Re-Appreciation of Xmas in CR

ISSUE #333: Dec. 13-18, 2010

2010-12-18

Re-Appreciation of Xmas in CR

» NOTES

When I started Residencias Los Jardines, I started writing a weekly news letter —determined to tell all the good, bad, and the ugly. I knew some readers would be interested in the construction process. I expected others might be interested in 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 Los Jardines is finished. We periodically have resales and rental availability. 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.

In an effort to make the format more interesting and visually appealing and to field inquiries re. El Dorado, the news letter is now being distributed by Jan Kozak, Marketing Manager, Hacienda El Dorado. I will remain the author.


Brian C. Timmons, Author
Residencias Los Jardines/Hacienda El Dorado - Developer
E-mail:
brian@eldoradocostarica.com

YOU CAN ALSO VIEW THE COMPLETE VERSION ONLINE AT:

https://www.eldoradocostarica.com/English/Newsletter/index.php

» CONSTRUCTION LOG

Rio Oro: We've reviewed all three and have focused on one.We asked for a more formal proposal with a complete scope of work document attached. That we have reviewed and are back asking for clarification on some points. The objective is to eliminate surprises by either party.

» RESIDENCIAS LOS JARDINES

Market Interest: We've had one party interested to purchase. We leased 112, 124 and 123 which suddenly became available because the tenants returned to Mexico leaving us holding only their deposits. 

Special Shareholders Meeting: A Special shareholders meeting is planned for Jan. 15. The main focus of this meeting is to deal with issues not resolved at the previous meeting. I expect less discussion and less interest by many and what there will be, will probably be done on line and voting for most will be done on line as well. We'll see.

Trees and Roots: Roots from several palm trees have found their way into several drainage pipes. We can survive during the dry season with a temporary fix, the problem will have to be addressed when funds are available for a more permanent fix--hopefully after the Special Shareholder's Meeting.
 
FOR SALE:
 
Unit 106A: $155,000
Unit 106B: $169,000
Unit 107:   $265,000
Unit 115:   $205,000
Unit 125:   $160,000

See Descriptions and photos below.

Rental Vacancies:

None

 
Residencia Los Jardines Site Plan


Unit #125 -- For Sale $160,000 - FURNISHED

Total Area (Sq Ft): 662
Total area (Sq M): 61
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Floor(s): 2nd Floor
Type: Apartment
Furnished: Yes 

This 662 sf, + parking for one car and 33sf locker is a one bedroom home on the 2nd floor overlooking the large pool. It is ideal for a single person or couple—or investment property.



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Unit #106A -- For Sale $155,000 - FURNISHED (Leased at $1,000 pr month until January 2011)

Total Area (Sq Ft):1250
Total area (Sq M):120
Bedrooms:2
Bathrooms:2.5
Floor(s):Ground Floor
Type:Apartment
Furnished:Yes 

This is a fully furnished 2-bedroom unit situated in a 2-story building, which has two units on the ground floor and two units on the 2nd. floor. Each unit is the same size (1,250sf) divided into 800 sf of interior space and 450 sf of covered front and back terraces. UnitS 106 A and B are on the ground floor; Units 106 C and D are on the 2nd. Floor. The solid masonry demising wall (common wall) as well as the 5” concrete slab prevent sound transference.











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Unit #107 -- For Sale $265,000 - FURNISHED

Total Area (Sq Ft):1716
Total area (Sq M):158
Bedrooms:2
Bathrooms:2.5
Floor(s):2 Story
Type:Detached
Furnished:Yes

This 1,716 sf. (plus parking for one car) two story, detached house, with three terraces, two bedrooms (one on each floor) and upstairs master suite is a beautiful home. This home consists of two VERY large bedrooms (one on each floor) with en-suite bathrooms and a powder room, each with large closets with extensive built-ins for personal organization. The vaulted living room and ground floor bedroom ceilings as well as the master bedroom on the 2nd floor, provide a feeling of grandeur while allowing the warmer air to rise and exit through the ceiling ventilating system. There are three TVs (one in each bedroom and one in the living room.) This is a beautiful home. There is a rough-in for a dishwasher in the kitchen area.
 

 

 

Unit #102 -- For Sale $265,000 - FURNISHED

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1922
Total area (Sq M): 117
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Floor(s): Ground Floor
Type: Apartment
Furnished: Yes 

This two bedroom, 1922 sf (177m2) + parking and bodega, single story home located in Residencias Los Jardines was completed 5 years ago and has been lived in by a single lady who has lovingly cared for and cleaned it twice a week. It is situated on the ground floor of a two storey, horizontal duplex. It is in PRISTINE condition. The vendor is the original owner.

