long term resident of Costa Rica. In addition to her international speaking schedule, she hosts Corporate and Personal Growth Retreats in Costa Rica.

www.costarica.org  www.retreatscostarica.com and www.gowildgogreat.com 

 

    

   

Owning a Business in Costa Rica---Meet Costa Rica's Sweet Entrepreneur

Robin's Kitchen in Central Escazu

Since we moved to Costa Rica we have been enchanted by Robin Emigh, a native of the U.S. who has called Latin America her home for many years.  It's not only Robin's decadent desserts and catered parties that make her so popular in the expat community.  (Chocolate always makes you popular.) Robin is also loved and admired because she lives a life known in Costa Rica as "Pura Vida" or the "Good Life". Robin, active in her church and community is true to both her values and her vision to living and raising her family in Costa Rica.  She is also the hardest working" Single Mother in Show Business".  Not easy raising two children and running a business and living in a foreign country.

Robin recently opened her own store front cafe in central Escazu and it is without a doubt a hot spot/sweet spot for the international community.  Yes, I'm stubbornly proud that there is still no Starbucks in Costa Rica, even though I'm sure we are grateful suppliers of the coffee beans which begin as seed in Costa Rica and end up in your Starbucks Double Latte.  (Note: I do indulge in Starbucks when I'm teaching in The States, though  in my most recent budget, I calculated that if I were to give up my skim decaf lattes, I would have $72,000 extra in my retirement account.

Jumping Java Bean Counting!    Lesson for the day:  Go through the painful task of counting everything you spend in a day and then do the math.  It all adds up.   

Opening a Business in Costa Rica

Robin's Kitchen to me represents the spirit of the entrepreneur who moves to  Costa Rica and creates a living with a small business.  Remember the film "Chocolat".  Ah the divine Chocolatier and her young daughter who come to town.  Well In Costa Rica, there's no mean mayor in town who boycotts your "sweet dreams" because "you're an outsider or foreigner", although, of course, there are  legal and operational machinations involved in doing any business in Costa Rica for sure.  And yes, there are people you will meet along the way, who may not have your best interest at heart and you need to be extra street smart and business savvy. Barry and I started a cafe and art gallery many years ago and in future blogs will comment on some do's and don'ts.   

Cafe Society in Costa Rica:  Where Everyone Knows Your Name:

So if you like the thought of being part of daily "Cafe Society" in Costa Rica and supporting the female business owner spirit,  consider Robin's Kitchen as your Sweet Spot Ritual!  You'll typically find several of us meeting for coffee to chat about the news of the day, books or art.    For sure on this Saturday, regardless of your party affiliation it will be about Senator Obama's selection of Joe Biden, who I have had the privilege of knowing when I was a news reporter in my early career and covering his work in the Senate.  We are both Delawareans!

Then of course there the hope that Johnny Depp, the gypsy/pirate will walk into Robin's Kitchen one day as he did in Chocolat and I'll buy him coffee and an irresistible slice of mango pie.  Ah yes, another sweet dream.

Meet us at Robin's Kitchen in Escazu.  You too Johnny!

Mango Pies, Luscious Chocolate Creams, Quiches, Salads and always delicious Costa Rica Coffee.

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On Childhood Dreams & Dreams Realized in Costa Rica

Dr. Randy Pausch on Living Childhood Dreams 

This week I designed an Executive Training program for the YPO  (Young President's Organization) Forum entitled " Living Childhood Dreams"  I think that no matter how much  success you  may achieve in life, and the YPO certainly represents the successful young captains of industry, it's so very important to go back and shake hands with the child inside responsible for your grown-up imagination.  What were your Childhood dreams?   I'll  confess one of my dreams: I went to Catholic School and use to dress up as a Nun by making a cardboard habit with a black veil and pretending I was the sister teaching school to the other neighborhood kids.  Well,  I guess I am still teaching, (leadership and creativity not algebra,) but have ditched the Nunsense Habit for designer shoes and hopefully more brains and best practices that make a much better head piece.  Tip:    Check out Dr. Randy Pausch's last lecture on living Childhood Dreams on "youtube" and put  his best-selling book on your Amazon Wish List.     As many of you know we  lost Randy this month after a highly publicized battle with cancer in which he demonstrated to the world, "that it's not how much time you have left  in life that matters, it's what you do with it!"

Rest well my friend!  You conveyed a message untouched by philosophers and poets throughout time.  In your own unique style filled with humor and passion you  encouraged all of us to go back to the jungle gym in the backyard  hang upside down and imagine........what if?? 

But who dares to believe in dreams, yet alone to act on them?   Who dares to say what if?'

