I once read an article in National Geographic about Costa Rica and how it was a haven for retired people. I had wished that I could retire there. Little did I know that my wish would become reality 25 years later. When I met my husband, Rolf, he knew Costa Rica and, at one time, had owned property in Jaco Beach. A few years later, we decided to venture out and explore the country. We really wanted to experience it, in a different way, other than what the all inclusive package deals could offer.

In 1999, we hopped on a plane, rented a 4x4 and just went. We had not made any reservations anywhere and played everything by ear. There was always a vacancy, in small Bed and Breakfast places. It turned out to be the best thing we ever did. It was a true experience in learning about the country, its people and culture. We did not follow the ordinary beaten track and not once were we not completely enchanted by our surroundings and most importantly, the people. We also felt very safe and secure. That year we only had 2 weeks and spent a lot of time in the Nicoyan Peninsula.

In 2000, we returned to Costa Rica, rented a vehicle and spent 1 month. We based ourselves near Domincal in the mountains of Lagunas. We rented a fully furnished house and did day trips from there. We visited San Isidro de El General and looked at real estate in that area. We loved Cerro Chirripo and the mountains around La Hortensia de Paramo. We took a serious look at different locations, because we wanted to make sure that it was the right place for us. The climate varies a lot, throughout Costa Rica. It is hard to believe that in Cerro Chirripo and Cerro de la Muerte, people wear heavy jackets and wool caps. The lows can reach 9 degress below 0, Celsius, at higher elevations. Therefore, we needed to really ask ourselves, "Where do we want to live"? We loved the coast, however, we are northerners and found it a little too hot for our liking. The humidity is intense during the winter here, caused by the rain. And, the insect situation did not appeal to us. We have known other retired people that, were too quick with their purchase and ended up selling and moving further up into the mountains where it is cooler.

We, then, made a decision and had the opportunity to acquire 22 hectares, with an altitude of 1675 meters. located directly across from Cerro Chirripo, 1 KM north of La Hortensia de Paramo. It is in the cloud forest and at the highest point, you can see the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. This property was formerly a farm. It was in great need of rehabilitation. The forested parts were scarce of flora and fauna because of the cattle that had been allowed to run free. The forest has a lot of beautiful trees and some huge primary trees remain. Since Rolf and I have farming backgrounds, we were not afraid to take on the project. That year we hired a caretaker and returned to Canada.

In 2001, we returned to Costa Rica and began to build. We spent three months living in one of the houses on the property and spent the last 2 weeks in our new house. Part of the interior was not yet completed. We were sad to leave again and left the caretaker in charge.

We returned the following year 2002, spent 5 months and finished the main house. We planted many trees and shrubs. We returned to Canada once more and decided that we had to make a very important, permenant decision, to retire once and for all. We then contacted an American Lawyer that advertises on the Tico Time's website and hired him to take care of our residency application.

November 2003 we returned again, this time to live permanently in Costa Rica. Our papers came through in June, which meant we did not have to exit the country every three months. Since November we have built a completely equipped cabin with stove, fridge, dishes, linens etc., for the purpose of renting to travellers. We have also installed a heated pool and did major landscaping. Our forest has recovered and has so many different plants and flowers it is incredible. The bird population has increased tremendously, because prior to our purchase the underbrush and been chopped very close to feed pigs, as well, and there was nowhere for the birds to nest. When we first came, in 2000, there was very little bird activity and now it is a cacaphony of sounds and it is paradise.

Now that our construction projects are completed, we will continue to maintain and improve the land. We have a ongoing reforestation project. This project has a rewarded us with the return of many mammals, especially the White-faced Monkey and the Spider Monkeys. PURA VIDA!!!!