Merry Christmas and Wishing You the Best for a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!!
Stef and Pete Bogatinoff
On November 30 of 2016, we celebrated our 9th year living here in beautiful Atenas, Costa Rica. We love the wonderful people, the weather and the low cost of living, and especially, the relaxing atmosphere that we live in. With all this, it was pretty easy to make our decision to stay and live here. As it is becoming more obvious every year - it appears that we are here to stay, and I can guarantee you that we have not looked back at all! Enjoy!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Our Friends Are Back!!
November 21-27
Our dear friends Bob McDow and Carol Milam visited us this time last year. We were hoping that they would be the first guests in our new home. We thought the house would have been done, and you guessed it - it wasn't. I told them that they needed to come back the next year at the same time and promised the house would be done by then.
The time had come and I asked them if they were coming, but there was a little hesitation. I sent them an email that convinced them they needed to come visit. They agreed, but the deal was is that all they wanted to do this time was to just relax and have an opportunity to just chill out. Knowing our house was the perfect place for doing this, I said no problema.
We picked them up at the airport on the 21st and we were really happy to see them. They are absolutely fantastic people. During their stay, we really didn't do much except relax and maybe go out to dinner a couple of times.
Carol was always up around 5:00 AM and reading a book. She said that she loved to see the beautiful Costa Rica sunrise. I don't know how many books she read, but it was a lot. Many times while she was reading, Bob would take the opportunity to take a dip in the pool. He was in it more in one day than I have been since we first filled it with water.
These are my two buddies; Robin on the left. He is a retired bio-chemist born in Puerto Rico and Ron who is retired military in search of a beautiful Costa Rican gal.
Beside Carol is our friend Mary Park. Her and her husband Graham built a home near Atenas. Across the table on the left is Carolyn who also lives here. The lady in black is Carol. Her and her husband Bob live here about 6 months a year then go back to their home in the Alaska Wilderness.
You can tell everyone was into the food.
Our dear friends Bob McDow and Carol Milam visited us this time last year. We were hoping that they would be the first guests in our new home. We thought the house would have been done, and you guessed it - it wasn't. I told them that they needed to come back the next year at the same time and promised the house would be done by then.
The time had come and I asked them if they were coming, but there was a little hesitation. I sent them an email that convinced them they needed to come visit. They agreed, but the deal was is that all they wanted to do this time was to just relax and have an opportunity to just chill out. Knowing our house was the perfect place for doing this, I said no problema.
Carol was always up around 5:00 AM and reading a book. She said that she loved to see the beautiful Costa Rica sunrise. I don't know how many books she read, but it was a lot. Many times while she was reading, Bob would take the opportunity to take a dip in the pool. He was in it more in one day than I have been since we first filled it with water. Now, just because they said they wanted to relax and chill out, didn't mean that we weren't going to take the opportunity to have some fun as you can see.
The one big event we had while they were here was the Thanksgiving Dinner. These pictures are some that Bob took and I wanted to share them with you.
These are my two buddies; Robin on the left. He is a retired bio-chemist born in Puerto Rico and Ron who is retired military in search of a beautiful Costa Rican gal. 
Beside Carol is our friend Mary Park. Her and her husband Graham built a home near Atenas. Across the table on the left is Carolyn who also lives here. The lady in black is Carol. Her and her husband Bob live here about 6 months a year then go back to their home in the Alaska Wilderness. 
You can tell everyone was into the food. Bob and Carol were scheduled to fly out the next day, and I sure didn't want to see them go. Stef made them promise that they would attend our future Thanksgiving Day dinners, so I'm sure they will be back.
NOW LISTEN TO THIS:
I'm finding out that many people who come here just fall in love and want to come back. Because of the low cost of medical care and a good experience Carol had, she has figured out a way to make up her own medical insurance plan. If it works out, she will return every 3 months - have a nice vacation and get some cheap, but very good medical care. The way she has it planned is that the vacations here will be free. As soon as her and Stef get the details worked out, we will let you know more. All I know now is that Carol is booking a flight here in April.
My question is - Carol, are you bringing Bob with you?
See you guys soon and thanks for coming to visit us...
Michael G. Hayes - Passed Away January 10, 2010
We got our first long-term renter for the guest house on November 18, 2009. He is from Canada and his name is Michael Hayes. Michael is a very nice guy with a very quiet disposition, and we are enjoying him staying here.
In the early 2000's he was a professional body builder. A while ago he was diagnoised with stomach cancer and it appears that it could be terminal. In July, he made a trip to Costa Rica to visit and fell in love with the country. He decided to come back and stay as long as he could. This is when he contacted us and rented the apartment.
