Our next door neighbor, Maria, had her father living with her and her family while he was dying of cancer. The following is a combination of our observations and what we have been told.
- Shortly after he died, the ‘mortician’ arrived in a late model Volvo station wagon to deliver the coffin. We understand that not only did they deliver the coffin but they lifted the already clean body (done respectfully by close family or friends) into it and placed it (the coffin) in a place of the home suitable for viewing by family and friends.
- The next afternoon, the ‘mortician’ returned and took the closed casket to the church.
- After the funeral at the church, family and friends WALK behind the vehicle carrying the casket to the cemetery to be buried. All this occurs within 24 hours of death AND without having the body embalmed.
- In keeping with tradition, each day for the 9 days after the funeral, the family welcomes family and friends to come into their home for prayers. On the 9th day the family provides a meal to all in attendance.
- Prayers for the deceased are done in the home by family and friends every month on the same date as the death through to the one year anniversary of the death.
Read more Entry>>
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Second broadcast email
Here we are again with our news from our side of this beautiful country we call 'home'.
A lot has happened since we wrote a month ago. We have stayed very busy doing God knows what each day, but each day is full!
We did get the house phone line as promised but less than 10 days later we lost it for 4 days! Even though we got dial-up for the internet we couldn't use it while the phone was down and we found we were unable to make SKYPE calls even when the phone was working! No doubt about it - we were spoiled by having cable in Maine and we are thankful that we have friends with wireless!!!
After exhausting ALL possibilities, we found out that neither DSL or cable is possible here for internet. As a result, we are the proud owners of a new 2.4 meter diamter satellite dish which was installed last Wednesday the 14th. We have been told that DSL and/or cable will be available here SOMETIME in the future, when that happens we have faith that there will be a market for the dish. Needless to say, we moved fast to have the office up and running so we could start trading again!!! We have been 'down' for a long time - it will feel good to work and have a regular schedule again!
We have had mail challenges since coming to Costa Rica. The USPS decided to abbreviate our forwarding address in their computer so we didn't get ANY mail in February! With Pam's assistance and her knowledge of who to call at the post office in Portland, we are now able to get mail, as SLOWWWWWWWWWWWW as it is!!! Of course February's mail is still AWOL complete with debit cards, bills and bank statements!
Our dear friend, travel and house mate Pam, left to go home to Maine on Tuesday February 13th.
We did some traveling/exploring with her before she left. We all enjoyed the time off and to act like tourists!!!
We spent 2 full days at Volcano Arenal, an active volcano about 2 ½ hours away. We had perfect weather. We actually got a chance to see the lava flows at night and hear the eruptions throughout the day. An absolutely incredible experience. Dave and I took a wonderful tram ride above, through and under the primary and secondary rain forest and had some time at the top just to experience the volcano itself, see Lake Arenal and see the top of the 4,000+ feet of zip lines. Pam went off by herself on an all day tour to experience the hanging bridges, waterfalls, lava fields and hot springs. Together, we saw Coutimundis, Howler monkeys and multiple species of birds we had never seen before like the Montezuma Oropendola.
We spent a full afternoon at the Basilica in Cartago called "Our Lady of the Angels". It is an absolutely beautiful church both inside and out, built in 1912. According to history, in 1635 a small black statue of a mother and child was found on this site in Cartago. Although removed numerous times, the statue kept showing up back on the same rock in the forest. It was understood that the Holy Virgin wanted to stay there, so they built a church at that location. 
We drove to Sarchi. It is known for woodworking, furniture making and colorfully painted oxcarts! The wooden oxcarts originally were adorned with geometric patterns reminiscent of Pennsylvania Dutch painting but now they are also being decorated with jungle scenes, wild animals, flowers, and all things Costa Rica!!! While in Sarchi, Dave got himself a sling leather wooden rocking chair! 
We also drove to Zacero, a well known town for the topiaries that have been formed in the park in front of the church. The same man has been sculpting them for over 40 years!!! Because of its altitude and the German heritage, this town has a Bavarian feel with both the cooler temperature and the architecture (very strange to see some A-frames again and chimneys jutting out of some roofs). See and hear the NPR story about Zacero online here.Link
The ferria or farmer’s market is HUGE and is held every Friday and Saturday year round! Dave and I go every week to get our fresh fruits, vegetables and CHEAP tropical flowers!!! (Heliconia, ginger, birds of paradise, antheriums, etc.)
