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 And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise.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

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Democrats Abroad Costa Rica•DACR - October '11 Meeting - October 2011 - "How Social Media Played Part in Arab Spring"

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Democrats Abroad Costa Rica - DACR
Monthly Meeting



"How Social Media Played a Part in the Arab Spring Uprising"

with Ted Hunt - DACR Counsel and law enforcement consultant.

(to ME [Vicki], this talk isn't about a party or one country - it's about the power of social media and how WE CAN make a difference!!!)
AND

Kass Thomas Corbelli
Chair of Democrats Abroad-Italy.  She just came from the DA Global meeting in Washington, DC 2 weeks ago and will tell us about that meeting.


WHEN: Saturday, October 29, 2011, 9:30am to noon

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WHERE:
San Jose - Downtown
 Holiday Inn Aurola - 3rd floor
Calle 5 at Avenida 5 - in front of Parque Morazan
2-523-1000 (hotel's number if you get lost)


PARKING:  
FREE parking
is located ONLY in the Herdonza Parking Lot  
which is on the East side of the hotel.  At the meeting they'll announce instructions and you'll get a voucher in the lobby from the Bell Boys to present (get there early to get a space as it fills up fast on meeting days!!).

MEETING COST:
 5,000-colones 
Contribution for bocas and coffee break and meeting room space

***RSVP***
Reservations are REQUIRED at
DemocratsAbroadCostaRica@gmail.com
OR
call Nelleke at 8-721-6497
*Please be sure to make your reservation if you plan to come to any DACR meeting as their cushion between what the hotel charges them and what they charge for attendance is getting very thin.  They used to order bocas for 3-5 extra people for meetings, but if they did that now they would lose money, so they order only for those who made their reservation, and then order extra on the day of the meeting.  However, the hotel can charge them 20% extra if they order bocas on the day of the meeting, so they need to avoid that.

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SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR MOTHER EARTH 
Are you available to Drive?  Are you needing a ride (and willing to contribute towards gas/wear-n-tear)?  Want to Share a taxi?


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Guest are welcome at 1 meeting and then asked to *"join"•register -
it's FREE!!
*SIGNING UP OFFICIALLY FOR DEMOCRATS ABROAD
it's FREE to join!
To join - just attend a meeting  OR 
 go to the official International Democrats Abroad site:


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NEW LAW!!!
ALL USA CITIZENS LIVING ABROAD MUST RE-REGISTER TO VOTE IN EACH ELECTION YEAR IN ORDER TO VOTE.

  REGISTER TO VOTE AND REQUEST YOUR BALLOT ASAP.


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Costa Rica Democrats Abroad - Costa Rica


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MY DESCRIPTION ON DEMOCRATS ABROAD COSTA RICA (DACR)

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/07/democrats-abroad-cr.html

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Official INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRATS ABROAD website:
DemocratsAbroad.org  •  Facebook.com/DemsAbroad


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Please SHARE this link with EVERYONE you know that will find this information helpful/interesting (especially on Facebook!)
(and tell them VICKI CONNECTED you!!):




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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Newcomers CR November Meeting - "Costa Rican Fruits & Vegetables"


Newcomers Costa Rica 
women's group 

November Monthly Meeting 

Grace Woodman speaks on

"Costa Rican Fruits and Vegetables"


Find out what all those prickly, fuzzy odd-shaped things are and how to prepare them



WHEN:  Tuesday, Nov. 1 - 9:30am

WHERE:  Grace Woodman's Club House in Ciudad Colon
(email NewcomersCR@gmail.com for directions)

For more information on THIS event contact  CarolePerlman@yahoo.com  



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For more information on Newcomers CR womens group, go to 


Tell them that Vicki Skinner (aka the Sarong Goddess) Connected you!!!


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http://PetsSeekingNewHome.info - Have a pet that needs a new home? Seeking a new pet?


Have a pet that needs a new home?  Seeking a new pet?

Feel free to email me details and a photo so we can post it on this new photo site:


It's FREE!!!


Also, I'm starting to compile other places one could go to find a pet so please pass any information you have on also (PLEASE send DETAILS like contact information/name, location, etc. as I don't have time to do that kind of research)


(I started this because I have had 6 people in the past day email me trying to find homes for rescue dogs or because they were moving.  
If you know of such a site already in existence, please share that with me and I'll forward what I get there instead.

Otherwise, please Share this blurb with anyone that can use this information)


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Tell them Vicki Skinner (aka the Sarong Goddess) Connected you!

