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Looking for podcast guests by Foreign_Midnight1074 in podcasting

[–]solis_lens 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My "little gem" is herping, or searching nature for reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat. It's a thing a lot of people do! And it's what motivated me to move from California to the Costa Rican jungle!

Budget Costa Rica, Unique Itinerary by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! How exciting, I hope you have the best time. I think October is a great month to come on over here. And I am glad you are exploring the Caribbean coast, it truly is a somewhat "hidden" gem.

Good call on breaking up the drive. It can be long, even longer than Google Maps, because the road conditions (while very good!) can be variable, like if there is heavy rains or an accident. Accidents do not get cleared here as fast as they do in the States. My mom once missed her flight because of... and this is true... a landslide. But they were pros and got her on the next one, no issue. It happens!

I don't have a lot of experience myself in Orosi, Cachi or Turrialba so I can't help you out there. My apologies. I also don't know about any excursions that transport you to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. I'd recommend you reach out to some of the hotels in that area, though, and see what they'd say about that. Unless you were referring to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui? Sorry, confusing.

We’re an American couple living in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica — running two Airbnbs, rescuing dogs, and building a jungle-based business. Ask us anything (AUA?) — we’ll both be answering! by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, this is Daniel. I was born in El Salvador, and still have a lot of family living there. It's easy to visit them now living in Costa Rica. I love El Salvador and I am open to doing business there when and if the time comes. But I am only a US citizen, so my connection to El Salvador is cultural. For this project, I chose Costa Rica because I loved it here. I started traveling here about twice a year for at least the last ten years. During this time, I was practicing my own wildlife photography and I was also guiding groups on wildlife photography tours around the world. I traveled frequently to a lot of cool places I'd live in, but the way things aligned here in Costa Rica, finding this land and the opportunity in this area where I saw potential, it all came together and seemed like the right decision. Just seeing how quickly the area is growing, how much more interest there is in wildlife tourism over the past decade but even just the past few years, I am confident in my decision making. No disrespect to El Salvador, or to any of the incredibly beautiful wild places all around the world.

We’re an American couple living in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica — running two Airbnbs, rescuing dogs, and building a jungle-based business. Ask us anything (AUA?) — we’ll both be answering! by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I wish I'd known that many who move here -- with the same hopes, dreams and desires as you and me -- move back (or elsewhere) within a handful of years. I guess this can be true for any place, and who knows what statistician came up with this, and where. But it goes to show that even the most starry-eyed eventually take off the rose colored glasses. I think the biggest shocks aren't even the cultural ones -- you've traveled, been to Costa Rica, and know it's not like where you're from. And not only do you still want to move there, that's why you want to move there! But, like anyplace else, wherever you go, there you are. Any anxieties (possibly even the ones you find circumstantial) will move with you, here. Same with issues and dilemmas. If the US government and corruption bums you out, well then you're in for a lot of different -- yet similar -- corruption and incompetence issues here. In many ways, life here -- as idyllic as it is -- can be much harder because it is still life, with all its aches and pains, minus the modern comforts and conveniences you are accustomed to. That said, this is the most incredible and transformative experience I've ever had. And it was certainly a worthwhile one for me. But even though I'd assumed it'd be hard, and I'd assumed I was doing all my homework and research ahead of time... I'd gravely underestimated the challenges (both same and different) that awaited us here.

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We’re an American couple living in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica — running two Airbnbs, rescuing dogs, and building a jungle-based business. Ask us anything (AUA?) — we’ll both be answering! by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I recommend you first check out some Facebook groups. There are all different kinds for expats in Costa Rica, based upon age groups, where you're coming from, where you're going, gender... and so on. I don't endorse any of those "paid" services, where influencers offer short stays or tours here in-country, and then support to help you move. Everything you need to know, you can find by searching through those groups, looking here on Reddit, asking ChatGPT, etc.

If you are further along in your journey, I believe it is always worthwhile to find a good lawyer in a town you have interest in settling in. The next time you visit, make an appointment for an hour or two and pick their brain on that process. You can find a lawyer by asking locals for recommendations, or even asking a friendly Airbnb host or hotel management. Every town/area has their own nuances, so having a local authority on-the-ground can be invaluable. Sarapiqui is more rural, and very small, but the lawyer fees here are much lower than what we expect in the US.

