Living in Costa Rica: Answers to Common Questions

Many have inquired about our move and we have enjoyed having the chance to share our limited knowledge about our future life in Costa Rica. Right now, I will stick to the basics and provide answers to some common questions.

Yes, we visited Monteverde on our honeymoon trip six years ago.
Yes, both halves of our wedded partnership have been positively invested in this excursion.
Yes, our children can tell you where our new home is, but considering their age, are not fully aware of what is ahead of them. ...They should adapt just fine.
Yes, we do have running water.
Yes, we do have hot showers.
Yes, we do have internet and phone.
No, we do not need air conditioning and I do not think we have heating.
Yes, there is medical care in town and in the adjacent town. The nearest hospital is at least two hours away.
Yes, there are stores for food, clothing and any basic needs. Indicated by the little shop in the photo, we will enjoy a variety of fresh fruit.
No, there is not a Target, Walmart nor Costco.
No, we will not have a car although we might purchase a bicycle to run errands.
No, we are not shipping anything. Our two checked bags per person will have to suffice.
Yes, I have visited our future home. It is furnished and maybe a little rustic compared to the typical American house.
Yes, I will be speaking English in the classroom.
Yes, we will practice Spanish in daily interactions.
Yes, of course health and safety of our family is of paramount importance! There will be tradeoffs. More on this in the future.

Costa Rica, about the size of Illinois, is a democratic and politically stable country located in Central America, just north of Panama and a few countries south of Mexico. The language is Spanish and many Costa Ricans, speak or understand English, partly due to tourism, and an influx of retirees coming down from North America. We will be living in Monteverde, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country due to its nature preserves located up in the cloud forest. Some benefits from living at 4700 feet elevation include no mosquitos, moderate temperatures that range from 50F to 80F year round, plenty of rain to keep things green, and lots of mud to occupy our little ones as they splash and make pies.

Signed, M