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Unit #115 -- For Sale $205,000 - FURNISHED

Total Area (Sq Ft):1345
Total area (Sq M):124
Bedrooms:2
Bathrooms:2
Floor(s):1 Story
Type:Attached
Furnished:Yes
 

This 1,345 sf single floor home includes a 200 sf private terrace plus parking for one car. It is attached on two sides by a 6” solid concrete block wall which prevents sound transfer. This is an extremely well decorated home with lots of natural wood built ins.

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Unit #106B --For Sale $169,000 - FURNISHED

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1250
Total area (Sq M): 120
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Floor(s): Ground Floor
Type: Apartment
Furnished: Yes 

This is a fully furnished 2-bedroom unit situated in a 2-story building, which has two units on the ground floor and two units on the 2nd. floor. Each unit is the same size (1,250sf) divided into 800 sf of interior space and 450 sf of covered front and back terraces. Units 106 A and B are on the ground floor; Units 106 C and D are on the 2nd. Floor. The solid masonry demising wall (common wall) as well as the 5" concrete slab prevent sound transference.



Read More

 

» NEWS FROM COSTA RICA

December 18, 2010
Costa Rica, Nicaragua Agree To Mediation
SAN PEDRO, BELIZE - Both Costa Rica and Nicaragua accepted on Thursday an offer by Mexico and Guatemala to mediate talks with an eye on resolving the seven week border dispute.
Read

December 18, 2010
Mexican Drug Cartel Has Established Bases In Costa Rica
Costa Rican authorities say that Mexico's powerful Sinaloa drug cartel has established bases and storage depots in the country from which it ships drugs to the United States. Drug trafficking in Costa Rica now "will certainly increase because Mexican drug traffickers are already here, especially the Sinaloa" cartel, Philip Springer, of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said in an interview with ADN radio.
Read

December 18, 2010
29 New Multinationals Settled In Costa Rica In 2010
The CINDE - Coalición Costarricense de Iniciativas de Desarrollo (Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency)) reports that 2010 was a good year, investment wise, with the decision by 29 multinational corportations to settle in Costa Rica, with an investment of more than us$430 million dollars.
Read

December 18, 2010
Successful Skin Transplant In Costa Rica Saves Life Of 9 Year Old Children's Hospital p
Performed its first skin transplant surgery on the boy after he suffered a bee sting
Read

December 17, 2010
Costa Rican Judge Orders International Arrest Of Eden Pastora The order does not apply in Nicaragua
Criminal court justice, Rodrigo Vallecillos, on Wednesday signed the international arrest warrant for Eden Pastor for causing environmental damage in Costa Rica.
Read

December 16, 2010
US Military Presence in Costa Rica Rejected
Costa Rican opposition parties expressed their rejection to the entry of more soldiers, ships and helicopters from the US to Costa Rica, on a pretext to fight drug trafficking.
Read

December 16, 2010
Costa Rica On Track For Record Banana Sales in 2010
Costa Rica has posted a 20% increase in banana exports in 2010, and expects to continue the upward trend in 2011, according to local newspaper El Prensa Libre.
Read

December 16, 2010
New Insurer Given Approval To Enter Costa Rica Market
Atlantic Southern Insurance Company is the latest insurer to expand to Costa Rica. With over six decades of service, and offering quality products to Puerto Ricans, Atlantic Southern Insurance (ASICO) will be the 11th national insurer.
Read

December 15, 2010
Claro and Movistar Make Bids, Tigo & Others Not In Costa Rica
America Movil (Claro), Mexico largest wireless provider and Spain's Telefonica (Movistar) made bids on Tuesday for concessions to operate cellular networks in Costa Rica, in competition with the state telecom, the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE).
Read

December 15, 2010
Presidenta Chinchilla Presented Her National Development Plan
Costa Rica's presidenta, Laura Chinchilla, presented the Plan de Desarrollo Nacional (PDN) - National Development Plan - where the objectives and goals of the government are laid out until 2014, the end of her term.
Read

December 15, 2010
Low Numbers Preferred By Lottery Buyers
The countdown has begun and with only five days to go, chasers of the Gordo Navideño are looking at the "low" numbers to make them a "billionaire", with a first prize of a cool billion colones.
Read

December 14, 2010
Recession In Costa Rica Could Be Around The Corner
Costa Rica may be in a recession next month following eight months of negative economic growth. According to international standards, a country enters into recession when it experiences three consecutive quarters of negative growth.
Read

December 14, 2010
Drug Trafficking In Costa Rica To Increase
Mexico's powerful Sinaloa drug cartel has established bases and storage depots in Costa Rica from which it ships drugs to the United States, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) representative said Monday.
Read

December 14, 2010
European Union Says Nicaragua - Costa Rica Dispute Should Be Resolved In 2011
A European Union (EU) representative Monday urged the Nicaraguan and Costa Rican governments to start a bilateral dialogue to resolve the border conflict caused by the dredging of the San Juan River.
Read

