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Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in CR!
https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=35475		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Tampagringo [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 6:01 am ]
Post subject:  Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in CR!
I haven't been an active poster for several years and it seems that most of my old friends are now on this board. So, hi to all and I'm sorry I dropped so completely out of sight for such a long time.

To those who don't know me, I moved to Costa Rica from Tampa, FL in 2000 and even though I still visit the US from time to time I can't see myself ever living there again. Through my posts during my first few years here, I did my best to share information and my experiences here with other Gringos who were visiting and those who were interested in living here. After a couple of years, I got tired of the booze and adult nightlife and started thinking about settling down into a more stable life and began dating “regular” women, hoping that I would eventually meet the right woman to share my life. After a number of missteps and false starts, I finally met a woman with whom I felt I could establish a stable, long term relationship. We married in 2002 and will be celebrating our ninth wedding anniversary next February,. I have two wonderful stepdaughters, both now in their late 20's. One is still living at home and in the final year of obtaining her degree in architecture. The other completed her university studies, moved out on her own and opened her own business and is doing well.

As for living in Costa Rica, I love it here and now think of myself as more Tico than Gringo. I've been very fortunate and Costa Rica has been good to me, and good for me. I feel like my lifestyle here has taken at least ten years off my age. I eat healthy, have a ton of Costa Rican friends and lead an active, interesting life.

A few years ago, I bought a small 15 acre finca where I keep 6 to 8 trail horses and visit on weekends. I ride in most of the larger topes (horse parades) and cabalgatas (organized trail rides). We also host large parties at the finca on a somewhat regular basis.

Last year, my disabled 86 year old mother moved down here to live with us and I purchased a home in San Ramon de Tres Rios, a small upscale area east of Sabanilla where most of my wife's family live, in the mountains about 10 km northeast of downtown San Jose.

I'm currently in process of opening Costa Rica's first and only traditional American-style barbecue restaurant, All American Barbecue, near my home in San Ramon de Tres Rios. I expect to open in November and to advertise on this website as well as offering CRT VIP discounts. I'll let everyone know when we're open and hope to renew many old acquaintances and make some new ones.
Author:  Versatile [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
I'll be wanting some BBQ in January when i come down. Has to b better than that one place in SJ.
Author:  El Tranquilo [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
Tampagringo wrote:
Through my posts during my first few years here, I did my best to share information and my experiences here with other Gringos who were visiting and those who were interested in living here.
Your posts and Don Gordo's were the most useful and encouraging posts in those first years of the old board and I'm sure inspired many to come down here and check things out for themselves. A much belated thanks for your contributions. Congratulations on your family and wishing you much success on your new restaurant. :D
Author:  JazzboCR [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
OK, let me be the ignoramus that asks, --How far is your restaurant from the Gulch? Regular bus service nearby? Cost for a taxi? And most important, what style BBQ?
Glad to see at least one Gringo is positive about life in CR--there's a bunch of negativity lurking around.
Author:  Icantstayaway [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
edited due to other edit. :D
Author:  GoodDayJohn [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
Tampagringo wrote:
I've been very fortunate and Costa Rica has been good to me, and good for me. I feel like my lifestyle here has taken at least ten years off my life. I eat healthy, have a ton of Costa Rican friends and lead an active, interesting life.

Do you really mean that?
Author:  Bobshere [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
More information on the location of the BBQ pit. I will be more than glad to test
your BBQ 10/10/10 till 10/16/10 if your are up and running for test purposes .
Thanks
BoB

PS Good luck to you. You have a open market and I wish you well
8)
Author:  Chico123 [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
GoodDayJohn wrote:
Tampagringo wrote:
I've been very fortunate and Costa Rica has been good to me, and good for me. I feel like my lifestyle here has taken at least ten years off my life. I eat healthy, have a ton of Costa Rican friends and lead an active, interesting life.

Do you really mean that?


that caught my eye too..i think he means "ADD ten yrs to his life"

if he eats healthy and stay active i can't imagine he's losing 10 yrs of his life?! :?
Author:  Tampagringo [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 7:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
Thanks for all the responses, guys. I've edited my post to correct the statement that my lifestyle here feels like it's taken 10 years off my age, not 10 years off my life! Also, I've deleted all political references.