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Democrats Abroad of Costa Rica's - October Meeting


Democrats Abroad of Costa Rica counsel, Ted Hunt, Ph. D and law enforcement consultant, will speak on

“HOW SOCIAL MEDIA
PLAYED A PART IN THE ARAB SPRING UPRISING"

Learn how Twitter, Facebook and other forms of Social Media kicked off the Egyptian student movement which spread overnight even when the government had blocked many forms of communications/media!

WHEN:  Saturday, October 29 - 9:30am-noon

WHERE:  Holiday Inn in downtown San José, 3rd floor.

CONTRIBUTION:  5,000 colones for coffee break and meeting room.

Ted is bringing our new video beam/projector.  If you have made a pledge to help pay for the video beam, please bring your money to the meeting or call Nelleke at 2279-3553.  We’ll also accept any additional donations!


RESERVATIONS:  Required at cr.democratsabroad@yahoo.com or call Nelleke at 2279-3553 or 8721-6497.


Visit our official DEMOCRATS ABROAD website at http://DemocratsAbroad.org , or our Proud Democrats in CR “shared space” at  http://pdicr.posterous.com and check out our great photo album site prepared by Jim Thompson at   http:// pdcrphotos.posterous.com


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tell them that VICKI Connected you!





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Monday, October 17, 2011

WORKSHOP - October 29 - GARDEN MANDALA / JARDIN MANDALA with Janine Farfard & Claudia - in Escazu, Costa Rica






GARDEN MANDALA
Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning "circle", a symbol of wholeness and usually is a central focus point from which radiates the design, often symmetrically. Longchen-pa, Tibetan Buddhist teacher, says it is an integrated structure organized around a unifying center. Khyil-Khor, the Tibetan word for MANDALA, refers to the center of the universe, the place where resides a fully awakened.

Carl Jung (1875-1961) believed mandalas are an outward projection of the psyche that represents a safe haven and the movement toward psychological growth and healing well, which are a representation of the most important archetype: The Self which is the ultimate unity of the personality, being integrated, the enlightened, the dancer in the world. In this center from which radiates, everything is healing, it's all power, all is love, all is as it should be, we are at the source: reconciled and loving, free and full of energy, stronger and happier.


THE CHAKRAS:
According to world-famous Dr. Deepak Chopra, the first key to control of their lives is "Listen to the wisdom of his own body." Unfortunately, studies in classical anatomy of the body not give you any clue about how to listen. Just learning your spiritual anatomy, its parent living can provide such access.

In some ancient language, the word "health" means "full of light." In most ancient traditions around the world, you can find teachings on the Light Body also called the luminous body. In India, this Body of Light is structured like the chakra system and consists of Castors Light. Even the early Christians and Native Americans knew about this "Rainbow Body."

Chakras are who and what we are, what we feel and how we think, how we express ourselves and how we create, are life itself-is how we find our way back to the greatest mystery of all: God, the Unity.

Therefore not surprising to find that healing happens if successfully align our conscious mind with our chakras. Chakras are the key to inner peace!

• If you are ready to switch from being anxious, tired, stressed and experience to be calm, peaceful, cheerful, clear, creative
• If you are willing to delve into an unlimited source of knowledge and move beyond words and theory
• If you have the courage to venture into the most sacred living temple, his body, and connect with your true energy body
• If you are open to disconnect from the belief of the false ego that controls your life and align with your true self ...

Then our one-day workshop: Garden Mandala, is for you!

Claudia and Janine create a sacred space internally and externally to provide a subtle start moving into their own centers of power. They will guide you gently into your inner core and change your vibrational field to a higher frequency so you can release your passion, purpose and potential!

You will have access and connect with their signature energy and anchor within a mandala design ... the Mandala of his own soul ... and so will allow your own light shine!

"Following our intuitive guidance is the best way of preventive medicine." Caroline Myss


WHEN:   Saturday, October 29  -  9am-5pm

WHERE:   Turya Yoga Studio - Escazu

LANGUAGE:  Spanish and English 

INVESTMENT:  $200 (includes all art material and lunch)

CONTACT;  Claudia: 8-701-2812
Janine: 8-887-8835  /  janine@Turya.info

FACEBOOK EVENT INVITATION:  

http://Facebook.com/event.php?eid=128532260583474&notif_t=event_invite


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JANINE'S BIO:
Fafard is originally from Quebec, Canada, and lives in Costa Rica, where he initiated and taught lessons Kripalu Yoga and has helped thousands of people find inner peace for over 20 years. Since his arrival in Costa Rica, has been developing and providing unique and individual therapy based on yoga psychology and energy medicine, which he calls "SoulSurrenderHealing" (Surrender to Soul), which complements with EFT (Technical Emotional Freedom), Bach Flower Essences and Aromatherapy California.

