Potholes to Paradise: Living in Costa Rica - What You Need to Know [Paperback]

Tessa Borner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Part diary, part travelogue, part advice column, Borner artfully walks readers through every step of their relocation to Costa Rica -- Tico Times, November 1st, 2001

From the Publisher

Co-owner of Posada Mimosa Bed & Breakfast, Tessa Borner hopes her "Potholes to Paradise" guide book will help others avoid the investment and adjustment mistakes she and her husband Martin made when they moved to Costa Rica from just outside of Toronto in 1994. The book retraces the couple's decision to re-locate to Costa Rica and build and operate their B&B in the rural Central Valley community of Grecia, about an hour northwest of San José.

And the 177-page, black-and-white result, illustrated with family photographs, is at its best when relating personal experiences - with builders, lawyers, real estate agents and the country's private Clinica Biblica Hospital, where Martin received triple by-pass surgery in 1993. The health section may be particualrly helpful to Canadians, with advice on urging a reimbursement from Canada's socialized medicine for treatment received in Costa Rica.

The Borners also provide valuable tips, based on their own foibles, for dealing with contractors and government bureaucracy. "We were away for extended periods while construction was supposed to be going on. Do not start construction unless you can be present at all times," she wisely advises.

Borner is a skilled writer who excels when telling her own story and is obviously in love with her new life in Costa Rica. The book provides valuable insight into this Canadian couple's experiences in Costa Rica - experiences that many foreigners, struggling with a new culture and language would also encounter.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 177 pages
• Publisher: Hillary Borner (July 31, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1895270219
• ISBN-13: 978-1895270211
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #950,961 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Potholes is Full of Potholes, April 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Potholes to Paradise: Living in Costa Rica - What You Need to Know (Paperback)

I've lived in Costa Rica since 1981 and am a very successful buisnessman. I work in the field of real estate development. Many of my clients ask me for books about living and investing here. At one time or another I've read all of the books on the subject including "Potholes in Paradise." I really don't think it has a lot to offer the potential investor other than superficial information. I think potential residents and investors would be better off reading some of the other guides.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Save Your Money, August 25, 2003

By 

Phil Holt (San Pedro, Costa Rica) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Potholes to Paradise: Living in Costa Rica - What You Need to Know (Paperback)

The authors can't be serious! I really didn't get any benefit from this book. I just moved to Costa Rica and didn't learn much from it. It just doesn't contain enough info. for the potential resident. I read other books on the subject and prefer "The New Golden Door" and "Choose Costa Rica." The authors of these guides really seem to know the scoop.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A waste of my time ..., February 1, 2006

By 

Laurie Rando (Cherry Hill, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Potholes to Paradise: Living in Costa Rica - What You Need to Know (Paperback)

An overt advertisement for their business in Costa Rica, I found virtually no helpful information here. If you want to know the history of the people (and therefore understand things like squatters' rights), read "The Ticos". If you are investing in land or a business ANYWHERE, know the language and get a second legal opinion before signing at the X. Check crime stats on the web for free, and keep in mind that a city is a city - use good old common sense in all that you do. Make several trips covering different regions and grow your "network" each time you return. When it comes together, you'll be ready. Pura Vida!