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 And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise.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)

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Last chance to send in FATCA Reform Letter

We are pleased to report that after 2 days our FATCA grassroots campaign has yielded an excellent response! We asked you to message members of Congress asking them to sign the Congressional letter to the Treasury Secretary and IRS Commissioner in support of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Same Country Safe Harbor reform.
More than 3,000 of you have participated!  Nearly 10,000 messages have been sent to your Representatives and Senators asking them to sign the letter and throw their support behind this common sense reform to provide relief to Americans abroad from the burden of FATCA reporting.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

TIRES • Llantas - Where to find Llantas • TIRES in Costa Rica - Best Selection • Cheapest Prices & Where & When to Find out about the SALES!!


In this post I share a list of places to find TIRES around Costa Rica - along with where & when to find out about the sales & other hints about finding tires in Costa Rica so you're not wasting time going on a wild goose chase!!!

Sunday, July 19, 2015

RIDESHARES • RIDE SHARE • CARPOOLING • CARPOOL • SEEKING A RIDE • HITCH HIKING & Getting around by BUS - around Costa Rica



With gasoline in Costa Rica at nearly $6 a gallon - many people might be seeking a cheaper way to get around. 
RIDE SHARE - aka RIDESHARE • CARPOOLING
can be a cool option and LOTS cheaper
(PLEASE people - don't be a cheapo - CONTRIBUTE towards gas, parking and wear and tear!!!  Do YOU remember how expensive owning a car was???)

I've started to created a list of resources for various RIDE SHARE (aka RIDESHARE • CARPOOLING) around Costa Rica!

Thursday, July 16, 2015

I'M SEEKING A CHEAP (or DONATION•GIFT to show your appreciation for what I do with sharing this blog with you) USED SMART PHONE &/or APPLE

Does anyone have a "Smart Phone" they're not using??
My  Samsung & 2 previous iPhones died & all I have is a VERY BASIC NOT so smart phone & I ideally could use a used Smart Phone where I can get a plan where I can be my own Hot Spot. So I guess it needs to be an iPhone 4S? or more or a Samsung or ___??

OR an Apple•Mac Laptop (MUST have a slot for an SD card) you're not using as mine is on it's last legs & both are CRUCIAL to getting this blog & other things out there!!

Anyone have one they're not using - REALLY cheap or to DONATE to "the cause"
(my MANY free Information & photo sites to help make your life in Costa Rica easier - like:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com

or trade for some Tourism Marketing or Facebook Marketing help??)

I'm back in Escazu but there's always the mail or having someone bring it.
Email me at
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

THANX for considering it!!!



Vicki Skinner

CINEMAS • MOVIE THEATERS / CINE's in Costa Rica

(one of the AWESOME plush oversized electric recliners at the VIP theatre at Nova Cinema's in Avenida Escazu!!)


MOVIE-GOING INFO
:

Movie Theaters in Costa Rica are called "Cine"

Costa Rica has many first run movies though they don't always come out right away/upon release (like Mamma Mia which came to Costa Rica MONTHS after it was released!).

Most movies are in English with Spanish Subtitles "Doblada".  “Hablada en Español” is in Spanish with English Subtitles [though not always with the subtitles so be wary if you don't habla Español all that well!).  A lot of movies for kids are “Hablada en Español”.

Movies in Costa Rica usually change on Friday.

Wednesday is Discount Day (except for VIP & iMax theatres)

It's hard to go back to regular theatres once you've done the VIP Theatre!!

DETAILS below!!!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

4th of July 2015 - Where to Celebrate U.S. Independence Day in Costa Rica!


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My blog seems to have become THE MAIN places to find DETAILS on various events • places • restaurants • fireworks • bars celebrating
4th of July U.S. Independence Day - 2015
I'll be enhancing•updating this list up to the last minute so keep checking back for LOTS of old fashioned Americana 4th of July FUNNNN!!!! 

 (like usual in Costa Rica - details tend to come out more late minute!!).
(WOW!!  This page got OVER 700 Page Views in just 2 days!)
NOTE:
I am adding things that actually have a 4th of July theme - not just a bar/business with live music or an non-American related food special that happens to fall on the 4th of July.


PLEASE email me DETAILS if you see something to add here!