During his stay, he searched for alternative solutions here in Costa Rica, and I think there were some that could have helped. However, his Canadian doctor emailed him and requested that he return ASAP for more tests as his condition was much worse than they anticipated. He got a plane ticket and headed back, but promised us that he would return within a couple of weeks. We have received two emails from his brother who says that he is now in stage 4 and that he may not return.
You know - I saw that he thinks positive and so do I - Michael, we are praying for you and are looking forward to your return....
JANUARY 11, 2010
We received an email this morning from Michael's brother informing us that he had passed away last night. Michael was a great guy who had a passion for continuing his life in Costa Rica. His last wishes were that his ashes be spread near our home. - Really don't know what else to say at this time.
During his stay, he searched for alternative solutions here in Costa Rica, and I think there were some that could have helped. However, his Canadian doctor emailed him and requested that he return ASAP for more tests as his condition was much worse than they anticipated. He got a plane ticket and headed back, but promised us that he would return within a couple of weeks. We have received two emails from his brother who says that he is now in stage 4 and that he may not return.
You know - I saw that he thinks positive and so do I - Michael, we are praying for you and are looking forward to your return....
JANUARY 11, 2010
We received an email this morning from Michael's brother informing us that he had passed away last night. Michael was a great guy who had a passion for continuing his life in Costa Rica. His last wishes were that his ashes be spread near our home. - Really don't know what else to say at this time.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Properties for Sale
Just to let you know...
Thanksgiving 2009
Last year when Bob & Carol were here Stef bought a turkey and ham to cook at our new house. Well, that never happened because the house that was supposed to be done was never completed until mid January. Stef got our friend Ursula to keep both in her freezer until we were ready for it. Guess what? That turkey and ham stayed frozen until Thanksgiving 2009.
We convinced Bob & Carol to return the same time this year, and they did. The turkey and ham were prepared with them in mind (the same turkey and ham from last year).
Usually, Stef will discuss most matters with me, but for some reason - when it comes to having a party, she doesn't even tell me until after she has invited all the guests. As you can see, we had a fairly large number of people who shared this day with us. I think that the number was around 30. That's our dear friend Bob at the far left of the picture.
Here is closer to the start of the event. We rented 6 tables and a bunch of chairs to make sure everyone had a seat. The meal was to consist of 2 turkeys, of which our friend Lorna cooked the other - 1 butterball ham and a pork loin. - You can bet that no one went hungry. That's our dear friend Carol in the floral blouse.
No party could be successful without the help of our two girls - Ana Cecila (left) and Liz (right). Both helped Stef with everything from start to finish. I really don't know what we would do without them. Notice the matching outfits they got for the occassion. They were quite proud of them.
Beside the turkeys, ham and pork, everyone brought a plate - Mmmmmmmmmmmm - it was really great food, and everyone had a great time. Guess we are going to have to do it again next year!
We convinced Bob & Carol to return the same time this year, and they did. The turkey and ham were prepared with them in mind (the same turkey and ham from last year).
No party could be successful without the help of our two girls - Ana Cecila (left) and Liz (right). Both helped Stef with everything from start to finish. I really don't know what we would do without them. Notice the matching outfits they got for the occassion. They were quite proud of them.
Beside the turkeys, ham and pork, everyone brought a plate - Mmmmmmmmmmmm - it was really great food, and everyone had a great time. Guess we are going to have to do it again next year!Saturday, December 12, 2009
Getting Away to Manuel Antonio
September 21 - 24
We had not been away from Atenas for quite awhile and decided to take a few days and go to the beach - Central Pacific Beach that is. There were 3 other couples (friends of ours) who had never been to Manual Antonio, and decided to go with us. Beside Stef & myself, the crew consisted of:
That afternoon, we explored the area a while and went back to the house to relax and eat dinner. It was also time to check out the pool area. This is where Ed decided to check out the pool slide. This guy is a 73 year old retired fireman from the NYFD, and he is still in great shape.
To get to the beach, you had to park your car outside the entrance to the park, then walk about a mile to the beach. The walk was interesting because of the jungle like setting of the rain forest. In addition, there were several unusual animals, such as the Sloth that you see in the picture below.
We got to what is supposed to be one of the nicest beaches in Costa Rica and it was outstanding. Also, it wasn't crowded because of what you go through to get there. Everyone had a great time here and enjoyed the beach mucho. You can tell that I am in a very relaxed mood right now, and happy to be with my sweetheart!
Got back to the house late afternoon. Everybody decided to enjoy the pool one more time before we headed out the next morning. As you can see, we took the full benefit of the opportunity. The girls made a great dinner while the guys sat and told stories.