Janine began studying and practicing yoga intensively in 1985 and in 1989 graduated as a Certified Professional Kripalu Yoga Teacher in 1999 as Certified Yoga of the Heart for patients with cardiac and other diseases crónicas.  Over the years, she has continued studying with various teachers and yoga schools. It has also been an instructor in Canada, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua and the United States. She teaches workshops, among others, about EFT, the energy body (the chakras) on stress management workshops with "stressful-to-Soulful" and also about self-love with his "Yoga of Self- Love. "Janine is also a member of ISSSEEM (International Society for the Study of Subtle Energy and Energy Medicine) since 2006 where he presented his work three times.


CLAUDIA'S BIO:
Claudia Botero, licensed psychologist and professional visual artists with over 40 individual samples and mostly over 16 years of international experience: Winner of Firenze in Italy, selected stamp on Cuba's Young and more recently (2009), invited to present in only a month in Vianden Castle, Luxembourg. In 2011 as a graphic artist, comes with other Dutch writers in a book that recognizes the most current and innovative contemporary graphic techniques.

Claudia has a background in art therapy, bioenergetic therapy training and Master of Reiki, Usui System in Traditional.


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Español

JARDIN MANDALA

MANDALA es una palabra sánscrita que significa “círculo”, símbolo de totalidad y, usualmente, se trata de un punto central de enfoque desde el que se irradia el diseño, a menudo de forma simétrica. Longchen-pa, maestro tibetano budista, dice que es una estructura integrada organizada en torno a un centro unificador. Khyil-Khor, la palabra tibetana para MANDALA, se refiere al centro del universo, ese lugar donde un ser plenamente despierto reside.  

Carl Jung (1875-1961), creía que los MANDALAS son una proyección hacia el exterior de la psique que representa un refugio seguro y el movimiento hacia el crecimiento psicológico y la curación y también, que son una representación del arquetipo más importante: El Self que es la unidad última de la personalidad, el ser integrado, el iluminado, el danzarín del mundo. En este centro desde el cual se irradia, todo es curación, todo es poder, todo es amor, todo es como debe ser, estamos en la fuente: reconciliados y amorosos, libres y colmados de energía, fuertes y felices.

CLAUDIAS’S BIO:
Claudia Botero, Psicóloga licenciada y Artista Plástica Profesional con más 40 muestras en su mayoría individuales y más de 16 años de trayectoria internacional: Ganadora del premio Firenze en Italia; seleccionada a la Joven estampa en Cuba y, más recientemente (2009), invitada a exponer en SOLO durante un mes en El Castillo de Vianden , Luxemburgo. En el 2011 como artista gráfica, sale con otros grabadores holandeses en un libro que reconoce lo más actual y novedoso de las técnicas gráficas contemporáneas.

Claudia tiene estudios en Arte terapia, entrenamiento en Terapia bioenergética y Maestría en Reiki, en el Sistema USUI Tradicional.


Los Chakras:
De acuerdo al mundialmente conocido Dr. Deepak Chopra, la primera clave para tener dominio de su vida es “Escuchar la sabiduría de su propio cuerpo”. Desafortunadamente, los estudios en anatomía clásica del cuerpo no le dan ninguna pista para saber cómo escuchar. Sólo el aprendizaje de su anatomía espiritual, su matriz viva, puede proveer tal acceso.

En algún lenguaje antiguo, la palabra “salud” significa “lleno de luz”. En la mayoría de tradiciones antiguas en todo el mundo, se puede encontrar enseñanzas sobre el Cuerpo de Luz también llamado el Cuerpo Luminoso. En India, este Cuerpo de Luz está estructurado como el sistema de Chacras y está formado por Ruedas Giratorias de Luz. Aún los primeros cristianos y los Nativos Americanos sabían sobre este “Cuerpo Arco Iris”.

Chacras son quienes y lo que somos, lo que sentimos y como pensamos, como nos expresamos y como creamos- son la vida misma- es la manera en que encontramos nuestro camino de vuelta al misterio más grande de todo: Dios, la Unidad.