We routinely yell “hola” or “buenos dias” to neighbors as they pass by our ‘casa’. They are VERY quick to speak and wave back. I am sure that the gringo and gringa are the talk of the town (as we are most likely the ONLY gringos in this town). Some of our immediate neighbors have introduced themselves and speak quite good English. Some of the other adults want to learn English and come by for their interactions via ‘dictionarios’. We even have one guy that always yells “goodbye” with a big smile on his face and waves every time he passes the house! (I imagine that is the only English he knows, but is very proud that he can communicate). There is a LOT of children around. We see and hear them daily from early morning to dusk playing futball (soccer) across the street. They are very interested in us (especially the one that shares names with David) and have posed on the fence in front of our casa for a mass picture!!! I don’t know how many posed, but I counted 14 on the street that day!
One day, Pam saw a large iguana eating orange flowers off the vine on the fence. He/she was gracious enough to let us take a picture or two before he/she scurried off!
I have rambled on long enough! It was great sharing what we have been doing. We miss YOU but not the cold and dampness!!!
Dave and Raylene Read more Entry>>
A lot has happened since we wrote a month ago. We have stayed very busy doing God knows what each day, but each day is full!
We did get the house phone line as promised but less than 10 days later we lost it for 4 days! Even though we got dial-up for the internet we couldn't use it while the phone was down and we found we were unable to make SKYPE calls even when the phone was working! No doubt about it - we were spoiled by having cable in Maine and we are thankful that we have friends with wireless!!!
After exhausting ALL possibilities, we found out that neither DSL or cable is possible here for internet. As a result, we are the proud owners of a new 2.4 meter diamter satellite dish which was installed last Wednesday the 14th. We have been told that DSL and/or cable will be available here SOMETIME in the future, when that happens we have faith that there will be a market for the dish. Needless to say, we moved fast to have the office up and running so we could start trading again!!! We have been 'down' for a long time - it will feel good to work and have a regular schedule again!
We have had mail challenges since coming to Costa Rica. The USPS decided to abbreviate our forwarding address in their computer so we didn't get ANY mail in February! With Pam's assistance and her knowledge of who to call at the post office in Portland, we are now able to get mail, as SLOWWWWWWWWWWWW as it is!!! Of course February's mail is still AWOL complete with debit cards, bills and bank statements!
Our dear friend, travel and house mate Pam, left to go home to Maine on Tuesday February 13th.
We did some traveling/exploring with her before she left. We all enjoyed the time off and to act like tourists!!!
We spent 2 full days at Volcano Arenal, an active volcano about 2 ½ hours away. We had perfect weather. We actually got a chance to see the lava flows at night and hear the eruptions throughout the day. An absolutely incredible experience. Dave and I took a wonderful tram ride above, through and under the primary and secondary rain forest and had some time at the top just to experience the volcano itself, see Lake Arenal and see the top of the 4,000+ feet of zip lines. Pam went off by herself on an all day tour to experience the hanging bridges, waterfalls, lava fields and hot springs. Together, we saw Coutimundis, Howler monkeys and multiple species of birds we had never seen before like the Montezuma Oropendola.
We also drove to Zacero, a well known town for the topiaries that have been formed in the park in front of the church. The same man has been sculpting them for over 40 years!!! Because of its altitude and the German heritage, this town has a Bavarian feel with both the cooler temperature and the architecture (very strange to see some A-frames again and chimneys jutting out of some roofs). See and hear the NPR story about Zacero online here.
The ferria or farmer’s market is HUGE and is held every Friday and Saturday year round! Dave and I go every week to get our fresh fruits, vegetables and CHEAP tropical flowers!!! (Heliconia, ginger, birds of paradise, antheriums, etc.)
We routinely yell “hola” or “buenos dias” to neighbors as they pass by our ‘casa’. They are VERY quick to speak and wave back. I am sure that the gringo and gringa are the talk of the town (as we are most likely the ONLY gringos in this town). Some of our immediate neighbors have introduced themselves and speak quite good English. Some of the other adults want to learn English and come by for their interactions via ‘dictionarios’. We even have one guy that always yells “goodbye” with a big smile on his face and waves every time he passes the house! (I imagine that is the only English he knows, but is very proud that he can communicate). There is a LOT of children around. We see and hear them daily from early morning to dusk playing futball (soccer) across the street. They are very interested in us (especially the one that shares names with David) and have posed on the fence in front of our casa for a mass picture!!! I don’t know how many posed, but I counted 14 on the street that day!
One day, Pam saw a large iguana eating orange flowers off the vine on the fence. He/she was gracious enough to let us take a picture or two before he/she scurried off!
I have rambled on long enough! It was great sharing what we have been doing. We miss YOU but not the cold and dampness!!!
Dave and Raylene Read more Entry>>
Friday, February 16, 2007
the FIRST broadcast email
We’re hoping this finds you all well and staying warm (yes, we heard about the cold and snow in Maine and to be VERY honest – we’re glad we are not there!) We wanted to touch base and let you know what we’ve been doing for the last 2 weeks!
