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 And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise.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:
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OTHER WAYS TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR THIS BLOG

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• 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)

Sunday, January 27, 2008

LISTS - PHONE CODES in Costa Rica & HOW TO USE VARIOUS ICE•Kolbi PHONE COMPANY SERVICES•DEPARTMENTS. Including Voicemail, Call Forwarding, Caller ID

This schpiel is a list of information related to the Phone Company/ICE (pronounced Long EEEE – say) in Costa Rica - everything from how to do Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Voice Mail, Wake-Up Calls, etc.!!!


Here are CODES for VARIOUS SERVICES•DEPARTMENTS
(if you find any changes, etc., PLEASE let me know as my Spanish is quite limited so I may have made some mistakes!)


  911  -  EMERGENCY  (Police • Fire Department • Ambulance)

1110  -  COLLECT CALLS (to make)

1112  -  Time

1113  -  Information-  Residential  (like 411).

             Information -  Yellow Pages/Business  -  Online - http://1155.cr/racsa-yp

1115  -  Customer Service (Land Lines) - Phone - Changes - including Call Waiting, Call Forward, Voice Mail - The initial recording is in Spanish.
             CODES: 1-general/promotions (automatic), 2-Billing, 3-Verify Changes, 4-Other, 5-Operator, 6-Things involved when you use your password.

1116  -  International Calls – For assistance to MAKE international calls & charge to your credit card or collect, etc. (I THINK this can be quite expensive [ERICK – HOW MUCH TO CALL THE U.S. WITH THIS???])

1119  -  Technical Problems - Phone - This is automated where they ask you to punch in your number - BUT - if you do NOT put your number in, a LIVE person will come on.

1124  -  International Calls - for Information on International Calls

1126  -  Technical Problems - Electricity

1128  -  Red Cross / Cruz Roja (AMBULANCE)

1129  -  International Breakdowns????

1134  -  Internet Access – RACSA (ERICK - is this the same as Technical Problems – RACSA??)

1136  -  Traffic Police (who you call if you have an accident [NOTE – do NOT NOT NOT move your car!!  It does NOT matter if it’s blocking traffic - & it MAY for HOURS!!])

1138  -  Internet Access – ICE  (ERICK - is this the same as Technical Problems – ICE??)

1146  -  WAKE UP CALLS  (an automated voice calls you to wake you at a set hour you request)

1150  -  Pre-Pay Refills Info – Kolbi

1175  -  Collect Calls

1187  -  Hear the Balance of Your Bill (automated)

1190  -  Voicemail access  (for the phone you are calling on)

1191  -  Voicemail access (to check voicemail calling in from a different phone/cell line)

1193  -  Customer Service - Cell Phones (including reporting lost/stolen phones!!)

NOT POSITIVE ON THESE (since there aren't many pay phones left in Costa Rica):
1197 - Public Telephone for Prepaid National Card

1199 - Public Telephone for Prepaid International Card

The automated calls are of course in Spanish but often, when I've called departments where I had to speak with a live person, they usually had SOMEONE that spoke English (& I'd throw my Spanglish in & we all laughed!!!) so don't get all nervous if your Spanish is limited. You CAN do it!!!



HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU'RE CALLING A LAND LINE OR CELL PHONE?
Calling a Landline in Costa Rica is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than calling a Cell Phone & time of day makes a difference as well.  Calling to a Costa Rica Cell phone from other countries is LOTS more expensive as well.  It's a bit harder now that the monopoly has been broken & new companies have come in - so how can you know what type of phone you're calling?

LANDLINES:
ICE•Kolbi Land Lands start with a "2".
MovieStar Land Lines phones start with a "4"

CELL PHONES:
ICE•Kolbi Cell Phones start with a "3" or an "8" or "9"
MovieStar Cell phones start with a "6"

Claro Cell phones start with a "5"





One of the MANY WONDERFUL things in Costa Rica is with your phone service you get LOTS of FREE services that you pay LOTS of $$$ for in the States like:
FREE VOICEMAIL, CALL WAITING, CALL FORWARD & EVEN FREE WAKE UP CALLS!! 
Other than Voicemail, I was able to activate Call Waiting & Call Forward by just calling 115 - Customer Service. I'm SHOCKED at how few even Tico's know about this!!


NOTE: On Land Lines, the prompts are in Spanish so here are the instructions in English.
EXCITING NEWS!!! You can get your CELL PHONE (ONLY) set up so ALL the prompts are in ENGLISH - even the voicemail prompts your callers get!! To do that, go into ICE & ask them to do it (you can do it for yourself on your cell but that won't set the voicemail message prompts). The prompts are basically the same as Land Line Phones.