Por lo tanto, no sorprende descubrir que sanación ocurre si alineamos exitosamente nuestra mente consciente con nuestros chakras. Chacras son la CLAVE para nuestra PAZ interior!

•Si usted está listo para cambiar de estar ansioso, cansado, estresado y experimentar estar calmo, pacífico, jovial, claro, creativo
•Si usted está dispuesto a profundizar dentro de una fuente ilimitada de conocimiento y moverse más allá de palabras y teoría
•Si usted tiene el valor de adentrarse dentro del más sagrado templo vivo, su cuerpo, y conectarse con su verdadero cuerpo energético
•Si usted está abierto para desconectarse de la creencia del falso ego que controla su vida y armonizar con su verdadero ser…

Entonces, nuestro taller de un día : Jardín Mandala , es para usted!

Claudia y Janine crearán un Espacio Sagrado interno y externo para proveer una iniciación sutil adentrando en sus propios centros de poder. Ellas le guiarán suavemente dentro de su núcleo interno y cambiarán su campo vibracional hacia una mayor frecuencia para que pueda liberar su pasión, propósito y potencial ¡!
Usted tendrá acceso y se conectará con su Firma Energética y lo anclará dentro del diseño de un mandala…el Mandala de su propia Alma… y así permitirá que brille su Propia Luz!!

“Seguir nuestra guía intuitiva es la mejor forma de medicina preventiva.” Caroline Myss

JANINE’S BIO:
Janine Fafard es originaria de Quebec, Canadá, y vive en Costa Rica, donde ha iniciado e impartido lecciones de Kripalu yoga y ha ayudado a miles de personas a encontrar paz interior por más de 20 años. Desde su llegada a Costa Rica, ha estado desarrollando y facilitando una terapia individual y única basada en la psicología del yoga y de la medicina energética, a la que llama“SoulSurrenderHealing” (Entrega al Alma), la cual complementa con EFT (Técnica de Liberación Emocional), Esencias Florales de Bach y de California y Aromaterapia.

Janine comenzó a estudiar y practicar yoga intensivamente en 1985, en 1989 se graduó como Profesional Certificada de Kripalu Yoga y en 1999 como Profesora Certificada de Yoga del Corazón para pacientes con afecciones cardiacas y otras enfermedades crónicas.A lo largo de los años, ha seguido estudiando con varios profesores y escuelas de yoga. Además, ha sido instructora en Canadá, Italia, México, Panamá, Nicaragua y Estados Unidos. Dicta varios talleres, entre otros, sobre EFT, sobre el cuerpo energético (los Chacras), sobre el manejo del Estrés con sus talleres de “Stressful-to-Soulful” y también sobre el amor a uno mismo con su “Yoga of Self-Love”.s Ademas Janine es miembro de ISSSEEM (International Society for the Study of Subtle Energy and Energy Medicine) desde 2006 donde ha presentado su trabajo tres veces.


FACEBOOK EVENT INVITATION

http://Facebook.com/event.php?eid=128532260583474&notif_t=event_invite


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Please "SHARE" this event/link with EVERYONE you know!!!


And remember to tell them that Vicki Connected you!!!

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Sunday, October 16, 2011

EVENT - Oct. 29 - Little Theatre Group HALLOWEEN SHOW! San Jose, Costa Rica


Little Theatre Group's Annual 


HALLOWE'EN SHOW! 


We'll be showing campy horror movies and there will be a costume contest. 
The scariest looks will win PRIZES. 
Do your best to look your worst!!!
There will be LOTS of FUN!!!


WHEN:  Saturday, October 29th, 2011 -  7:30pm

ENTRANCE:  ¢2,000 per person PLUS bring a boca/appetizer to share. 

LOCATION:  Teatro Laurence Olivier - San Jose-Downtown - next to Sala Garbo, Avenida 2 and Calle 28

RESERVATIONS:  http://LittleTheatreGroup.org/reservations_folder/reservation_form.php?play_number=2  /  8-858-1446

MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING LTG EVENTS:  http://LittleTheatreGroup.org


(please share this link with EVERYONE you know:
http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-party-little-theatre-group.html

and tell them Vicki (aka The Sarong Goddess) Connected you!!!


