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 And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise.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, March 30, 2011

GPS - a MUST HAVE in Costa Rica & Sites listing Coordinates for Driving•Touring around Costa Rica



Coming to visit Costa Rica?  It's CRUCIAL to know ahead of time that Costa Rica is NOT an easy country to drive in!! 

Personally I LOVE driving!!  I find it therapeutic!!  I've driven 110 mph on the German Autobaun!!  I've driven through tiny villages in Italia with no stop signs.  I hardly ever saw an accident in those places and I felt TOTALLY confident driving.  In Costa Rica - there's NO WAY IN HELL that I'll ever own a car as the first week, I'd probably have an ulcer AND kill someone - and if it was a motorcyclist - I'd probably have a clear conscious as MOST that I've seen seem to have a Death Wish with the way they drive (more on that later - but just start observing accidents you see.  The majority I've seen and have known people of having - BY FAR - involved a motorcycle!!).

So what's up with why I'm not keen on driving in Costa Rica??

First off, Costa Rican's have ONLY been a "Car Society" for about 20-25 years and one where to get a driver license, one just needs to go in and take a written (in Spanish) and driving test but they are NOT required to have taken and passed any form of Drivers Education courses to actually teach them HOW to drive properly.  So in essence, you have the blind leading the blind.

So if you're coming for a visit and INSIST on driving yourself (do NOT call me if you have problems!!!  I give you the option of hiring a Driver to have more EASE and a more AMAZING vacation!!!) - be WISE and either rent the GPS that the car company has (average price I see for that is around $10 per day.  WELL worth the investment in your SANITY!!).

If you're moving to Costa Rica or living here - SERIOUSLY HEAR ME!!! 

"WHY do I need a GPS?" you ask??

Costa Rica is a country with:
•   NO ADDRESSES  (
so EVERYTHING is given by "Directions" - often which are NOT detailed let alone logical!!!  Example - this is very common - "500 meters West and 75 meters North of the Oak Tree (or the white house = or whatever!!)".  Well, #1 - the oak tree got cut down 10 years ago and #2 - that can NOT translate very well into those GPS's)

•   NO STREET SIGNS practically (I've seen less than a handful of cities with street signs.  "WHY??" - mainly because they make them in metal [vs painting them on sides of buildings as I'D do IF I ran the world] and metal has a nice $$$ Value to them so they can be sold!!])

•   VERY FEW HIGHWAY SIGNS (and IF they do have them, they're often RIGHT THERE AT the exit [and sometimes soooo small you'll miss it.  Pre-warning signs - I'd bet they're NON EXISTENT 98.9% of the time!!)
 
So for the sake of your sanity, your relationship/marriage, anyone that drives with, you added to the increase chances of accidents that WILL happen - GET and USE A FRICKEN GPS!!!!!!!!!!

WhatEVER you do - do
NOT
NOT NOT bring or use software that is NOT purchased from NavSat IN Costa Rica!!!!!!!!!!   I can tell you, the people I've known that have brought those have ALL said it was ONLY accurate 40-60% of the time.

I found this GREAT site - 
Costa Rica GPS Wiki
It has a collection of Costa Rican GPS waypoints, tracks and useful location information.  It's GREAT for locals and tourists alike!!



Either RENT one locally (which range from $8-$10/day and WELL worth you not having to go through the hell we call driving in Costa Rica [without "addresses"])



OR

What I'D do is:
PRE-purchase any Garmin GPS from the Nuvi series (other Garmin models are also compatible, if they have an SD card reader.  NON-compatible devices are TomTom, Magellan, NavTeq, among others).
 
THIS is the one you need to be compatible with the best software for Costa Rica that you get IN Costa Rica.  I’ve seen it on Craig’s List/eBay for as low as $70.
THEN come to Costa Rica and add the $89 EzFind map (or one of the shorter/limited ones below). 
Navsat.com/tienda/en
10 Day Limited Version:  $49
30 Day Limited Version:  $69
FULL/Unlimited Version:  $89/year
Updates (1 year with the Full/Unlimited Version ONLY):  $39
(NOTE:  They need up to 36 hours to email it to you so do before you go [make sure to send them your GPS Unit Number and the dates you’ll be in Costa Rica].  EzFind does NOT work with Garmin Nuvi 3700 series)


Fred has found http://GPSTravelMaps.com/costarica.php pretty accurate in the Central Valley.