VOICEMAIL:
You know you have a voice mail message when you pick up your phone & there is a lady's recorded voice. YES - you CAN STILL dial out - just start pressing the number & she'll stop talking. I sure wish someone had explained that to me in the beginning as this one only took me over a month to figure out of complaining the phone was not working and them not understanding me).
First - Dial "190" (you can check your cell phone or your home phone from another phone simply by dialing "191")
Then, punch in your Password & Press #(pound key) (standard, the password is often the last 4 digits of your phone number unless you or someone else have done something else. When you are moving out - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE call ICE & change it back to the last 4 digits of the phone - otherwise it can be a royal pain!!)

Then: Press 1-to listen to your Messages
2-to Send a message
3-for Personal Settings/Change Personal Greeting (like to record your message)

LISTEN TO MESSAGES:
1-Listen,
11-Scan,
3-Change Personal Options

Listen to message then:
1-Repeat
2-Save (saves only for 3 days)
3-Delete
11-Here Envelope (not sure what this is about)

TO CHANGE YOUR PERSONAL SETTINGS:
GREETING:
3-Change Personal Options
1-Personal Greeting/Name. 2-Change Password
1-Record new greeting, 2-Standard/generic message, 3-change recorded name, *(star) -return to personal profile menu
It then plays your current message
1-to keep it, 2-to re-record,
Record your message & press #(the pound key)
1-listen to what you have just recorded, 2-Save it (I often have to press 2 twice), 3-Re-Record, *(star)-Cancel the new recording (keep what you originally had)
The codes are basically the same for cell phones and land lines.



CALL WAITING:
To get to the incoming call: Press Flash on your phone plus 2
To go back to your original caller: Press Flash on your phone plus 2



CALL FORWARD:
To Activate Call Forward: * (star) 21 *(star). Dial the number you want to transfer your line to & hit the #(pound) key (when done properly - it gives this weird beeping tone musical number)
To DE-Activate Call Forward: press the #(pound) key, 21 and the # (pound) key again



CALLER ID - Also free but you must have a phone that has that feature (showing the number) and you set that up. This one also requires the same proceedure as setting up International Access/Block.




WAKE-UP CALL - *55*, number & “#” - Activate. Verify it’s set - *#55* your number & “#”. Cancel the time given: “#55* number & “#”. Deactivate it all “#55#”



DIDN'T GET YOUR PHONE BILL (NOT that unusual)?
You can either call "187" for an automated reply OR
Go to ICE's website (www.GrupoICE.com/av-ejb/login.jsp) and punch in your phone number OR
Go to Bill Pay on your Costa Rican bank account (ANOTHER reason I LOVE banking with Banco Cuscatlan is you can do their site in English) and put in your phone number and within seconds it gives me the amount due and I'm DONE!! No more standing in lines!! WARNING!! MAKE SURE TO MAKE A COPY OF IT - JUST IN CASE!! OR

Go to the bills office OR your CR bank (where you can pay most of your bills) though that usually means standing in LONG lines (unless you bank with Banco Cuscatlan where I've NEVER been more than 5 people deep in a line!!) OR

Go to a ServiMas (where you can pay your bills, receive/get money wired & also get your U.S. dollars converted into Colones [but you can NOT buy Dollars with Colones} for NO extra fee [most banks charge a fee to convert money if you don't bank with them - like in the States often]) which are located at Mas x Menos, Perimercado, Pali, Hipermas (all now partially owned by WalMart). You can also pay them at Fischel Farmacia/Pharmacy.

FORGOT TO PAY YOUR BILL and you were Shut Off? http://www.EscazuNews.com Daniel said do NOT go to ICE but go to Banco de Costa Rica & as SOON as you have paid - call 115 & tell them it is paid. NOTE - if you have TWO bills past due - they can take your phone number away!




HOW TO BLOCK INTERNATIONAL CALLS
Don't want your employees or guests to ring up your bill? You can put a Block/restriction on your phone so no one can MAKE International Calls AND you can put a Block so you can NOT RECEIVE International Calls (Patrick helped me understand why one would have this - that is to block outsiders [like staff] from receiving EXPENSIVE collect calls - ahhhhhhh!!!!).

To permanently restrict international calls - the person who's name is on the phone bill (ONLY) must fax a letter to 283-2121 along with a copy of their id (cedula or passport) requesting the action (or bring it into an ICE office). WARNING: The person who's name is on one of my bills has "left this planet" & I was told it would entail some sort of legal/courts type of change.

You CAN restrict it Temporarily by: To Activate: Press */star, 33 and */star, then your four digit password and “#”/the pound key.
To Verify it's active - *#33#.
De-activate - #33*, password & “#”.

DRAWBACK: Not only can Collect International Calls not come in but nor can your family/friends calling you from outside of CR (they'll get a recording [I can't remember if it's in Spanish or English]).

Saturday, January 26, 2008

RESOURCES - WHERE TO FIND CHEAPER COPIES, BUSINESS CARDS, BROCHURES, ETC. IN COSTA RICA

I haven't found many cheap copies let alone business cards and brochure printing in Costa Rica.

