ABOUT THE LIVING LIFE IN COSTA RICA BLOG

I (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess") created this blog in 2007 to share DETAILED Finds•Lists•Info•Events•Experiences to help bring more EASE to people living in, visiting or thinking of moving to Costa Rica since DETAILS are NOT easy to find!
I’m NOT an expert (an "expert" 2 ME knows 101%-NOT me). I believe in sharin info•helping where I can! And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise. At least you have some basic info to get you started.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP:
Better yet - do you have extra time on your hands & looking for a volunteer project? Since this blog is a labor of love & RARELY does anyone share a donation (even though MANY have said how much it's helped them), I could REALLY use help updating info. Spanish speakers ESPECIALLY welcome since my VicLish can be somewhat limited at times!!

DONATE:
Has my blog helped in any way? Helped find something•brought more EASE? More exposure or business?
I welcome you to show YOUR appreciation for my efforts!
ANY size DONATION is APPRECIATED!
(see below other ways to show your appreciation)
The easiest way is with PAYPAL - Attn: LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
(you do NOT need to have a PayPal account to do this - just a credit or debit card)
ADD INFORMATION:
Do YOU have/know of a Business•Event•News•Place•Things 4 Sale•Rent to add? Email:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

OTHER WAYS TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR THIS BLOG

• APPLE LAPTOP - Do you have a Laptop you're not using? Mine recently broke so I'm using a lender. Must be new enough to run current Skypes & have an SDCard slot.
• Amazon.com or GoDaddy.com Credit•Gift Certificate (attn: SarongGoddess@gmail.com)
• Something else to share?? A gift certificate or invite for your business? I'm open!! (at times I'll add other things here that I'm seeking)

Friday, November 30, 2012

Americans Moving to/Living in Costa Rica . . .


I starting writing this the other day - one of those "I'm just saying  . . . " or "HMMMMMM!" type rants on some things that have been getting my goat lately so here goes . . .


REGARDING THE U.S. ECONOMY RECOVERING AND ALL THE AMERICAN'S COMING HERE!!
Hey - I SURE hope I'm wrong - for the sake of the Ticos - BUT - LOTS of the people I know that WERE talking/fantasizing about moving to Costa Rica - or at least leaving the U.S. haven't been able to because of many, part of that dream included selling their house and moving here with the profits.  We've seen what's happening with that.  It is VERY unfortunate for them and it WILL effect the people here (especially with all the new condos/homes and stores/malls and offices opening lately!!  What IS that about??  Haven't they been reading the news about what's happening in the world???)


"IF ____ WINS - I'M MOVING TO COSTA RICA"
Then, during the election, MANY people were once again saying "If ____ (fill in the blank [like Rush Limbaugh]) won - I'm leaving the U.S. - moving to Costa Rica!!!"

Well - LOTS of the people I knew/had heard of that were in that mode were Dems or more liberal so most aren't thinking of coming to Costa Rica now (though they're not necessarily dancing on their cars at this point).


SO THEY WANT TO MOVE TO THE LAND OF SOCIALIZED MEDICINE & BROWN PEOPLE???
I saw a great point on Facebook just after the election - talking about how some of the republicans threatening to move to Costa Rica (or that are living here but voted republican or just were bitching about the Mexican's living and working in the U.S. and taking "their" social security, medicare, having their kids in the schools, getting reduced senior housing/discounts, getting social security cards and drivers licenses and other benefits having never worked a day in the U.S.  Or they are living in the U.S. illegally.

Weren't many (NOT all I'm sure) the same people bitching about ObamaCare/anti-socialized medicine and prejudice/not liking "the brown people"??

YET - they were MORE than HAPPY to come to Costa Rica and be those SAME people they were bitching about in the states - never worked a day in their life in their new country, getting the "Free" socialized medical care/CAJA (oh - I forgot - for $15-$40-ish $/month) for LOTS of medical care and drugs sometime, using their Gold Discount card, getting free bus passes, driving their big cars that guzzle lots of gas and DO effect the already bad roads and environment, having their own kids enrolled in the public schools for free/practically free??

Some (no-party specific) rape and pillage the land by building/developing.  MANY of US (yes - myself included at times) DEMAND we have our gringo conveniences so stores like AutoMercado become more and more popular and drive prices up more and more so now it's harder for your average Tico/Costa Rican to own a house - since they're now more expense in Costa Rica than much of the U.S.!!!

Hmmmm - I guess what's good for the goose isn't always so good for the gander eh???  I'm just saying' . . . . (since I can).


