House hunting in Tilaran

While the last several days have been like vacation, our goal for today was to start the process of finding a house or apartment to rent here in Tilaran.  There was no beautiful horseback ride in the morning nor any hot springs to soak in.  Despite the fact that we are going to be working a bit more and playing less, everyone is still enjoying the warm weather.  It’s been great having more time to spend with the kids even though there are moments when we wish they were already in school and couldn’t squabble with each other.  Even though we couldn’t bring a piano with us, Henry continues to practice his banjo and enjoy doing so.

We're sure his Grandpa Mike is proud.

There is no finite, well-defined way that we are aware of to find a house to rent here.  Craigslist and Google just are not as extensive here.  We began the day driving around town looking for places for rent.  Found several houses for sale and a few for rent.  A couple were so small it was really difficult to imagine living in them.  One possibility was found and after calling, I’m pretty sure it’s 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and 300,000 colones (~$600) per month.  We will likely go to look at it tomorrow.  Erica’s also contacted a realtor who will be looking for us as well.  The burning question at this time is whether we would prefer to live right in town where we could, in theory, most successfully meet other families and assimilate into the local culture or instead outside of town in a more rural setting possibly with some land, more trees, animals and possibly a view.  Or something in between?  We don’t want to lose sight of the goal of simple living and would really enjoy being able to walk everywhere we need.

Tilaran's central church.

Because we were nearby, we visited a couple of the schools in town and were warmly received.  The kids were initially reluctant to go in but after some mild prodding, we did venture inside.  School had let out early today so no students were in class at the time.  The classrooms were strikingly simple and there was not an iPad for every student.  I did press one friendly 9 year old for information and learned that school starts at 7 am, that kids have to bring their own lunch and they have a small amount of homework but only sometimes.  The kids are nice and they can play in the park.  What else is there to know?

A colorful private secondary school where Henry and Madeleine could potentially go.

Lunch fixings were scavenged from one of the supermercados and we picnicked in the central park.  Sullivan greatly enjoyed playing on the playground and seems completely oblivious to any major life change.  After some chill time back at the hotel we ventured out to see another small town, Tierras Morenas, about 20 minutes north of Tilaran.  It seems to be a beautiful quaint town that we decided would likely be a little bit too sleepy for us right now.  The best part of pizza dinner at the Hotel Mystica was the beautiful view and the small playground outside with singing birds all around.  The evening was capped off with some Scooby Doo in Spanish and showers for the majority.  More searching tomorrow.  .  .

Sullivan burns some energy before dinner.