The cheapest I've found CopiCentro so far is:

COPICENTRO

Barrio La California - 25 Sur Cine Magali - This is where the bigger jobs, biz cards, brochures, etc. are sent out to (256-1756) - Marlon is a designer here and he speaks GOOD English (845-7231 / marlonmena@yahoo.com)

San Jose - La Sabana - Sabana Sur, 75 meters West/oeste of Universal and McDonalds (231-3649). HOURS: 7am-7pm (Jose Cruz Carmona [jacc23i@gmail.com / josec@copicentrocr.net ] speaks some English here and is a cutie/sweetie. Tell him Vicki sent ya!)

San José - 100 mts Norte de la Radiográfica (221-5158)

Paseo Colón - 125 Este de la Toyota (248-1524)

Universidad Latina - Dentro de la Universidad - Latina de Costa Rica (225-2072)


Biz Cards - 100-5,000-single sided 9,000-double sided

Color Copies -35 (gives me 105 fliers. 150-c/ea page [50-c each flier])-5,250 150 (gives me 450. 135/ea) 20,250. 350 (1,050 fliers. 125-c/ea) 43,750

B&W 2-sided 22-c/ea


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WANT REALLY GREAT CHEAP BUSINESS CARDS, ETC.??

Have someone coming to visit you from the States?


In the past I've had my printing materials done at Beyond Imaging in the San Diego area.

They have a special of 1,000 business cards in COLOR PLUS you can get black & white on the back for just $99 (plus a set up fee & some misc. fees if you have more technical things but they're nominal).

http://www.beyondimaging.com/businesscards.html

Tell Jon or Barry that Vallarta Vicki referred you!!!



Vicki

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON CHANGE IN DIALING PHONES IN COSTA RICA - Effective March 20, '08!!! (& where to get cheaper biz cards, etc.)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BIG CHANGES IN DIALING PHONES withIN COSTA RICA


EFFECTIVE at midnight on MARCH 20,'08 EVERYONE gets to add a “2” in front of ALL Land Line Phone numbers and an “8” when calling ALL cell numbers (note that ALL cell phones within CR start with either a 3 or an 8 making this new step easy to figure out).


If you have business cards, brochures, websites, etc. - that means you get to change all that also!!
(note, just the other day I went to get new biz cars and the guy didn’t even tell me about it [ahhhh “customer service”!!] so I get to remake more cards at MY cost!!).


You’ll also HAVE to reprogram all the numbers in your speed dial on your home phone and cell.

There will be NO change in Costa Rican 800, 900 or 905 numbers.

For more info Call 115 or email marca2oal8@ice.go.cr

http://www.ice.co.cr/esp/temas/camp/2_8_dig/index_eng.htm


(Did you know you can get FREE Wake-Up Calls, FREE Voice Mail, Call Forwarding through ICE??? E- me at CostaRicaResourceList@gmail.com for a detailed list on all sorts of tricks/info!!)




Vicki

12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, NA MEETINGS, ADDICTION RECOVERY, REHAB RESOURCES, REHABILITATION CENTERS, ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT CENTERS, WELLNESS TREATMENT CENTERS, PRACTITIONERS, ALTERNATIVE HEALING METHODS, SMOKING WITHDRAWAL and SUPPORT RESOURCES - ENGLISH IN COSTA RICA - 2008 (old)


THANX for visiting my page on
12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, NA MEETINGS, ADDICTION RECOVERY, REHAB RESOURCES, REHABILITATION CENTERS, ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT CENTERS, WELLNESS TREATMENT CENTERS, PRACTITIONERS, ALTERNATIVE HEALING METHODS, SMOKING WITHDRAWAL and SUPPORT RESOURCES - ENGLISH SPEAKING RESOURCES IN COSTA RICA

Unlike most pages listing AA Meetings - this page is NOT "official" or attached to any organization so I CAN share all sorts of other resources you can't on more "official" recovery sites!


I've been updating and enhancing this list so the revised version is now located at:

.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH / HEALING - NATURAL HEALTHY PRODUCTS, HERBS, MACROBIOTICA, TINCTURES, VITAMINS, THERAPISTS, PRACTITIONERS IN COSTA RICA

MACROBIOTICA'S / HEALTH "FOOD" STORES

"Healthfood stores" in Costa Rica are called "Macrobioticas"
VITAMINS
(where you can find MANY natural vitamins, tinctures and some herbs)!

NOTE: Have anyone coming from the States/Canada to visit you? You may want to ask them to bring you a few months supply (though not too much as you don’t want Customs thinking you’re buying them for a business).

Shipping: You might SERIOUSLY want to rethink that as those items, if properly labeled WILL most likely get stopped and you get to jump through LOTS of hoops, time and expenses to get them out of the Eduana including YOU getting some special Health Permits.

For now, Holistic treatments are ok (operative word - “ok”) in Costa Rica but there has been much talk about getting it all licensed (who in the U.S. government are they hanging out with or might it be the LARGE drug manufacturing company presence that is here?).



