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 And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise.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, May 28, 2010

COOL, UNIQUE WALKING TOURS in San Jose, Costa Rica - Barrio Bird with Stacey

WALKING TOURS IN SAN JOSE



BARRIO BIRD WALKING TOURS!!!


(http://BarrioBird.blogspot.com / 8-926-9867 / http://facebook.com/pages/Barrio-Bird-Walking-Tours/144658534609#!/pages/Barrio-Bird-Walking-Tours/144658534609?v=info Ya GOTTA sign up for their FB page as it’s FILLED with info on other things happening around SJ!!! / BarrioBird@gmail.com)


These are THE COOLEST TOURS & SOOOO affordable!!! A MUST DO/SEE EXPERIENCE!!!!


Stacy (tell her "Hola!" from Vicki the Sarong Goddess!) says this tour is “To show visitors there is more to San Jose than crime and grime! You can also relax and not worry about the concerns of exploring San Jose alone. Our 2 hour tour showcases history & culture, giving you a new perspective on the country you are about to explore or depart.” She also gets discounts a some cool local restaurants (currently Café Moro, Wok and Noodles (Asian/fusion) & more soon. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Hours can be flexible (though not on Sunday). No minimum amount of people on most tours (except Fiesta Bird is a 2 person min.).


BIRD’S NEST: An introductory tour with over 40 stops, showing a variety of galleries, historic sites, parks, and buildings and public art of interest. We'll finish near a few special restaurants, with special tour discounts.

HOURS: 9:45am-noon

COST: $15/7,000-c, Students (all ages/w/id)-$10/5,000, GROUP-Buy-3-get-1-FREE.


PROFESSOR BIRD SPECIALS: More interested in art, less in parks? Order a special 2 hour tour with focus on ONE of the following; art, churches, flora/fauna, architecture or history. Have a different idea? Let them know your interest and they'll put something together.

HOURS: Hours can possibly be flexible though ideally in the morning (for rain purposes) - 9:45am-noon (no minimum)

COST: $20/10,000-c, Students (all ages/w/id)-$15/7,000c, Group- Buy-3-get-1-FREE.


FIESTA BIRD: While any day is a good day to drink, this tour is best enjoyed on a rainy San Jose afternoon, because what else are you going to do? We'll stumble along between 5-8 dive bars, learning history and interesting facts you might not remember the next day. *So far we've only had two groups make it to the end.

HOURS: 4-7pm (Please note, the bars are cheap, but most cash only. Make sure you have cash on hand for beer and a taxi or two). Minimum of 2 people required.

COST: $10/5,000-c, Includes 1 free shot of guaro, Costa Rica's National liquor.


Tell Stacey Vicki-the Sarong Goddess - says "Hola!!"

Things Gail Nystrom with the Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation - http://CRHF.org needs

Below is the latest list of THINGS GAIL NYSTROM WITH THE CR HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION (http://CRHF.org) CAN USE HELP WITH:


JOIN THEIR FACEBOOK GROUP (to get the latest update of what’s needed):

http://facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=156808054815&ref=ts



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TRANSLATION NEEDS:

WRITTEN - English to SPANISH (or just compiling it in Spanish]):


RECIPES of cheap, easy, yet healthy foods (including some vegetarian options).


How to make Natural Cleaning Products (Google them on the internet)???!!!! This way it's healthier (especially when you have kids playing on the floor) AND cheaper AND BETTER for the environment!!


(Don’t have time to create a whole list but have some good recipes? Email me/Vicki these separately & I’ll pass them on -

CostaRicaResourceGuide@ gmail.com)



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TRANSLATION NEEDS:

VERBAL-SPANISH:

SPANISH SPEAKER/LIAISON TO HELP WITH DOCTOR VISITS (you don't need to know English):

Stella’s son has some sort of a right hemisphere brain lesion. She cant read or write let alone comprehend so Gail needs someone to go with her to act as a liaison with the doctor to help understand what is really happening & what can be done as well as report back to Gail. If you have SOME sort of understanding of the medical world - great but not crucial. This may require a few times.



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MEDICINE / MEDICAL SUPPLIES:

They are ALWAYS in need of ALL types (including used) of medical supplies / medicine (non-expired & including vitamins, etc.)