We had not been away from Atenas for quite awhile and decided to take a few days and go to the beach - Central Pacific Beach that is. There were 3 other couples (friends of ours) who had never been to Manual Antonio, and decided to go with us. Beside Stef & myself, the crew consisted of:
Ed and Johanna Lane
Jean and Al Alexander
Graham and Mary Park
Back Row (left to right): Me, Stef, Ed and Graham
Front Row (left to right); Johanna, Mary, Jean and Al
We rented a new Toyota van, and the same house Amanda and her friends stayed at. On the morning of September 21st, we headed west over the mountain to the shore. Having more than a million miles under my belt, I was the designated driver - besides, I really liked this truck.
The deal was that we would cook most of the meals at the house (I shouldn't say we because as most of you know - I don't know how to cook) and split all expenses equally. This worked out great because it gave us much more time to relax and enjoy.
We arrived mid-afternoon and wanted to get checked into the house. However, finding the property manager took a little more time than we cared for. Finally, into the house and unpacked. Check it out:
This is the rear of the house with a large patio, grill and the works.
Here, you see the infinity pool, more patio and the covered swim up bar area. There is also a slide going into the pool, which I will show you later.
The next day we took the four hour cruise on a Catamaran that holds 50 people. There were about 30 on board this day. The price includes all the mixed drinks you want (for some reason, beer is a buck a bottle). In addition, it includes a very nice lunch, and snorkeling. We even got a chance to see some Humpback Whales out there. Below are some pictures of the rough life we have to live down here:
Rather disgusting isn't it?
That afternoon, we explored the area a while and went back to the house to relax and eat dinner. It was also time to check out the pool area. This is where Ed decided to check out the pool slide. This guy is a 73 year old retired fireman from the NYFD, and he is still in great shape.The next morning, we headed out for the Manuel Antonio National Rainforest and Beach. One thing to note is that the cost of admission is $10 each - because Stef and I are residents, our cost was $3 each.
To get to the beach, you had to park your car outside the entrance to the park, then walk about a mile to the beach. The walk was interesting because of the jungle like setting of the rain forest. In addition, there were several unusual animals, such as the Sloth that you see in the picture below.
We got to what is supposed to be one of the nicest beaches in Costa Rica and it was outstanding. Also, it wasn't crowded because of what you go through to get there. Everyone had a great time here and enjoyed the beach mucho. You can tell that I am in a very relaxed mood right now, and happy to be with my sweetheart!
After we left the park, we stopped at Costa Verde and had an outstanding lunch. This brings back memories because it is where Stef first told me how much she loved Costa Rica. That was January 2007.
Got back to the house late afternoon. Everybody decided to enjoy the pool one more time before we headed out the next morning. As you can see, we took the full benefit of the opportunity. The girls made a great dinner while the guys sat and told stories.Ah, to relax on the upper deck and see the beautiful views of the mountains and ocean. Then to get in the pool with a refreshing drink. - You know, I think that I am starting to get real spoiled.
Well, the party was over and we headed back the next morning to our little piece of Atenas. The drive was great and we stopped about half way back for a bite to eat and to enjoy the ocean one more time, before we hit the mountain roads. I think that everyone had a great time. I know we did, and it was perfect spending this time with some really great people - Someday Soon - Again
A Wild and Crazy Bunch
September 11 - 18
Our daughter Amanda was wanting to see her friends again - Instead of her going back to Nashville, they all decided to come here to see her. What a crew!!
They rolled into our humble abode the afternoon of 9/11/2009, and the party started the minute they got out of the van. The first order of business was to initiate our pool, and they did a very good job. Cool refreshing Costa Rica water, and plenty of refreshments. That's what Costa Rica is all about.
The next night, Amanda took them to Jalapeno's that has a rock band on Friday nights. They partied until the cops were called (not because of them, but because of the loud music). Stef and I met them there to try and keep things under control, but it was a useless effort. On the far left, the guy with the white hair is our new neighbor Dan who just happened to go there for a nice quiet meal.
These are some really great people that we have grown to know and love over the years. They have been Amanda's closest friends.
Although I am getting a little old to keep up with you guys - YOU ARE WELCOME BACK ANYTIME!
Our daughter Amanda was wanting to see her friends again - Instead of her going back to Nashville, they all decided to come here to see her. What a crew!!
Top Row (left to right) you will see: Tommy, Jenny, Brenda, Amanda, Dani
Bottom Row (left to right) are: Jimmy, Brad, Leslie and Toby
They rolled into our humble abode the afternoon of 9/11/2009, and the party started the minute they got out of the van. The first order of business was to initiate our pool, and they did a very good job. Cool refreshing Costa Rica water, and plenty of refreshments. That's what Costa Rica is all about.After they finished with the pool it was time to have dinner - Amanda's favorite place to dine is La Troja, so she took them there for a fine steak dinner. As you can see, they had a great time.
The next night, Amanda took them to Jalapeno's that has a rock band on Friday nights. They partied until the cops were called (not because of them, but because of the loud music). Stef and I met them there to try and keep things under control, but it was a useless effort. On the far left, the guy with the white hair is our new neighbor Dan who just happened to go there for a nice quiet meal.
Remember what I said about the police? This is how the girls handled them. Good thing that I know the Chief.
OH WELL!!!
The next morning they headed off for a few days in Manuel Antonio - Not sure what they did, but I am certainly sure they had a good time. Amanda found and rented a very nice 5 bedroom home near the beach at $200 per night - We found out later that it was one hell of a great deal.
This is Amanda's good friend Mary Gray whom she met at Spanish class. Mary G is the same age as Amanda and they became close friends. Mary Gray was a teacher at the school, but ended up having to go back to the States. They had great times together. She is a really sweet gal and will be missed.
The gang returned the day before they were to depart back to the US. We had a BBQ for them where Toby grilled all the food on "Big Red." I guess that they really liked the pool because they were back in it shortly after they arrived.
After dinner, they partied until the wee hours of the morning. When I got up the next morning, there were suitcases laying on the patio and people all over the place. Got a feeling their flight back is going to be a little difficult.
After dinner, they partied until the wee hours of the morning. When I got up the next morning, there were suitcases laying on the patio and people all over the place. Got a feeling their flight back is going to be a little difficult.
Although I am getting a little old to keep up with you guys - YOU ARE WELCOME BACK ANYTIME!
A New Lover of Costa Rica
August 2009
Yep, she took the plunge and fell in love with Costa Rica! La Doctura de la Johanna (Johanna's Doctor) Valerie Small decided to bring her two daughters to visit Costa Rica for awhile to relax until the girls had to go back to school. One daughter Fiona who is 18 yrs old is going into her second year of Medical school in Ireland - 18 yrs old and 2nd year of medical school - WOW! Her other daughter is Sinead who is 16 yrs old.
They stayed a couple of days at Johanna's house to get used to things before they headed out on their Costa Rica journey. The day came and the girls headed to Manuel Antonio. This is a resort town right on the Central Pacific Coast, and is one of my favorite places. Stef got them set up at a nice hotel near the beach along with a couple of excursions that they enjoyed. I think that they stayed about 3 days and had a great time.
They came back to Atenas to rest up a day or two before they headed back home. The night before they left, we had a dinner party at La Troja owned by our friend Frank. This turned into a pretty wild time and it was evident that Valarie started the whole thing. Take a look...
These are our friends Jean and Al Alexander who are both still sober. Jean is a Landscape Architect from the New York area - she is very good at this and did the design for Woody Allen's Manhatten penthouse. Al is probably one of the best artists I have ever seen. You can see some of his work by going to his website at
http://alalexanderartist.com/
Now, things are starting to get going..
Yep, she took the plunge and fell in love with Costa Rica! La Doctura de la Johanna (Johanna's Doctor) Valerie Small decided to bring her two daughters to visit Costa Rica for awhile to relax until the girls had to go back to school. One daughter Fiona who is 18 yrs old is going into her second year of Medical school in Ireland - 18 yrs old and 2nd year of medical school - WOW! Her other daughter is Sinead who is 16 yrs old.
They stayed a couple of days at Johanna's house to get used to things before they headed out on their Costa Rica journey. The day came and the girls headed to Manuel Antonio. This is a resort town right on the Central Pacific Coast, and is one of my favorite places. Stef got them set up at a nice hotel near the beach along with a couple of excursions that they enjoyed. I think that they stayed about 3 days and had a great time.
They came back to Atenas to rest up a day or two before they headed back home. The night before they left, we had a dinner party at La Troja owned by our friend Frank. This turned into a pretty wild time and it was evident that Valarie started the whole thing. Take a look...
Seated around the table (left to right) are: Al, me, Stef, Amanda, Fiona, Sinead, Valarie and Jean. This is before the action started.
This is where Frank brought out his special booze and things got rocking. You notice how sober I still am.
These are our friends Jean and Al Alexander who are both still sober. Jean is a Landscape Architect from the New York area - she is very good at this and did the design for Woody Allen's Manhatten penthouse. Al is probably one of the best artists I have ever seen. You can see some of his work by going to his website at
http://alalexanderartist.com/
Now, things are starting to get going..
Fiona - Valarie - Sinead
Valarie - Stef - Jean
Well Frank - he knows that his favorite bottle has a nice warming effect on his friends - take a look...
It was all over for Valarie
And the survivor is?
I think the girls had a great time in Costa Rica, and we will welcome them back anytime. Thank you Valarie, Fiona, and Sinead for becoming our new friends.
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