March 2005
We have some news! Youval and I recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica... What a place! Our visit was short; only a week, but it was so great to be there. You know, photos just don't do the experience justice...
Anyway, some of the "bigger" things to tell you about:
- Villa Mango now has a "land line" telephone! Finally (It has only been 3 years (!) we got a line. So now there is a phone and answering machine for guests' use. Our policy is that there will be no charge to guests for local calls (and all areas within Costa Rica are considered "local") or to receive calls from overseas. To call out overseas, guests may use a calling card (eg. ATT/Sprint/MCI all have local access numbers) or pre-paid phone cards that are widely available for purchase in Costa Rica, including near our rental villas, in Dominical. We're waiting for a phone line for Casa Amigos... just a matter of time now....
- The stream between Villa Mango and Casa Amigos is now on a recirculation system. There are goldfish and water lillies in the ponds... looks great! So now there is a gentle water flow year-round.
- The landscaping continues to "fill in" and looks wonderful. Two little Hawaiian papaya trees that we planted as little twigs last January ('04) are now about 30 feet tall and are producing (delicious!) fruit. Taller trees and palms are starting to "break out" and give the gardens more of a 3-dimensional look... its really beautiful.
- This summer, April to August '05 we plan to renovate and expand Casa Amigos. It will have 2 more bedrooms and baths in a new downstairs level, and also its own lap-sized swimming pool and pool patios! So now guests at either Villa Mango or Casa Amigos will be assured privacy for their group at the pool.
- There is now a security alarm system in both Villa Mango and Casa Amigos with simple to use "stay" and "away" options.
- We continue to make improvements, for example new cushions for the furniture, and bringing items from the States that guests have suggested.... an ironing board here, a whisk and more sharp knives there... next visit we will bring new easier to use alarm clocks.
- This visit we were introduced to some wonderful new restaurants in the area.... surprisingly great food at reasonable rates. You will find sample menus in our villa directories.
-Glen (and Youval, Vickie, Hector and Ligia)