BIO SALUD
They have many natural products and LOTS of imported things including Berkenstocks
Escazu - CLOSED here but doing deliveries (2-201-6138)
Curridabat - Plaza del Sol (2-234-2475 / 2-280-7861?)


NATU VIT
Escazu (San Rafael) (289-8965) - OWNERS: Jose & Zeneida HOURS: 9:30am-7pm. LOCATION: in the little strip mall behind Mas x Menos on Calle Vieja, just West of San Rafael (THANX Margie).


MACROBIOTICA TIBAS
One of the oldest in the country and they sell a tons of products every week. DIRECTIONS: In front of Burger King in Tibas Centro.


NATURASTYLE
(http://www.NaturaStyle.com / 2-235-7654 / 8-386-0092)
They DELIVER to you!! My only complaint (other than it is pricier but it IS more of a one-stop shopping place [well - by CR standards] and ya pay for convenience) is in rainy season - like everywhere - it does not always look very good. They have everything from veges/fruits to herb pots, skincare, vitamins++++!


GNC
(2-221-8986 / http://www.GNC.co.cr / info@GNC.co.cr)
Escazu - Plaza Laurels(2-228-4162) - HOURS: 10am-6pm Mon.-Sat. LOCATION: ON Calle Vieja 200 mts West of Calle Country Club
Escazu - MultiPlaza-West - 2nd floor towards the middle of the mall by the eisle leading to the Food Court (2-201-6070)
Curridabat (2-224-0741)
Heredia (2-237-2900) - Paseo de las Flores
MultiPlaza East (2-253-7958)
Papagayo (2-667-0883) - Do it Center
Pavas (2-231-6033)
San Pedro Mall (2-253-2300)
San Ramon (2-447-7104) - Plaza Occidente
TerraMall (2-279-9494)
(note: I have found their prices can be nearly/at least double that from the States. I was able to find Tea Tree here SOMETIMES [though it is not like what I'm used to)


OMNILIFE
(OmniLife.com/english/home.php /
LOCATIONS: http://OmniLife.com/centros_distribucion/centros.php
San Jose (La Uruca - Juan Paulo Secondo Bridge)
Cartago
San Ramon
San Pedro
Guaplies
Liberia
Perez Zeledon
(THANX Gabriel)


SUNRIDER
Rick at the Costa Rica School of Integrative Massage in Heredia (8-398-6670 / ZenMormon27@yahoo.com) is a Distributor


NATURES SUNSHINE
For an additional list of locations or distributors, go to their website at NSPCentroAmerica.com/Centers.aspx
San Jose - Paseo Colon (2-256-1265 / ClienteSunshine@correo.co.cr) - 50 mts East of Sobre Paseo, de la Torre Colo
Perez Zeledon (2-771-8627 / jbogap@ice.co.cr) - 200 mts West and 75 mts North of the gas station/estacion bomberos
San Pedro (2-225-8062 / NSPSanPedro@ice.co.cr) - 200 mts North of Pizza 2x1.


NEW CHAPTER
(2-468-0352 / 8-369-7415 / orgbot@sol.racsa.co.cr / www.NewChapter.com) grows MANY of their FANTASTIC ORGANIC products that are sold in the U.S. and Canada at their Luna Nueva Farm in La Tigra 2 1/2 hours north of San Jose, on the road from San Ramon to Fortuna.
DAY TOUR: They offer a 3 hour Rainforest Mysteries Day Tour on Food Medicine Habitat (http://fincalunanuevalodge.com/costa-rica-day-tours.html) where they say “Guests will walk through majestic, towering rainforest alongside poison dart frogs, colorful birds, and howler monkeys, through our Sacred Seeds Sanctuary where the rainforest’s most powerful and important species are housed, and in to our organic biodynamic gardens. Visitors will have a chance to sample some of the Earth’s most potent plants and participate in the systems that make a sustainable human environment possible.”
ACCOMMODATIONS: And they even have a Lodge at their BEAUTIFUL Finca Luna Nueva Lodge in San Isidro de Penas Blancas in San Ramon (2-468-4006 / 2-68-0352 / http://FincaLunaNuevaLodge.com / info@FincaLunaNuevaLodge.com) with prices starting at $60 for 2 (less $10 for a solo) in Green Season (+$10/n in High Season plus 16.39% tax) and that includes a full Breakfast Buffet PLUS a Cultural Tour around the finca plus the use of their Natural Spring-fed pool, a solar heated Jacuzzi, WiFi, a Restaurant serving home cooked, natural and organic meals - 90% of which is created from fruits and veges from their garden and they have their own goats and cows producing their own yogurt and cheeses (yummmm) and bake their own breads (what meat and fish they offer for meals is raised in healthy settings), Hot Water, Hammocks, Climb their 16-mtr/50 ft Observation Tower and catch a glimpse of the Arenal Volcano, Volleyball, Ping-Pong, Table Soccer, Board Games and they also offer Spa/Massage Services, Laundry Services, Mountain Bike and Horseback Riding.
CLASSES: They are a Working Farm and Education Center specializing in growing Ginger and Turmeric and offer such classes as Biodynamic and Organic Farming, Sustainable Living and Preservation of Natural Resources and even courses in Culinary Arts and MORE!! Contact Paul Schulick & Steven Farrell




