Nadine Hays Pisani

THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:34-04:00 January 31st, 2012|Categories: Tourism|Tags: contest, costa rica tourism|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Happy Hour on the Beach- $2/drink

There is only four days left for Costa Rica Tourism Board’s contest Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness . Upon viewing the video, I could not help but notice the similarities between the name of this ad and that of my book, Happier Than A Billionaire. I was excited to think that my story could have had some influence. However, it is obvious that the connection between Costa Rica and happiness has existed long before my book ever did. (more…)

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DON’T LOOK DOWN

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:34-04:00 January 30th, 2012|Categories: Tourism|Tags: adventure tour, rappelling, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, zip line|

Cost Rica Cost Of Living Update: Adventure Tour at Rincon de la Vieja Park—$85/person

Last week I decided to go with a couple friends to explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park. It’s been on my bucket list since moving to Guanacaste, a place with unspoiled beauty and an abundance of wildlife. The drive alone was exciting with bumpy dirt roads one would expect to see in Costa Rica. I’ve said it before and it rings true each time I explore; the best places in Costa Rica are at the end of a dirt road. And sometimes that road will jostle every joint and tendon in your body. It was true for this one, so I knew there was something fabulous at the end. (more…)

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A NOT SO SPECIAL SURPRISE

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:34-04:00 January 24th, 2012|Categories: Cost of Living|Tags: dinner, food, restaurant|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Cost to fix timing belt on car (got rid of the girly noise) and repair horn (which now sounds like a girly moped beep) -$400

Our friends are here from Pennsylvania and they want to treat us to dinner. We take them to a place we normally go—in the LOW season. Rob orders the specials, waving his hands in the air like he’s conducting a symphony. “We’ll have two orders of the coconut shrimp appetizers.” He convinces our friend to forgo the reasonably priced chicken and rice dish to splurge on the fresh lobster.

Everything is great until the waiter brings over the check. Those delicious shrimp appetizers cost $20 each. And the lobster dinner…it was $40.

So when ordering the specials, make sure you ask the price first. But even with that surprise, it was a memorable evening as we watched the sun set while two people made-out in the ocean in front of us.

They didn’t spend a dime and, apparently, had just as good a time.

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LIFE WITH A VIEW

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:34-04:00 January 13th, 2012|Categories: Tourism|Tags: hotels, potereo, views|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: One 14 ounce can of Roma tomatoes—$1.25

My husband always finds the best views. He will drive the scooter up any road, knock on any door, and ask to go inside to take a picture. It’s amazing how many people let him in.

We took a chance driving up a steep road in Potrero and found this beautiful place. Palacio Del Sol used to be a hotel and restaurant, but now it is up for sale. The owner happily walked us around. “It was my dream but now I have to move back to the states,” he said.

I suppose one could buy it as a business, or even just as their personal residence. I know I could get used to swimming around in that infinity pool. For now, I am just grateful I got the chance to stand up here with Rob. And thankful he has the guts to go knocking on people’s doors.

Don’t forget to check out ocean view Saturdays on my facebook page: www.facebook.com/happierthanabillionaire

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GIRLY CAR SOUNDS

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:34-04:00 January 7th, 2012|Categories: Car|Tags: car, car repairs|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Price to fix the cheap alternator I bragged about on another post-to be determined

We are bringing in the car today. Since we had the alternator repaired, it makes a “weeeeeeee” sound everywhere we go. I don’t particularly want to get it fixed since it is a rather pleasant way to drive around. I feel like sticking my head out of the window it makes me so happy.

But alas, the man in the house says this is no good…we will break down. I think he is embarrassed by the sound, if it went “clank clank” or something equally as manly, we would probably be driving it around for the next 10 months.

This trip, I will insist on going to the mechanic in the daylight—you never know when a bay pit will sneak up on you. (If you are reading this my dear husband, I will be bringing that up for a long…long time. Wives have an incredible memory for the dopey things their husbands do.)

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About Nadine Hays Pisani

THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS

DON’T LOOK DOWN

A NOT SO SPECIAL SURPRISE

LIFE WITH A VIEW

GIRLY CAR SOUNDS

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