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4th of July EVENTS LISTED HERE SO FAR:

American Colony of Costa Rica THE MAIN U.S. ExPat 

4th of July Celebration
Alajuela

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SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS SHOW
Avenida Escazu

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SAN RAMON
OPEN PARTY
at 
Steve and Dianne Fischer 


ARENAL•FORTUNA

GUANACASTE
Santa Cruz


SOUTHERN ZONE
UVITA

Live Stream from the
GRATEFUL DEAD Farewell Tour


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(See the bottom of the page on how to add other events!!)


Wednesday, July 1, 2015

AUTOPISTA DEL SOL • CALDERA HIGHWAY • Highway 27 • RUTA 27 - the BEST & FASTEST road taking you to Central•South Pacific Beaches in Costa Rica!

(updated July 1, 2015)

WOW - FREE AUTO CHECKS on:
• CONTROLES LIBRES DE AUTO en:

•  Oil Level • niveles de aceite
•  Tires • llantas
•  Battery • Baterias
•  Test Emission of gases from Diesel vehicles • Prueba de gases
•  Windshield Efficiency • Parabrisas
(hmmm - will the Transito Police be there giving you a Fix-it Ticket if you don't pass some of these things . . . ????)
(hmmm - será la policía de Transito allí le da un boleto Fix-it si usted no pasa alguna de estas cosas ????...)

WHEN: 
Saturdays•Sabados - July•Julio 4 & 11 - 9am-1pm

WHERE: 
Pista del Sol #27 (aka Caldera Highway • Carretera • Ruta #27) - ESCAZU Toll Booth.

("Share" with your friends!!)

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The NEW(er)
CALDERA HIGHWAY • PISTA DEL SOL  • HIGHWAY • CARRETERA • RUTA #27
(this 76.7km•47.6 mile long newer highway•"pista" [as they're called in Costa Rica], goes from from San Jose (I think it actually "officially" starts where the first toll booth is - in Escazu) to the Pacific Coast (Orotino - not far from Jaco & Puntarenas), cutting about 45 minutes off your time to the beach [depending on where you’re going and traffic of course AND - depending on if it's OPEN as especially during Rainy Season - June-ish till around November-ish - it can be CLOSED from landslides as it was not built well])

ROAD CONDITIONS or ASSISTANCE on the Pista del Sol
(this is IMPORTANT to double check - ESPECIALLY in Rainy Season as they've been having some 
SERIOUS problems with landslides, etc.):
2-588-4040
Press 1 for the recorded Road Conditions

Press 2 for Accidents (or other things)

They also post updates on their Facebook page:


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Fees/”Tarifas” at the Toll Booths 
for the
Carretera Caldera AutoPista del Sol #27
This is a TOLL ROAD - so plan ahead to have Exact Change as much as possible to help speed your trip up
 (there are some lanes for Exact Change which usually go MUCH faster!!).

Here are the latest toll charges (as of October 1, 2014 [current as of July 1, 2015])
•     ESCAZU  -  330-c/55¢-U.S.
(between the 1st two East Escazu exits [1st - for WalMart. 2nd - for EPA] and the next one [the exit you’d get off for CIMA, PriceSmart, Office Depot, Jazz Cafe, Plaza Itzkazu and the MultiPlaza/InterContinetal].  Already in Escazu?  Depending on where you’re coming from, you may be able to avoid this by getting on before or after [at WalMart - but if you're doing this to avoid the 330-c - trust me, you'll spend LOTS more than that in gas with all the traffic along Calle Vieja - to say nothing about how BAD the Traffic is!!])
•     CIUDAD COLON•PIADADES DE SANTA ANA (you do NOT go through this if you're going to the beach)  -  160-c
•     SAN RAFAEL  -  500-c 
•     LA GUACIMA  -  370-c
•     SIQUIARES  -  390-c
•     ATENAS - RAMPA•EXIT  -  330-c 
(you only pay this if you’re entering/exiting at Atenas)
•     ATENAS  -  660-c
•     POZON  -  500-c
•     COSTANERA SUR • OROTINA  -  160-c


TOTAL in tolls/tarifas if you’re going from Escazu to the end•ocean
2,910-colones
 (about $5.38 based on 540-c/$1-USD as of December 24, 2014).


