Observations from Palmar Sur airport

Today I dropped off my nephew at the Palmar Sur airport in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica. I use the word airport loosely. It is a simple structure with no walls and a high roof to protect against rain. See photo

I love the airport and think that it adds that Costa Rican charm that we all love down here. It is also a good wake-up reminder that you are no longer in San Jose or a city like Orlando. This is the most beautiful and charming, albeit a bit rugged at times, place in the world.

During my time waiting for his plane to arrive so he could take it to San Jose I had a number of interesting observations and conversations. I'm going to start with some brevity.


Q: What's the difference between an environmentalist and a developer?
A: The developer wants a house in the mountains and the environmentalist already has one.

I'm not sure where I first heard it, but it is definitely true when it comes to Costa Rica real estate.

I was speaking with a man from Ontario who purchased a piece of property six years ago. I was speaking with him about our company and our real estate in Costa Rica. He interrupts me to tell me that there is too much developing going on and that developers are not using smart techniques to prevent slides (I agree some developers do not do a good job, but that is for another time) and that they should quit building so many structures into the hillside. About five minutes later he asks me how to re-sell real estate in Costa Rica because he owns a condo - cut into a hill. Ironic.

This same gentlemen asked about commissions for selling real estate in Costa Rica and I explained to him that in the Southern Zone it is common to pay a 8%-10% commission. He thought that was outrageous. I said, well, no one will sell your place for less. Again, he went to tell me that in his condo area, they built seven units and six are still for sell. Again, ironic.

Has anyone else ever noticed that the buses in Costa Rica are on time (at least Musoc is) and the airplanes, especially Sansa, are late daily.

I hope all is well.

Pura Vida!