SIDE BAR:  People, if you're a guest in ANY country - PLEASE - SERIOUSLY consider doing what YOU CAN DO to SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION for that country!!  What are you doing to GIVE BACK to the people and the land and showing your LOVE FOR MOTHER EARTH??  PLEASE SERIOUSLY consider it!!

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

HOLIDAY FAIR - Annie France's Bazaar - November 29, 2012


HOLIDAY FAIR 

Annie France's Bazaar 

WHEN:  Thursday  - November 29, 2012  -  9am-1pm

WHERE:  Escazu - San Antonio de Escazu - Condominio Villas de San Antonio - Club House (next to the bodegas de Avon) 
DIRECTIONS:  Directions from El Cruce/Scotiabank: Go south up the hill past Automercado. Turn Left at Chichi's. At the end of the road turn Left and then immediately turn Right. Continue up hill about 2km and the condominium will be on the Left side. 


Unique Handmade Gifts Supporting Local Artisans

We are so happy to continue the tradition of supporting our local artist friends, and to get together once a year for shopping, coffee, and visiting. At the bazaar this year you will find something for everyone on your gift list. 

There will be candles, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, accessories, skin care, gourmet foods, and lots more to surprise and inspire you!

Ceramics by Norman Quiros, stationery by Lucia Bartres, jewelry by Hazel Menacho, gourmet coffee and foods by Cafelina, candy bouquets and hair accessories by Einat Weizmann, candles by Candelicious, jewelry by Isabel Islas, organic skin care by Raw Botanicals, gifts by Begonia, swimsuits by Johana, accessories by Carolina Castro, chocolates by Mariana, beach clothing by Maria Ida... and more! 

CONTACT:  
Janine Peterson

BENEFIT
Fundacion de Cuidado Paliativo
CuidadoPaliativo.org  •  facebook.com/pages/Fundación-Pro-Unidad-de-Cuidados-Paliativos/234575621759
(they care for terminally ill children)
We ask that everyone bring either pajamas or a stuffed animal for one child, or a donation of 3000-c and they will purchase the gift for you.
(please bring a gift for a girl or a boy or 3,000-c)

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

EmbrujArte 2012 - Costa Rica's PREMIER ARTISAN Fair

2013 EmbrujArte details at - 

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THIS is the ONLY site with the MOST Correct • DETAILED information on:
EmbrujArte
Artisan Exhibition - Feria de Arte y Artesanias


This is THE PREMIER Artisan Events of Costa Rica (and their 6th show!!) with 
OVER 100 artisans showing/selling 2,500 pieces of art, jewelry and great Holiday GIFTS!!

FUN for the WHOLE family!!!! 
(well behaved pets on leashes are allowed)

SPONSORED by the FABULOUS architectural magazine 
Estilos and Casas  

FOODS
Cafeteria/Tipico, Hot Dogs, el Gourmet Vegetarian

ENTERTAINMENT
Cultural Activities (schedule pending)


ENTRANCE:
FREE!!!

WHEN•CUANDO 
December 7, 8 and 9, 2012
Friday•Viernes-Saturday•Sabado - 10am to 9pm  


Sunday•Domingo - 10am to 8pm



CROWDS

Note that it can get REALLY PACKED Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday during parts of the day, so if you like less crowds - come off hours!!  Also, remember, it's Rainy Season still so there IS always the chance for afternoon rain)  
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WHERE•DONDE
ESCAZU (San Rafael) 
On Calle Vieja (the old/main road on the West side) - 1 block/100 meters West of the Scotia Split/Mas x Menos - in the soccer field - in front of the San Rafael church - and across from the school - JUST East of Plaza Colonial.


(NOTE this is NOT "Plaza San Rafael de Escazu" that the organizers call it - the strip mall which is 3 blocks West)

GETTING THERE

GOOGLE MAP

Parking is ONLY on the street which can be VERY challenging here so perhaps you may consider taking a bus or taxi to this event.  

For my list of English-Speaking Taxi Drivers check out:


DRIVING
Take the Pista del Sol highway and get off at the WalMart exit.  Go South 4 lights to the Scotia Split and veer Right (you do NOT stop at the light.  The stop light is ONLY for people continuing up the hill!!).  Parking is in on the street (there will be guys helping you park - for a tip or set price depending on where you are).

BUS
The blue Santa Ana-Calle Vieja bus (do NOT take a Pista bus) starts inside the Coca-Cola Bus Terminal and drops you off caddy-corner to it.  Regular Escazu buses go up the hill and drop off after 1 blocks after the Scotia Split.  Get off the bus & go immediately Right and then turn Left at that corner (BEFORE Mas x Menos) and walk down one block.


