Written by Rebecca Rowntree, realtor for Osa Tropical Properties I feel very fortunate to have made the choice 6 years ago to call Costa Rica my home. I am so impressed with the proactive approach the various government groups within the country have taken to protecting the health and welfare of citizens and residents.  With just over 500 cases of the virus and 3 deaths, the very stringent measures taken have surely “flattened the curve” in CR. Realtor Rebecca Rowntree talks about flattening the curve in the mountainous Southern Zone region of Costa Rica.[/caption] Admittedly, this is not what I would envision for an ideal “staycation” -- being separated from my adoring partner (he is in Toronto!), with beaches restaurants and services closed, driving restrictions in place, and now limited trips to grocery stores and the farmacia (pharmacy). However, there is NO place I’d rather be “sheltered in place” than at my home in paradise! Fortunately, in my role as an Osa Tropical Properties real estate agent, I have some deals in process at the due diligence phase that will close in the coming months. I have been avidly preparing some new listings that will hit the market soon and developing new professional connections that have already led to some interesting new referral partnerships. I’m also very excited to launch my new YouTube channel next week, which will feature virtual tours of some top listings and Q&A video segments by me about popular topics that clients often inquire about. As a local entrepreneur, I've also made the decision to temporarily close my boutique hotel, Vista Villas. The 2020 high season was a great success for us and came to an unexpectedly abrupt end when in early March we hosted our final guests from France, Germany and Canada. These visitors were scrambling to re-book on new flights when their original flights home were cancelled and borders were closing. Once the crisis is resolved, at least within Costa Rica's borders, we will promptly reopen and be offering a 25% discount to encourage travellers from within Costa Rica to celebrate the resolution with a visit to our beautiful area, where they can enjoy the beaches and fantastic restaurants here in Ojochal. My tranquil refuge, aka my boutique hotel, Vista Villas in Ojochal, Costa Rica[/caption]

Finding Time For Simple Pleasures

With my clients understandably focused on personal health and well-being at home rather than purchasing real estate in Costa Rica at this time, I am taking the opportunity to do the same. I find that I can accomplish my workload in about 20% of the time I normally dedicate to work, which frees up 80% of that otherwise "work time" to spend on personal activities. I am thoroughly enjoying this additional free time to walk my 3 rescue dogs more often and take them for car rides around the village. These quiet days during quarantine, I'm enjoying my swimming pool more often, hanging out in my hammock, and many more FaceTime sessions with friends and family. It is truly amazing having more time for these simple pleasures than I'm normally able to fit into my busy schedule. I am also enjoying getting creative by trying out new recipes and collecting ideas on Pinterest for designing my next home (I love real estate!) And I have begun an energizing new exercise regimen that is helping me feel great, despite the added stress of isolation and reduced income. I've always prided myself in enjoying the simplest things in life, which made my transition to living in Costa Rica relatively easy.  So now more than ever, during these unusual times, I find I'm regaining my true appreciation for the simplest things! Rebecca "appreciating life" from her pool at Vista Villas in Ojochal[/caption] I am so grateful that all my loved ones are healthy and respecting the required measures to stay healthy wherever they are in the world. And I trust that my clients are doing the same. I’ve been in touch with many of you over these past few weeks and I continue to work at your service now and always. I look forward to seeing you all again when this crisis ends and you are able to come back to Costa Rica. We all await your healthful return!  Take care, be well, and pura vida! Rebecca Rowntree Ojochal, Costa Rica  And stay tuned for more to come from our Osa Tropical Properties Coronavirus Chronicles: realtor Marcia Oro is taking zumba class online and planning her next big real estate moves; broker Kevin Champagne is in quarantine with three women (one a baby!); and realtor Keith Richman is taking this forced down time to force himself to do all of those jobs around the house he’s been neglecting.