December 14, 2010
Missing Canadians Found Alive Off Costa Rica
Two B.C. men have been found alive after days stranded at sea off the coast of Costa Rica. John Davidson, 64 and his best friend, Jud Baker, were lost at sea for three days.
Read

December 13, 2010
33 Could Turn Into 1.000.000 In Costa Rica
If you still haven't bought your ticket for Sunday's Big lottery draw there is still time, but favourite numbers are going fast.
Read

December 13, 2010
Costa Rica Investigates Mysterious Death of Sea Turtles
Scientists in Costa Rica are studying the death of at least 10 and 12 more ailing turtles in the southern zone. Universidad Nacional (UN) told the press that the environmental organization MarVia found the 22 turtles floating near Matapalo beach.
Read

December 13, 2010
What Will Be Of Daniel Ortega? The Same Fate Of Noriega?
In a commentary in today's edition of Al Día, Edgar Fonseca, comments that Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega will be taking the same trip as Noriega, a direct, non-return flight to Miami. What are the Americans waiting for? asks Fonseca.
Read

» OUR LIVES

WEATHER: Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful--mostly sunny, 24C or 76F, gentle breeze. Couldn't design better weather--and here it comes naturally.

The "season" in CR: As I've been focused on management issues, and the longer I'm in CR I've come to accept those things which I initially marveled at as being "normal". They are to me now but to the newbie, they still represent "charm": Pozos, like many small  towns has an annual fair.  It doesn't consist of much, a few rides, some low tech carnival games, cotton candy, and a couple CR easy food.  However, while the fair isn't much, it is accompanied by rocket bombs early morning and during the day, fireworks, kids and families milling around, and usually one day of "cowboys" sitting on their well groomed horses drinking beer and talking. The Pozos fair is followed by the Santa Ana fair which is larger but much the same.

Christmas tamales will begin to appear in homes and the Sunday "feria" or farmer's market.  

The Festival of Lights--CR's equivalent of the Rose Bowl Parade--was held last Saturday night and this year, while it was cool, it did not storm with wind and rain like last year.  On December 26, the same route in San Jose will be the site of a huge "tope" or horse parade which will be attended by lots and lots of participants from all over CR as well as spectators.  That will be followed in a month or so by the annual horse show and fair, etc in Palmares. 

December is a busy month traffic and shopping wise. "Aguinaldo" is paid, people are out and about spending money and driving crazier than normal. It's a good month to try to avoid going anywhere or doing anything. Come January, 10, the streets and stores will be virtually empty--time to re-emerge.

Lita supervised the decorating of the Los Jardines Christmas tree and made sure it was a different tree than the parrot is placed in---when it was the same, the little bugger popped all the lights with his beak and gloated over it. --- too bad they were lighted when he did it!

New owners to Los Jardines are in the process of getting settled. They've personalized their home successfully through tried and true trades who we know deliver. They are, however, still struggling to buy a car.  After several false starts, they settled on one from a used car dealer in Grecia. A week and a half later, they are still waiting for  the paperwork to be completed and the car delivered. I hope it happens next week or else they could be waiting several more weeks due to Christmas. This is a different experience than buying a car in N. Am. There you leave with the car the same day.....

Doneste is 2 1/2 weeks and counting into setting up a bank account. All documents were delivered (a page full of requirements), certifications made by a lawyer, testimonials by third parties, certified financial statements, etc., etc., etc.  We still haven't heard if the account has been or will be opened.

.....and then there are always the testimonials from Canada about the record snow falls, the freezing weather and the wind chill, etc. ... all of which I happily put aside as my windows are open, breeze blowing through, sunny skies, golf shirt weather, with the squawky parrot in the back ground, Lita gyrating to the Ipod with "Squeeky" the little parrot "perico" on her shoulder hanging on for dear life having a great time riding the twists and turns of her dance.....     


Brian, Lita, Hugo, irreverent Vicka, the pigeon toed parrot, and the newbies - Chico and Chica.

Brian C. Timmons, Newsletter Author
Residencias Los Jardines/Hacienda El Dorado - Developer
Cell: (+506) 8305-3965
E-mail: brian@eldoradocostarica.com


For inquiries about availability of residences at Hacienda El Dorado or Residencias Los Jardines, contact:

Jan Kozak, Marketing Manager
Residencias Los Jardines/Hacienda El Dorado

Web: www.eldoradocostarica.com
E-mail: info@eldoradocostarica.com
MSN: jan.kozak.jr@hotmail.com
Skype: jan.kozak.jr

Voicemail (Canada) (+1) 647-477-5825
Skype (US) (+1) 954 903 0830
Office (Costa Rica) (+506) 2215-6000
Cell (Costa Rica): (+506) 8707-9930 / (+506) 8345-8018
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