My senior mom wants to live in CR for one year. Where would the safest best place for her? She will live on a budget. Suggestions?<BR>She doesn't know I'm asking this, but oh well, she's my mom. Brad

How senior? How much traveling has she done in the past? Does she speak any spanish?<BR>I am assuming she is planning on leaving the country every 3mos for 72hrs so that she can stay for another 3mos?<BR>Costa Rica is a wonderful country and for the most part the people are great. There are some lovely areas near the airport. Heredia, Santa Barbara, as well as Alajuela. Grecia has a wonderful climate. These are all in the central valley. Does she want to stay near the beach? I would suggest the Pacific side.<BR>I am semi senior and travel alone down there on occassion.

She is a lively 65 year old who has traveled a lot, but with someone in he last two decades. Years ago she traveled by herself. Her Spanish is limited. Yes she prefers the beach. Any suggestions?<BR>Thanks a lot, Brad

I've been busted! She knows I asked a question here, but she's okay with it. Any suggestions can be given to her. I'm outta here, Brad

Thanks for your kind reply. I'm doing all I can to prepare myself for this adventure. I'm leaning towards the Hermosa beach area...around somewhere near there. My Spanish is limited as Brad said, but there's a few months more to go. Do you know of a good school once I get there? L.

I took spanish lessons for 3 weeks and did the homestays as well. I personally found it to be very frustrating. I learned much more back home in the states at a local university. I have heard problems from other people too. It is a nice comfortable way to get your feet wet and to learn about CR on a different level than as a tourist but as far as really learning how to speak spanish..not the best experience.<BR>I am assuming you mean the Hermosa that is near Jaco. Unless you go a little more remote I don't think you will have too much trouble with not speaking a lot of spanish.<BR>Unfortunately most of our research into areas to live down there for us were in the lesser traveled areas (even going so far as to look into alternative energy so we could be really far away from the tourists). Even my beach time these days are spent in little hideaways down on the Osa Peninsula.<BR>I am going to give you a web site that is owned by John Howell. He has written several books on living and retiring in CR. There is also a message board where you can get really good advice. The people on there are more about living in CR rather than just traveling through. Just today there was advice on Costa Rican dog food so it does get into the realities of life down there. There has been a lot of discussion lately about the actual costs of living there. They have also been discussing the rule about having to leave for 72hrs every 3mos. You can learn about where they go if they don't have residency papers.<BR>The web site is discoverypress.com<BR>Good Luck<BR>

Suzie2,<BR>I'm going to CR this June to study Spanish. I'm interested in hearing about your experiences, why you found it frustrating, and most importantly, where you studied. Could you email me?<BR>[email protected]<BR>Thank you for posting. I love hearing about other people's experiences.

Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate all suggestions and ideas. Laureen