WAZE
Micheal uses the WAZE "App"lication on his SmartPhone (he said Google Maps can show you where the cops are??????  Hmmmmmm!)

Here's a story on CostaRicaHappy.com blog about their experience using WAZE

CostaRicaHappy.com/2014/06/the-waze-to-get-around-in-costa-rica-or.html



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SHAKIRA VIP TICKETS for Sale - April 10, 2011 - San Jose, Costa Rica


SHAKIRA VIP TICKETS FOR SALE for
April 10, 2011 Concert
San Jose, Costa Rica

My Facebook buddy Mila Gamboa has few extra VIP tickets (she says they’re GREAT seats!!!) for SHAKIRA’s concert next week - Sun. April 10 (NOT April 3 as originally was reported) she's selling at cost $120 each!!! 

Contact Mila directly ASAP as you KNOW they're going to go FAST!!!!:
8-701-6574 (faster) / MilaGamboa@me.com (she's in Santa Ana).


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PARKING FOR STADIUM EVENTS
Since parking is MEGA limited in our NEW STADIUM, I'll throw in FREE PARKING to whomever buys Mila's tickets at my place - the House of Self Empowerment - ON Calle Vieja near Calle Country Club in Escazu - so you can come early, dine at one of the over 50 restaurants within 15 blocks of here, take the bus that drops you off a couple blocks to the stadium or one of my English-speaking taxi drivers!!
(other people, parking is by "Donation")

CONTACT ME:  8-378-6679 / Vicki@CostaRicaResourceGuide.com


(tell her you heard about it through Vicki [aka the Sarong Goddess])
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Saturday, March 26, 2011

DoTerra AromaTherapy Presentation in San Jose, Costa Rica





Come and enjoy an evening of 
AROMATHERAPY
Join us to learn about the benefits of doTerra therapeutic grade essential oils to enhance your life style naturally. See how an aromatherapy massage works to reduce stress, fortify your immune system, relieve pain and inflamation, and align the systems of body and mind, open chakras, etc. using Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils featuring products by doTerra.
Enjoy an evening away from the daily routine - immerse yourself in the fragrances of nature to lift your mood and calm your senses.

Find about about Skin Care, cutting edge products for Weight Loss, Nutritional Supplements and many other things by enhancing your life.


Coffee, tea and bocas will be provided. 

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Venga y aprende sobre los beneficios de doTerra aceites essenciales grado terapeuticos para mejorar su estilo de vida en una manera natural. Control del peso, bienestar emocional, fisico y mental. Una demonstracion de la tecnica Aromatouch para Reducir el estres, fortalecer el sistema inmune, reducir la inflamacion y dolor, restablecer la homeostasis ( balance del cuerpo y mente ). Entrada Gratis - cafe, te y bocas. Disfruta una noche afuera de la rutina - con las aromas de la naturaleza para levantar el estado de animo, calmar los sentidos y mas.

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This event will be in English and Español.


WHEN:  Monday, May 30 - 6-8:30pm

LOCATION:  San Jose (La Sabana Este) - Hotel Parque del Lago (next to Best Brands - 100 mts East of Soda Tapia)

ADMISSION:  FREE

For more information on this event, learn more about doTerra, sign up to be a rep (so you can receive discounts on the products and/or make money/$$$ selling it!!) or buy some products, go to:  http://MyDoTerra.com/alur or contact Adele at 8-845-8369 / AromaDoTerra@gmail.com and tell Adele that Vicki Connected you!!


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UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS!!
COMING IN JUNE:
AromaTouch Training for Massage Therapists
AromaTouch for you and me

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PICTURES FROM PAST PRESENTATIONS: 


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(please Share this link - 




 - with everyone you feel might enjoy this information)

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Friday, March 25, 2011

GRINGO MOVIES - DVD Copies of Movies around Costa Rica


GRINGO MOVIES

Thanx to Ron I just discovered this EXCITING service!!  They make dvd’s copies of movies - new and old (sometimes they even get not released movies!!).  Most dvd’s are in English with Spanish subtitles, work on most dvd machines (I’ve found this can be a challenge with copies and older/cheaper dvd players) and deliver them to you for just 1,200-c!!!