Don't you think YOUR TIME•HASSLE is WELL worth this "INVESTMENT" in you (and your car since it's LOTS less wear-and-tear on it) - compared to the alternative!!]. 


Price for MOTORCYCLES:
Yes - you saw that right - Motorcycles ARE the SAME PRICE as regular sized cars - INTERESTING!!!  As MUCH as they cause the MOST accidents - they cause the LEAST amount of damage to the roads so interesting they'd charge the same price!!  Ahhhh - life in Costa Rica])
With over 2,000 entries here, we can't be on top all the changes that take place in Costa Rica so check for the:   
CURRENT TOLLS • TARIFFS • TARIFAS:



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Unlike most of Costa Rica's highways,
Bicyclists and
pedestrians are PROHIBITED on Route 27


 
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The Pista del Sol and 

Asociación Rescate Animal
have started an


ANIMAL RESCUE PROJECT
to help save and adopt out animals found along the Pista del Sol•Highway 27.

If you see an injured or dead animal on Pista del Sol•Highway 27 

CALL
2-588-4040 

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QUICK PASS
If you live in Costa Rica and see yourself taking the Caldera Highway•Pista del Sol•Highway 27 a lot, or are into making your life easier/having less traffic (at the toll booths), you can buy a Quick Pass. 

You purchase the unit NOW manage through ETC Electronic Toll SA -  and purchased from the following banks - BAC/Credomatic (I believe the site says the Escazu branch - possibly in Plaza Trejos Montelegre?), LAFISE, BCR, ProAmerica, Cathay (it looks like Cathay has LOTS of other add on costs) and Banco Nacional.  The price varies from $30 (Lafise but with an initial $60 investment) to $36.  Each has a $1 monthly fee.  And then it looks like it auto fills or withdraws (I can't see on their site) from your bank account.  When driving on THIS highway (it’s not good on any other highway), go through the special lanes marked “Quick Pass” and as you drive through it scans and deducts the toll.  
http://QuickPassCR.com/nuestros_clientes.aspx


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A bit about the

HISTORY
of this highway (who's concept started in 1978!!!  Ahhhhh - life in Costa Rica!!!):

WeLoveCostaRica.com/public/876.cfmWeLoveCostaRica.com/public/887.cfm


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 LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/03/AutoPistaDelSolHighway27CR.html
.180 7/1/15
 

Thursday, June 25, 2015

MOTHER'S DAY • DIA DE MADRE en Costa Rica - 15 de Agosto - Where to Celebrate Costa Rican Mother's Day - August 15, 2015

CURRENTLY the information below is from 2014.  I will be adding 2015 things as I find them which based on how things are often done in Costa Rica - might not be till a week or so before!  I'll indicate 2015 on those current ones but here's some interesting info & at least you have an idea on some of the places in the past for now. 
So please BookMark this page & keep checking back!!



WHEN IS DIA DE MADRE IN COSTA RICA:
2015 - Saturday - AUGUST 15
(it's ALWAYS celebrated ON August 15.  FYI - Costa Rica and Antwerp, Belgium are the only countries celebrating it this day. [for a list of when other countries celebrate Mother's Day go to:  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day


MOTHER'S DAY • DIA DE MADRE
in Costa Rica is one of THE BIGGEST "Holidays" in Costa Rica!!!  
It's literally a national holiday where everyone gets the day off (or gets Double Pay), which means banks, government agencies, etc. will be closed 
(and since it should have been a payday, most people will have gotten paid the day before on the 14th so lines will probably be long at the banks on the 14th)!! 
NOTE:  Since this is a legal holiday - the Driving Restrictions are NOT in enforcement on Friday.

THINGS LISTED BELOW:
RESTAURANTS • MEAL SPECIALS  •  RESTAURANTES • ESPECIALES DE COMIDA
SERVICES•PROMOTIONS • SERVICIOS•PROMOCIONES
ENTRETENIMIENTO  •  ENTERTAINMENT
GETAWAYS  •  ESCAPADAS


HOW IS DIA DE MADRE CELEBRATED IN COSTA RICA?
In Costa Rica, it seems the typical way to celebrate Dia de Madre are to:
•  Go out to eat (so reservations are best)
•  Eat at home (yes - believe it or not some mom's STILL have to cook their own Mother's Day meals!!)
•  Go to the cemeteries to visit mom's that have crossed over.
•  If it falls close to a weekend - LOTS of people will take advantage and go to the beach or the mountains.


