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26 Mar 2007, 7:37 am / Other
Last week, I returned from a well-deserved vacation in Costa Rica. It had been just about four years since my last visit but, almost upon my arrival at the Aeroporte in San Jose, I could tell things had changed. A lot. And, as I made my trek to Manuel Antonio and back to the Central Valley, it was obvious that inflation had taken its toll. During my first visit to Costa Rica back in 2003, certain essentials, such as food and lodging, were surprisingly economical when compared to “The States.” Time was, back then, you could pick up a nice three-bedroom, two-bath home on or near the beach for about $150K. But, during my last visit there, those buys were few and far between. I guess word got out about what a terrific place Costa Rica is to live and retire. Bear in mind, I’m really not complaining. Although it would have been better if I had stopped dreaming in 2003 and actually have done something about it and purchased a spot. But, that, as they say, is 20/20 hindsight. I’m impressed daily by the sheer growing numbers of our Yourville members who are entertaining the idea of moving to Costa Rica, even in the face of accelerated inflation, and their apparent concern for what appears to be a growing political instability in neighboring Nicaragua and its possible affect upon Costa Rica. Some present U.S. citizens, with an eye toward becoming an expat in Costa Rica, would like to see a return to the ol’ days when affordability was a fact for them in Costa Rica. But, alas, the tide is turning, and those entertaining the dream of moving to this glorious land of wonderful people, will have to face the fact that Costa Rica costs more than it used to. But, I can well see that that’s the price you pay for living in paradise.
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