Bee and Buds Photograph by William Patterson - Bee and Buds Fine Art Prints and Posters for Sale

Bee and Buds Photograph by William Patterson - Bee and Buds Fine Art Prints and Posters for Sale:

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Life in Costa Rica: From the United States to Costa Rica

Life in Costa Rica: From the United States to Costa Rica

Life in Costa Rica: From the United States to Costa Rica

Life in Costa Rica: From the United States to Costa Rica: Why have a million North Americans left the "United States" to live in "Latin America" and Central America? I cannot presume to to speak for...

From the United States to Costa Rica

Why have a million North Americans left the "United States" to live in "Latin America" and Central America? I cannot presume to to speak for all because  I am certain that each has a myriad of reasons. We can , however speak for ourselves.

"Volcano Arenal"

We chose Costa Rica , we live outside La Fortuna, home to "Arenal Volcano" . We live outside the Central Valley in the Northern Zone , near LaFortuna.  Most "North Americans" choose to live near "San Jose" and it's environs. San Jose although relatively small by North American standards, it is still a City. And yes you pay San Jose being close to night life. and big Retail Stores and you have to tolerate Traffic and noise. 
The "Gringo" to Tico ratio in La Fortuna, is still quite small and so we are looked upon as curiosities. The locals are as hospitable as any in the World, even the slightest effort at assimilation of the "Culture" is rewarded handsomely. 
The weather is spectacular no air conditioning or heat needed. It is like April in "Florida" all year. Noxious insects are negligible , and the evening temperatures require a light cover to sleep. Compared to the "United States" the cost of Living is much less, by about one third to one half. 
We did not run away from the "United States", we found a better place to spend our twilight years.. Nature is at my door and peace. 
Bill and carol Patterson
LaFortuna , Costa Rica
william-patterson.artistwebsites.com

Nocturnal Nature Hike

"Arenal Volcano Costa Rica"

The weather co operated yesterday, so last night my wife and I decided to try the "Jungle Nature Hike" at http://arenaloasis.com/ and "Eco-Friendly" Lodge of only 7 Rustic cabins set in the "Rain Forest". Living just minutes away we left our  Home at the base of the "Arenal Volcano" and headed 5 minutes down the road.

"Cocoa Tree"

Arenal Oasis an Eco-Friendly Lodge is Family owned the family converted it from a Farm to a Small Resort , preserving the Century Old Trees and Rainforest.  The temperature was perfect mid 70's, our guide was more than knowledgeable . Walking along manicure paths with Canopies of trees above our heads, I noticed a "Cocoa" Tree where chocolate  comes from, on the other Coast of Costa Rica, the "Cocoa" Trees have been hit with a terrible disease, they were all around us disease free  .
The sounds of daytime birds which are prevelant around here the "Toucans, Hawk" and numeous other species, were replaced by the chirping of "Tree Frogs". The paths wound around to exhibits of Snakes which were in enclosures of course 

"Tour Guide at Enclosure"

"Nightime Frog in Frog Garden"

"Poison Dart Frog"

Upon approcaching the "Frog Gardens" our Tour Guide warned us this was the area for "Snakes" it was not much more than 3 minutes later, than one of he most feared "Snakes in Central America" was going from one "Frog Pond" to another the Serpent feared by the "Costa Rican's" and "Naturalists of the Jungle" the "Fer-de-Lance". We were never in any danger, just exciting after years spent in the "Belize Zoo" on my "Vacations" away from the heat of "Florida" I knew from knowledge the "Snake" only wanted the "Frogs"
For those "Nature" seekers, this is the ultimate in sustainable "Ecology" with emphasis given to all the Wildlife that grace this fantastic property. A true "Eco-system" unto itself.

"Snake Fer-de-Lance"

 Since moving from the "United States" from "Florida", I love "Costa Rica" and the Adventures to be found here. After all where else can you live with "Nature" at your door, Flowers year round, a perfect climate and a stress free life...Come see Nature I have Photographs on my website of the LaFortuna area at the base of "Arenal Volcano" a number one "Tourist" destination at
Wildlife Photographs of Costa Rica  Come Visit us Soon,
Bill Patterson
Wildlife Artist
La Fortuna, Costa Rica

"Tercipalo"

"Rain Rain go Away"

Here I sit on my porch staring at "Arenal Volcano" in Costa Rica. "Rain" here in "Costa Rica" if plentiful during the "Rainy Season". All the Rain however comes in Afternoon showers, it is not constant. I have been seeing the "United States" "weather" throughout Irene and now today, via  "CNN International" and "Fox News" I see the "Northeastern United States" is again flooding. 
Being a Native "New Yorker" and I love Vermont and the surrounding States, I can't help but believe the Problems are accelarated by the constant Tampering with the "Environment". These flaws whether by the Dams that have been built with no consideration for the "Family Homes" and "Communities" that are affected. "Flood" Plains are just that, and if you protect one Area, put in Danger another. "Real Estate, Ecology, Econimics" all depend on the Land and changes it needs to be well planned. 
After leaving "New York" and working in "Florida" for 30 years I have seen my share of Hurricanes but the most devasting were the "Floods" caused by "Tropical Storms". It seems everyone on the News is talking about "Insurance", try and deal with an "Insurance Company" of which you pay in good faith to "Restore your Home to it's Original State"...after months of being Homeless and hoping that your requests and checks will come promptly...dont count on it.."Just as Mother Nature Controls the Weather" the Insurance Companies control all every State, Washington, Lobbysist and more....
To everyone affected by this "Flooding" I suggest that if you have any problem, hire a Private adjuster, and also keep calling the Main Company...do not take the adjusters word of the Insurance Company...
Losses are hard to accept...then how come after "Irene" "Insurance Company Stocks" were up by 18%..... Fight back...
And if you need to relax you are welcome here in "Costa Rica" we will gladly welcome you..Bill and Carol Patterson  LaFortuna, Costa Rica formerly of "New York" and "Florida"
here is a link to the Beauty of Costa Rica a change of scenery even if by Computer might do you good....Green Costa Rica

"Happy to be Happy"

It's a beautiful blue sky morning in "Costa Rica". Temperature is in the upper 70's and expected to reach the mid 80's, pretty warm for this area. Cicadas in the forest are singing, and butterflies are sampling nectar from the garden. I am glad to be here.

 In a poll several years ago Costa Rican People voted themselves the happiest in the world. I dare say, that if a similar poll were taken today, the "U.S. people" would vote themselves the most unhappy and dissatisfied people on earth. After following the debaucle that transpired in Washington the last few weeks on satellite TV I can understand, why.  Politicians are no longer statesmen, merely ideologues. Long gone are the men like Dirkson, Goldwater, Oneill and Kennedy, who would argue in the Halls of Congress to make their point, but still genuinely respect and like each other after hours, Now it is like war. demonize the opposition and appeal to the basest emotions which we humans harbor, Fear. 

The concensis of most of the internatiomal economists that I have watched recently have stated that a midterm fiscal problem with the deicit was turned into a crisis These guys had no agenda they were not running for election, they weren't even American, just money men.  Why not curtail" tax breaks" to companies that outsource jobs. Who said that 'Pentagon" spending should be sacrosanct? The defense contractors, perhaps. We spend more on defense than the next 7 contries combined. We might be fighting the last war instead of the one that's raging, economic. The country that harnessed the Atom and connected the world to the internet could use the same brainpower to come up with energy solutions, which is prbably our greatest enemy. These are just my opinions so if you want an argument, take it somewhere else. I'm happy to be happy.

William Patterson
Costa Rica