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SHOES:

They are ALWAYS in need of Shoes (used & new - ALL types)



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CLEANING PRODUCTS:

Basic Cleaning Supplies (both in bulk as well as family size): Liquid floor cleaner/disinfectants (NOT the nasty smelling stuff), toilet cleaners, laundry detergent, liquid or bar soap, dishwashing paste, cleaning cloths (like for mops) & sponges. The products (even used) or cash donation to go towards that would be appreciated.



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BASIC FOOD STAPLES:

It seems there’s always a need here - whether it’s Gail feeding the kids in the Montessori school, various events/projects or families in need.


The basics - vegetable oil, rice, beans, canned tuna w/veges, canned tomatoes, dried milk, sugar, salt+++


Unfortunately her WONDERFUL Food Bank has been put on hold because of lack of funds!!! Wanna help restart this???



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MONTESSORI SCHOOL IN LA CARPIO:

Their Montessori school is a huge success to the point they’re having 2 groups - kindergarten, maternal & they now have a waiting list (isn't it AMAZING these parents have as they MUST come up each month with 140,000-c for this program & they are!! These are the poorest of the poor peopl...e!) & they can accept more kids BUT first they NEED MORE STAFF (VOLUNTEERS willing to COMMIT on an ongoing basis) from 8:30-noon to help work with the kids with teaching, singing songs, outings, feedings, changing, play - wherever you can help!! It IS CRUCIAL that you MUST MUST MUST speak GOOD Spanish!!!!



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BUILD A “STANDING BOARD”

Some to make a special “standing board” chair for a 9 y.o. child with cerebral palsy that straps him in standing up with a tray in front to be able to do things (you’d need to supply the wood also).



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SPECIAL NEEDS/EDUCATION PROGRAM:

Gail's started a Support Group bringing together people with Special Needs/Education Program. They'll be holding their 3rd meeting possibly June 9 & she needs Spanish Speakers (pretty proficient in Spanish is important here) to help compile lists of needs within the community. Also peo...ple to help find people/resources to do the things. And other people to help with once a week therapy sessions (you’re not expected to do all of the things - just whatever area you can).



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GARDENING SUPPLIES:

Someone donated a finca in Turrucares which they’ve started to create it into a work center for volunteers, retreat property for families of La Carpio & nature education center. They need top soil, all sorts of gardening supplies, a weed wacker (electric ok), etc.



DO YOU ALREADY KNOW GARDENING IN COSTA RICA?

They will trade someone a free night accommodation & 2 simple Tico meals to someone that ALREADY understands the area & can advise them on what veges, plants, trees thrives in the Turrucares area.



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RENT A CONDO IN PLAYA GRANDE:

Diane Sobel Globerman will donate 50% of the rental price to CRHF if you rent her 3-bedroom condos in Playa Grande - http://VillasCostaGrande.com



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DONATE MONEY:

Cash donations are ALWAYS needed!!! All money donations can be deposited with ease by going to any branch of Scotia Bank into their “Fundacion de Humanitaria charity account (yes - it's just 4 numbers):

DOLLAR DONATIONS: 1297

COLON DONATIONS: 1298

After you’ve made a donation, PLEASE email her to let her know (for her records).

Unfortunately at this time she is not set up to receive international donations but it’s in the works.



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CONTACT:

If you can help, know of anyone that can help - please contact Gail at GNystrom@racsa.co.cr / 8-390-4192


(I welcome you to share this info with your peeps!!)


Gail says "Thanks for your support"


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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

OWNING A CAR vs Taking TAXIS in Costa Rica

DO YOU WANT EASE IN YOUR LIFE? TAKING TAXI’S VS. OWNING / DRIVING A CAR IN COSTA RICA


I'm a REALLY BIG picture kinda gal!!