Do you know anyone else doing something for Mother's Day anywhere around CR??

KARAOKE CONTEST benefit for Animal Welfare in Grecia with music from the 50's, 60's & 70's - August 9, 2015

WHAT:
"What's all the Howling About?"
KARAOKE CONTEST
Bring Back memories singing karaoke style our favorite songs from the
50's, 60's & 70's!!!

BENEFIT FOR WHAT:
Animal Welfare in Grecia, Costa Rica

HOSTED BY:
Pura Vida Para Mascotas
facebook.com/PuraVidaParaMascotas  • 
PuraVidaParaMascotas.wix.com/pvpm

WHEN:
Sunday - August 9, 2015 - 1pm

Audiences Vote • Cash Prizes • Food & Drinks

COVER CHARGE or ENTRY FEE:
1,000-c/$2

WHERE:
Bar Acuario
Grecia, Costa Rica

RSVP:
Space is limited so RSVP ASAP!!


CONTACT:
PuraVidaParaMascotas@gmail.com


DONATE ANY TIME TO HELP THIS IMPORTANT CAUSE:
PuraVidaParaMascotas.wix.com/pvpm#!more-information/cir8


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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2015/06/GreciaAnimalWelfareKaraokeContest.html
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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

MISSING AMERICAN - Brian Lynn Hogue - Age 64 - Disappeared while driving from San José, Costa Rica to his home on the Caribbean slope town of Guápiles on June 1, 2015


UPDATED:  AUGUST 23, 2015
Still no word:


American ExPat Brian Lynn Hogue - 64 years (formerly of California) has been missing since June 1 after he disappeared while driving from San José, Costa Rica to his home on the Caribbean slope town of Guápiles, where he's lived on a farm for 5 years with his wife, Susan, and their son.

He was last seen in San José on June 1, 2015. When he did not arrive home, a neighbor filed a missing-persons report with the OIJ on June 12.

What's most alarming & makes this "questionable circumstances" is he had planned to return to the U.S. that week to attend his daughter’s wedding.

He also owns property on the Nicoya Peninsula, near Cóbano, Puntarenas where he's involved in reforestation projects (he does that on both properties).

You NEVER KNOW who might know/have heard SOMETHING)!!  Hence why I'm sharing it here. 

The family is offering a ₡2.5 million ($4,638ish) reward for anyone with information on his whereabouts.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Brian Hogue should contact the OIJ’s confidential hotline at 800-800-0645 or email cicooij@poder-judicial.go.cr.

The family has separate contact info for information related to Hogue’s disappearance at (506) 4-001-7998 • FindBrianHogue@gmail.com.



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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2015/06/MissingAmericanExPatBrianLynnHogueCostaRica.html
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MOVIE THEATERS in ESCAZU, Costa Rica

MOVIE HINTS:
MOST movies are in English with Spanish sub-titles BUT their websites are only in Spanish so you can “highlight, Copy and Paste and go to the websites are in Spanish so bring up a Translate site if you need it.  I like http://translate.google.com ).

Wednesdays in Costa Rica are
about 1/2 PRICE DAY*!!!  
Most movies don't start till around 2pm weekdays and noon-ish on weekends (except when the kids are out of school)

NOVA CINEMAS
(2-299-7666)
Costa Rica has a NEW, REALLY NICE, 8 screen theatre with the MOST COMFORTABLE chairs in Costa Rica!!! 
Nova Cinema even has Costa Rica's first (and only) iMax Theatre and 2 REALLY AWESOME VIP Theatres with a luxurious Lounge
Details at:


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Cinemark Movie Theatre 
(2-201-5050)  
8 Theatres.
SCHEDULE:  CineMarkca.com/es/multiplaza-escazu/portada/index.php DISCOUNT WEDNESDAYS - Just 1,800-c (for EVERYONE)
MATINEES (the first showing during the week)  -  2,300-c
•   D-BOX  -  Cinemark even has a theatre designated (I need to check into it if it's a theatre with all seats - or just some seats - 12 Chairs in the BACK
as it looks like with the D-Box system that gives motion to your chair during those types of movies (one of which was for "San Andreas" about a 9.0 earthquake in California [to actually experience what that feels like could really freak one out!  I KNOW it would me having lived through numerous California and Costa Rica earthquakes!!!])  (Adults - 7,500-c

• Seniors & Kids - 7,100-c)  •   Plus they have Real D and 3D (Adults - 4,100-c • Seniors & Kids - 3,700-c) and regular screens (Adults - 2,900-c • Seniors & Kids - 2,300-c). 