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BOOTHS
This event is JUST for
Sculptures, Painters and Jewelry 
and they only have a certain amount of spaces for each category 

BOOTH SPACE STILL AVAILABLE:
5 for artists and just 1 for jewelry

Booths are 225,000-c


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CONTACT
2-224-0405 / 2-234-3189 / 2-234-3179 / 2-224-8485  
(Johnny Gomez is one of the few people in the office I've found that speaks some English - CReativosec@yahoo.com)



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SUPPORT COSTA RICAN ART AND ARTISANS 
PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE (DETAILED) WORD!!!

Please share this link with EVERYONE you know that would enjoy this!

(tell them Vicki Skinner [aka the Sarong Goddess] Connected you!!!



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ACCOMMODATIONS IN ESCAZU
Where Participating Artists  •  People Attending EmbrujArte Can Stay in Escazu:

Do you live further away and seeking a place to stay in Escazu or just don't want to drive that distance after an exhausting day?  Here are a few of the Accommodations we trust/suggest:

BUDGET ($40-$65 + 13% tax):
(the view you go to bed to every night at Hotel Pico Blanco!  It's like twinkling Gold Dust!!)

HOTEL PICO BLANCO
(http://HotelPicoBlanco.com / 2-228-1908 - PLEASE tell Steven [night] or Larry [days] Vicki Connected you!)

Any artists seeking a cheap place to stay in Escazu  - Hotel Pico Blanco has rooms that are QUIET/PEACEFUL with INCREDIBLE views of the WHOLE Central Valley and they're just $40/night and $65/n (+13% tax). It's an older more rustic hotel but they have hot water and cable tv - though note they are WAYYYY up in the mountains near the village of San Antonio de Escazu!!!   WiFi is only in the Common Areas (restaurant and bar) and cell phones can be a bit iffy in the rooms.  NOTES:  They have a steep, curvy, narrow driveway so your car must be able to maneuver it.  E- me if you want a few reliable pirata/pirate, red or English-speaking taxi drivers or other information on where to eat in this little village).



MODERATE ($75-$110 + 13% tax):
CASA LAURIN
(2-289-4198 / 1-202-506-9007-US / http://CasaLaurin.com / Skype - CasaLaurin - 
PLEASE tell her Vicki Connected you!

Casa Laurin is a more upscale B and B with a VERY service-oriented host - Ginnette located in Trejos Montelegre de Escazu.

She only has 4 rooms left:
$75 - Standard with Queen or King, Shared bathroom
SPECIAL:  3+ nights - $75/n includes tax and breakfast!

$99 - Superior/larger room with King bed with Memory Foam, private bath 
$110 - Superior/larger room with California King bed, private bathroom with bathtub and double sink
SPECIAL:  3+ nights - $99/n and $110/n includes tax and breakfast!  

Perks are breathtaking mountain view, private balcony, digital TV with DVD player, coffeemaker, alarm clock, room safe, hair dryer and bathrobes.  Breakfast included.  Free Wifi.  Free calls to USA and Canada.

(MORE ACCOMMODATIONS OPTIONS COMING SOON!)

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

David Wolfe in Costa Rica - Wed.•Miercoles - Noviembre 28 - NOW in ESCAZU!!!

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD about this
IMPORTANT event 
and it's
CHANGE IN LOCATION


Lecture-Workshop with
David Wolfe
 
"Master in nutrition, considered a world authority on health naturist applied nutrition to beauty, herbal and organic super foods."

WHEN:  Wednesday - November 28, 2011  -  6-10pm

LANGUAGE:  Espanol y•and English

WHERE:   NEW LOCATION (because it's GROWN SOOOO MUCH!!)

Escazu - Holiday Inn - JUST East of CIMA hospitalHolidayInn.com/hotels/us/en/san-jose/sjohi/hoteldetail/directions

INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY•SPIRIT:  $75

Get a GOOD FEEL for what he's talking about by watching some of his videos on
YouTube channel:
youtube.com/user/LongevityNowVids
(ESPECIALLY from the Longevity Now Conference)


ESPANOL
DAVID WOLFE
LA MAXIMA AUTORIDAD MUNDIAL EN EL AREA DE LONGEVIDAD, COMIDA CRUDA, SUPER FOODS, SUPER HERBS, BALANCE HORMONAL, TECNOLIGIAS ANTI STRESS NUTRICION Y BELLEZA.

