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Our Adventures in Video...
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From the time we
decided to begin researching our possible retirement in Costa Rica, it
was our intention to chronicle our adventures on digital video.
Beginning with our first due diligence trip to Costa Rica through the
present day, it will be our objective to report honestly about our
experiences researching, moving to and living in Costa Rica, be they
good or bad.
It will be up to you to decide if such
an adventure is for you.
HOW THE VIDEOS ARE
ORGANIZED
The videos are organized two ways,
NUMERICALLY (by chapter number) and by
CATEGORY.
If viewing the numerical list, to view more of the same category, click
on the category description next to the video title.
Enjoy and have fun. If you have any
questions, please feel free to
CONTACT US anytime.
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NUMERICAL
LIST - CHAPTERS
1-19 |
CATEGORY |
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01 |
What, When and Why:
Our first video which explains why we have decided to move to
Costa Rica. Uploaded 11/3/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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02 |
Heading To Costa Rica:
Our plans and expectations for retiring in a foreign country.
Uploaded 11/3/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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03 |
The Due Diligence Tour:
The first research tour taken in September 2008 with the goal of learning more
about Costa Rica as a future home. Uploaded 11/3/2008. |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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04 |
The Tour Rages On:
The research tour continues with meetings with movers and ARCR management.
Visiting the MOPT to get our first drivers license. Uploaded 11/3/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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05 |
The Klipper's of Esparza:
Having first met online through the ARCR Forum, we meet Deb and Rob Klipper who
talk about their thoughts of Costa Rica. Uploaded 11/5/2008 |
EXPAT STORIES |
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06 |
Why Costa Rica:
Look before you leap! The more information you can gather, the better your
decision process. There is no substitution for good research.
Uploaded 11/5/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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07 |
Language Is The Key To Personal Safety:
Discussion about safety and security concerns living in Costa Rica.
Uploaded 11/5/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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08 |
Research is the Key:
Look before you leap! There is no substitution for good research. Uploaded
11/5/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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09 |
Healthcare Concerns:
Our decision to retire in Costa Rica was driven primarily by the excessively
high cost of healthcare in the United States. Uploaded 11/6/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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10 |
The Challenge of
Transportation:
Driving on Costa Rican roads are (at best) a challenge. Things are
different here. You need to be prepared. Uploaded 11/6/2008 |
TRANSPORTATION |
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11 |
Licensed to Drive - Part
II:
Andy and Fran talk about the process of acquiring a drivers license and how it
may be best to enlist the aid of a friend in this process. - Uploaded 11/6/2008 |
TRANSPORTATION |
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12 |
Ship a Car or Buy A Car:
Cars in Costa Rica are expensive. Andy and Fran discuss some of the
thought processes they went through in their decision. Uploaded 11/8/2008 |
PACKING AND SHIPPING |
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13 |
It's Always Mañana in
Costa Rica:
The pace of life in Costa Rica is very different. Going with the flow is
the key to surviving Costa Rica's mañana mentality. Uploaded 11/8/2008 |
CULTURE & CLIMATE |
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14 |
Residency, Is It For You?:
Achieving residency is not easy. The process can be long and frustrating.
Here are a few tips. Uploaded 11/8/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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15 |
If You Don't Like The
Weather... Move!:
Costa Rica offers some of the most diverse climatic conditions anywhere in the
world! Uploaded 11/8/2008 |
CULTURE & CLIMATE |
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16 |
How Affordable Is Costa
Rica:
It's possible to lower your cost of living here, but you will need to make some
lifestyle changes. Uploaded 11/8/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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17 |
Buy or Rent - What's Best
For You?:
Fran and Andy talk about their philosophy on renting long term rentals versus
buying property. Uploaded 11/8/2008 |
HOUSING |
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18 |
The Transition Begins:
The house goes up on the market in the US in October 2008. There is
no turning back now. Uploaded 11/8/2008 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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19 |
Visiting The Costa Rican
Consulate:
A visit to the Costa Rican consulates in Atlanta and Miami is made to expedite
residency documents. Uploaded 12/20/2008 |
LEGAL
MATTERS |
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CHAPTERS 20
THRU 39 |
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20 |
A Legal Perspective:
An interview with Costa Rican Residency Attorney Romulo Pacheco discussing the
new Immigration Laws. Uploaded 6/20/2009 |
LEGAL
MATTERS |
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21 |
Due Diligence Trip #2:
In January 2009, a second trip to Costa Rica is made in
preparation for their planned move. Uploaded 6/20/2009 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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22 |
House Hunting in Grecia:
We focused on Grecia as out initial place to live. But if that plan didn't
work out, we had a "Plan B." Uploaded 6/20/2009 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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23 |
Final Meeting With Residency Attorney:
See what happens after your final paperwork is turned in to residency attorney.