In this blog, meet Jill and Bob Ruttenberg at the Ama Tierra Retreat and Wellness Center--A couple who moved from the United Statees to Costa Rica to follow their dreams:

http://www.amatierra.com

Barry and I were  thrilled to attend  this weekend, the opening of the Expanded Ama Tierra Retreat and Wellness Center in Costa Rica , which now has an new and breathtaking  yoga and meeting center.  The retreat center also represents the childhood dream of a couple from Tuscon, Arizona (Jill and Bob Ruttenberg).

Jill is a registered herbalist (AHG) who specializes in Chinese and western herbal medicine and a colleague of Dr. Andrew Weil. Jill has had the good fortune to study with some of the best herbalists in the world including Dr. Michael Tierra and Dr. Joel Penner.   Shown here with Tibetan Singing Bowls,   She is also a massage therapist and I can attest that the treatment rooms also shown are heavenly.  I had a Thai massage which immediately brought me back to Chang Mai , Thailand, where massage stations are like coffee shops.  You need at least one shot a day and everyone gets one 

Bob Ruttenberg comes from a career of 40 years in the music business which began the day he returned to Chicago from the Woodstock Festival of 1969. He owned two record stores in the mountains of Colorado in the 70's & 80s and since then has helped hundreds of artists become known and respected, especially in the world of jazz music. Bob's enthusiastic nature and passion for turning people on to good things now allows him to ignite the guests' love of beauty and the arts and to be the innkeeper he has always dreamed of being. He is also working on creating a jazz and world music festival in Costa Rica. Ask Bob to play you something special. You will like it.

. It has been the Ruttenberg's Dream dream to create a retreat in Costa Rica paradise, combining wellness and nature and they have created a sanctuary for those of us who still dare to dream , but need a boost to renew, mind, body and spirit on occasion.  Dreams make all the difference and the passion of the owners is alone worth the trip.

--Due to an excellent menu of spa/wellness services, healthy cuisine reasonable pricing  and the quiet sanctuary environment,  this is an excellent venue for Women's, Wellness and Creative Retreats (Music, and the Arts).  It also works well for Personal Coaching Programs.  I look forward to returning soon to Ama Tierra on a group retreat or in a personal coaching session.   

Congratulations Bob and Jill on realizing your dreams.

Thank you Randy for reminding us of how important are dreams are.

Thanks you Roy Orbison, for reminding us in "Dreams, I walk with you"

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Schedule your Costa Rica Dreams Retreat for yourself or a group!  Explore Living the Dream in Costa Rica on a Personal Learning Vacation.

contact rosemary@retreatscostarica.com

www.retreatscostarica.com

www.businessmeetingscostarica.com

www.costarica.org.

Care of Your Pets in Costa Rica. Yes, they do House Calls

Pet Care is Amazing and Inexpensive in Costa Rica... Help for Street Animals still Challenging

Today our Veterinarian, Anna came to our Escazu house to complete check-ups on the 4 dogs and 1 cat (who thinks he's a dog).  She gave shots to each animal, concocted homeopathic remedies, cut off their  blood blister and gave us pills for one pet's skin irritation.  The bill came to $28.00 U.S Dollars and we didn't need to cart each one of them down to an office and sit in a waiting room with other anxious animals.   Anna works in Santa Anna/Escazu and We love her treatment of animals via a combination of good medicine with homeopathic remedies.  Phone Number 22032833  83824361.

  Moving your Pet to Costa Rica?

Yes, they'll need passports and you need to check with the airlines.  There are certain months and locations where pets can't travel as cargo, due to the warmer temperatures.  It's also not like home in Tropical Costa Rica.  There are new elements for Fido to watch for like poison toads and potential allergies that particularly hit pedigrees.

I found our latest good looking boy Bucky, shown above, not to be confused with my husband Barry, also  good looking, outside of Escazu's Posh Cosmetic Inn.    Trust me he was no beauty when we found him-- ironic since the Cosmetic Inn is a plastic surgery recovery center.  Abandoned and eating garbage Bucky was Infested with fleas and unable to see out of either eye due to matted hair and infection.  It was his lucky day finding me on my hike and since that day he  has become a comical and adored Rein family member

