www.CostaRicaTicas.com

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.

We have never met,however I can remember reading your contributions on CRS. We live vastly different lives here in CR (I still prefer to monger than get involved in a relationship),I've been happily living here for 7 years.

After living here for so long,I tell most of the chicas that I am Gringo-Tico or Tico- Gringo. (especially when negotiating) The reason I mention this is that perhaps you should use Tico-Gringo as your handle since you,like me,love your life here.

Good luck with your restaurant.

TampaGringo:

Let me also add my thanks and congratulations to those others. I also recall reading your posts on the "old board" and, from time to time, wondered what happened to you.

Thanks becasue, in many respects you helped to lay the foundation for CRT; I know your posts were helpful and fun for me.

And congratulations for finding and nuturing the good life here in Costa Rica. I have not lived here as long as you and my lifestyle is different; however, I have also developed a good life here in Costa Rica after first coming here 24 years ago and living here for more than 4 years.

I am pretty much off of eating meat at this point in my life but I will make an exception and look forward to driving over and up to where your BBQ place will be - and I'll call Vegas Bob and offer him a ride so perhaps two of us "old-timers" can make the trip together.

All the best to you TampaGringo,

easy

Seafood places usually have a chicken dish and a veggie dish for the odd customer who accompanies a bunch of sea food enthusiasts. Should work for a all meat place too. Salad too.