You can also ORDER TICKETS ONLINE:
NOTE:  You can ONLY do this via INTERNET EXPLORER 10.
Note there is a 150-c Service Charge•Convenience Fee attached to each ticket ordered online.
•  Select the movie you want.
•  Seleccionar Butacas = Select Seats
•  Then it takes you to Seat Selection but be WARNED - they ONLY give you 5 MINUTES to choose which seat.  Brown are seats that are ALREADY reserved (meaning all the others are open) so just click your cursor on to the seat you desire and it will turn Green.  NOTE - a couple times I tried doing this for just 1 seat, they wouldn't allow me to select a seat where there was 1 seat empty in between but it wouldn't even let me take 1 of 2 empty seats for the D-Box seat.  If all they have left is 1 or 2 seats - you HAVE to be ordering 2 seats. Hmmm!!
•  Siguiente = Next
•  Then start putting your credit card info:
    •  Correo Electrónico = Email
    •  Nombre tarjeta habiente, como aparece en la tarjeta = Name as it appears on the card
    •  Número de tarjeta = Credit•Debit Card #    •  Fecha de vencimiento de tarjeta = Expiration Date    •  Código de seguridad de tarjeta = 3 Digit Security Code    •  Tipo de tarjeta = Type of Card (Visa, MasterCard . . . )
•  Press Comprar Ahora = Buy Now

To redeem your reservation, make sure to BRING THE CARD YOU CHARGED along with your government issued ID (Cedula or Passport).

LOCATION: Multiplaza-Oeste/Escazu - near the Food Court - on the South Side of the OLD mall.



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•   CineMania.co.cr/content/categories/En-Cartelera
•   Click on “Buscador de Peliculas - Cartelera” 
•   Then select the theatre you want under “Por Cine” (“Todos los cines”). 
•   Then it will bring up all the movies playing there under “Por Peicula” - Todas las peliculas” (in Spanish). 
•   Go to the movie you want to see.•   Then go to “Por Fecha” to input the day/date (FYI - Lunes = Monday • Martes = Tuesday • Miercoles = Wednesday • Jueves = Thursday • Viernes = Friday • Sabado = Saturday • Domingo = Sunday)
•   Press “Buscar” (“Search”) and it comes up. 
For more info on the movie go to “Mas de la pelicula” just above the times.  


NOVA CINEMAS - VIP & iMAX Movie THEATERs at Avenida Escazu Mall - Costa Rica

(updated June 23, 2015)
In December 2009, Repretel (owners of Channel 6 and 11 - Repretel.com) opened:


For MY taste and body, the Nova Cinemas is BY FAR THE BEST movie theater in Costa Rica!!!  #1 because of the VIP Theatre (more on that later) but #2 - because ALL their seats are some of the MOST COMFORTABLE CHAIRS I've found in a movie theatre in Costa Rica!!  

They also have Costa Rica’s first (and only) iMax theater / movie theatre / movie screen with a 6-channel digital sound system!!!

(WHAT THE HECK IS AN IMAX SCREEN??:

AND - you can order your tickets ONLINE - so you don't have to go a separate time & wait in line or get sold out!
To do that, just go into the link below under "Current Schedule" • Click on the movie • then at the bottom, click on the day and time you want (it looks like you can only do it 2 days in advance) and follow the instructions.  IMPORTANT - make sure that whomevers credit card you use is there to pick up the tickets along with their official id (cedula or passport)

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CURRENT SCHEDULE
(click on the "Imprimir el horario de los eventos" in the top right corner)

THE THEATRES
(Ticket Window)

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iMAX THEATRE (1)
As well as being 3 times the size of a traditional movie theater (21 mts. wide x 12 mts. high - 69' wide x 39' high).  This theatre also has 3D and regular 35mm.  
CAPACITY:  276 people
COST: 6,500-c (for EVERYONE [NO Wednesday discounts])

