I’ve settled on my landing pad in Costa Rica. I’ll be spending at least the first month at Villas Escondidas (Rainbow Refuge) in Grecia.

In October, they’ll be opening a second location in San Ramon (the other of the two places I decided on as a potential “forever home”), and I’m on their roster to check out that place, too!

Both properties are dedicated LGBTQ properties with welcoming, helpful, insightful owners who have developed a network of trusted partners to help people transition/ immigrate to Costa Rica. I already have a fabulous immigration coach (in fact, she pointed me to Rainbow Refuge!) but they offer transportation and other kinds of help that I’ll be needing, since I won’t have (and don’t plan to get) a vehicle.

Laurie and Mel are the property owners. They’re a lesbian couple who loves pets as much as people, so Charli will be very welcome and much loved there, too…

I’m getting soooo excited to get to my new home and family!  To even just imagine that within 60 days I could well be living there (as long as my three required apostilled documents get into my hands by mid-August, which is the only thing holding me up from making flight and vet exam reservations and reserving a room at Rainbow Refuge right this minute!) thrills me to my toes.  I’m on their Facebook page every day, keeping up with their doings and reading what visitors and guests are saying…  I want to hit the ground running and contributing in any way I can, in between two required trips to San Jose to present myself and my immigration docs to the proper authorities.

The two towns (Grecia and San Ramon) are not far from the San Jose CR International Airport, either, so it will be easy for my guests to get there after they land.  Perfecto!

Counting the days… sleeping well… no nerves… just joyous anticipation!!!

Escaping impending fascism has become a favorite form of fun for me!  I’m almost outta here for good!