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HEALTHY PRODUCTS

STEVIA LOWCUCAR
Most AutoMercado's now sell it (except are Centro and Herradura) - For more info contact Enrique at EnriqueVidales@yahoo.com / http://Nievesdelteleno.com / http://www.lowcucar.com.br



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HOLISTIC / HOMEOPATHIC CONTACTS

Acupuncture & AURICULOTHERAPY - Amazing Results!!
Have I a treatment for you that’s had AMAZING RESULTS for most of the people that I’ve shared his info with!

Eugene "GENE" McDonald (352-0661 / acutherapy0@hotmail.com) in Centro Escazu has a VERY unique machine that I've seen over & over to have AMAZING results!! It's called AuriculoTherapy - like acupuncture but without needles - an electric stim type gizmo that goes around the acupressure points inside your ears which then goes to various organs, etc. (Chinese medicine going back THOUSANDS of years!!).

I've seen MANY MANY other people have AMAZING RESULTS in just one or two visits in LOTS of other areas with AuriculoTherapy!!!

I have PERSONALLY known MANY people that have had BIG SUCCESS with Auriculotherapy for things like NECK, SHOULDER, ELBOW & BACK (recently I had a guy at my place that could barely stand. After one visit to Gene he was DANCING!!), SCIATICA (I had a guest that had sciatica for YEARS & got off a plane in INTENSE pain. One visit & over 6 months later - NO sciatica & she was then able to do the zip line/canopy tour she'd always dreamed of but didn't think she could get up to prior to Gene), PAIN (I've know quite a few people that have gone to him for various pains from surgery related, falls, etc. that had GREAT results!! One person had an injury 30 years before & after one treatment - had FULL range of motion from his treatment. Another had an injury 3 years before & was 80% healed in 1 visit!!), PMS (I have a friend that goes to him for period pains & HORRIBLE PMS with GREAT results & she’d been going to another popular acupuncturist for YEARS!), WHIPLASH, SPORTS INJURIES, CARPAL TUNNEL, FIBROMYALIGIA, SACRO ILIAC, STRESS (I went for this t he day before leaving on a trip & my blood pressure was SOARING initially & afterwards I was 80% calmer after just one visit!!), TENSION, HEADACHES, MIGRAINES (I've known quite a few people that have EXCELLENT results with this), DEPRESSION (I had a friend that was literally ready to go OVER the edge that went to Gene & survived & is thriving!!), ADDICTIONS FROM ALCOHOL, SMOKING, DRUGS, FOOD (REALLY GOOD results. I had a guest that was at the point of drinking straight rubbing alcohol & had been drinking heavily since she was 8 years old & after just 3 days [of a 30+ day program] & 6 months later, the thought of alcohol STILL, over 6 months later, makes her want to throw up & she's been challenged every day by an alcoholic boyfriend but no drinks for her yet!!! My perception is that it helps tremendously for people to get off the "iction" [though emotional therapy is still a REALLY important enhancement for long term results with this I believe!!! We ALL must deal with our "stuff" that creates the "izm" that we ALL have & unfortunately AuriculoTherapy doesn't do that so therapy is REALLY important to do with it I think]), ANXIETY, INSOMNIA, FATIGUE, EPILEPSY, FLU-COLD, SINUSITIS, HEMORRHOIDS, TMJ, FACIAL PARALYSIS, APPETITE, VOMITING, ARTHRITIS, KIDNEY STONES, HEMIPLEGIA, ONE-SIDE PARALYSIS, CONSTIPATIONS, DIARRHEA (I know a pregnant gal that couldn't even hold down water & had horrible diarrhea & had amazing results immediately!!) & LOTS of other things++!!!! Some have even gone to him to get even better results than a Massage!!

Of COURSE I believe YOUR success depends on YOU believing it can help as with ANYTHING in life - your doubt/negativity can override even the most amazing technique!! NOTHING can work if you don't BELIEVE & LANGUAGE that it will!! (I've had people tell me they were "healers" & that tweeked me as I believe that Spirit/God can't even "heal me" if I'm not TRULY desiring to RECEIVE! This type of "belief" is what got me to name my retreat/workshop/holistic wellness space "The House of SELF Empowerment")

Your results/amount of time for healing can also take longer if the injury/illness has been with you for some time &/or is deep.


My wish for you if you go to Gene is that you have at LEAST the success these people did or MORE!!!!

INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY/HEALTH: $30 for the first visit & $25 thereafter (possibly less if it’s a quick & easy thing). He’ll give you a FREE CONSULTATION if you’d like.