AND, they even DELIVER to you for FREE ANYWHERE within Costa Rica*.


AMOUNT OF DVD’S NEEDED TO ORDER:  
Within much of the Central Valley:  10+ dvd minimum (depending on the location, possibly delivered right to your door BY the owners in Escazu for FREE*!!!).  
Around CR - 20+ dvd minimum (free post office delivery within CR*).


COST:  
1,200-colones/each dvd


AMOUNT OF NOTICE:  
They like 48 hours to get them copied and out the door and 1-2 days depending on the location if they’re being delivered/mailed (more time if lots of movies)


PAYMENT:  
BCR (they’ll instruct you on their bank account info) or payment upon deliver if they’re bringing it to you.

(PLEASE make sure to tell them Vicki “Connected” you!!)

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Friday, March 18, 2011

Show your LOVE for Mother Earth - get the Tico Times ON-LINE!!


Each day I'm working more consciously on Showing My LOVE for Mother Earth, so for today, I've decided to STOP the PAPER version of the TICO TIMES (the main news source for Costa Rica in English) and ordered the ONLINE Gold Subscription version!! 

I ESPECIALLY LOVE their travel and restaurant articles and the Weekend Calendar as there just aren't any resources in Costa Rica like that!!!

With it I got the Daily version AND back issues I can search for info WAYYYY EASIER and download it to read off my computer at my leisure.

PLUS, when paying for 1 year upfront, I get a PDF version of their WONDERFUL Travel Guide "Exploring Costa Rica" (I think it's one of the BEST/most up-to-date guidebooks on Costa Rica!!).

Another advantage if $$ is a bit tight, you can order a subscription for just 1 month ($5.95), 3 months ($17.95), 6 months ($35.95) as well as 1 year ($49.95)!!!

To subscribe - you can call Clara in Subscriptions at the Tico Times at 2-258-1558 or online at http://TicoTimes.net/Subscribe

The Tico Times is also a GREAT resource if you're thinking of moving to or visiting Costa Rica also!!


Make sure to tell them that Vicki (aka THE "Sarong Goddess") shared this info!! 
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

FREE HUGS / ABRAZOS GRATIS en Costa Rica


FREE HUGS / ABRAZOS GRATIS Costa Rica  
HUG-FESTS!!!!

H.U.G.S. = Helping Us Grow Spiritually

COSTA RICA FREE HUGS • ABRAZOS GRATIS GROUPS:

FREE HUGS • ABRAZOS GRATIS Costa Rica HUG-FESTS!!!! 
SarongGoddess.com/Groups/FreeHugsCostaRicaAbrazosGratis  

Abrazos Gratis Costa Rica
facebook.com/groups/38007794763


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WHAT’S A FREE HUGS CAMPAIGN • ABRAZO’S GRATIS?
See their video from their Official Page!!   
Official International Free Hugs Day  -  April 26
Facebook.com/pages/Pay-It-Forward-International/104272499615551  •  PayItForwardFoundation.org



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This Costa Rica group is on hold but email us for future info &/or "Like" our Facebook page - http://fb.com/FreeHugsCostaRica

FUTURE “FREE HUG•ABRAZOS GRATIS HUG-FESTS”:

I’d like to get re-started on this group during the holidays as what time of the year do people NEED Hugs the MOST (with all the crazy energy happening then!!)!! Anyone else in?? I’d say start at malls & during lunch time in Downtown San Jose!!