Meet Other Animal Loving Friends in Costa Rica and Stop Animal Suffering Yes

When we moved to Costa Rica we had one Irish Terrier, and one mean cat named  E.B  (I still remember my big concern was not my stuff getting here, but my pets surviving the trip).  Over the years our animal kingdom has grown considerably as we've adopted "zaguates" homeless animals through our work with SASY (Stop Animal Suffering Yes! ) Note: If you love animals, visit  www.sasycostarica.com.  SASY is an organization trying to conquer Costa Rica's homeless animal situation, with spaying and neutering clinics sponsored in poor barrios.  It's also a fun group of guys and gals who know how to throw one heck of a party and have fun doing so     The annual fund-raiser is coming up on November 9th of this year at the Inter Continental Hotel and we're looking for both sponsors and volunteers.  Also Dancers!  This year's entertainment includes music by Harmony Roads and a special choreographed number with the Wild and SASY Dancers.  I have found since moving here that one of the greatest ways to develop lasting friendships is to give back to the community via work on a volunteer project in Costa Rica.  SASY is one example.  Write me for information on how you can get involved and meet some fun people as we plan this year's party of the year for 4 legged friends.

rosemary@gowildgogreat.com

   

Move Over Whole Foods: Costa Rica Markets Can't be beat!

Whether living or visiting in Costa Rica's Central Valley be certain not to miss Escazu's Saturday Market.  Since I have been living in Latin America,  I've become a Food Market Junkie and let me tell you  the market in Central Escazu, situated in the town square is a treat for the senses!  Protected and blessed by the sculptures of onlooking Religious Saints at the Catholic Church, who needs the FDA stamp of approval? 

The Escazu Market features incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables direct from Central Valley farms.  Over the years including several years owning a restaurant in Escazu, we have developed loyalty to our favorite and colorful vendors. There's the Strawberry Woman, the Orchid Man and Mario, whose farm used to adjoin our property  when we lived further up in the Escazu mountains. Every Friday Afternoon, Mario would play festive music as he loaded his vegetable truck - our auditory signal that the weekend was indeed here.   Now I'll admit we  used to get excited about the misting vegetable machines at Super Fresh Markets when I lived in Pennsylvania and still  treat myself when I'm in The States to a visit to the local Specialty Foods markets like "Whole Foods" .I do this just to see the immense varieties of organic and healthy food options available in North America.  However, Barry and I gasp at the prices!  After many years of living in Latin America, I guess we have sticker shock.  For example, today's Saturday market  bill  was under $10.00 and that's with a huge inventory of items needed for a party we are hosting on Tuesday Night.   

But it's more than the freshness and the pricing that makes Latin American Food Markets and The Escazu Market in particular such a treat.   The Saturday Market is where everyone on the mountain celebrates the end of another work week.  Musicians play, Neighbors Exchange News and it seems we all look up to the towering Escazu Mountains.   Gracias "El Senor" for another day in tropical paradise.

Live the creative life you imagined.  Plan a week-long retreat in Costa Rica to re-discover your senses amidst new sights, sounds, tastes and colors.  I love when our  participants get to cook with fruits and vegetables that they have never seen before and in so doing taste life's incredible  possibilities.

www.retreatscostarica.com

"Live, Laugh, Love Costa Rica"

Greetings to Costa Rica.Org Readers!

When Bill Lawrence asked me to write a blog about life and living in Costa Rica, I thought about when I first moved here.  I have to tell you the reaction from my family and friends back in Philadelphia and New York over 12 years ago was total horror! How could my husband and I live outside of the United States and go to a "Foreign Country where we didn't even speak the language?".   They had images of us captured in the jungle, lost in a mudslide or fighting  raging fevers from a snake bites.  So in an effort to put our clan at ease as well as "remind them of what adding a little  adventure can do for your life!"  I wrote a "Letter of the Week" about our transition, our adventures and our new discoveries of life in Costa Rica Paradise.  Much has changed in Costa Rica since we arrived many years ago,  but certainly not our enchantment that moving to Costa Rica was one of the best decisions of our lives. 

In the weeks and months ahead on this Costa Rica.org blog, look for tales about visiting, moving to and  living in Costa Rica.    I believe life is a learning adventure, so I will throw in some tips as well  that I hope will remind you to Live, Laugh and Love every day.  I'll also take you along to South Africa in October with highlights of an International Creativity Conference.

This first article originally published by the Costa Rica Residents Association represents our top 10 list for moving to Costa Rica.  Hope you find it helpful!

Pura Vida,

Rosemary

 

Top Ten Reasons For Retiring/Moving  To Costa Rica!

"As residents of Costa Rica for more than 10 years, we are often asked the reason why we moved to Costa Rica …. so here’s our Top 10 list for those of you contemplating your own adventure, living, working and or retiring in Costa Rica.

10) Climate, Climate, Climate You can almost pick your preferred temperature in Costa Rica and we selected 72 degrees year round at our home in the Central Valley Mountains. But what about the Rainy/Green Season? Sure, we have about 2 hours of rain each day during our "winter" months , but most mornings are beautiful and sunny. That sure beats Fargo in Winter and Phoenix in Summer! We also happen to delight in that expected afternoon rain in green season for a few hours. In fact if you haven’t experienced the sound of rain falling on a tin roof, with a good book, frankly, you haven’t lived.

