[dsullivan]

Hi Tom,

I haven’t heard of straw bale building in Costa Rica. Do you live in CR now, or are you in the states? I was very interested in straw bale while in New Mexico…lots of straw bale homes being built there…and lots of workshops.Took part in detailing a straw bale (gorgeous!!!) home in Santa Fe. Didn’t think about how this method might work in CR. Most of the people I know who’ve built there have gone with cement and cinderblock methods. If I hear of anyone going straw, I’ll let you know. I wonder how this method would work in rain and earthquakes?

If I locate any info online, I’ll let you know as well.

Diane

[dsullivan]

When we had a small cabina built in Petrero, the builders poured the slab over the plumbing pipes. I was confused by this because doesn’t that make for a difficult time when/if one has plumbing problems. I found out recently from a friend of mine in Montana in the building industry that this practice is being used in the U.S. now as well and who indicated that it does present problems if a pipe breaks, etc. Any feedback on this subject? This is all I know of it, along with my gut instincts. Seems to me that should be discussed with the owner before the slab is poured.

[dsullivan]

Gracias, David. You have been a huge help and a wealth of information!
Pura Vida!!!
Diane

[dsullivan]

Wow! This Panomanian Ins. corp. sounds very interesting. Do you happen to know the name and how we would get ahold of them? Worldwide insurance is the way to go, especially if one plans on traveling around. I look forward to hearing about your experience with the INS agent as well.

Diane

[dsullivan]

Thanks so much for your agent’s number. We’ll give him a call when we’re down there next time. I save all numbers that are given to me re: people to see in Costa Rica. That’s really great that there’s such a fantastic reimbursement program. I’m impressed by that. We used to be members of ARCR, but didn’t reapply after our membership expired. I’m sure they’re good, but we thought we’d check out other avenues for awhile.

[dsullivan]

Do you have any idea how much more expensive the INS would be a month for a couple over the age of 55? Also, what Harvey said about reimbursements of 80-90%…is that for things such as pills, medicines, etc. or for actual coverage of lab work, referred doctors, etc?

[dsullivan]

My computer went down and am just now retrieving my messages. Thanks for the information on this topic Dave. Paul and I are definitely interested in finding out as much as possible. We are going to retire down there in another 1 1/2 years and need to know all the loop holes we can find before the move, especially in regards to health care. We read somewhere that insurance coverage is about $400 a year for a couple, but I like to talk with people and find out the real story. Things can change quckly sometimes, and it’s good to keep up with all the latest. I knew that rentista and pensionado were different from citizenship, but those first two terms always confuse me. I know people often move down to CR and don’t have any intention of acquiring citizenship in that country. So, how do people like that manage to get health coverage? We’ll probably be pensionados at first…and then will consider the option of citizenship. We were told that if we live there 10 years, we can “earn” our citizenship. It’s hard to know, because there are so many different stories floating around.

Anyway, I liked what you said, and also what Harvey said and hope to find out more about this topic.

Diane

[dsullivan]

Hi,
Great! Sure do appreciate you taking time to let me know. I’ll have to give them a visit when I’m down there next time. I may write them a letter to see what they have, and if they have a brochure.

You don’t happen to know if they have a website, do you? If not, I’ll just write a letter.

Thanks so much for your feedback!

[dsullivan]

Ok, thanks for the info. I’ll try looking up stained glass stores in that area and see if any are online. You don’t happen to know the name of the place in Escazu, do you?

Yes, I saw many Atlas brands at a place in Santa Cruz where my cousin and her husband were buying things for their house in Nosara. They bought the more expensive brands because people have said the Atlas aren’t all that reliable or long lasting. Same with coffee makers, etc. Better to pay a bit more and have a more solid appliance.

Is the furniture at Aliss fairly solid and good quality?

Diane

[dsullivan]

Yes, I see your point. Good thing to remember about the parts and how accessible they are there.

[dsullivan]

Ok…so there’s really only one Toyota Dealer, one Nissan (Datsun) dealer, one Suzuki dealer, one Hyundai dealer, etc in San Jose then? Doesn’t inspire much competition, does it? Hmmm. Well, if that’s how it is, that’s how it is! I would imagine there are more mechanic shops though…right? Probably a lot more Toyota mechanics than anything else.

[dsullivan]

That’s great! …they still call it Datsun! I used to have a Datsun in the 70’s. 😉 Didn’t know anybody called them that anymore.

[dsullivan]

Hi David,

Thanks for all the info. I know what you mean about taking your car in for one thing, and when you pick it up they’ve charged you for a bunch of other things you didn’t ask to have fixed. Yep! A common occurance everywhere I guess. Also, what you said about leaving your car all day and catching a cab downtown. I feel the same…there’s only so much that can keep one interested downtown. Downtown’s anywhere don’t much appeal to me.

What you mentioned about the mechanical components being different in CR vehicles was something I was wondering about. When we’ve rented cars for our vacations down there, they usually don’t have the power of the US versions. Hmmm. That’s something to consider…because if we did bring ours down, maybe we wouldn’t be able to get it serviced properly. So it may be that we’ll have to buy there.

I have two cousins living in CR, one in Petrero and one in Nosara. They both bought used Mitsubishi Monteros and love them. They are pretty old, but run very well. There must be Mitsubishi dealerships there as well.

Ok, well with this new knowledge, Paul and I can focus better on what to do. Thanks for your help, David.

Diane

[dsullivan]

Well, those are definitely some good points that I hadn’t considered…at least not all of them. I can see how some of them would be true. I can understand how renting wouldn’t be a good idea. To me, renting is not an option, whether in CR or US. People have very little regard for other people’s property in my experience. In the US, you can live on the same piece of property as your renter, and they still trash the place. The length of time people stay is also a good point. It seems that there are quite a few transients that move in and move out again shortly after. Ok…well, we’ll keep this in mind.

Diane

[dsullivan]

Hi David,

Thanks for the response and valued information. I didn’t realize cars were that expensive there. Wow! But, I see your point…may as well buy one that is new and gets good gas mileage for about the same price as a used Toyota. Hmmm. How are the parts and services departments at the Lachner y Saenz in San Jose? Have you experienced any problems getting parts…or maybe you haven’t had to deal with that at this point since yours is relatively new.

I drive a 2005 Suzuki and love it. It’s a very comfortable car and gets good gas mileage. You know…it may be less expensive to ship it down and pay the duty fees on it than buying a new car there. ??? I have to look into that. I know it’s several thousand to ship…but am not sure what the duty taxes are there.

Gee, the newer Toyotas must be sky high! Well this is all something to think about. Paul and I will have to mull this over. We’ll definitely have to go in and meet the people in various established car parks next time we’re down for a visit, and then check out duty fees on cars.
I appreciate your feedback!

Diane

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