The goal here is NOT for this site to be “the group” – but for it to be a place where other group/people can post where/when they’ll be out giving hugs so people can go to it & GIVE HUGS – or RECEIVE HUGS!! So if YOU’RE going out to give hugs – please let us know!!!  
Email me at
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
and I’ll also post it on my blog: 
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2011/03/free-hugs-abrazos-gratis.html


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Some ESPECIALLY GREAT DAYS to go out to give FREE HUGS:

JANUARY 21, ’15 (Wednesday)
WORLD HUG DAY - TargetStudy.com/knowledge/day/211/world-hug-day.html

APRIL 30, '15 (Thursday)
In honor of International "PAY IT FORWARD DAY" - PayItForwardDay.com we'll be doing a Free Hugs/Abrazos Gratis Hug-Fest this day - most likely in VARIOUS locations around San Jose & Escazu, COSTA RICA!!!! (details to come)

JUNE 21, '15 (changes as it's the 3rd Sunday in June)
FATHER'S DAY - Internationally (same date in Costa Rica?) - JUST give hugs to dads!

JULY 15, ’15 (Wednesday)
Global HUG YOUR KIDS Day - HugYourKidsDay.com  -  JUST give hugs to kids (do in Museo de Nino, parks.  Create other programs or work with others doing other things for kids to empower them)

August 15, '14 (Friday) - '15 (Saturday)
MOTHER'S DAY Costa Rica

September 11, '14
GRANDPARENT'S DAY (in U.S.  Do they have that here?  Go out & JUST give hugs to seniors/grandparents - especially in Senior Citizen Homes)


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The average length of a hug between two people is 3 seconds. But researchers have discovered something fantastic. When a hug lasts 20 seconds, there is a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. The reason is that a sincere hug produces a hormone called "oxytocin", also known as the love hormone. This substance has many benefits in our physical and mental health, helps us, among other things, to relax, to feel safe and calm our fears and anxiety. This wonderful calming is offered free of charge every time we have a person in our arms, who cradled a child, we cherish a dog or cat, we're dancing with our partner, the closer we get to someone or just hold the shoulders of a friend.




WHAT IS THE FREE HUGS / ABRAZOS GRATIS CAMPAIGN?
The Free Hugs Campaign is a social movement involving individuals who offer hugs to strangers in public places. The hugs are meant to be random acts of kindness - selfless acts performed just to make others feel better. International Free Hugs Month is celebrated on the first Saturday of July and is continues till August first.

The campaign in its present form was started in 2004 by an Australian man known only by the pseudonym "Juan Mann" - a man whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives.

In this age of social dis-connectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal thanx to http://YouTube.com .

In the Spirit of the free hugs campaign, Please “SHARE” THIS site with your FRIENDS - and HUG A STRANGER! After all, If you can reach just one person – IMAGINE how MUCH BETTER this world WILL BE!!! YOU ARE IMPORTANT!!!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign
http://FreeHugsCampaign.org
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4 - the ORIGINAL
https://Facebook.com/group.php?gid=2211771066
http://PhilosophyBlog.com.au/interview-with-juan-mann-free-hugs-campaign
http://SpiritScienceAndMetaphysics.com/9-reasons-you-need-to-be-giving-and-receiving-hugs-everyday

(note: Here are examples of the concept though as of now this is NOT an "official" Free Hugs group)


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HOW THIS COSTA RICA GROUP GOT STARTED:

When organizer Vicki Skinner saw the YouTube videos (below) of this AWESOME concept - being a Hugging Goddess for AGES (she’s a Big Beautiful Woman with a great body for Hugging that envelops you!!), she wanted to participate in such a group as she feels one can not get or receive enough hugs!!

Around mid-February she started having dreams about participating in a group. The end of February Kati (aka La Donita - the Free Dancing Goddess - 
Facebook.com/pages/La-doñita-que-baila-en-los-conciertos-de-la-UCR/356232340717 - shared with her that Geoffrey West was gathering people in MultiPlaza-Escazu loosely in honoring World Freedom Day on March 6, 2011 WorldFreedomDay.me) to do a Hug-Fest!!

That’s all she needed - Vicki was right there!!

This small group walked around giving/sharing hugs with strangers (what a GREAT way to put a smile on MANY people's faces plus feel REALLY GOOD yourself!!!)!!!!

It was an INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE for ALL that gave and I’m sure all that received (stories coming soon)!!!

