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Show 4 Sunda, ifctober NEW LIFE: (Continued from E6) And the Costa Rican culture delights in children. Yet it's also true that Costa Rica especially the farther you live outside San Jose is in manv third-worl- d a respects country. A town might have perhaps two nr three telephones. You're advised not to drink the well water on the farm you're visiting. Travel in certain areas is discouraged at night because of bandits. Homes have bars on the windows, and the yards are walled in. There is pervasive petty thievery in Costa Rica, so you always lock your car and try not to leave it parked at night in the street. 1 didn't feel in danger anytime during my travels there. But to many, it all sounds too chancy. "I think all of us who did this have adventure in our hearts," a woman told me. You can take big chances when or you chuck it all for the sun small chances. That helps explain why some choose to move to the U.S. Virgin Islands instead of Costa Rica. It's a matter of safety nets. Of all the Central American countries, Costa Rica offers a gnngo the most sense of safety. For nearly five decades it's had a stable democracy; a president is elected every four years and cannot be In 1948, Costa Rica abolished its military, although it has a national police force of about 7,000. At the same time, Costa Ricans like to point out, their country of 3.3 million has 26,000 teachers, resulting in a 93 percent literacy rate. And it has a reputation for being hospitable to Norte Americanos. The author of the Lonely Planet's Costa Rica guidebook unabashedly says about die locals: "I find them the most friendly, polite and helpful people I've ever met.'" And there is the weather. There . are portions of Costa Rica where the temperature is in the low 70s year-rounl, At the temperatures are in the 80s and low 90s. There are two seasons; dry and rainy, although the rainy season usually means sunny mornings and two or three hours of rain in the afternoon. Still, Costa Rica always frustrates gringos wanting to do business there most of whom start at a disadvantage because they barely speak Spanish. Even if you speak Spanish, just cashing a traveler's check can be an ordeal at a bank. It's almost impossible if you don't understand the language, as you bounce from one bank clerk to another. That's why a good number of U.S. mainlanders instead decide to settle in the USVI. d. sea-leve- littatb 3)e Patty 15. 1995 THE DAILY HERALD, Proo, I tah Some tips, resources on chucking By ERIK LACITIS Seattle Times seen the Harmon Houses booklets giveaways stacked You also can order at the Seven-- 1 the Harmon listings for any region in the country. Call J There is a SI. 99 charge per call. in your city, the 1 There are lots of things to consider before you finally up and chuck it all for the sun. Here are some ideas to help get you started if you'd like to pursue the daydream. Books and publications: "Island News," a bimonthly newsletter that provides savvy information about buying property, moving and living in the islands. It covers such nitty-gritt- y stories as in St. the opening of the Thomas (a major event because islanders had been used to paying high prices at smaller, local stores). $39.95 a year; 1680 Shadywood Rd., Wayzata, MN 55391. Harmon Houses listings of rentals and properties for sale in the U.S. Virgin Islands. You've . "The Settler's Handbook," edited by Gloria Bourne. History nf the islands: buying a home; the scarcity of drinking water and how to conserve it; hurricane preparedness. A must book. SI 1.95; Meg-ui- n Publications, P.O. Box 5161. Sunnv Isle, St. Croix. U.S. V.I. 00823-516- "How to Live in the by Sidney Hunt. Caribbean, Macmillan Press. All kinds of good advice. For example, when building a home, you'd better know the direction of the wind. You want large openings in the " home facing the wind to cool it down. Better know the direction of Page E7 ' it all the rain, too, becaus those windows and doors will have to be closed quickly. $10. (I bought this book, and "The Settler's Handbook," at the Dockside Bookshop. Building VI, Havensight Mail, St. Thomas, USVI 00802. The store's phone number is "Resort Consultants," owned George Egosarian. Publishes listings of commercial and residential properties for sale in the Caribbean. Provides a wide range of services for prospective buyers. P.O. Box 577. South Wellfleet, MA 02663. Phone: by Fax:508-349-1660- .) Additional research: Besides investing in books and. publications, spend another $200 in some basic research. It, too. will be one of your wisest investments: Again, make a point of meeting the mainlanders who've moved here. Princess Cruises & Invite You to Join us for Fun and Adventure On a Cruise to the PRINCESS BAY -- Our private beach party island in the Grenadines is a tiny jewel of white sands, fancy palm trees and v'vT turquoise waters. Here you can snorkel, sail, and tour by boat. glass-botto- ST. MAARTEN Explore the best of the French and Dutch sides of the island Sidewalk cafes, and white sands fringed with coconut palms await you. Or choose a deep-sefishing, golfing, sailing or snorkeling adventure. a ST. THOMAS Sailing March 30, 1996 This "American Paradise" has everything you could from San Juan, Puerto Rico on the hope for - duty-fre- e s shopping, dive beaches, sites, and sensational golf courses. world-famou- top-notc- h "Love Boat" Regal Princess MARTINIQUE Cabin Prices Start at .fa per person, double occupancy, air, transfers and port tax extra. i SAN JUAN Kv7 For a glimpse of Old Spain, take a stroll straight into the 16th lead you to ancient century in San Juan. The cobbled lanes willduty-fregoods. churches, hotels, and stores filled with Limited Availability At this price . . . V. e CALL TODAY! Join your friends and neighbors on the 8th Annual Daily Herald cruise to the Southern Caribbean. Enjoy the Caribbean beauty, fun and adventure of the Southern from historic week. Sailing islands in one unforgettable allows Caribbean of the heart the you San Juan right in new island a call and of different five to experience ports culture nearly every day. You'll visit islands that blend influences with the Spanish, French, English andofDutchWest Indies. There's the music, cuisine and customs Caribbean Southern something for everyone on this listed below for -- M - P Towering mountains meet verdant rain forests and crystal clear waters. Nature lovers will enjoy the Butterfly Farm. Francophiles will be charmed by Fort And we have golfing and snorkeling. too. BARBADOS r5 History buffs will enjoy a tour of the Villa Nova Great House. Nature lovers d can take an Ecotour or explore Harrison's Cave. There's even a rum distillery tour and pubhop. and an "In Focus" photography excursion. 7-d- cruise. Call one of the travel agencies more information. Call today! 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