With just ten Wednesdays left before I hop on an airplane to Costa Rica (exactly or approximately, depending on whether my three must-have documents and their apostilles will be securely in my hands by then), I am experiencing Christmas Tree Brain: my amygdala is calm, but eager anticipation is rising!

I’m sleeping well.

People in CR have begun to keep their eyes and ears open for two-bedroom, cat-accepting rentals for me.

I’ve already packed the items that I’ll be using there that I’m not using here (bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, clothing, etc.), so the only items yet to pack are those I’m actively using (printer, PC, keyboard, monitor, ice maker, Brita pitcher, plastic containers,etc.) I’m estimating I’ll have seven boxes to fly down, or to ship if the airline won’t accept that many boxes.  If I fly first class, I’ll be allowed more luggage, so I’m planning on that unless the price is exorbitant. During the low tourist season, it shouldn’t be.

It’s All Beginning to Feel Very, Very Real!

I may need to buy a dehumidifier after I get down there. The humidity in Grecia is from 71% to 89% during the year, which will make my body’s response to the higher temperatures more dicey. By reducing the humidity in my rental to what I experience here in the Pac NW (48% to 50%), that issue can be mitigated against easily enough whenever I’m at home.  When I go out, I will need to find ways to stay cool: drink more water, wear light clothing, have sports “ice” neckerchiefs that retain coolness around my neck, maybe even get an ice vest. Come indoors when I feel the need. Whatever it takes until I either acclimate (or don’t, at which time I will keep using artifical means to stay cooler).