15 minutes into the Hug-Fest - Vicki decided that, in these challenging times - NOW more than EVER, we needed more HUGS so she has just started this group!!! (See pictures below from our first Hug-Fest - March 6, 2011 MultiPlaza in Escazu)



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HUG QUOTES: 
SearchQuotes.com/search/Hugging

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HUG ARTICLES:
9 REASONS YOU NEED TO BE GIVING AND RECEIVING HUGS EVERYDAY 
SpiritScienceAndMetaphysics.com/9-reasons-you-need-to-be-giving-and-receiving-hugs-everyday


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HELP TRANSLATE THIS INTO ESPANOL
(anyone out there that speaks GOOD English AND Spanish to volunteer to help with this and also help get the word out???  Contact Vicki below)


HUG SOMEONE(S) TODAY!!!


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Vicki (aka the Sarong Goddess)
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Seeking SEWING MACHINE DONATIONS for Charity in Costa Rica (on-going)

Where to DONATE your SEWING MACHINE you no longer need:

Gail Nystrom with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (http://CRHF.org) is ALWAYS seeking SEWING MACHINES (as well as fabric, thread, buttons, zippers, etc.) as they teach more women in La Carpio (some of the poorest of the poor people of CR) (GNystrom@racsa.co.cr / 8-390-4192)



Judith Padilla Baumann, who works with the homeless in Escazu, visits prison inmates, etc., is 
seeking 2 used SEWING MACHINE DONATIONS 
for classes on Wednesday afternoons, that she & her helpers will be using to teach women from poverty areas how to sew & then sell their items.  Classes will take place in the church building next to their church in Escazu.  If you or someone you know would be interested in donating a sewing machine or selling one at a very reduced cost contact  judith-padilla@hotmail.com  /  2-228-0468.

(tell them Vicki "Connected" you!!!)

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Monday, March 14, 2011

BASIC ENGLISH CLASSES for TAXI DRIVERS / VAN DRIVERS / TOUR GUIDES in Escazu, Costa Rica

Do you know a Taxi/Van Driver that you REALLY LIKE but he just doesn’t speak enough English to deal with the English-speaking Tourists (hence REALLY enhance their business)??  Here’s a NEW SOLUTION!!!

BASIC ENGLISH for
TAXI DRIVERS / VAN DRIVERS / TOUR GUIDES

TESL Certified Instructor
Native Canadian Speaker
Taxi Driver for over 8 years
Materials Provided
Escazu Area
Basic English for Taxi Drivers/Van Drivers/Tour Guide - incorporating grammar, common phrases and dialogue/questions/answers
Small Classes
Private Tutoring available (inquire for pricing/availability)
Sunday Schedule (subject to change based on what works for the majority)
4 Month Program - Once a week for 4 hours a day = 16 hours a month.  

START DATE: 
As soon as there are 10 committed/pre-paid students

PRICE: 
Low Monthly Rate:  17,000-c/month
INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL:
Pre-Pay in FULL for ALL 4 months - just 60,000
(that’s just 15,000/month - less than 1,000/per CLASS [NO refund for un-used classes)



Español
Horario los Domingo
Cómodas mensualidades  
Profesores nativos de Canadá
Materiales incluidos
En la zona de Escazu
Ingles para taxistas
Grupos pequeños
Tutoría privada opcional


CONTACT:
English - Ashleigh (8-926-6204 / Ashleigh@CostaRicaPuraVidaTours.com
Español - Alonso Castro (8-640-6656)

(make sure to tell them that Vicki "CONNECTED" you!!)


PLEASE "SHARE" this with EVERYONE you feel could benefit from this info!!


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Saturday, March 12, 2011

LATIN DANCE CLASSES (FREE!!) - Santa Ana, Costa Rica

The Oficina de Prensa de la Municipalidad de Santa Ana Edificio Municipal is offering 

FREE
BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES!!!!
Swing!  Salsa!  Merengue!  Cumbia!  Bolero!  Pirateado!

