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The first thing we need is flexibility. Many of our Vietnamese brothers would hope to be in touch with their places of work. An internet connection is indeed very desirable. These retreat places do not offer such an advantage.
Second, we need to be able to leave the premises in order to fulfill program goals. We cannot be restrained by a the logic of a retreat house which would normally close its door early in the evening.
Third, sharing rooms in a retreat facility is fine for the weekend, but not for a Program that is going to last 18 days! Privacy is an important element for learning as well. While some retreat places do offer single rooms, usually space is very limited and some people would need to share their rooms. Right now we are planning this experience for 20 participants, but what happens if the number increases to 30 due to a good response from the Vietnamese community? We needed a place which would be able to accommodate this changes.
Forth, some retreat places are far away from the city which make access to resources a little awkward. We needed to be close to San José, the Capital to best accomplish our goals. This is where a good friend of ours, Javier Vargas stepped in. Javier is a young businessman who has the right connections. He told us about Casa Conde.
Casa Conde is within walking distance from the Major Seminary, in the outskirts of San Jose. It is indeed an strategic place for our Program. Casa Conde offers great flexibility—things that you would expect in any major hotel chain: Wireless internet, pools, restaurants, shops, a gym and great security. In each suite you will find two individual rooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, sink, stove, silverware, dishes, etc. Most units have a washing machine, an important factor if the Program lasts 18 days. There is also a living room with a TV and a bathroom. Each unit has enough space for priests to gather in small groups if they choose to. The place is also quite and serene.
The buildings are really beautiful, clean, with a pueblo-like motif to them with Costa Rican art splashing the surroundings. This place is well secured and safe and access is available at any time. All of this for only $90 per day! Since each unit has two individual rooms, that comes down to $45 per priest. This price is extremely economical for what we get and it also includes breakfast. A good thing is that priests may choose to cook at any time if they want.
We are very happy with Casa Conde and we feel everyone in the program will also appreciate the significant advantages that this place has to offer.