Descubre las mas poderosas herramientas anti envejecimiento y manifiesta tu maximo rendimiento, belleza y salud!!

Ha pasado más de 16 años de su vida dedicado a explorar sobre la delicada química interna del cuerpo humano y como balancearla a través del uso de súper alimentos, súper hierbas, balance hormonal y la influencia de los campos electromagnéticos que nos rodean.

Es autor de muchos best sellers como:

Eating for Beauty  •  The Sunfood Diet Success System  •  Naked Chocolate  • 
David
Wolfe on Raw Foods
  •  Superfoods  •  Superherbs  •  Amazing GraceSuperfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future  •  The Longevity NOW Program.

David es experto empoderar e inspirar a la gente para tomar el poder de su propia salud!

David es el co-fundador de TheBestDayEver.com en “online health magazine” y es presidente de “The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation” con una misión de plantar 18 billones de árboles de frutas en el planeta tierra.


MAS INFORMACION - DAVID WOLFE:
DavidWolfe.com   •    Whole-Body-Detox-Diet.com


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ENGLISH

DAVID WOLFE
David is the highest authority in the field of worldwide longevity, Raw Food, SUPER FOODS, SUPER HERBS, hormonal balance, Anti-Aging, Anti-Stress, Tecnologias nutrition and beauty.

Discover
the most powerful Anti-Aging tools and manifest your maximum performance, beauty and health!


He has spent
more than 16 years of his life dedicated to exploring the delicate internal chemistry of the human body and how to balance through the use of super foods, super herbs, hormonal balance and the influence of electromagnetic fields around us.

He is the author of many best sellers such as:

Eating for Beauty  •  The Sunfood Diet Success System  •  Naked Chocolate  • 
David
Wolfe on Raw Foods
  •  Superfoods  •  Superherbs  •  Amazing GraceSuperfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future  •  The Longevity NOW Program.

David
is an expert at empowering and inspir
ing people to take over their own health!

David is the co-founder of TheBestDayEver.com an "online health magazine" and is president of "The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation" with a mission to plant 18 billion fruit trees on planet earth.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT DAVID WOLFE:
DavidWolfe.com   •    Whole-Body-Detox-Diet.com


Do not miss the opportunity to share with us the tools to change your life the easiest way!

Remember that your natural state is health, namaste!


MORE INFORMATION • RESERVATIONS:
7-012-7348   •   carla@HolisticNutritionCoaching.com


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PLEASE "SHARE" this link with EVERYONE you know that wants to make their body better and healthier!!

PLEASE tell them that Vicki (aka the Sarong Goddess)
with Living Life in Costa Rica blog - Connected you

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/11/david-wolfe-costa-rica-nov272012.html

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U.S. Embassy WARNING - Motorcycle INS Demonstration in San Jose - November 27, 2012

Today, November 27th, beginning at approximately 10am approximately 1000 motorcyclists began a demonstration outside of the headquarters of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros - INS.   El Instituto de Nacional Seguros is located in downtown San Jose, at the location of the Museo de Jade, on Calle 9, between Avenidas 9 and 11.  

The motorcyclists will be soon be making their way to the Casa de la Presidencia in Zapote.  

SOME PLACES to check for 
TRAFFIC UPDATES:


Or call 2-222-9245 (they often have someone there that speaks English!)  
800-8726-7486 (recording)

Also, Costa Rica TV News Channels


MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROTEST • DEMONSTRATION AT:

Although protests in Costa Rica are normally non-violent in nature, they always have the potential for violence.  

The Embassy recommends that Americans avoid these areas until the protest subsides. 

Other protests and road closures may occur with little or no warning, so American citizens should closely monitor news coverage of the protests and potential border closures and defer traveling to and within areas known to have protest activity. The Embassy continues to caution its employees and all U.S. citizens to exercise heightened security awareness and avoid crowds and any areas where there are demonstrations or where confrontations could occur.
Demonstrations in Costa Rica generally are peaceful and rarely affect tourists. However, demonstrators in Costa Rica have been known to block traffic on roads or disrupt travel. 

Visitors to Costa Rica may also be inconvenienced by infrequent work stoppages and strikes. 

The Costa Rica Constitution prohibits political activity by foreigners; such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. 

Travelers should avoid political demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Costa Rican authorities. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any protests.

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at  travel.state.gov.    Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Information on services for American citizens visiting or living in Costa Rica can be found on the U.S. Embassy, Costa Rica website at  CostaRica.usembassy.gov.   
U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Costa Rica are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.



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PLEASE SHARE this link with EVERY AMERICAN you know living in Costa Rica

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