Packing

Lucky for us American Airlines hasn't done baggage restrictions for Costa Rica.  So technically we are each allowed two 50 pound bags plus a carry-on.  That's 500 pound for our whole family.  I hope to not be anywhere close to that!

However I am bringing down quite a bit of stuff.  I have packed some new inexpensive toys and activities for our kids, things we can leave there when we are done.

I am also bringing donations for the school the kids will be attending (paper, markers, colored pencils, rulers, glue sticks, etc),

and also a bunch of craft stuff for CREAR, which is the day camp they will be attending when the school goes on break.

Lastly, I'm bringing some food supplies.  I don't know exactly what will be available to us, but I do know that any "american" products will be very expensive.  So I'm bringing down some stuff to at least get us started (don't judge all the processed foods!).  I know we will have access to tons of fresh fruit, which the kids will love.  But I wanted to bring a few familiar items from home.  We will also be celebrating 2 birthdays down there (Genevieve will be 8 on June 24th, and Zeke will be 3 on June 27th), so I want to be prepared with cake making stuff.

My biggest job right now is trying to keep my anxiety in check!  I have my To-DO list, and I am actually doing okay on it.  But I can't seem to control my anxiety.  It's going to be a busy week, and no matter how hard I try the end will be crazy I just know it.  I should just plan on an all-nighter the night before we leave.  Ugh!  I just have to keep reminding myself that this will all be worth it....  Right?

Villas Kalimba

I think the number one question people ask is where we are staying.  I spent weeks (maybe months?) researching this aspect of our trip.  It was hard finding something that had all the things I felt were important.  I wanted a kitchen (eating out with 3 kids is less than enjoyable, not to mention expensive!), a pool, a/c, wi-fi, it had to be an easy walk to the school, the beach, and town, and I preferred something with a property owner on site since I will be a single mom for a month.  Oh, and it had to fit in my budget!

I found that a lot of places will give you a really good rate for such a long stay.  Some of them were even a 40-50% discount!  After much contemplation I settled on Villas Kalimba.  It had everything I wanted. There are 5 detached villas surrounding a pool.

 We are renting a little 2 bedroom/2 bathroom villa with a small kitchen.

The only thing I am nervous about is there is no indoor living area.  The kitchen table and "living space" is on the porch.

But, who goes to Costa Rica to be inside, right? The villas are in a gated compound which adds another level security.

It is just a block from the school and the beach, and there is a small grocery store a couple doors down.  The owner has been more than helpful answering all my questions, and has even gone to the local school more than once on my behalf to enquire about the kids attending.

I'm really excited to call this place home for 6 weeks!  I'm just hoping my kids don't drive the other guests cRaZy!

Costa Rica or Bust!

The countdown is on!  We leave for Costa Rica in just over 2 weeks.  We'll be living there for 6 weeks, in the small town of Sámara, which is on the Guanacaste coast on the west side of the country.  I picked this town because it appears to be quaint, safe, and beautiful.  While there will be American & European tourists, it is a popular vacation spot for Ticos.  I have spent many months researching and making connections in Sámara.  I still feel confident this was the right choice, although only time will tell!

We will be staying in a little 2 bedroom villa with a pool, just a block from the beach.  I have gotten the okay to enroll Genevieve and Dane in the local school.  I have purchased most of what they will need for their uniforms, and will pick up the rest in Nicoya on the way.

Here is an aerial view of the town.