Costa Rica Orchids - Prosthecia Chacaoensis

Retired in Costa Rica. Floral joys and baby joys!

VIP Member Sheelagh Richards

I ended last time with a promise to include some orchids in this column, so here's three in recent bloom - wonderful eh!

An orchid collection was on our 'wish list' when we arrived and thanks to generous friends giving us cuttings, and some purchases from an expert local grower, we're up to a modest 17 already. What's really special though is that now the garden is maturing, several epiphytes, including three miniatures, have just appeared ~ nature's free gifts; each new discovery such a pleasure.

Orchids in Costa Rica - Oncidium Dragmara

Rather than build a netted cage, we've spread them around suitable trees, where they look more natural and seem to be thriving well.

But, with over 1,300 orchids in Costa Rica, finding their names is a challenge. We've bought four books already but unless you know how to identify the genera and species, there's little option but to plough through every page and photograph, and five remain a mystery. Just a few more hundred to go!

Costa Rica Orchids - Brassia Verrucosa

To human joys, our lovely Tico neighbours, José and Laura, have brought their first precious bundle, Samantha Melissa, into the world. Jose had done all the cabinetry in our house so, being near at hand, we asked him to make more cupboard doors and kitchen stools when we first arrived. Despite our difficulties communicating, we got exactly what we asked for; his expertise established, we then had him make our B&B furniture and a unit to house John's new music system.

On each occasion, he's given us a delivery date and never disappointed once ~ a rare characteristic in Costa Rica. We've really appreciated his reliability and been happy to recommend him to friends.

A new brand new Tica Samantha Melissa held by proud parents José and Laura.

With 'mucho vomitar' early in her pregnancy, I took Laura in for her early morning maternity appointments so she didn't have the ordeal of a bus. Hence, I had the privilege of following her progress in the local health-care system - and it was impressive. She had her own patient-held maternity record and enjoyed all the checks and investigations mothers would expect in the UK, including ultrasound and free dental care.

On a Friday in month five, the obstetrician was worried she wasn't gaining enough weight and sent her for an appointment at the nutrition clinic - which she got for the Monday morning - excellent by any country's standards. To aid this weight-gain enterprise (but who needs an excuse!) we headed off to Sabeur de France, a new French patisserie and coffee shop, for a rapid calorie shot.

Owned by Thierry and Isabelle, this is the best addition to San Isidro's expanding retail market.

Owned by Thierry and Isabelle, this is the best addition to San Isidro's expanding retail market. Costa Rican bakery is pretty grim so their delicious baguettes, croissants, cakes and pastries, are a huge hit - with Ticos and immigrants alike.

Baby Samantha had her eight-week development check up last week, now weighs a healthy 5 kilos, and had her first visit to Sabeur de France ~ this little girl will be a cake lover! What a little treasure with a lovely Mum and Dad, we're so lucky to have them as our neighbours.

Sabeur de France - San isidro's new French patisserie and coffee shop.

It's the British Embassy 'Queens Birthday Party' fete in San Jose next weekend so we're off to the big city and the bright lights ~ I'll cover that next time.

Written by VIP Member Sheelagh Richards. Sheelagh is originally from Scotland and her husband John who is from Wales are two inveterate British travellers who fell in love with Costa Rica, the beauty of the Talamanca mountain range and the perfect climate of the Rio General valley where they have established a small Bed & Breakfast called Casa de Los Celtas. You can see a free online video interview with John & Sheelagh Richards here.

You can see more about John and Sheelagh's very affordable B&B outside San Isidro here and photographs and prices here.

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