MONDAYS - 7:30pm - Santa Ana - San Rafael Salón Comunal

TUESDAYS - 7:30pm - Pozos de Santa Ana - the Salón Comunal/Community Hall (around the corner from the iglesia/church) - Intex - El Progreso 

WEDNESDAYS - 7pm - Lindora Salón Comunal/Community Hall

THURSDAYS - 7pm - Santa Ana - Casa Municipal de la Cultura


Classes are for people of all ages


REGISTER:  2-203-3344 xt 230  / JHerrera@SantaAna.go.cr



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Ya están abierta la matricula para las clases de Baile de Salón! Son gratis, un día a la semana. 
En San Rafael (Lunes-Salón Comunal) a las 7:30pm, 
la Intex (El Progreso, Pozos los Martes en el Salón Comunal) a las 7:30pm, 
en Lindora (Miércoles-Salón Comunal) a las 7:00pm y 
en Santa Ana Centro los Jueves en la Casa Municipal de la Cultura a las 7pm. 
Las clases son para todas las edades, llama a matricular al 220


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BOYERO OXCART FESTIVAL - Escazu (San Antonio) - MARCH 12 and 13, 2011 - Costa Rica

MEGA DETAILED Information on the 



2012 Escazu
BOYERO FESTIVAL and PARADE

NATIONAL DAY of the 
BOYEROS/FARMERS and OXCARTS!!  
in 
San Antonio de ESCAZÚ 

2011


There will be stalls selling the most delicious food and drinks, and cute crafts, both products produced by neighboring Escazú Canton

SATURDAY - March 12, 20122
Noon  -  Atronadoras bomblets announced that the activities have been initiated
3pm  -  Masquerades roam the streets of the community accompanied by the cheerful music of Maroon.
6pm  -  Mass in honor Boyeros deaths.
7pm  -  Mass peasant
8pm  -  International Folklore Festival ITZ-KAT-ZU  (see http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2011/03/festival-ide-folkore-itz-kat-zu-escazu.html
10pm  -  Grand fireworks and costumes enlivened by Maroon


SUNDAY - March 13
5am  -  Traditional target glad the awakening of the community residents
9am  -  Folk music
10am  -  Boyeros/OXCART Parade starting from the Municipality of Escazú bound for San Antonio.
Noon  -  Premiación.entre los boyeros participantes 
2pm  -  Again, the costumes will delight young and old through the streets of the town.
3pm  -  Great popular outdoor dance enlivened by Marimba Espíritu Tico. 
7pm  -  Fireworks announced that the activities have been completed


from the Escazu News - March Edition (THANX Daniel)
http://www.escazunews.com/component/content/article/149-ezn-marzomarch-2011.html

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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Costa Rica BLUES FESTIVAL - Sat. March 12, 2011



COSTA RICA BLUES FESTIVAL 


This years headliner will be Sonny Boy Terry featuring John del Toro. Both hail from Houston, Texas.
SCHEDULE

WHEN
Saturday, March 12, ‘11 - 11am-11pm (doors open at 10am) 

TICKETS
16,000-c/Advanced.  18,000-c/at Door.
Kids under 10 - FREE

VENUE
La Compina Hotel and Country Club - (http://LaCampinaCountryClub.com / 2-273-3535) - San Jose (10 kilometers from San Jose Central Park/Parque Central de San Jose, in San
Rafael de Montes de Oca, on the road to San Ramon de Tres Rios)
(NO outside food or beverage allowed.
It WILL be available to purchase inside)


PRE-EVENT FESTIVITIES
Wednesday - March 9 - 8pm
Blues Devils and The Known Associates
WHERE:  Chicharronera Rancho Alegre - Downtown San Jose

Thursday - March 10 - 9pm
Blues Devils - Rick`s 
WHERE:  Hotel Dunn Inn - San Jose (Barrio Amon)

Friday - March 11 - 7pm
Blues Fest Greet and Meet party with the fest`s artists. Blues Jam and BBQ.  All musicians welcome to play. Ticket raffles
WHERE:  Motorpsychos Bar, Grill and Shop - Santa Ana


Please share this with ALL you feel would enjoy this event!

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Sunday, March 6, 2011

FREE HUGS Costa Rica / HUG-FEST - March 6, 2011

On Sunday, March 6, 2011 we did our first FREE HUG / HUG-FEST at MultiPlaza in Escazu, Costa Rica!!

