Laura K

Is there at least one Servientrega in Costa Rica? If so, where in Costa Rica are they located? I couldn't find Costa Rica on their website. Servientrega

Jessica, we will seriously consider renting for more than one month. Thank you for the mathematical calculations for figuring out long term rental prices. If utilities are not included, $2,000 per month. Appreciate the "heads up" on electrical rates.

Beginning in 2012, my family and I plan on staying in Costa Rica for at least one month at a time. We would like references to long term rentals in or near Playa Guiones. We can pay up to $3,000 per month rent if all utilities, etc. are included ($2,000 per month if utilities, etc. are not included). What we would like in a long term rental: air conditioning, high speed Internet, television (nice to have but not necessary), at least 2 bedrooms (and 1 bathroom), near the beach, location where a car is not needed (we would like rent a car because we want to, not because we have to), full kitchen, furnished, and no lease. It will be myself, my husband, our daughter, 20, and our son, 9 (3 adults and 1 child). We don't smoke and we have no pets. I didn't see many long term rentals on the Nosara Beach Rentals website.

My son, Kobe (now 8), and I met Ronni at an Applebee's in Las Vegas, Nevada almost two years ago. She was so much fun to be around and we enjoyed her company. We are saddened by her condition. Laura K

expat99, A video of you swearing in as a naturalized citizen of Costa Rica would be really nice. Anyone who wants to be a citizen of Costa Rica better be really sure since they can't changed their mind. Twice the taxes, etc. is no fun. Thank you for the additional information. Laura K

Here is my slogan. What do you think? Residency, Naturalization, and Citizenship: Good for us; good for Costa Rica.

expat99, Thank you for the explanation of "naturalization" and "citizenship". Many people don't want to be citizens because they don't want to be under the jurisdiction of two governments. Keep us posted on whether or not you will apply for naturalization. Laura K

expat99, Congratulations for applying for naturalization. Not easy task. It's great that your children are dual citizens. What are the similarities and differences between naturalization and citizenship? You are very helpful. Laura K

expat99, Now I added "naturalization" to my slogan. Appreciate the reminder about Naturalization. Thank you for the update on dual citizenship for Americans. I like both of your slogans. How about combining the two slogans? Citizenship and Naturalization; it's a personal choice or Naturalization and Citizenship; it's a personal choice. You are right. In some cases, citizenship is not a personal choice. Now I understand why Nicaraguans want to be Costa Rican citizens. I am learning a lot from you. Laura K

costaricafinca, it is just for fun. Nothing wrong with having some fun on this forum.

expat99, I changed "you" to "us". The information you gave me is very interesting and fascinating. A while back, I did ask about citizenship for Americans on this forum. I was told that it isn't worth the "hassle" of being under two governments. Also, it is easier for Canadians to have dual citizenship. If you have a slogan, please feel free to share. Laura K

epat99, Thank you for your opinion. I would have said it the way you suggested but I didn't want it to be all about me. I don't want people to think I'm self-centered. Laura K

@Kenn: Today, I called the Technical Support Department at Rosetta Stone. The problem was the different microphone settings on my computer and Rosetta Stone's. Now the microphone settings are the same and the speech recognition is working well now.

I heard a lot of great things about Rosetta Stone. As of today, I ordered the Rosetta Stone Program for myself. I ordered the program from the Rosetta Stone website. This way, they have my account information if I need their help for any reason. Rosetta Stone

@David C. Murray: Randy is my husband.

ciciclista: This is what Randy says: "The only people in America that don't see corruption are politicians, lawyers, and bankers."

Cathy, I asked my husband, Randy, why the dollar is not gaining more worth. This is what he told me: "The dollar is a piece of paper and has no intrinsic value. It can be created in unlimited amounts by the Federal Reserve. So the value of your dollar. such as it is, is based on the solvency of the United States government. The United States government collect in taxes about two trillion dollars per year. They have outstanding liability at the present time of about 200 trillion dollars. It's only be the grace of God that the dollar you hold is worth more than a piece of toilet paper. If the average citizen could do basic math, the whole charade would collapse in a few minutes. Buy gold and silver and possibly be one of the survivors or trust the United States government to do the right thing. Your choice." Sincerely, Laura K

Kenn, Tengo cuarenta y seis años. Luckily, I have found many sympathetic Ticos who put up with my accent. I return the favor and put up with theirs when they practice English. Voice recognition still turned off in Rosetta Stone. Dana, thank you for the Visual Spanish Link information. Greg, Rosetta Stone can be used with MP3 players and CDs do come with Rosetta Stone. I agree, practicing Spanish is best when in Costa Rica.

My fist online studio session went great with Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America). The only problem I have with the language program is with voice recognition. I can't believe I am pronouncing almost every word wrong. The studio sessions will give me plenty of practice in speaking Spanish. Rosetta World will give me practice in speaking Spanish. I will try Rosetta World. I practice my Spanish with Rosetta stone at least five days a week for at least 30 minutes. Using the "El Foro en Español" Forum will help, too.

I now have Rosetta Stone. I am on Level One Spanish (Latin America). It's all immersion. I am enjoying the program. The only problem I have is with voice recognition. Even at the easiest level I am told I'm not pronouncing most words correctly which lowers my score a lot. I turned off the voice recognition. The good news is I'm understood when I speak Spanish in Costa Rica. I'll let everyone know how my first online studio lesson goes. The games are also a lot of fun. The program is worth every penny.

Mark, I will let you and everyone else know how the Rosetta Stone program works for me. Paul, thank you for the information about Spanish lessons on Skype. I do have a Skype account. The more ways to learn Spanish, the better. Sincerely, Laura K

The Haunted House Article (Happy Halloween): http://www.ticotimes.net/Business-Real-Estate/Halloween-in-C.R.-Scaring-Up-Business_Friday-October-29-2010/