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VIP THEATREs (2) and VIP LOUNGE
MY FAVS!!!! What an EXPERIENCE!! Recently opened, this cozy theatre is a REAL VIP EXPERIENCE!!!!  They have REAL Leather RECLINERS, Recliner LoveSeats (for 2!!) with digital electric controls, plus a few 4 person regular leather couches!! Waiters come around and serve you Sushi, Panninis, Wraps, Nachos, Pizza and other tasty treats as well along with a bar with wine, beer, scotch, vodka, rum served in their VIP LOUNGE which is tres chic!! (you pay extra of course for those!)!! They even have WiFi!!  35mm only.
CAPACITY:  VIP #1 - 46 people. VIP #2 - 52 people
COST: 7,000-c (for EVERYONE [NO Wednesday discounts])

Sanita, Diane (all sprawled out getting comfy) and Brenda (with Ruth and Simon up at the top in the Love Seat Recliners) at  "Sex in the City 2"!!

VIP LOUNGE
(part of our group in the VIP Lounge after "Sex in the City 2" [notice our COOL Shoes most of us have on!!!].  That's me in the middle in the turquoise and purple!!).  

(this was the Mango Chicken Wrap and Cosmopolitan the waiter brought me to my MEGA COMFY Leather RECLINER Chair DURING  "Sex in the City 2"!!  Now THIS IS THE LIFE!!
[notice the sexy shoes we had on in honor of the movie's shoe fetish!]!)

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3D and 2D DIGITAL THEATREs (2)
CAPACITY:  Sala #2 (Orange) - 159 people.  Sala #3 (Yellow) - 255 people.  Sala #4 (Purple) - 257 people
COST: Adults-4,100-c. Kids and Seniors-3,700-c (NO Wednesday discounts)

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REGULAR 35mm THEATRES (2)
CAPACITY:  Sala #1 (Red) - 139 people.
COST: Adults-3,400-c. Kids and Seniors-3,100-c 

WEDNESDAY DISCOUNT

2,400-c
(ONLY in the Regular Theatre - #1)


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In total, these 7 theaters that seat 1,184 peopleMORE PICTURES:
SarongGoddess.com/Travel/NovaCinemaVIPiMaxTheatreEscazu

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BIG  "NOVA SPORTS BAR"
August 10, 2010 Repretel opened
2-299-7492-reservations) 
that services theatre and non-theatre goers!  

It's located to the LEFT of the iMax Theatre and out the back of the VIP Theatre.
FOOD:
The restaurant has "Bar Foods" like Fried Calamari, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Spinach/Artichoke Dip, Loaded Potato Skins, Chicken Wings, Bbq Grilled Sticky-Oriental Wings, Chicken Nachos, Mozzarella Sticks, Chicken Tenders.  As well as healthier options like Salads - Caesar, Cobb, Honey-Crisp Chicken or Sesame Chicken Salad.  Soups, Burgers, Pizza, Sandwiches, Wraps, Pasta and Entrees like a Honey Balsamic Grilled Tenderloin, Grilled Salmon, Roasted Chicken, Fish and Chips and Argentinian Churrasco, Baby Back Pork Ribs
DESSERTS•SWEETS
are such yummies as Macadamia Fudge Brownie, Green Apple-Caramel Cheesecake, Nutella-Almond Nanina Cotta, Caramel-Orange Custard, Sorbet or Banana Split Flambee!!!!


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LOCATION:

NOVA CINEMAS is located in the most Southern Building near the open parking lot in the
AVENIDA ESCAZU MALL

For more information on Avenida Escazu Mall check out:

The main building (home to Nova Cinemas) has a Food Court with:
Cafe de la Torre  (HOURS:  Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm, Sat. 9am-4pm  /  Facebook.com/pages/Cafe-de-la-Torre/75487883344  /  CafeDeLaTorreCR.com  /  2-208-8124)

Gen•Ki Sushi and Deli  (HOURS: 11:40am-9:30pm  /  GenkiSushiCR.com  /  2-228-1710)  -  Japanese and Sushi

il Padrino Pizzeria (HOURS:  11am-9:30pm / 2-288-6057 / IlPadrinoCR.com/foodcourt/menu/index.html).  EXPRESS/Delivery.  Food Court

KafeHaus  (HOURS:  8:30am-8pm  /  2-289-4010)  

La Divina Comida  (HOURS: ? / 2-208-8899 / LaDivinaComidaCostaRica@gmail.com)  -  Fusion Peruana

La Gelateria (HOURS:  11am-7pm [I also saw Mon.-Thurs. noon-11pm, Fri. and Sat. noon-mid. and Sun. noon-10pm]  /  2-289-7929)  -  Gelato!!!  This is the same one as in Plaza Itzkazu which I hear from MANY that they make THE BEST Gelato in Costa Rica!!!  Food Court

La Tetera ??