9) Nature Lover’s Paradise: From rain forest to crisp mountains to experiencing the "Gifts from the Sea’, Costa Rica is a Nature Lover’s Paradise. Each morning Barry and I hike out our front door to the countryside where following a cow on the road is as common and much more delightful than interstate traffic.

8) Health Care: As Business Owners in the United States faced with staggering insurance costs, we sought out a location for retirement that would provide quality affordable health care. Costa Rica has U.S. Trained Dr’s with State of the Art Hospitals and Medical Facilities. It also has a thriving medical tourism industry. When we first moved to Costa Rica, private insurance cost $1400 annually for the two of us covering most of our medical costs and prescriptions. What this meant was state of the art care when hospitalized. Third World? I don’t know about that. In my private hospital room, I had a flat screen t.v. ,dining menu options and a companion bed for my husband to stay with me. While our insurance has increased slightly as we have aged, I believe the care in Costa Rica unbeatable.

7) Adventure: We probably saw too many Raiders of the Lost Ark movies, but we wanted the next chapter in our life after the rat race to be a True Learning Adventure ! Flying through the Forest Canopy, White Water Rafting are just two examples and we have a long list of adventures still on the list. Every day, daily living in Costa Rica is an adventure from exploring exotic fruits to rescuing a sloth. I have to say it beats going to Walmart.

6) Social Community: We could keep ourselves entertained 7 days and nights a week with Costa Rica’s busy and diverse ex pat community. There’s a club for every interest (Birding, Hiking, Bridge, Gourmet Food and Wine, Volunteer Opportunities) just name it and it’s here. Foreign residents find each other at social centers and hubs and groups like the Newcomers Organization that help with the transition of moving to a foreign country.

5) Safety: While we now look back to the good old days when there was virtually little crime when we came to Costa Rica. Sadly we are not immune to the increasing crime rates that you find almost everywhere in the world, much linked to the growing drug problem. Still crime tends to be more property related than violent and so we have added precautions like a home security system. What should be noted is there is more violent crime in most major U.S. Cities in one day, yet the media will spotlight any violent crime against U.S Citizens that occurs outside of her borders. Costa Rica ,it should be noted , is also a peace-loving and stable country with no Army, often referred to as the Switzerland of the Americas.

4) Cost of Living: Indeed there are financial benefits of being a U.S. citizen living in Costa Rica. One of the attractions for us in selecting and moving to Costa Rica was the benefit of the first $75,000 of foreign earned income being tax free,now $84,000; Another? property taxes on our new contemporary home in Escazu, Costa Rica were a whopping $200.00 a year. That sure beat $6,000 a year property taxes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. . There was also no heating or air-conditioning expenses to contend with and the real kicker indulgence for me was massages were $10.00 an hour. I remember saying "I’m so there" There is no doubt, that we could not afford our current lifestyle in the United States and while Costa Rica is unfortunately being increasingly discovered and developed, there are still affordable options for creating a quality lifestyle at a fraction of U.S. prices.

3) Warm and Hospitable Costa Rican People. Pura Vida! "That’s a Costa Rican expression that means "pure life. Sunday morning is our favorite day for walking in the barrio…Mothers and Fathers walking hand in hand with their children to church reminding us of our own childhood. "It’s like the United States in the 1950’s" . There is tranquility and a commitment to family.

2) Connected: Today’s Ability to Work and Live Anywhere. Yes, we have wireless Internet and low-cost phone service in Costa Rica that enables us to work from home on the deck with parrots flying overhead. It’s not everywhere in the country and certainly not deep in the rain forest, but technology has enabled us to work and stay connected with our offices and families and friends. Just 2.5 hour flight from Miami and 3 a.5 hour flight from Houston, we are closer to many relatives and clients than they are with others living within U.S. borders

1) The Mangos, The Monkeys, The Magic: I love to watch visitors in our learning retreats discover their own magic here while staying amidst the jewels of the Costa Rican rain forest. Forever changed from their journey to paradise, their discovery is almost child-like. I developed the brand for my speaking and retreat business from the voices of those who have discovered their own passion here. On seeing lava flow from an active volcano, a child-like WOW would be uttered competing only slightly with the volcanic rumble."

Rosemary Rein is the author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" and co-author of "Blueprint for Success"with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard .Want to explore living and working in Costa Rica? Attend one of Rosemary's 2008-20009 learning vacations in Costa Rica, designed to map out your personal dreams while exploring the beauty of this tropical paradise. Visit Rosemary's web-site at www.gowildgogreat.com or www.retreatscostarica.com  or www.businessmeetingscostarica.com