Definition of Auriculotherapy and Ear Acupuncture
Auriculotherapy is a clinically effective treatment modality utilized for the relief of chronic pain and the alleviation of substance abuse. The external ear has been shown to have a somatotopic organization in an inverted fetus pattern, wherein each part of the auricle corresponds to a specific part of the body. Detection of electrical conductance and tenderness palpation can reveal specific auricular reflex points which can be stimulated to alter pathological reflex patterns in the brain, in internal organs, and in different peripheral regions of the musculoskeletal body.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auriculotherapy
www.auriculotherapy.net


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AYURVEDIC / ALLOPATHIC DOCTOR
Eric Chacon (eric.chacon@gmail.com / 371-8013 / 228-7850)
He works with the Indigenous people, learning their herbs/medicines and is one of the few doctors in Latin America that works with SPICES! He's also the president of the IberoAmerican Ayurveda Association and is legally certified here in Costa Rica


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SHAMAN
Juan “Choto” Sanchez (2-418-6360)
LOCATION: Between Cuidad Colon and Puriscal - I've been to him and had AMAZING results when I was going through the darkest of the Dark Night of the Soul. ONLY for people REALLY FIT as it's a BIG hike down/up through this wonderful jungle!

Santana is the BriBri tribes Shaman (see "Medicine Man" below)



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MEDICINE MAN / PLANT DOCTOR
don Candido Morales (2-756-8007 - directly to don Candido though in Spanish only or email his son Enrique at enrimorsaz@yahoo.com who speaks English)
A BriBri Indigenous tribe member medicinal plant doctor / doctor de botanico (note Don Candido is not "theoretically" a shaman / curandero) that has had BEYOND AMAZING results for MANY people from helping them cure “terminal illnesses” (including CURING cancer, brain tumours++++!!!), diabetes, hepatitis, migraines and LOTS more using plants and accupressure type moves. For most, he is able to hone in on the ailment just by looking at you and touching. Need an English-speaking person to help facilitate the contact, contact Nancy and Barry with The Bridge Project at barrystevens@earthlink.net / 2-750-0524. For more information go to www.OneHumanTribe.com/The_Hidden_People_2.html LOCATION: Puerto Viejo/Hone Creek

Santana is the BriBri tribes Shaman




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MASSAGE THERAPISTS
Regular Massages can only help in your healthy day-to-day existence - HONORING YOURSELF!!   For a list of MASSAGE THERAPISTS, go to:




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HOMEOPATHS / HOLISTIC DOCTORS:

Roy Nicholas (8-381-1816 / HolisticCR@yahoo.com) - He comes to you! Holistic medicine & natural healing. Natural Healing and Alternative Health Care Natural & Homeopathic Medicine Hydro-therapy, Psoriasis, AIDS, Asthma, Athletes Foot, Shingles, Insomnia, Prostate, Acne, Burns, Bladder Infections, Cystitis, Gladular Therapy.  HEAVY WORK helping people with CANCER.  LANGUAGE:  English & Spanish.  (tell him Vicki Connected you)

ESCAZU - Dr. Williams (289-7996) - MD specializing in holistic medicine & natural healing. Speaks English & Spanish

SANTA ANA - Noe Zamora (203-3047)(I believe he only speaks English?)

LA GUACIMA, Alajuela - Roudin Salas (438-0185)

GUADALUPE - Walter (399-2121 / 268-3336) - Speaks English & Spanish. 5,000 visit, 5,000 bottle of potion

TARBACA DE ASERRI - Clínica Holistica- Integrativa y Botiquín Santa Marta (230-1256 / 230-1305)



Here's to your health!!!


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Has this DETAILED information been helpful to you - brought more ease into your life, saved you time and/or $$$/¢¢¢¢?

Please consider showing your appreciation for and helping keep this detailed blog going by making a
DONATION

You can do it via PAYPAL (you do NOT need to have a PayPal account) - or send me an Amazon.com Gift Card!!!

ANY amount is appreciated since this is my ONLY source of "income" and VERY FEW people give back/donate!!!

Go to the top LEFT column of the blog for details.


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Saturday, January 12, 2008

CALENDAR - JANUARY 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS IN COSTA RICA+

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +

JANUARY 2008



I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out JANUARY'S CALENDAR AT:

http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-january-2008-festivals_17.html

CALENDAR - FEBRUARY 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +

FEBRUARY 2008



I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out FEBRUARY'S CALENDAR AT:

http://costaricaeventscalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-february-2008-festivals_17.html

CALENDAR - MARCH 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

Like life in Costa Rica, things are CONSTANTLY changing, details aren't available, some info is from previous years so dates change, etc. so if it is important to you/you are interested in attending something, try to contact them in advance.

This is list BY FAR NOT a complete list and it will be updated regularly with other events, seminars and more details so check back regularly!!



COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +

MARCH 2008



I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out MARCH'S CALENDAR AT:

http://costaricaeventscalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-march-2008-festivals-holidays_17.html

CALENDAR - APRIL 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

Like life in Costa Rica, things are CONSTANTLY changing, details aren't available, some info is from previous years so dates change, etc. so if it is important to you/you are interested in attending something, try to contact them in advance.

This is list BY FAR NOT a complete list and it will be updated regularly with other events, seminars and more details so check back regularly!!



COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +

APRIL 2008



I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out APRIL'S CALENDAR AT:

http://costaricaeventscalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-april-2008-festivals-holidays_17.html

CALENDAR - MAY 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +

MAY 2008



I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out MAY'S CALENDAR AT:

http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-may-2008-festivals-holidays_17.html

CALENDAR - JUNE 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +

JUNE 2008



I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out JUNE'S CALENDAR AT:

http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-june-2008-festivals-holidays_17.html

FINDS - A WONDERFUL RAW FOODS / JUICE BAR - ORGANIC OASIS - Now located in Plaza Colonial-Escazu (San Rafael)

SADLY - ORGANIC OASIS IS CLOSED & SEVERIN STONE IS BACK IN THE STATES.

We do have a new Semi-Vegetarian / Semi-Organic (they're organic as MUCH as possible) restaurant:
OASIS (8-835-8992 / 2-288-4604 / http://OasisCoffeeShop.blogspot.com / OasisCoffeeShop@yahoo.com / http://facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Escazu-Costa-Rica/Oasis-Coffee-Shop-and-Fusion/121911445520?ref=ts)
A REALLY tasty & NEW RESTAURANT!!! A predominately VEGETARIAN menu along with some fish, chicken & egg dishes – a more TASTY, European/Fusion, standard HEALTHY fair with nice presentation!
DAILY SPECIAL - an Entree with soup or salad – usually around 3,200 & add chicken or fish - +500-c (served throughout the day [or when they run out])! – KID-FRIENDLY. BOOK EXCHANGE. DELIVERY (in the area for a fee). Cash only.
OWNERS: Mario Bello (former chef at ED) & Stephanie McPhail (tell her Vicki sent ya).
HOURS: Tues- Sat. –10:30-8pm, Sun. 11am-5pm. Closed Mon. LOCATION: Escazu (San Rafael)-Trejos Montelegre – the street a block behind KFC – the east side of Hotel Maria Alexandra near where the art supply/classes store used to be. Getting there driving – from the main street where McDonald's turn West into the street at Vivero Exotica & Rosti Pollo are (it's a one-way street. Turn left at the first street, cross over the street that you would normally turn left on to get back onto the main road (by where KFC is) & it’s 1/2 way down on the Left.



Severin and Christina Stone with ORGANIC OASIS Raw/Organic Foods and Juice Cafe (formerly in Centro Escazu)

CALENDAR - JULY 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +


JULY 2008


I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out JULY'S CALENDAR AT:

http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-july-2008-festivals-holidays_17.html

CALENDAR - AUGUST 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +


AUGUST 2008


I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out AUGUST'S CALENDAR AT:

http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-august-2008-festivals-holidays_17.html

CALENDAR - SEPTEMBER 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +

SEPTEMBER 2008


I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out SEPTEMBER'S CALENDAR AT:

http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-september-2008-festivals_17.html

CALENDAR - OCTOBER 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +


OCTOBER 2008


I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out OCTOBER'S CALENDAR AT:

http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-october-2008-festivals_17.html

CALENDAR - NOVEMBER 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +


NOVEMBER 2008



I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out NOVEMBER'S CALENDAR AT:

http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-november-2008-festivals_17.html

CALENDAR - DECEMBER 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +


DECEMBER 2008


I've created a new Blog -
http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com dedicated to keeping up on what's happening around Costa Rica for the local and tourist alike - something for EVERYONE!!


Check out DECEMBER'S CALENDAR AT:


http://CostaRicaEventsCalendar.blogspot.com/2008/02/calendar-december-2008-festivals_17.html

Higher Quality BEDDING / SHEETS

Costa Rica is REALLY lacking in GOOD QUALITY bedding/sheets! Typically the majority of the sheets/bedding I've found in Costa Ricadoesn't even have a thread count listed on it and often is quite rough/scratchy. My bed (a complete memory foam bed with NO coils [coils in a bed are REALLY BAD for anyone with High Blood Pressure, Pain and/or Arthritis!!!!]) is my SANCTUARY and I use soft/sensuous sheets of 600+ thread counts and have the MOST LUSCIOUS blanket I've EVER found!! I sleep so little so when I do, I want it to be a MAGICAL experience!!! With that said, below is a list of some places where I've found bedding of at least 200 count (again - finding thread count listed on sheets in CR is RARE so we start with what we have to!!).

