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Just a Little Bit About Myself

November 24th, 2006

If I may take a moment of your time, I’d like to properly introduce myself. My name is Susan Carmichael.  Tim said he erased the last introduction I did, but oh well, there’s always time for a second chance.


My life, eight years after coming to Costa Rica, looks absolutely nothing like it did when I left the U.S. I am a mother of two children, both born in Costa Rica. My second child was born with Down Syndrome, so my journey into the bowels of this country are deeper than I’d ever expected.

I’ve seen this country from all sides now. Up and down swings and playsets; in and out of hospitals – to this beach and that; I’ve even hung from trees and rafted down rivers. I’ve even buried a family member here. All phases of life have crossed my path in Costa Rica.

I’ve traveled around the country interviewing people on issues concerning peace to making movies in Costa Rica to playing golf.

If anyone would have told me I’d be writing about Costa Rica fifteen years ago, Huh? Who me? I would have said. You must be thinking of someone else. But, here I am.

When I moved here, the Internet connections were so slow – I could shower between downloads. Things are a bit better now (though Costa Rica could do well by ignoring the U.S. and following Japan’s lead instead). I can’t help it, I like sharing the little bits and pieces I know about this country. I hope to relate some humor, reality, and perhaps some wisdom your way.

This country is a gem, a little rough around the edges at times, but nevertheless, it shines.


10 Responses to “Just a Little Bit About Myself”

  1. HELEN PACE on December 1, 2006 8:53 pm

    Hi, I born in Costa Rica, moved to U.S.A 30 years ago, Now I live in Atlanta ga for the last 14 years, all my four kids live here, not married yet. I’m thinking to move back to Costa Rica sometimes but I’m not surge. can I make a living there,I kow the only way is to open my own business. Can you plese send me some feed back.

    Thanks,

    Helen Pace

  2. Karma on December 5, 2006 4:31 pm

    Hello Susan…my name is Karma and I was recently given the opportunity to move to Costa Rica. Not sure of whether or not I should make the move. A little about me, Im 35yrs old, female, never married with no children. In the fall 2005 I moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Los Angeles, California (just for a change). I have always wanted to live in another country and was recently given the opportunity to rent a home in San Jose. I work from home, so will have a steady income coming in. I guess I am looking for a little invitation from inside Costa Rica. All my family and friends say, “Go for it!”. But, why am I a little nervous? (smiling)

  3. FRED on December 5, 2006 7:58 pm

    I MOVE TO CR 1993 AFTER 35 YEARS.MY #1 MISTAKE WAS TO TRUST MY FAMILY #2 WAS TO THINK THAT WHEN I ASK A QUESTION I WAS TOLD THE TRUE #3 AFTER 35 YEARS YOU DEVELOP A US METALITY. IN CR THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SAYING NO, EVEN IF THE QUESTION IS OUT OF SPACE THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS YES. OUT SIDE OF SAN JOSE IS BEAUTIFULL BUT THE CITY STINKS. IF YOU HAVE NOT VISITED CR I SUGGEST YOU DO.I BEING BACK FOR 3 YEARS, I DO LIKE LIVING IN CR BEST AND I DO INTENT TO GO BACK WHEN I AVE ENOCH.LA PROXIMA VEZ NO VOY A COMETER LOS MISMOS ERRORES. BUENA SUERTE

  4. Susan on December 10, 2006 8:32 pm

    As a tourist, you may only stay in country 3 months, then you must leave for 72 hours I believe. A work or student permit may be the way to go. Tim, the organizer of this blog, knows a lot more about it than me. For three months, you may just want to plan a trip to Panama for a few days and then come back again. That way your passport is stamped and you are legal. But, ask a lawyer I suppose for best advise.

  5. Diz on January 18, 2007 1:59 am

    [Susan said:

    As a tourist, you may only stay in country 3 months, then you must leave for 72 hours I believe. A work or student permit may be the way to go. Tim, the organizer of this blog, knows a lot more about it than me. For three months, you may just want to plan a trip to Panama for a few days and then come back again. That way your passport is stamped and you are legal. But, ask a lawyer I suppose for best advise. ]

    So you really do the ‘Panama’ trip?
    How long have you been doing it? I was told it will work a few times, and then you begin to get questioned when coming back. I have a 2 1/2 yr old, and I am afraid to run into that issue.

    Thirsty for info,
    Danielle

  6. Susan on January 19, 2007 4:04 pm

    No, I’m a resident. Sorry about that confusion. Having a child here allowed me the ability to apply for residency without much complication.

  7. Heather on January 20, 2007 1:29 pm

    Hola, I am getting ready to move to CR. I am married and have 2 boys ages 9 and 6. I was born in CR and all of my Moms VERY big family lives there. I haven’t been to San Jose in 11 yrs. and I’m a little concerned about the negative things that I am hearing? Is it that bad? We are planning on moving to the east side of CR, Curridabat or Tres Rios. Do you have any reccomendations? I love your site, it is very helpful.

  8. Diz on January 21, 2007 12:13 am

    Heather:
    The only thing I have heard is, the eastside is eventually going to boom, but for now is not the best place.
    Nothing is factual here, but it was from the mouth of a lawyer if it helps.

  9. Tim on January 21, 2007 8:42 am

    Well knowing the source helps!

    Reminds me of a lesson I learned lo many years. It is one of those factual jokes.

    Question: How do you know when a lawyer is lying?

    Answer: His (her) lips are moving.

    Your information from your lawyer is, not surprisingly, nonsense.

  10. Heather on January 22, 2007 5:14 pm

    Thanks for the response. I have a lot of family that lives in Curridabat and I am going to be looking for a house there. I really love your website. It has helped so much and given me tons of information. I am going to be looking for a job as a Surgical Scrub when I get there. Does anyone know how a job like that may pay? Again thanks.