
Progress Report
September 24-29, 2007 // CONSTRUCTION LOG #155
Contact phone numbers
Internet Phone:
New York: 315-279-6711
Toronto: 416-907-5758 // 416-461-2203
Costa Rica:
Cell: 506-305-3965
Land: 506-282-4142 Ext. 101
NOTE: the New York and Toronto numbers are "local calls" for people in the area codes; calls from outside the area code will be billed at the normal rate from the caller's area code to either the "315" or the "416" area code.

NOTE: WHEN I STARTED RESIDENCIAS LOS JARDINES, I STARTED WRITING A WEEKLY NEWS LETTER—DEETERMINED TO TELL ALL THE GOOD, BAD, AND THE UGLY. I KNEW SOME READERS WERE INTERESTED IN THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS. OTHERS WERE INTERESTED IN HAVING INSIGHT TO THE LIFESTYLE OF TWO PEOPLE WHO HAD DECIDED TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE BOX. FOR OTHERS, THE ADVENTURES OF LITA, THE PARROT AND THE CAT TOOK ON AN ENTERTAINMENT SAGA ALL ITS OWN.
RESIDENCIAS LOR JARDINES IS FINISHED. WE PERIODICALLY HAVE RESALES AND RENTAL AVAILABILTY. SOME READERS MAY BE INTERESTED IN THIS INFORMATION.
MORE AND MORE, THE CONTENT WILL BE DOMINATED BY EVENTS OF OUR NEW PROJECT, “EL DORADO” FOR SHORT. WHILE THE FUTURE IS ALWAYS UNCERTAIN, I AGAIN AIM TO TELL IT LIKE IT HAPPENS—THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY, AND THAT IS WHAT FOLLOWS:
EL DORADO
The STORY: cleaning up the details and selection of
legal counsel and where did 15m go?????
Pictures: none. View previous pictures of El Dorado.
Architect: Friday was the day for cleaning up lots of
little details. We aren't completely finished with
all these but should be by Tuesday. I've also asked
the architect to come up with a solution which divides
one large space into two units. I've suggested some
direction. The problem from our perspective was that
we had four houses that were simply too large for what
we felt is the target market. So we I've asked him to
divide the space into smaller bite sized chunks. Now
that I've given direction, I'll let him work his
magic.
Experience has taught me never to relay entirely on
the drawings; I always want to check the physical
space. We got the dimensions we needed to do so and
woops!!!!!!! We seem to be missing 15 meters-an entire
lot. This has to be addressed before we go to market.
Structural Engineer: we've signed the contract for
this work and are promised a solution in two weeks.
At that point, I'll review the tentative floor plans
with the architect and we can proceed to finish the
Mayan tower. It should be quite impressive if the
drawings we now have can be extended to their
conclusion.
Additional Land: We have decided not to buy the
additional 2250 meters because it is too difficult to
access and to build on. In addition, the vendors kept
increasing the price. We walked away; It simply
doesn't make any sense. This allows us to build a
different type building on what now amounts to a
decent sized lot —the old adage that when one door
closes, another opens.
Well Application: we continue to wait.
Quebrada: this land fill is nearly completed-another
week and it will be finished. We had to excavate some
area and back fill with compactable aggregate in order
to get a firm enough base for the road.
Fence: this work continues.
Web site: the text is now in the hands of our
Argentinean people who will translate it and move it
to the website. Jan, the marketing manager, and I
have to finish lots of information so it too can be
moved on the website.
Marketing: We're reviewing billboards on Tuesday.
We've contracted for three additional renderings from
professionals who do this work. This will be of the
stream with it's finished landscaping and two of the
social/recreational areas. We'll get those in a
couple weeks.
Legal counsel: We finally settled on a law firm.
It was recommended by our architect. His price was
the best so far, we feel comfortable with him, and he
is conveniently located. This was a longer than
expected process; I'm glad is resolved.
RESIDENCIAS LOS JARDINES
For Sale: nothing available at the moment.
For Lease:
Unit 121 for the month of October — $ 1,550
Unit 106A immediate through Nov. 30 — $ 950
OUR LIVES
Weather: rain almost every day but not has hard as in
weeks past-beautiful, clear mornings.
Lamb: I love lamb and whenever I can find fresh CR
lamb, I buy it. I did this week and I invited other
lamb lovers for a feast. For others, I had a separate
offering. I continue to be amazed at how good it is
here; it is certainly equal to (in my opinion)
Ontario spring lamb and both are far superior to NZ
lamb ...Greek salad, Greek roasted potatoes, good
wine, Stilton cheese/grapes and cigars and good
company —life is great in the tropics!!!
Free Trade Agreement: On October 7, CR votes on
acceptance/rejection of the proposed trade agreement
amongst many Central American countries and the USA.
The debate seems similar to that in Canada re NAFTA
agreement between Canada/USA/Mexico. At an all Tico
family party to which we were invited on Friday when
conversation was lagging, I asked the politically
charged question of how each saw this issue. We had
an interesting discussion-members of the family were
divided which I think reflects the country's dilemma.
As of now, it seems to be anyone's guess as to which
way the vote will go.
Brian, Lita, Hugo, irreverent Vicka, the pigeon toed
parrot, and the newbies- Chico and Chica.
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