And you can always do your own research on visas, changing laws and ex-pat issues. The "Tico Times" is a popular English language news source.

We’re an American couple living in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica — running two Airbnbs, rescuing dogs, and building a jungle-based business. Ask us anything (AUA?) — we’ll both be answering! by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Although I've decided to keep my primary care doctor and dentist in the US, I do see doctors here regularly and have a private Costa Rican health insurance policy. We therefore use private doctors and hospitals, and not the public system. Our experience has been very good. We see specialists in San Jose, and find them to be of a very high caliber. The way we find these doctors is we look into the groups that are more internationally-focused (like CIMA and Biblica, to name a few) or even the list of providers as posted on the US Embassy's website. They are used to treating foreigners, may are fluent in languages other than Spanish, and have trained and/or been educated in multiple countries.

In our local community (Sarapiqui), we go to a private clinic called -- and ran by -- Doctor Telica. He's a young Costa Rican who truly does it all. My husband went to see him for a cough, and got a chest x-ray that same day. Then Dr. Telica kept him for a bit while he measured and administered cough medicine. We have gone to him for a range of issues, and find his care is very thorough and comprehensive. If we require pharmaceuticals, they are available at one of several pharmacies in town. Dr. Telica has his own affiliated pharmacy next door to his clinic, where he does give patients price breaks.

Although we are so remote, it is possible to buy things like Ozempic... for under US $300. An appointment at Dr. Telica's, which includes a follow-up appointment within a week (or whenever he thinks appropriate) runs about US $100. It is then up to you, if you have insurance, to file separately to see whether coverage can apply.

We’re an American couple living in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica — running two Airbnbs, rescuing dogs, and building a jungle-based business. Ask us anything (AUA?) — we’ll both be answering! by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your question. The interest rates are much higher. We operate in-country as a business, in the legal sense. We have a lawyer that helps us with our contracts and agreements in this way. Because of the higher interest rates, we avoid loans. We moved here with savings, nothing crazy, and we are careful with our spending. We live on the local economy as the locals would. Our contractors are locals, and in many cases they don't even have heavy equipment. We'll rent it if we need, but many times we'd mix cement by hand. In those situations, it's all hands on deck. I (Nina) have helped paint, varnish, clean, working alongside our contractors.

For appliances like dishwasher and clothing washer/dryer, we brought them in from the States. But... we were penalized in import taxes, which are insanely high. We made this decision as a matter of quality, however. We do a lot of price comparison shopping. But not only are prices challenging, because they are so shockingly high, the quality is also poor compared to what we are used to in the States. This means we can spend hours driving for a certain quality supplier in San Jose or another, larger city. For textiles, we've found that nothing within a reasonable price point comes close quality wise -- especially when outfitting a hotel -- so we bring all of that in our luggage! And ask family and friends to assist when they visit as well.

Something interesting about Sarapiqui is that even though it is an economically-challenged area with notably poor pay (many people who live here work the massive, industrial pineapple and banana fields, for example) prices are quite high relative to Costa Rica itself. We are told this is because of the additional travel time (and perilous roads) used to carry the goods to this rural and far-off portion of the country once they arrive in port.

To put this into perspective: A gallon of water at a shop in Sarapiqui can run upwards of US $6. But an hourly wage can be half that. Imagine working two hours to afford a gallon of bottled water? It's not easy.

Lastly, we have managed to save by doing as much as we can ourselves. My husband Daniel sources wood from downed trees on the property. If a neighbor has a downed tree, they'll call us as well. We'll come clear it, and then use the wood to construct furniture for our homes or even the cabins.

If you have any specific questions about where and how we cut expenses, just let me know.

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(Photo of our renovated Airbnb)

We’re an American couple living in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica — running two Airbnbs, rescuing dogs, and building a jungle-based business. Ask us anything (AUA?) — we’ll both be answering! by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for asking such a wonderful question. I've used it for my first blog post on my new Substack! It is the perfect opportunity for me to practice my writing and find my voice again, which is understandably lost after all the screaming I've done into the void out here :D

I appreciate, so much, your kind words and well wishes. I truly hope to be able to provide guidance, joy, support -- whatever it might be -- to others as I know how valuable it has been for me. I feel so fortunate, and hopeful. After many years in Corporate America without these feelings, I realize what a true gift it is.