(see pictures from this MAGICAL day at:

What is a Free Hug Campaign?  http://FreeHugsCampaign.org
(note:  This is showing the example of the concept but we are not doing anything "official" with this program at this time)

This small group walked around giving/sharing hugs with strangers (what a GREAT way to put a smile on MANY people's faces plus feel REALLY GOOD yourself!!!)!!!!




WHERE:  The organizer Geoff (a Tall, brown curly-hair dude - probably wearing a multi-coloured vest) will gather people near the entrance by where the movie theatres are (the Southern Entrance - I'm not clear on if we're meeting outside or inside).

HOW THIS COSTA RICA GROUP GOT STARTED:
When organizer Vicki Skinner saw the above YouTube videos - being a Hugging Goddess for AGES, she wanted to participate in such a group as she feels one can not get or receive enough hugs!!    loosely in honor of/supporting World Freedom Day  -  http://WorldFreedomDay.me

(though you can just join because you want to FEEL GOOD SHARING HUGS!!!!)




Bookmark & watch as we evolve:
http://FreeHugCostaRica.com








Vicki (aka the Sarong Goddess)
8-378-6679

Friday, March 4, 2011

FESTIVAL Ide FOLKORE ITZ-KAT-ZU - Escazu





FESTIVAL Internacional de FOLKORE ITZ-KAT-ZU 2011



WHEN:  Saturday March 5 to Sunday March 14, 2011


WHERE:  ESCAZU (San Antonio de)

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SATURDAY  -  MARCH 5
7:15pm  -  Official Opening Ceremony - Main Stage - Plaza de Deportes  -  A delegation representing Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica kick off the Opening Ceremony.
2pm  -  Argentina - MultiPlaza

SUNDAY  -  MARCH 6
1-6pm  -  Argentina, Mexico and National Groups - Main Stage
1-9:30pm  -
INTERNATIONAL CRAFTS FAIR IN SANTA ANA May 1930 PM MEXICO AND ARGENTINA

MONDAY  -  MARCH 7
7pm  -  Ballet Folklorico Nayuribes, Mexico Gala Night Time  -  Main Stage
ESCAZU SCHOOL IN ARGENTINA VENEZUELA

TUESDAY  -  MARCH 8
7pm  -  Folk Company Matambu and Argentina Gala Night  -  Tarima Home
MIDDLE NATIONAL THEATRE DAY 12 p.m. MEXICO AND ARGENTINA

WEDNESDAY  -  MARCH 9
8pm  -  Tico Spirit-Festival de Marimbas  -  Main Stage

THURSDAY  -  MARCH 10
7pm  -  Rondalla Zarcereña, Costa Rican Folk Orchestra - Tarima Home

FRIDAY  -  MARCH 11
Essence Latin Gala Night Host Group Proudly Ticos, Show Musical sections: Jawa Assembly, Mexico and Argentina with Taly Jr. Main Stage

SATURDAY  -  MARCH 12
1-6pm  -  National Groups Stage
7:15pm  -  Closing Ceremony on Main Stage - Tarima in San Antonio de Escazú

SUNDAY  -  MARCH 14
11:30am  -  Delegations Parade - Main stage in San Antonio de Escazú


DIRECTIONS:  
Coming from the Pista - get off at the most Easterly Escazu exit (at HiperMas).  Go straight up that street - up the hill till it curves Right (because a one-way street blocks it).  At the 1st street you can turn Left (the 2nd street - at one of my FAV Tico restaurants - Casona de Laly).  Go straight up, passing the iglesia/church after the lift, Camacho's Ferriteria - following the cars to what looks like the first larger Left turn area (no signs of course) & follow it around to an open soccer field across from the iglesia/church (on the other side of that wall is one of the MOST MAGNIFICENT pieces of art to me - it's a ONE BLOCK LONG cement carving tribute to the Boyero's/farmers and oxcarts!!!).  There's also a stupendous view of the Central Valley from here!!


HOSTED by Tico's Proudly Folkloric Association

MORE INFORMATION:  http://OrgullosAmenteTicos.com


This info THANX to Daniel's:   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/escazunews

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