July 2005

Once again Youval and I are just back from a quick trip to "Paradise"... we went there primarily to check on the construction progress at Casa Amigos.... and of course enjoyed the treat of staying at Villa Mango as well.

Things are coming along really nicely... it is exciting for us to see our ideas become reality.... and just recently the backhoe arrived to begin excavation for the new lap sized swimming pool for Casa Amigos.

Besides the renovations (adding 2 more bedrooms/bathrooms to Casa Amigos downstairs, and a 2 level outside patio with arbor and pool) we have some other news:

Internet Service has arrived!!! Really! We now have telephone lines in both villas, and also unlimited internet access. Guests just bring their laptop computers (they need a connection to a "standard" telephone jack) and do a quick configuration of the software, and voila! Access. True, at this time it is a relatively slow connection (40 - 50 kbs) but we are not complaining! It works! (And FYI there's no charge to guests to use the internet access.)
OK, it is not as big a deal as the internet/telephones, but you may like to know that we have installed a hammock in the balcony of Villa Mango, and next week there will also be a "hammock chair". There's nothing like relaxing on that balcony! We also have a new "hammock chair" for Casa Amigos.
We've been getting great guest feedback about Vickie, our "new" property manager..... besides being helpful in arranging reservations, making recommendations about activities, etc., she is also an excellent masseuse; what a treat to get a great massage right on the property! And of course dear Hector is the best....
The "little things" continue to improve.... new reclining lounges for the pool(s), new fabric for the balcony furniture, and we've ordered a new slightly wider set of beds for the master bedroom in Villa Mango. We also now have bamboo roller blinds for the outside balconies, to provide some shade during the afternoon...
The landscaping: each visit we are amazed at how the gardens continue to fill in and develop! Now we have started to shift from planting mode to trimming mode! It is so lush and beautiful.... and photos just don't do it justice....

Writing all of these things makes me want to go back there, right now! Well, I can't complain, since my family and I will be spending August in "Paradise".....

Best wishes to everyone, and if your or your friends/families plans include a trip to Costa Rica, we'd love to be your/their hosts (again!)

Best regards,

-Glen (and Youval, Vickie, Hector and Ligia)