What NOT having/owning a car (and getting to take taxi's) represents to me is 
FREEDOM!!!!!!:
From worrying about open manholes (and swinging into the next lane/oncoming traffic to avoid going down 10 or so feet),
potholes (and they're even in "Good" areas),
From killing some fool that ran out in the middle of the street between 2 suv type cars (I know TWO people that's happened to. Imagine the nightmares they're STILL having!!!),
From getting an ulcer (I drive like Mario Andretti so I KNOW if I had a car, within a week I'd have an ulcer AND kill someone!!!)
From worrying about if it's ANOTHER unmarked one-way street and/or if it's changed this week,
From worrying about someone slashing my tire at a light and then robbing me when they're trying to "help me",
From worrying about where I'm going to park,
From paying someone to "watch" the car (which isn't always an honest person),
From worrying about walking from my parking space to where I'm going and/or back,
From BAD/incomplete directions/descriptions (which they seem to be 95+% of the time),
From Insurance (NOT cheap),
From Registering the car (and getting it passed which surprisingly can be a QUITE challenging)
From Road Rage (from either side [normally pretty much a pacifist and a VERY considerate driver, it's amazing how much this side CAN come out when IDIOT/FOOL drivers get in my way!!!]),
From accidents and car dings (especially not unusual in rainy season),
From getting lost in the "wrong" part of town,
From hardly any signs (including the entrance to the pista/highway that takes you to the airport and even other MAJOR places - to say nothing if you're going back roads!!),
From NO addresses and VERY few street names,
From having to speak good Spanish (I'm learning but luckily I have numerous English Speaking Taxi drivers at http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2010/03/taxi-drivers-english-speaking-costa.html),
From needing to know where I'm going!! I just get in the taxi and tell the driver where to take me and 95% of the time they know!
From Traffic (being from Calif. I have ZERO tolerance for traffic and there is a LOT here in CR!!),
From Time - taxi's tend to know the backroads, etc. and can often get there faster. Flying is MEGA fast!!!

To say nothing of how EXPENSIVE cars are in CR, gas (isn't something like CLOSE to $6 a GALLON??), repairs (IF you can find the parts), taxes if you're shipping (REALLY HIGH!!).

When I want to go explore some place in CR I either hire a LEGAL driver/guide that can REALLY show me the ins/outs - things I'd NEVER see driving myself! I also get to REALLY ENJOY/take in the scenery (something people with cars RARELY get to do since they're tooo busy worrying about all above. Contact me at CostaRicaResourceGuide@gmail.com if you want any resources for that). Or I take http://NatureAir.com which often has AWESOME last minute airfares throughout CR!! (I just checked and they have some OUTRAGEOUSLY CHEAP Last Minute flights - like to Arenal/La Fortuna starting at $39, $56-$57 gets you to Nosara/Golfit/Drakes Bay/TamaGringo/Tamarindo, Tambor-near Montezuma $41, Torteguero $46 [plus about $20 in taxes though] and it's just 30 minutes of my time [my time is worth $$$ so this IS an issue for me often] vs. 3 1/2-5+ hours to MANY of these places, AND it's a BEAUTIFUL FLIGHT!!).

Of course it also depends on where you live (I live in Escazu so I have taxi's available to me 24/7 and 98% of the time they come within 5-10 min.) and your lifestyle (I am still working from home with an internet based biz).

This also allows me to go out with Purpose - not just to run up for a thing of paper towel which helps me do my part for the Environment/BIG PICTURE beyond me! I go and do a bunch of things at one time and at $10-$15 or so an hour for a taxi when they're waiting - it's STILL WAYYYY CHEAPER than when you add up ALL the costs/expenses involved with owning a car in CR! At least for ME!

MOST IMPORTANTLY - NO ulcers!!! CALM - Peace of mind (I drive like Mario Andretti - looking all over - NOT in CR!!! [and I've NEVER had/been involved in an accident!!) and I get to ALWAYS ENJOY the ride!! That's what I'm working towards in my life - EASE, CALM, ENJOYMENT and TRUE FREEDOM!!!

At the end of the day it's still WAYYYY more cost effective for me - again - when I'm looking at the BIG picture!!

As usual - here's a DIFFERENT way of looking at life (the BIG picture!!).



Vicki Skinner (aka the Sarong Goddess)


(another chapter in "The World According to Vicki"!)


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One of my Facebook•blogging buddies Jen did a GREAT blurb on
Buses vs Owning a Car in Costa Rica at
CostaRicaChica.com/pays-take-bus
(one day I'll write about that but after nearly 9 years, I'm still quite the taxi kind of gal - fiscal challenges and ALL!!)


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PLEASE "Share" this with EVERYONE you know that's thinking about moving to Costa Rica or getting a car!!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2010/05/owning-car-vs-taking-taxis-in-costa.html
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