Settling the Nest in the Central Valley–For a While

My, how our plans have changed.  We arrived in Costa Rica with a flexible schedule, while loosely planning to spend only three months here and three months there, thus experiencing all the wonders this country has to offer.  Our first stop was Atenas, in the Central Valley, boasted as “The Best Climate in the World.”  In the world?–We had to start there.  As the last several weeks have passed, we’ve met other families like us, who have arrived with plans of traveling about Costa Rica, only to stay–for years–in Atenas.  We are beginning to see why.  It is gorgeous, the climate is perfect, and the people are what really makes this place wonderful.

Believe it or not, we are actually looking at houses to rent here for SIX MORE MONTHS.  That’s right, a whole half-year.  (That’s a long time for me).  When I think about such a commitment, my stomach does a mini-flip.  Then I say to myself, “Come on, you’ve stayed at jobs you’ve hated for longer…or almost as long.”  Besides, Atenas and it’s surrounding neighborhoods are ridiculously amazing.  I would happily live in a shack here, really.

We love the idea of settling in to a cozy casita, getting some pollitos (chicks) and creating our own garden.  Ok, maybe I’m the only one excited about the pollitos.  I fell in love with one little house, now referred to as Casa de Pollitos, because I could easily picture a few chickens in it’s tranquilo yard.

We’ve only looked at a few rentals available in Atenas so far, and plan to look at some in Grecia this weekend.  Grecia is not far, and it’s city-center is bigger, which makes it easier to get things like linens, dishes, baby items, and so on.  We like Atenas and Grecia pretty equally, regardless.

I find it funny that my standards have changed so much since arriving in Costa Rica.  In my past life, I never went long without a soak in the tub.  I was used to popping my barely-rinsed dishes into the dishwasher, and never went long without enjoying the luxury of a dryer machine.  These things are NOT normal down here.  Bathtubs are not the norm–HOT water isn’t even the norm–dishwashers are few and far between, and everyone hangs their clothes on the line!  We’ve spoiled ourselves in our first three-month stint by renting a guest house on a beautifully landscaped property with a pool.  We have all these desirable amenities (except for the bathtub–oh how I miss having a bathtub!).  BUT, I feel myself changing.  I don’t need these things.  I can live without.  I mean, I’ll trade a clothes dryer for a warm evening on the patio any day.  So, as we look for a new place to set up our nest, our priorities are adapting.  We’re looking for a nice yard to garden in, at least one bed to rest our heads, and (I hope) room for pollitos.