Rob and Jim corresponded throughout November/December and were hoping to get a sattelite system put in so that we would have high speed internet, and use that for skype phones... So right after the holidays, in early 2008, Jim traveled for a quick trip to meet the sattelite guy, and have him view on site options so we could determine whether we needed 2.4ghz, or 900mhz system. We initially settled 
on the 2.4 system which is cheaper, and adequate for line of sight install. But our power was not yet on... We chose to delay until we actually had power - in retrospect, glad we did....
on the 2.4 system which is cheaper, and adequate for line of sight install. But our power was not yet on... We chose to delay until we actually had power - in retrospect, glad we did....Then at the end of February we traveled back in part for vacation, and in part for meeting of Alazan homeowners. Robs family was visiting so they were pretty much busy with that. We got to enjoy some local travel, and stayed at a new place for us called
Villas Mymosa in Manuel Antonio (see fourth photo of view from patio). We enjoyed the rainforest not far from Parrita (first two photos, the second actually starting to cross that way up high rope bridge), horseback riding on the beach (third photo) and otherwise took time to enjoy ourselves. We still have not attempted zip line tours. I know we will, and once we do Jim will absolutely love it - but crossing that fear the first time always a challenge...
Villas Mymosa in Manuel Antonio (see fourth photo of view from patio). We enjoyed the rainforest not far from Parrita (first two photos, the second actually starting to cross that way up high rope bridge), horseback riding on the beach (third photo) and otherwise took time to enjoy ourselves. We still have not attempted zip line tours. I know we will, and once we do Jim will absolutely love it - but crossing that fear the first time always a challenge...We then spent time working on the 
determining the exact position of our casita. I have to admit, we nearly gave up on the whole concept this trip. Communications were awful, with so many systems breaking. At one point we sat down, said to each other we'll try this call one more time. If we don't hear from Rob, we'll give up and maybe pick up on building in a couple of years....
determining the exact position of our casita. I have to admit, we nearly gave up on the whole concept this trip. Communications were awful, with so many systems breaking. At one point we sat down, said to each other we'll try this call one more time. If we don't hear from Rob, we'll give up and maybe pick up on building in a couple of years.... We determined during that time that we'll leave it to fate, that trying was not getting us anywhere, letting go the most peaceful way. And moments later, Rob knocked on the door.... Go figure....
Anyway, this last photo is of overweight Jeeeem signaling the front corner (approximately) of what would become our casita. When you compare this photo, from February 2008 to now, there has been a huge amount of progress. I imagine the other thing one will notice is how much dryer it is in February. If you review the main building blog, you can almost see the progression of rain; even though Alma dumped a ton of rain in May (unusual).
Anyway, the big message here on this post is how close we came to abandoning the whole notion of building... What it did though was help us to throttle back our expectations of speed. Many know when they ask "when will you be done building" my answer is always "in the future".
Anyway, all along, we're identifying with Costa Rica as a future home, and getting a better bead on breaking the "ideal" view to the "real" view - important steps...
Thanks for reading... To be continued....
Jim and Dick