If you know of ANY stores that carry some good quality sheets and/or cool bedspreads/comforters, etc. - PLEASE e- me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com


TROPICAL BED and BATH
(2-282-9105 / TropicalBedAndBath.com / facebook.com/TropicalBed.AndBath [coming soon]  info@TropicalBedAndBath.com)
I LOVE THIS STORE!!  DEFINITELY a "VIC's PIC!!!"   This store is all about HIGH end QUALITY COTTON BED LINENS and TOWELS from known U.S. brands like CuddleDown, Home Source, International, Pine Cone Hill, Bliss Living - in thread counts ranging from 200-600 tc (standard in Costa Rica is NO number on the package to 200 thread count and most are polyester blends).  They carry sheets for extra deep and extra-extra deep mattresses and are one of the few stores in Costa Rica where they have a LARGE selection of sheets sold INDIVIDUALLY so you don't have to only get king size pillow cases with your king set if you are really just desiring standard pillow cases - or you don't have to settle for a top sheet if you don't use one and only use a duvet.  Mattress and Pillow Protectors•Covers•Mattress Pads - in Super Thick, Regular and WaterProof as well as Bed Defender Waterproof Mattress pads (made from non-plastic - noise free material).  Comforters and Blankets (all 100% cotton).  Euro Pillows and other Decorative Pillows in everything from synthetic, cotton and Down, Down Alternative with Pillow Cases in sizes from Standard, Queen and King.  Duvet Covers. For the bathroom they carry Plush and MicroCotton Towels and nice bathroom Accessories, Hotel type Waffle and Terry Cloth (including some DELICIOUS THICK ones!!!).  They're starting to carry Area Rugs in Over-Dyes (vintage carpets and Sari Silk.   What's helped keep them in business for 7+ years is their quality and large selection! 
Andrea speaks GOOD English and is usually there Monday-Friday from 9:30am-2pm. 
****Ask if my GOOD Bud/owner Brenda or her son Karl are there and give them a BIG HUG from me!!!
SPECIAL LLICR•VICKI DISCOUNT!!!! 
Tell them Vicki (or the Living Life blog) sent you and receive 5% OFF!!!!
HOURS: Monday-Saturday - 9:30am-5:30pmLOCATION•DIRECTIONS: Pozos de Santa Ana (aka "Lindora") - off the Pista at the Santa Ana/Airport exit. Head North (Right if coming from Escazu or Left if coming from Ciudad Colon) towards Pozos/the SJO Airport. At the street where Wendy's and the the MATRA heavy duty trucks/equipment rental/sales is (across from Bosques de Lindora), turn Right and back about 300 meters is a guard station is Bodega Los Higuerones #3 (though there is no sign [ahhhh Costa Rica!!]).


LINO’S Y BLANCOS(2-228-2938 / LinosYBlancos@ice.co.cr)
Some decent quality bedding and some good prices.  Plus they're adding more kitchen chachkees•chunches.
OWNER: Michelle Giustiniani Reyes.
HOURS:  Monday-Saturday - 9:30am-6:30pm
DIRECTIONS: Guachipelin - New location - Diagonal to BMW (???)
Curridabat - Centro Comercial del Este


HOME and DRESS CLUB
PAVAS (2-290-8631 / 2-291-8633) / HomeAndDressClub@gmail.com)
They are an outlet for Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Calvin Kline, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Hotel Collection+ and often have sales of 20-60% Off!!!
DIRECTIONS: 100 East of La Artistica, carretera a Pavas, contiguo a Fiesta Centro.
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm.


SILVER THREADS Fine Linen and Towels
(now independent so contact me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com for the connection)
Sheets from Europe and VERY elegant yet $$$$$!


ROYAL PALM INTERIORS - Ojochal - Import BAMBOO SHEETS. They are incredibly soft and have an extra deep fitted sheet to accommodate mattresses up to 15” deep. Everyone who has purchased LOVES them!!! HOURS: Tues-Sat 10-5. CONTACT: Shelagh Duncan - RoyalPalmInteriors@gmail.com / 2-786-5118 ext. 3). LOCATION: Ojochl is 30k south of Dominical


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TICO STANDARD BEDDING
(under 250/300 count [more like 100-200 and ROUGH])

OROTEX
(222-4627 / orotex@racsa.co.cr)
Upstairs from this AWESOME fabric store - they also carry bedding and bath things like towels and a few decorative bathroom things including some curtains (limited though I bought a BUNCH here!!) for GREAT prices also!! Of course it’s not the high quality I’m used to but the towels I bought here are better than most I’ve found in Costa Rica. Francisco is usually upstairs. (see also “Fabric”) and is one of my main buds there (he speaks some English). Gustavo Jop (one of the family owners). Speaks GOOD English and is there from 2-6pm usually.
DIRECTIONS: San Jose - Calles 38-40 Ave. 4 (about 1/2 block South/East of ARCR)
HOURS: 8am-12:30pm and 1:30-6pm

HiperMas

Aliss

Cemaco