Talk about process! Uploaded 6/20/2009 |
LEGAL
MATTERS |
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24 |
January 8th Earthquake:
It's just another day in Costa Rica, except today we experienced a major
earthquake. Uploaded 6/20/2009 |
EXPLORING |
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25 |
Road Trip to Guanacaste and Esparza:
Our business is done. Now its time for a road trip to visit with new
friends on the provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste. Uploaded 6/20/2009 |
EXPLORING |
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26 |
Boomers Update: Moving Day Minus 4:
With only 4 days before loading, Andy discusses the status from the confines of
his favorite hangout, the Dilworth Coffee Shop. Uploaded 3/17/2009 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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27 |
Don't Make Promises You Can't Keep:
When your friends learn you are moving to Costa Rica, they all tell you that
they are coming for a visit. No way Jose! Uploaded 4/8/2009 |
WHIMSY |
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28 |
Sell It, Pack It, Ship It, Part 1:
Selling off household goods and beginning the packing process. Uploaded
4/12/2009 |
PACKING AND SHIPPING |
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29 |
Sell It, Pack It, Ship It, Part 2:
The packing continues. Don't skimp on the tape. Buy the good stuff
because the cheap stuff is garbage. Uploaded 4/18/2009 |
PACKING AND SHIPPING |
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30 |
It's All About Containers, Part 3:
As the packing continues, choosing the right container is important.
Uploaded 4/23/2009 |
PACKING AND SHIPPING |
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31 |
Suitcases Up The Wazoo, Part 4:
Packing for the airport and suitcase packing tips. Saying goodbye to our
home of eleven years. Uploaded 4/29/2009 |
PACKING AND SHIPPING |
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32 |
Our Shipping Container Has Arrived:
All the anal retentive planning that went into our move proved to have worked.
Our goods arrive in perfect condition. Uploaded 6/29/09 |
PACKING AND SHIPPING |
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33 |
Buy vs. Rent, The Debate Continues:
Home construction is different here in Costa Rica. Know what you are
getting into before you step in it! Uploaded 6/28/09 - Please read
disclaimer |
HOUSING |
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34 |
All I Wanted Was Super Glue!:
Andy recalls a recent incident in which local residents went overboard to help
repair his car. Uploaded 7/4/2009 |
CULTURE & CLIMATE |
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35 |
Trash Management 101:
Depending on where you live in Costa Rica, you may be on your own for garbage
removal. The Browne's go green by building their own own composting
system. Uploaded 7/7/2009 |
HOUSEHOLD TIPS |
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36 |
Road Trip to Jacó Beach:
With plenty of time on our hands, Fran and I head off to the town of Jacó for
some sun and fun in Costa Rica's number one tourist town. Uploaded
7/87/2009 |
EXPLORING |
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37 |
Choosing the Right Retirement Tour:
Taking a professional tour is essential to your due diligence process before
making the leap to move here. Uploaded 7/18/2009 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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38 |
Saving Money The Old Fashioned Way:
Why pay a barber two bucks or even five bucks to cut your ever receding
hairline. It's like money in the bank every time Fran cuts my hair!
Uploaded 7/28/2009 |
HOUSEHOLD TIPS |
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39 |
Fly Like Superman On A Canopy Tour:
Experience the safe but exhilarating thrill of flying across tree tops on a
Costa Rican zipline. Uploaded 8/18/2009 |
EXPLORING |
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CHAPTERS 40
THRU 59 |
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40 |
A Day At The Beach:
Join the ladies and hubbies from the San Ramon Stitch 'n Bitch as they enjoy a
day at Playa Doña Ana near Puntarenas. Uploaded 9/10/2009 |
EXPLORING |
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41 |
Two Days On The Rio Pacuare:
Costa Rican whitewater rafting at it's finest. Join us on a two day
adventure down CR's hottest and coolest river. Uploaded 09/18/2009 |
EXPLORING |
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42 |
Field Trip to Monteverde:
Join students from Andy's English class on a field trip to the Monteverde Cloud
Forest. Uploaded 10/8/2009 |
EXPLORING |
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43
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Charity Dog Show in Playas Del Coco:
This trip to Guanacaste served to be the catalyst for our decision to move
north to the beach. Uploaded 12/20/2009 |
EXPLORING |
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44 |
Avoiding A Follicle
Fiasco:
This video is aimed more at our female
viewers but guys feel free to chime in. Uploaded 7/4/2009 |
HOUSEHOLD TIPS |
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45 |
Our First Expat Thanksgiving:
We celebrated our first Thanksgiving away from the United States with our new
friends from San Ramon. One warning... turkeys are ultra expensive in CR.
