Hi Bob... Yeah, Erik just called me last night. He's visiting family in L.A. I knew he's been thinking about a move to Panama for some time now. He mentioned it about 2 yrs ago when he was looking at a new van. But he said he's committed to CR for at least the next 6 months.
He's been planning the move to Panama for a couple years due to high costs for non-Ticos (non-Costa Ricans) trying to run a small business like his and/or the high import tax on the new accessible van he wanted to bring into the country (it's nearly 55% of the vehicle's cost!!). That and some monthly, nightmarishly bureaucratic messes he had to deal with to fully get his "*tour operator + taxi*" licenses up-to-date. There is no specific "accessible tour operator" equivalency license --and he can't get what he needs-- despite his attempts with the tourist bureau armed with many letters from his past clients saying they simply *cannot* visit (and therefor spend their money), leave any of the more-than-several cruise ships that stop there, or get around the country in any meaningful way without the special type of service he offers. And he's the only one in Costa Rica who does it. It's an absolutely beautiful country with very friendly, down-to-earth people --at least where we went-- and we will miss our trips there if he leaves before we get another chance to go. All of the busses have the blue "Handicapped Accessible" sign on the front and back because it's required. But, to illustrate the craziness, it's only the sticker that's required... not an accessible means to get on! Very odd! Best wishes & Happy 2011 --Tod Santee On Thu, Dec 23, 2010 at 2:23 PM, bob quinn <[email protected]> wrote: Thanks Tod! Unfortunately, it looks like Erik is moving to Panama... At 03:53 PM 12/23/2010, Tod Santee wrote: Bob, Over the years and several trips to Costa Rica I've become friends with a guy who drives an accessible van. It has a 4-point tiedown and heavy duty WC lift. He has regular tours he gives but we've dragged him all over the country! If you ever consider going I can try to hook you up. In the meantime, he has a website at *www.gowithwheelchairs.com*<http://www.gowithwheelchairs.com/>. At one point, Sherry and I were his background "models" on some pages. Best regards! --Tod On Wed, Dec 22, 2010 at 3:25 PM, bob quinn <*[email protected]*<[email protected]>> wrote: Hi Tod, You're adventurous spirit and (even more important) actions are inspiring! I love the idea of going to Costa Rica, and the fact you've done it outside the typical tourist realms makes it seem a LOT less crazy an idea than I'd imagined.