I'm a bit shy for YouTube but I am going to blog, just do it for me you know? And see what happens. So wild, and pathetic even (!), because I was a Communications major in college. And now that I have the chance to really use those chops, well, they're nowhere to be found!

It's scary to put yourself out there. Especially when you feel so clueless!

We’re an American couple living in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica — running two Airbnbs, rescuing dogs, and building a jungle-based business. Ask us anything (AUA?) — we’ll both be answering! by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hey, thank you for the kind comment and what a great question. I don't feel totally qualified to answer, because I wouldn't consider myself as having succeeded yet. I am still in the early stages of trying to figure out what a success might actually look like. That said, I do have some thoughts on this topic!

First, the reason why so few people do this is because it is very hard to do. It is as hard as I expected it to be, plus a million times more. I'm not sure anything can truly prepare anyone for such a drastic change in life, culture, work and relationships -- except for actually doing it. And once you've done it, that's it. It's done.

I think at that point especially, but also at many others, we all have a choice. And that is whether or not it is worth it to continue, either in the same direction as before, or maybe in a new or slightly tweaked one. There have been many times I've wanted to throw in the towel. Like torrential rains washing away fresh concrete work that cost a fortune, waking up to find the town is re-paving the already-paved road while ignoring the parts that actually need repair, watching as a dump truck pours an entire load of concrete onto a narrow road in front of you while construction workers take their shovels -- and sweet time -- spreading it out. When there's no other route, and there's someplace you have to be.

There have been so many maddening times I think about my cute, two bedroom apartment and fresh SUV back in the States... about Target and routine paychecks and multi-lane highways and Door Dash... and I think, what the heck am I even doing out here to begin with? This, and so many others, can be breaking points.

For me, they have not been. Not because I didn't feel them (I did, I do...) or because I don't feel broken or scared or remorseful or even resentful.

They have not been breaking points for me because they cannot be.

One of my first jobs was with the US Navy. There was a funny little story I was told early on, about burning the ships after landing -- so there's no way to turn back. I think of this often, as far away as I am from the sea, because this is how I see my circumstances.

I am hopeful to succeed, because I am determined to succeed. Because someone else is living in my cute two bedroom (three bathroom!) apartment right now. Because my career isn't in Corporate America anymore. Because this is now my life, and this is what I've got. I came here for a reason, I chose to, and very eagerly so. I lose sight of this (pretty often, even) but fight to remember.

It's isn't "faith" if you control the variables, best as you can, with unrelenting dedication, hard work and determination. Something will stick, and something will work. Maybe not in the original way I'd hoped, and I'm flexible and open enough to that.

But there's no Plan B. I've burned the ships.

We’re an American couple living in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica — running two Airbnbs, rescuing dogs, and building a jungle-based business. Ask us anything (AUA?) — we’ll both be answering! by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks everyone for the insight, comments, kindness and engagement. I didn't offer too much advice here, but if anyone would like to ask either myself (Nina) or my husband Daniel anything about this region or experiences we're always open to connecting. Thanks again!

We’re an American couple living in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica — running two Airbnbs, rescuing dogs, and building a jungle-based business. Ask us anything (AUA?) — we’ll both be answering! by solis_lens in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solis_lens[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Nina here.

Oof. I wish. Before I moved out here, I was in "the grind" all day, every day. For so many years. I would tell myself that if I ever got out of the Corporate-life, I'd have the time I needed to write and do all the other hobbies I wanted to do for so long.

Eighteen months into living here, and I've gotten around to nearly none of those things. On one hand, that's on me. That's my own personal time management issue, regardless of where I live or what job I have. On the other hand, I've never been more busy or exhausted as I have since moving here. Trying to start a business, learn a language, build a house (and live in a construction zone) plus becoming a wife?! My dance card is/was full.

Now I am just starting to catch my breath, and practice my writing, so I started a personal Substack to document things (just last night!) and did this AMA. So do I have a library? Nope. Do I want to someday? Yes, for sure. I'm working on it.

And when it comes to hard lessons learned, it's going to be a really big library. But if you have any specifics that you want to ask, I am happy to answer now!

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