Uploaded 3/22/2010 |
EVERYDAY LIFE |
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46 |
Shipping Personal Possessions:
This is a 2 part Interview with Arden Brink, who talks frankly about moving two
40' containers and a car to Costa Rica. Uploaded 11/22/2009 |
PACKING AND SHIPPING |
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47 |
Costa Rican Law:
3 part Interview with Attorney Roberto Umaña who talks about tips regarding
establishing Residency, Buying Property and the pros and cons of Corporations.
Uploaded 12/3/2009, |
LEGAL
MATTERS |
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48 |
Expat Interview:
A 4 part Interview with Paul and
Gloria Yeatman discussing Why CR, Fears and Concerns, Healthcare and Strategy.
Uploaded 5/30/09 |
EXPAT STORIES |
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49 |
Doing Laundry, Tico
Style:
A tongue 'n cheek video showing how Tico washing machines work. It's a far
cry from our fully automatic gringo machines. Uploaded 6/20/2009 |
CULTURE & CLIMATE |
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50 |
Combating Mother Nature... The War On Insects:
In the tropics bugs are everywhere. See how a trip to IKEA helped us
gain an edge over our six (or eight) legged neighbors. Uploaded 7/4/2009 |
HOUSEHOLD TIPS |
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51 |
Do I Bring It, or What?:
One of the biggest issues facing new expats is what to bring. Do you
really need all those cloths? Fran talks candidly about that dilemma and
how she faced it. Uploaded 7/4/2009 |
HOUSEHOLD TIPS |
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52 |
Transition To The Beach:
After living in the fog, rain and cold for nearly a year, it was time to
experience beach life. With our lease nearly up,m we began investigating
the beach areas of Guanacaste. Uploaded 1/11/2010 |
PLANNING & PREPARATION |
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53 |
The Bug Lady of Rancho
Lobo:
This is a tongue 'n cheek video featuring my ex-neighbor, organic zealot and
sworn enemy of anything with six or more legs. Uploaded 7/4/2010 |
WHIMSY |
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54 |
Let Nature Help Reduce Your Electricity Bills:
The cost of electricity, per KWH, in Costa Rica is ridiculously high.
One must conserve in order to stay within your perceived budget. Here is one
tip. Uploaded 3/23/2010 |
HOUSEHOLD TIPS |
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55 |
2010 A Nautical Odyssey:
Living in Costa Rica afforded Andy the opportunity to join the crew of a 42'
sail boat and cruise for 3 weeks from Puntarenas to Colón Panama. Uploaded
3/23/2010 |
EXPLORING |
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56 |
Celebrating USA's Birthday - Tico Style:
We're over a thousand miles from the country of our birth and we still get to
celebrate her birthday! Uploaded 3/23/2010 |
EVERYDAY LIFE |
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57 |
Day to Day Life in San Ramon:
Did you ever wonder how we paid or electric bill or our CAJA bill. We
even opened up opened up a bank account? Check us out doing day to day
things. Uploaded 4/22/2010 |
EVERYDAY LIFE |
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58 |
If I Can Do It, So Can You:
An Interview With Lisa Valencia, a single woman living her dream life in
Costa Rica. See Costa Rica through Lisa's successes and and failures here
in paradise. Uploaded 4/23/2010 |
EXPAT STORIES |
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59 |
Giving Back To The Community - Proyecto de Luz Pig Roast:
NEW
It's all about giving back to the community. Anytime you
have a chance to do something productive... do it! You'll feel better and
everybody benefits. Uploaded 5/13/2010 |
EVERYDAY LIFE |
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CHAPTERS 60
THRU 79 |
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60 |
Day Trippin' - Touring Costa Rica's Natural Wonders:
NEW
OK... you've moved here. Now what? It's time to get off your duff
and begin exploring this new place you are now calling "home." Uploaded
5/23/2010 |
EXPLORING |
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61 |
The Rainy Season:
NEW
Explore
some of the beauty and splendor that makes Costa Rica a lush, tropical paradise.
Uploaded 6/4/2010 |
EXPLORING |
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62 |
A Visit to Arenal Volcano
and Termales Del Bosque:
NEW
This is our first road trip after arriving in country. Fran and I head
off to the Arenal volcano and the hot mineral water springs of Termales Del
Bosque. Uploaded
6/5/2010 |
EXPLORING |
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63 |
Dominical, A Surfer's Paradise:
NEW
Located about 1 hour south of Quepos,
Dominical is a small, dusty surfer town whose amenities are spartan unless you
have the $$$ to live up in the hills. So what else is new! Uploaded
6/6/2010 |
EXPLORING |
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64 |
Tamarindo,
Another Surfing Paradise: NEW
If you like to surf all day, party all night and then crash on
600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets,
visit Tamarindo. Uploaded 6/6/2010 |
EXPLORING |
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