Author: Carolyn McClain

Our friend Sid arrived in Tamarindo Friday afternoon Sept. 2 by air. After a quick introduction to the village and beach of Tamarindo, we drove back to Playa Grande. Before we left Tamarindo, the rain began. Before we had reached Playa Grande, the water was pouring down in 50 gallon drums full. So a few … Continue reading “Sid’s Visit and Monteverde Cloud Forest”

Lesson #2 When you live in your bathing suit, it’s a good idea to rinse the sand out from time to time.

Last week, we took the immersion course at the Wayra (y-rah) language school in Tamarindo. We were in two separate classes, and spent time on conversation, verb conjugations and vocabulary. We’re both a little better off for the training, but disappointed that the classes didn’t propel us forward more. We’re practicing often and getting better. … Continue reading “Spanish School and Your Spanish Lessons”

As described in the August 31 entries. Here are some photos of us enjoying the lighthouse’s (semi) private pool and the lighthouse itself. Here’s Carolyn cooling off in El Faro pool. And here, Fred resurfaces in El Faro pool. And here is the Faro from outside – see its tower shape.

Pictures coming soon! Could we live at the beach? Could we live in Costa Rica? Can we live quieter, slower lives? Could we do it without killing each other? These were some of the questions that drove us to spend this extended vacation and what I call “sampling retirement”. So we found ourselves a place … Continue reading “Our Lighthouse”

Hi, Fred is celebrating his birthday today. A dip in the ocean at Playa Grande, a dip in the pool at our Faro, a local ice cream treat, and “lunch” at our local internet dive. (It’s too low rent to call it an internet cafe.) I’ll be treating him to dinner at a fine restaurant … Continue reading “Happy Birthday Fred!!!”

Run the faucet water for a few seconds before putting your toothbrush under it. It saves the shock of having a little brown frog with black eyes land on the bristles. (for you and the frog!)

Editor’s note: Kirsten M. pointed out that Bentley is not very well represented in our blog. So this chapter is about his adventures. Since Bentley’s not always able to express himself, this will be a ghostwriter’s guess at his impressions. Woof! I’m Bentley! Rrrr! We are driving and driving and driving all over the place. … Continue reading “Postcard from Bentley”