Happier Than A Billionaire

PANNING FOR GOLD

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 400ml Dove Shampoo—$7.72

I’m interrupting my Happier Road Trip posts with this one about a good friend. Donovan contacted me on Facebook after reading my books, and it’s been his longtime dream to visit Costa Rica. On the slimmest of budgets, he traveled up and down this country by bus, staying at fifteen dollars a night hostels, and eating at local sodas (tiny, inexpensive eateries).

After his six-hour bus trip from Jaco, we met Donovan in Tamarindo and took him to The Club at Mar Vista in Brasilito. Donovan and my husband each grabbed a mic and jumped up on stage with the local band. They sang Hotel California, which is a pretty gutsy song to sing when you aren’t particularly sure of the lyrics. But they both did great, occasionally looking at each other for the words, which I’m sure Don Henley still does with Glenn Frey.

Donovan fulfilled his dream of visiting Costa Rica, and he did so in a way that was adventurous while not blowing his budget. As with most dreams, when he finally started to live it he feared whether it would live up to his expectations. (more…)

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:20-04:00 August 31st, 2014|Categories: Cost of Living, Uncategorized|Tags: club at Mar Vista, Donovan Twaddle, reader|4 Comments

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART V

Cost Of Living Update: Package of English Muffins — $4.90

While staying at Anne’s farmhouse, we decide to check out what’s up the steep, dirt road. We follow signs for Osa Mountain Village, a mountaintop development that advertises a restaurant and pool. And as you guys know, I can’t pass up a pool.

Just before we reach this development, we see an entrance for Osa Santuario De Animales. It’s a remarkable place with an equally remarkable owner. Many of the animals that reside here were rescued by MINAE (Costa Rica Ministry of the Environment), a division of the government that is responsible for protecting Costa Rica’s wildlife. Some will be rehabilitated and returned to the forest. Others will spend the rest of their lives at the sanctuary depending on their condition.

It’s our lucky day and we receive a tour of this center by its owner, Mike Graeber. He’s a burly man, who speaks with authority and intent. I imagine him riding motorcycles through South America, or logging in Oregon. However, looks can certainly be deceiving. He is a gentle man whose calling is to care for helpless animals that have no other place to go. (more…)

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:20-04:00 August 22nd, 2014|Categories: Nature|Tags: anteater, coati, MINAE, osa animal sanctuary, porcupine, white-faced monkey|18 Comments

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART IV

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Package of 2 Gillette Razors— $4.30

Have you been thinking about writing a novel but never seem to be in the right frame of mind? Look no further; I believe I’ve found the perfect place to get started.

Finca Dos Rios is a lovely, rustic farmhouse located just outside of a small town called Balsar. My friend Anne, the owner, invites us down for a couple of days.

“Jorge, the caretaker, will give you a tour of the property. Are you up for getting on a horse?” The answer is no. I do not want to horseback ride again considering every time I do, I find I’m myself racing up a steep mountain or at the edge of a cliff. I can never seem to find flat ground while riding a horse.

“I’ll pass on that Anne.”

“Ok, but don’t you want to see the ancient sphere?” she asks.

“Wait, you have a sphere on your property?”

“Yes.”

“A real one?”

“Yes, but the best way to see it is by horse.”

Oh boy, this is a game changer. Spheres are one of the biggest archeological mysteries in Costa Rica. They date back to at least a thousand years, and no one is certain how they were carved. They’re usually found by workers clearing fields, and now I have a chance to see one not in a museum, but right where it has been sitting for eons. I’ll certainly get on a horse for this. (more…)

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:20-04:00 August 15th, 2014|Categories: Nature, Tourism|Tags: finca dos rios, horseback riding, jorge, sphere|5 Comments

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART III

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 2.2 pounds of imported ravioli — $10.80

Our stay at Canto del Mar was amazing. We are ready to explore further down the coast when Kelley tells us about a place with an even bigger “wow” factor. She describes it with such passion and one thing that sticks out is that this big, beautiful house runs on solar power. It is one of the first houses in the country powered by alternative energy, and the president of ICE (the electric company) was there for its inauguration. This is a home I have to see so we move down the block to Villa Pacifica.

I know these type of homes exist but never had a chance to stay in one. Villa Pacifica has six bedrooms, an outdoor kitchen, and a tower of towels positioned near the most amazing infinity pool. I stare out over the pool for what seems like hours while Rob runs around the house in disbelief. This place is perfect for family reunions, weddings, or just large groups of friends who love spending time together in a beautiful place. And if you don’t want to spend time together with your friends or family, three of the six bedrooms are tucked away around the side of the house. Kelley has recently completed an extensive renovation on them, and they are a perfect hide-a-way for when your drunk Uncle Benny starts his impromptu Karaoke with an empty wine bottle. (more…)

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:20-04:00 August 8th, 2014|Categories: Nature, Tourism|Tags: Dominical, playa dominical, solar panels, villa pacifica|5 Comments

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 – PART II

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 4.5 lbs of White Rice— $2

Dominical: The place to get a good night’s sleep

Approximately forty-five minutes from Manuel Antonio is Playa Dominical. If you are a surfer, you probably already know that this tiny, beach town is popular for its dependable waves. It’s also a place where you can see the same animals that are up north, but with a twist. Red iguanas lounge on sunny branches overhead and Fiery-billed Toucans dine on palm fruit all along the coastline. It’s as if Dominical was sprinkled with paprika; every animal a little jazzier than it’s counterpart found in other parts of the country. Every time I’m in Dominical, I’m amazed at what I’ll see just by looking up.

The town is made up of only a couple unpaved streets, lined with restaurants and shops. I’ve never seen anyone rushing here. And why would they? This town is designed for relaxation and surfing. (more…)

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:21-04:00 August 1st, 2014|Categories: Nature, Tourism|Tags: canto del mar, Dominical, dominicalito, playa dominical|6 Comments

PANNING FOR GOLD

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 400ml Dove Shampoo—$7.72

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART V

Cost Of Living Update: Package of English Muffins — $4.90

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART IV

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Package of 2 Gillette Razors— $4.30

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART III

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 2.2 pounds of imported ravioli — $10.80

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 – PART II

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 4.5 lbs of White Rice— $2

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