As to my barbecue place, I'm glad some of you are interested in trying it out. The food will be traditional Southern barbecue - pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, but there will be other items on the menu. I'm working on my website now with all the details, including a copy of the menu and prices.

I'm hoping to open the first or second week of November but can't possibly open any sooner because the equipment won't be installed. When I'm ready, I'll contact the webmaster here and set up the CRT VIP discount program and will post full directions and contact info, including a map and link to my website. It's about 10 km from downtown and there is direct bus service. I'm on the main road and the bus passes in front of the restaurant. I don't use taxis and don't know what they charge, but I know they've gotten much more expensive over the past couple of years. I'll also have delivery service available.
Author:  CaptainCohiba [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 10:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
JazzboCR wrote:
\Glad to see at least one Gringo is positive about life in CR--there's a bunch of negativity lurking around.

I was thinking the same thing......Felicidades TampaGringo!


PURA VIDA!
Author:  LocoHombre [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 10:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
Tampagringo wrote:
Thanks for all the responses, guys. I've edited my post to correct the statement that my lifestyle here feels like it's taken 10 years off my age, not 10 years off my life! Also, I've deleted all political references.

As to my barbecue place, I'm glad some of you are interested in trying it out. The food will be traditional Southern barbecue - pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, but there will be other items on the menu. I'm working on my website now with all the details, including a copy of the menu and prices.

I'm hoping to open the first or second week of November but can't possibly open any sooner because the equipment won't be installed. When I'm ready, I'll contact the webmaster here and set up the CRT VIP discount program and will post full directions and contact info, including a map and link to my website. It's about 10 km from downtown and there is direct bus service. I'm on the main road and the bus passes in front of the restaurant. I don't use taxis and don't know what they charge, but I know they've gotten much more expensive over the past couple of years. I'll also have delivery service available.

:D :D Sounds like its going to be a nice place :D :D Maybe PM Deano for some good names for it :shock: :roll: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Author:  Dean [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 1:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
LocoHombre wrote:
:D :D Sounds like its going to be a nice place :D :D Maybe PM Deano for some good names for it :shock: :roll: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:



Deans BBQ Bonanza with express shuttle service from the Dean Inn. :D

Good luck Tampa, the restuarant biz is always a tough one.

Dean
Author:  LocoHombre [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 4:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
Dean wrote:
LocoHombre wrote:
:D :D Sounds like its going to be a nice place :D :D Maybe PM Deano for some good names for it :shock: :roll: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:



Deans BBQ Bonanza with express shuttle service from the Dean Inn. :D

Good luck Tampa, the restuarant biz is always a tough one.

Dean

:| :| How about Deans Delicious Destination :| :| not that this suggestion would ever win :roll: :roll: :roll:
Author:  Circus [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
Well I'll be damn....

Good to hear from one of the founding fathers of great writing and advice during the old days of CRS. You were in a league of your own and I'm sure that Rico was glad you were there.

Congratulations in finding a life with a woman you could bond with and making a jewel of a country your home. I began posting soon after you left the old forum. A close friend of mine, CRdreamin (John) was in CRS during your time and has always admired your talent.

I first set foot in CR in 1975, began going there in the eighties and revitalized my active status after 2000. It was a wild ride up until a couple of years ago.

I would certainly frequent your new restaurant. I like another San Ramon about an hours drive from SJ. Curious, do you possibly know Jose Pelleya and his wife Johanna? He has had a bed and breakfast in Alajuela for a number of years but lives in San Ramon. Perhaps in you earlier years you may have been a guest there.

Didn't mean to write a book but again, good to hear about your whereabouts.

Take care,
Circus
Author:  Tampagringo [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hi from TampaGringo: Alive and Living the Good Life in C
Hi Circus, I guess we never actually met but I was still reading the boards when you began posting and really enjoyed some your posts. Thanks for remembering me as one of the original "founding father" CR posters. I've got a feeling that not very many of us are still around or, as in my case, are no longer actively posting.

I don't think I know Jose and Johanna. I have friends in San Ramon de Alejuela but don't get out that way very often.
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