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Thursday, October 13, 2011

EVENT - October 22 - YOGA FUNDRAISING BENEFIT for IRENE MONGE - at Krama Yoga, Escazu, Costa Rica

SPECIAL YOGA FUNDRAISING BENEFIT for 
IRENE MONGE

WHEN:  Next Saturday, October 22 - noon-2pm

WHAT:  Krama Yoga in Escazu-Guachipelin will be holding a 
special FUNDRAISING BENEFIT YOGA CLASS to
HELP RAISE MONEY FOR IRENE MONGE,
a 17 year old that needs a million dollar bone marrow transplant at Seattle Children's Hospital in Washington State.


COST:  5,000•$10 (non- Krama members)
              Donation (Krama clients)
Additional Donations are welcome.  100% of the proceeds will go to the family of Irene.


FACEBOOK EVENT INVITATION:


WHERE:  Krama Yoga Center  (2-215-3535)


DIRECTIONS:  Escazu-Guachipelin - 1km NorthWest of the MultiPlaza Rotonda (after the overpass of the Pista) in the same area as Capri Wineries office 


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El próximo 22 de Octubre estaremos ofreciendo una clase especial pro-ayuda a Irene Monge, una joven de 17 años que necesita un trasplante de Medula que cuesta un millón de dólares, la operación se realizará en el Seattle Children´s Hospital

Costo: $10 (para personas no miembros de Krama)

A clientes de krama les solicitamos una contribución Voluntaria.

Hora: 12:00 a 2:00pm

El 100% de lo recaudado se entregará a la familia de Irene

LOCATION:  Krama Yoga Center  (2-215-3535 / http://KramaYoga.com  /  http://Facebook.com/krama.yoga /  Yogi_esj@yahoo.com / asistente@KramaYoga.com / Escazu-Guachepelin - de la rotonda de multiplaza, 1km noroeste, ofibodegas capri, bodega




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PLEASE "Share" this link with EVERYONE you know


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


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OPRAH's FREE "LIFECLASS" Webinar TONIGHT & Friday Oct. 13-14, 2011


Did you watch OPRAH's FREE "LIFECLASS" Webinar last night? 

It's been happening this all week (last night Oprah talked about why "You Become What You Believe." It was GREAT! Sadly, because Costa Rica doesn't have any copyright laws, we can not access back classes) from 7-8pm CR/Mountain time - be on the internet at:


There's a different lesson each night till THIS Friday.

Tonight / October 13 from 7-8pm Mtn/CR time - they'll be talking about:
"The Truth WILL Set You Free" (or as I call it - Getting in INTEGRITY with ourselves!!)

Get your Lifework (aka "homework") assignment to think about and answer before at:
"How would you fill in these blanks?
The one thing I wished I had become is ____.
The one thing I WILL become is ____.* "

AND, then for an hour AFTER Oprah's on LIVE on her Facebook at - http://Facebook.com/Oprah

Friday the topic is "Joy Rising" (and they're giving a CAR away [better register!!})!!!


Sign up for it at:


It's AWESOME and GREAT reminders where we MAY not be living it right now!!!!!

I hope you get as much (or MORE!) as I'm getting out of it!!!

Vicki (aka THE Sarong Goddess!!)


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Thursday, October 6, 2011

UPCOMING!! HARD ROCK CAFE Coming to Costa Rica

(Vicki at the 1st Hard Rock Cafe - in London '85)


HARD ROCK CAFE COMING TO COSTA RICA
in 2012

Construction on a Hard Rock location at the Ramada Plaza Herradura is set to begin in January, with the restaurant expected to open in October 2012.

The musically themed U.S. franchise Hard Rock Café will open the first of two planned locations in Costa Rica at the Ramada Plaza Herradura Hotel and International Conference Center in Ciudad Cariari, northwest of San José, the daily La Nación reported. Construction on the $2 million venue is set to begin in January, with the restaurant expected to open in October 2012.

Another Hard Rock will be built in Guanacaste, in the northwest part of the country, though the exact location has not yet been announced.

The restaurants typically feature Americana such as instruments autographed by famous musicians or photos of concerts.

The first Hard Rock Café opened in 1971 in London, England. The franchise has more than 163 restaurants in more than 50 countries, including France, Malaysia and Lebanon. Latin America locations include Panama, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.


Chain restaurants are on the rise on the country. Costa Rica will also be getting its third Hooters in the upcoming year. The latest Hooters will be built in Plaza Bratsi in Heredia, north of the capital, with a $1 million investment. Last year a Hooters opened in the eastern suburb of Sabanilla. The first Hooters can be found in Escazú, west of San José.

The Spanish chain Fiebres x el Fútbol opened its first Latin America location in Escazú earlier this year.


From: