We’ll land in San Jose, Costa Rica on Monday, May 12! After doing quite a bit of research, we settled on Playa Sámara on the Nicoya Peninsula. It looks like it has everything we want: tropical weather, beaches, a variety of services, a language school, a mix of locals and expats, and roads that won’t get too washed out during the rain. Fingers crossed!

Sometimes we forget to stop and share what it takes for us to make decisions like this.

1. Read, read, read about potential destination, especially at this time of year
2. Look into surrounding areas in case potential destination doesn’t pan out (like when we were in Bariloche)
3. Research housing options and costs, including checking availability at a couple choice spots
4. Check visa requirements, including whether onward tickets are required
5. Shop around for flights
6. Review requirements to get a health certificate for Holly in origin country
7. Locate requirements for Holly’s entry into the country; call agency via Skype to clarify questions
8. Book flight and contact airline by phone to reserve Holly’s spot

This may seem like overkill, but not only is it our personality, it’s also a wise thing to do. Once within a country, it’s easier for us to fly by the seat of our pants, but crossing international borders — especially with a dog — requires some foresight.

Anyway, we are really excited and will keep you posted as plans progress.

Lastly, we had a great time last night at a language exchange bar night called Mundo Lingo. We talked the night away, practicing our Spanish and helping others to practice their English. Although, it got so loud and packed that we are both hoarse today. We met a lot of interesting people, both from Argentina and abroad.

We met a couple guys from Caracas, Venezuela who were hilarious and clearly trying to pick up some women because they complained that it was a fiesta de bomberos. Bombero means firefighter, and he explained, “It’s because there are too many hoses here.” We laughed and said that in English we say “sausage party,” and we all felt good about our little cultural exchange.

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