CR update April 29, 2006

CR Update April 29, 2006

Now I am beginning preparation to go back to Costa Rica. I will leave May 15th. I will be bringing back a Hunter fan, 3 drills, other tools, DVD’s, yeast to make ale, a new regulator, 100 Black Sheep Pub T-shirts, and various sundry items that are hard to get in Costa Rica. I look forward to being in nature on our terrace, being with Joe, helping with the pub, getting some work for myself, and dealing with any challenges that may present themselves.

Joe is doing well getting the pub off the ground though there are frustrations. This month the amount of patrons fluctuated from 0 to 15, which considering we are doing zero advertising and there are many screw-ups is ok. There is minimal infrastructure in Costa Rica so getting things done takes forever. Joe has had to deal with running out of beer, running out of carbon dioxide, problems with the regulator, and trying to hire staff. Then there are the on and off problems with the water and the electricity. We do have a few things to work out. Joe is planning to have his every decade 1946 party for his birthday May 21st. This will be a promotion for the pub and he is hoping to have Mariachi music like we had at our wedding.

Life for me in the Bay area is great. I have several friends here and except for it being much too expensive, it would be easy to live here. My job is going well, I like the American efficiency, and I am making money to take home. I miss Joe and we talk on the phone daily except for the one week when he lost his cell phone. It took that long for him to make other arrangements—as our friend Peter Lewis said about living in Costa Rica “everything here is a process”.

Joe tells me the puppies, Nina and Frieda, who are now 3 months old, are twice their original size and are very friendly and playful. I can’t wait to see them.

I miss the natural beauty in Nosara and I like being here in the Bay area. Joe and I are now thinking that I will come back to the Bay area to replenish the money supply in Oct-Nov. He is hoping we can visit the northeast in Sept. It would be great to see everybody. Please visit us in Costa Rica in case we don’t make it for a visit this year. It is always beautiful in Costa Rica and we want to see everyone. Write when you can so we can stay in touch. Love Helena and Joe