M and M store.  Food Court

McDonald’s  (HOURS:  11am-9pm  /  Facebook.com/McDonaldsCostaRica  / McDonalds.co.cr  /  2-228-2731).  Food Court

MeKong (MekongAsiaFusion.com  / 2-208-8998).  Asian Fusion.  $$$$$ but I hear really positive things about it.

Nova Sports Bar and Restaurant (Facebook.com/NovaRestaurante  /  NovaCinemas.cr/restaurante-y-sports-bar.php  / 2-299-7492).  Upstairs to the left of the iMax theatre

Popeye's (HOURS:  11am-7pm  /  Facebook.com/PopeyesCostaRica  /  PopeyesCostaRica.com  /  2-288-3545)  -  Southern Fried Chicken.  Food Court

Subway  (HOURS:  10am-9pm  /  SubwayCostaRica.com  /  2-290-9494-EXPRESS/Delivery  /  2-520-1650).  Sandwiches.  EXPRESS.  Food Court

Taco Bell  (HOURS:  10am-9pm  /  2-217-2723  /  Facebook.com/TacoBellCR  /  TacoBell.co.cr)  -  Fast-Food Mexican.  Food Court


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RESTAURANTS IN AVENIDA ESCAZU
(but not in the food court)


L'ile de France  (HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. noon-11pm, Sun. noon-5pm  /  Facebook.com/LileDeFrance  /  LileDeFrance.cr)  -  Marriot Residence Inn

Product C  (HOURS:  Tues.-Sun. 11am-11pm - closed Mon. /  Product-C.com  /  2-288-5570 / 2-288-5593) - same seafood company as in Santa Ana (but more $$$$$) and Malpais

Saga  (HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. noon-11pm, Sun. noon-6pm  /  SagaRestaurant.com  /  2-289-6615) - I've ONLY heard INCREDIBLY POSITIVE things about Saga (ESPECIALLY their DESSERTS!!).  Reservations HIGHLY suggested.  $$$$$

Starbucks
STORES
They also have an Apple/Mac Authorized store (WAYYY FASTER to get things fixed here than iCon)
iOne Apple Store
Escazu (2-588-2592)
PLEASE tell them Vicki with Living Life in CR blog Connected you!
Tamarindo  (2-653-2400)
Alajuela  (2-430-2000)



And in the area is the new Residence Inn by Marriott.

In time, Avenida Escazu plans to have 12 buildings total made up of offices, medical offices and in time, even a 50 room/5-star boutique hotel!


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LOCATION:
NOVA CINEMAS is located in one of the buildings in:
AVENIDA ESCAZU MALL


DIRECTIONS:
Nova Cinema is located one block East of CIMA Hospital•Medical Center.

If you’re coming from the AutoPista del Sol/Caldera Highway, get off at: 
Coming from San Jose:  
Go through the Toll Booth and get off at the first exit going straight.  You'll pass Fischel Farmacia, a bunch of businesses (including Jazz Cafe-West), Plaza Itzkazu (home to Outback and Hooters generic restaurants and a BUNCH of other businesses).  Go UNDER the overpass and where you come out - veer Left.  Pass Office Depot, PriceSmart, CIMA Hospital's 3 buildings and turn RIGHT into the street after CIMA and you're there!!  For Nova Cinema's and Food Court+ 

Coming from Santa Ana:
 Get off at the exit after MultiPlaza/that overpass (if you pass the Toll Plaza, you've gone too far). As you get off you veer to the left, passing Office Depot, PriceSmart, CIMA Hospital and the street after that is Avenida Escazu!
PARKING:  
Go straight down to the end and either park in the open lot on your Left - or go to your Right to the underground (PAID) parking (I'd bet most restaurants validate - I doubt the movie theatre).


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