Monthly Archives: August 2013

Monteverde Sustainability Projects: Finca La Querencia

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

I am part of a community-supported agriculture (CSA) here in Monteverde that I love!  Finca La Querencia is a diversified, multiple-family farm in the San Luis Valley.  The farmers integrate alternative energy systems into their production of dairy, coffee, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Living in Monteverde/Santa Elena, Sustainability and Eco-Friendly | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Attitudes About Homework

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

One of the biggest changes to which we have had to adjust is homework.  Kara and Tristan went to Montessori School of San Antonio which did not assign homework.  My colleagues were very jealous of me because I did not … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Family Life | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Do You Need a Gym Membership to Lose Weight?

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” -John Bingham  Embarking on an exercise program is a scary prospect.  I remember when I first started, I was terrified that I was going … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthy Living and Fitness, Redesigning Your Life | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Redesigning Your Life: 5 Questions You Should Answer

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

“Life is worthwhile if you plan.  Design your life or someone else will.” ~ Jim Rohn ~ At the risk of sounding like the plethora of self-help hacks out there, I have a list of steps that anyone thinking of … Continue reading →

Posted in Redesigning Your Life | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Must Do in Monteverde: Bajo Del Tigre

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

One of my favorite spots to go hiking in Monteverde is Bajo del Tigre, the only section of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest that is open to walk-in visitors. Kara especially likes going to Bajo del Tigre because her friend lives … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Life, Living in Monteverde/Santa Elena, Travel to Costa Rica | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Calculating Our New Carbon Footprint

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

One of the many reasons I decided to move to Costa Rica with my family was to escape the lifestyle of American consumerism and commercial debauchery.  I wanted to live in a country where we could reduce our carbon footprint. … Continue reading →

Posted in Living in Costa Rica, Living in Monteverde/Santa Elena, Redesigning Your Life, Simplifying, Sustainability and Eco-Friendly | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Cost of Groceries in Monteverde

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

I am often asked by USA/EU/UK friends and family as well as blog readers what the cost of living is in Monteverde.  Costa Rica is one of the most expensive Latin American countries.  Monteverde is one of the most expensive … Continue reading →

Posted in Cost of Living, Living in Monteverde/Santa Elena, Money | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Why Do You Run?

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

“Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try.” –Gail Devers As I have posted previously here and here, running is an integral part of my life.  I started running in late 2008/early 2009 to train for a 5K and I … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthy Living and Fitness, Running | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Baby Steps to Redesign Your Life: Weight Loss Step 2

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

A few weeks ago, I blogged about giving up sugared drinks as a small step in the great journey towards weight-loss.  During my personal weight loss journey, I found that it is much easier to lose weight by making multiple … Continue reading →

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Our House in Costa Rica

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Noemi Gamel

One of my main sources of anxiety about our move to Costa Rica was where we would live.  We had filled out a housing questionnaire from Creativa, the children’s school, regarding our budget and preferences.  Because of the way the … Continue reading →

Posted in Becoming an Expat, Family Life, Living in Costa Rica, Living in Monteverde/Santa Elena, Redesigning Your Life | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments