The subject line gave me a start because of the obvious association with the preface to the famous John O'Hara novel, "Appointment in Samarra". The names are different, but close enough for me.
The email from International Living magazine described the marvelous expat life of a Canadian couple among the welcoming local Costa Ricans. Ever cynical I couldn't shake the city's name association.
(For those who forgot the forward, here's the brief version of the brief story: a servant in Bagdad is startled by Death staring at him in the market place. Frightened, the servant begs his master to let him flee to Samarra where Death won't be able to find him. Later, the master accosts Death in the market and asks why Death frightened his servant. Death replies that, contrary to what the servant said, it was he, Death who was startled be cause "I had an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.")
The tale is neatly told and always gets knowing approval the first time someone hears it. I see fleeing the northern climes to a sunny retirement only to suffer some brutal misfortune in an otherwise delightful clime.
Although I enjoy reading "Internal Living" email, most of the activities that the expats enjoy shopping, golf, snorkeling, fishing, happy hour, are things which have minimal appeal. I keep looking for description of broadband access and internet connectivity.
What am I ignoring? One day someone will point out that life is meant to be enjoyed.
Ooops.