As you guessed, we got here safely and everything has been moving along FAST.We were planning on staying at the Hotel Posada in San Ramon on the 1st but ended up staying at Casa del Sol (our rental home pictured below) and have been here since.
We obtained the items we had put in Dave and Arden’s container on the 5th and had only one day to take care of them. We weren’t expecting our container to arrive until the 22nd but we had them delivered to our door on the 6th. All arrived unscathed – the only casualty found so far is a chipped tea cup – not bad I think!!!
The day after we received our container items, all three of us piled in the rental car to go to San Jose to turn it in and get the Subaru! I thank God that Pam is here to help Dave – she has been such a BIG help! I certainly couldn’t have done all that she has!!!
Last Friday our land lady went to the local government owned monopoly for electricity and telephone (called ICE) to get us a land line. We can’t get a phone line in our name as we are foreigners. Even though it is supposed to take at least 2 weeks our English speaking lawyer called on Monday saying he had pulled some strings and it would be hooked up this week and gave us the number!!!
We have postponed and as of this writing and our current knowledge probably will cancel the satellite dish for internet. We have found out that with a phone line we will most likely be able to get DSL. I don’t know how long we will be without internet service but it will be worth it as it should be faster and MUCHO cheaper!!! In the interim we have to go to the Brinks and mooch off their wireless – tolerable for the short term!
We were having challenges with the propane fired water heater (especially with my hand held shower) so we purchased and had installed an on-demand electric hot water heater. So far it seems more reliable and Dave or Pam don’t have to light the propane heater (a.k.a. “old smokey”) before every shower! When we get the hot water to come into the kitchen sink for washing dishes instead of heating it on the stove, the hot water challenges will be over!!!
I really thrive here – the warmth and flat surfaces make it MUCH easier for me to get around. I don’t have to be challenged with the cold decreasing the blood flow to my muscles and causing stiffness. Besides helping to unpack, cooking most all the meals and washing dishes, Pam has been working on me both energetically and physically along with helping me exercise daily to assist me in reaching my goal of walking. I won’t go into detail about what we have been doing, but everyday I get stronger and closer to realizing my goal!!!
There is so much here in Costa Rica that we want to go see and do – it won’t be long before we will be in a position to start! We want to take Pam to some of the places we went to in November and also hope to go see Arenal – the active volcano – while she is here. We’ll make sure to let you know about how the trip to el volcan goes.
We think we have found a nice Tica (native female) named Anna to start working as a domestic next week. She has an adorable little girl about 2 years old named Diana (pictured below) and a Tico (native male) husband that speaks great English. Anna will be here on Tuesdays and Thursdays to clean, do laundry and possibly cook. She speaks very little English but wants to learn. Who knows how much she and we can teach each other!
The weather here has been WONDERFUL – lows of 60 in the early AM and high of 85 during the day. This is summer or the dry season so we haven’t seen a drop of rain. Condensation forms at night that can be seen in the morning but is gone by 8 AM.
We are doing our best with learning Spanish. David has definitely learned the fastest. Soon, we hope to have a tutor come in for some intensive education.
__________________________
Here’s one of our life experiences:
The day after we picked up the Subaru we began to smell gasoline fumes. Dave figured out that the fuel filter had a pin-hole leak and repaired it with Liquid Solder and the old standby, duct tape! After consulting with our Spanglish helper we were told of a “mechanico” that spoke a little English. Dave called, explained the problem, and was told that the mechanic would be at our casa in about a half hour. Sure enough, 30 minutes later Joaquin arrived at the front gate wearing a huge smile and carrying a new fuel filter for the Subie. After about 10 minutes and a brief Spanish lesson, he informed Dave that the charge would be approximately $10 for the filter and $8 for the “house call.” The repair was perfect AND we now have someone that we can trust in an emergency. _________________________
After days of “parrot sightings”, seeing and hearing the loud flock of literally dozens of green parrots flying around in the early morning, we had our first sighting of toucans early this morning. We saw (but didn’t get a photograph) a beautiful pair of them in the trees across the street from the house. An absolutely incredible sight!
All for now – I promise to email again when we get our internet up and running. Maybe we’ll even be able to attach pictures!
Dave & his esposa, Raylene (the Tico’s spell and pronounce it “Reiling”) Read more Entry>>
As you guessed, we got here safely and everything has been moving along FAST.We were planning on staying at the Hotel Posada in San Ramon on the 1st but ended up staying at Casa del Sol (our rental home pictured below) and have been here since.
We obtained the items we had put in Dave and Arden’s container on the 5th and had only one day to take care of them. We weren’t expecting our container to arrive until the 22nd but we had them delivered to our door on the 6th. All arrived unscathed – the only casualty found so far is a chipped tea cup – not bad I think!!!
The day after we received our container items, all three of us piled in the rental car to go to San Jose to turn it in and get the Subaru! I thank God that Pam is here to help Dave – she has been such a BIG help! I certainly couldn’t have done all that she has!!!
Last Friday our land lady went to the local government owned monopoly for electricity and telephone (called ICE) to get us a land line. We can’t get a phone line in our name as we are foreigners. Even though it is supposed to take at least 2 weeks our English speaking lawyer called on Monday saying he had pulled some strings and it would be hooked up this week and gave us the number!!!
We have postponed and as of this writing and our current knowledge probably will cancel the satellite dish for internet. We have found out that with a phone line we will most likely be able to get DSL. I don’t know how long we will be without internet service but it will be worth it as it should be faster and MUCHO cheaper!!! In the interim we have to go to the Brinks and mooch off their wireless – tolerable for the short term!
We were having challenges with the propane fired water heater (especially with my hand held shower) so we purchased and had installed an on-demand electric hot water heater. So far it seems more reliable and Dave or Pam don’t have to light the propane heater (a.k.a. “old smokey”) before every shower! When we get the hot water to come into the kitchen sink for washing dishes instead of heating it on the stove, the hot water challenges will be over!!!
I really thrive here – the warmth and flat surfaces make it MUCH easier for me to get around. I don’t have to be challenged with the cold decreasing the blood flow to my muscles and causing stiffness. Besides helping to unpack, cooking most all the meals and washing dishes, Pam has been working on me both energetically and physically along with helping me exercise daily to assist me in reaching my goal of walking. I won’t go into detail about what we have been doing, but everyday I get stronger and closer to realizing my goal!!!
There is so much here in Costa Rica that we want to go see and do – it won’t be long before we will be in a position to start! We want to take Pam to some of the places we went to in November and also hope to go see Arenal – the active volcano – while she is here. We’ll make sure to let you know about how the trip to el volcan goes.
We think we have found a nice Tica (native female) named Anna to start working as a domestic next week. She has an adorable little girl about 2 years old named Diana (pictured below) and a Tico (native male) husband that speaks great English. Anna will be here on Tuesdays and Thursdays to clean, do laundry and possibly cook. She speaks very little English but wants to learn. Who knows how much she and we can teach each other!
The weather here has been WONDERFUL – lows of 60 in the early AM and high of 85 during the day. This is summer or the dry season so we haven’t seen a drop of rain. Condensation forms at night that can be seen in the morning but is gone by 8 AM.
We are doing our best with learning Spanish. David has definitely learned the fastest. Soon, we hope to have a tutor come in for some intensive education.
__________________________
Here’s one of our life experiences:
The day after we picked up the Subaru we began to smell gasoline fumes. Dave figured out that the fuel filter had a pin-hole leak and repaired it with Liquid Solder and the old standby, duct tape! After consulting with our Spanglish helper we were told of a “mechanico” that spoke a little English. Dave called, explained the problem, and was told that the mechanic would be at our casa in about a half hour. Sure enough, 30 minutes later Joaquin arrived at the front gate wearing a huge smile and carrying a new fuel filter for the Subie. After about 10 minutes and a brief Spanish lesson, he informed Dave that the charge would be approximately $10 for the filter and $8 for the “house call.” The repair was perfect AND we now have someone that we can trust in an emergency. _________________________
After days of “parrot sightings”, seeing and hearing the loud flock of literally dozens of green parrots flying around in the early morning, we had our first sighting of toucans early this morning. We saw (but didn’t get a photograph) a beautiful pair of them in the trees across the street from the house. An absolutely incredible sight!
All for now – I promise to email again when we get our internet up and running. Maybe we’ll even be able to attach pictures!
Dave & his esposa, Raylene (the Tico’s spell and pronounce it “Reiling”) Read more Entry>>
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
We're moving!
We decided that this house is just too big for the two of us, way too much work for Dave and we both agree that the thought of spending another winter in Maine is just TOO much!!!
We have downsized SIGNIFICANTLY, selling most of the antiques we had collected over the years and have given away most everything else to family, friends and charities.
After placing our house on the market, it sold for the full asking price in less than 3 weeks! With closing on November 2nd, we have to move out of our home of over 20 years. We are renting a waterfront home in Harpswell for at least November and December to clear up loose ends.
We will keep you posted of when and where we go!!!
Dave & Raylene Scott Read more Entry>>
We have downsized SIGNIFICANTLY, selling most of the antiques we had collected over the years and have given away most everything else to family, friends and charities.
After placing our house on the market, it sold for the full asking price in less than 3 weeks! With closing on November 2nd, we have to move out of our home of over 20 years. We are renting a waterfront home in Harpswell for at least November and December to clear up loose ends.
We will keep you posted of when and where we go!!!
Dave & Raylene Scott Read more Entry>>
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