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 And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise.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, October 31, 2012

Action Alliance MURDER MYSTERY Dinner - December 22!

 

Ho Ho Homicide
A Night of North Pole Naughtiness
(Murder Mystery Dinner Charity Benefit!)

With the Christmas season well on its way, everyone at the North Pole is working hard to make this a holiday to remember. Despite the efforts of the arctic inhabitants, productivity is at an all-time low, upsetting many and putting Santa’s legacy at stake. Desperate for a change, there are many who are willing to do almost anything to increase efficiency and restore peace at the North Pole. But only one who will go too far and commit an act of murder in this mystical place.

Event Details
WHAT:      A character related Murder Mystery Costume event Benefit

DATE:       Saturday, December 22, 2012  -  4-7pm

HOSTS:    Tom and Susan Ackley

Where:      Vista ValVerde Bed and Breakfast - San Ramón
(go to ActionAllianceCR.com for directions)

Producers: Mike Murphy and Earl Balance

Cost:          $40/20,000 per person (cash only)
Includes:    Sit down dinner (prepared by Chef Susan Ackley), Drinks (soda, water, beer, wine), and a raucous and mysterious night of holiday cheer!

Beneficiaries: 
   100% of the net proceeds will benefit SINEM (local music school) and the Community Action Alliance Escuela Scholarship Program (split 50/50)

Accommodations:    If you plan on drinking and/or need a place to stay please contact Tom and Susan Ackley at tom@VistaValVerde.com or 8810-3562
RSVP:        Andrea Carter at librBySea@aol.com


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Please "SHARE" this link with anyone you know that LOVES a good Murder Mystery Dinner, to have FUN and/or that wants to help these good causes!!
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NEW YEARS EVE Celebrations 2012 in Costa Rica - Where to Celebrate it




Where to Celebrate NEW YEARS Eve
in Costa Rica
2014
coming

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/08/NewYearsEveCR14.html

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2012
Where to Celebrate New Years Eve in Costa Rica!!!
(and what is open on New Years Day)




DONDE•WHERE:
Ringling Resort
QUE•WHAT:
New Years Eve
MASQUERADE PARTY
the new Ringle Resort's SIWO Restaurant

CUANDO•WHEN:
Lunes•Monday - Diciembre•December 31  -  8pm-2am

PRICE:
Dinner and Entrance:  $50/per person
Entrance only:  $25/person
Reserved Table for 4:  $100 (includes 1 blottle and mixers)

RESERVATIONS:
(facebook.com/RingleResort  •  RingleResort.com  •  2-203-0701)



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WHERE:
Alta Hotel - La Luz Restaurant
CUANDO•WHEN:
Lunes•Monday - Diciembre•December 31  -  7pm-2am

QUE•WHAT:
Live Music (Jazz & Bossinova) and Dinner - a more tranquilo evening. 
CENA•DINNER:
Appetizers - PortoBello Mushroom Tart - OR - Lobster Bisque.  Main Course - SeaBass with Cauliflower Sauce - OR - Grilled Shrimp on Papaya Sauce - OR - Filet Mignon with Shitaki Mushrooms.  Dessert - Ice Cream.  1 glass of wine.

PRICE:
$50 (+23% taxes)

LOCATION:
Escazu/Santa Ana - Alto de las Palomas - Calle Vieja - the old road to Santa Ana 

RESERVATIONS:
2-282-4160


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WHERE:
Barceló Hotel Palacio

CUANDO•WHEN:
Lunes•Monday - Diciembre•December 31  - 

QUE•WHAT:
http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=489977884357461&set=a.200323346656251.47681.200162020005717
They say it’s a 5-star celebration with Dinner•Cena, Mascarados a lo tico

PRICE:
56,000/per person (INCLUDES Impuestos/Tax)

LOCATION:
San Jose

RESERVATIONS:
2-220-2034 xt 718


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DONDE•WHERE: 
BESO's Restaurant

CUANDO•WHEN:
Lunes•Monday - Diciembre•December 31  -  7:30pm-2am

QUE•WHAT:
Disfruta nuestro ambiente con Música en Vivo, Serenata con Mariachi y Carnaval con Comparsa.
Champaña, Entrada, Ensalada, Plato Fuerte y Postre

Live Music, Carnival Mariachi Serenade with Comparsa
Champagne, Appetizers, Salads, Main Course and Dessert!

PRICE:
$50/100,000-c-Adults.  $25/12,500-c-Kids

RESERVATIONS:
Haga su reservación ahora SOLO en Facebook
Reservations currently ONLY through their Facebook Page
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=337018863058815&set=a.202384476522255.46934.100002521119647
2-290-6301

LOCATION:
San Jose - Sabana Sur


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DONDE•WHERE: 
San Jose Wyndham Hotel Herradura
CUANDO•WHEN:
Lunes•Monday - Diciembre•December 31  -  8pm-4am

QUE•WHAT:
New Years “Under the Sea”
2
party rooms, different activities simultaneously, various styles of music, 8 hours of OPEN BAR, a well thought out menu and choice of snacks and meals in a very complete buffet.(Wyndham Hotel Herradura - former Ramada Plaza Herradura - is part of this new global concept in entertainment of the Hard Rock Café!!)

LOCATION:
 San Jose

RESERVATIONS:
2-209-9800
CODE:  NYE2013


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Flamingo
amcostarica.com/120712.htm#88



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PLEASE ONLY make reservations you plan on keeping or if you can't go/changed your plans - PLEASE cancel it ASAP so the business isn't stuck with that extra food/goodies and people that want to go can!


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Where to Celebrate CHRISTMAS
in Costa RicaChristmasInCostaRica.info

@
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RESTAURANTS Serving CHRISTMAS DINNER
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-dinner-cr-2012.html

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Christmas and/or New Years in Costa Rica

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-church-services.html



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What RESTAURANTS are Open
Christmas and New Years WEEK
in Costa Rica

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/12/restaurants-open-december-20-january-7.html



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Businesses Open • Closed in Costa Rica during the
Christmas • Navidad • New Years • Año Nuevo Holidays

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/12/open-closed-christmas-holiday.html




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Where to Celebrate NEW YEARS
in Costa Rica

NewYearsInCostaRica.info




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Know of other things to add to any of these lists??
Please email me DETAILS (even if it's after the effect so we have a start for next year to)
Name of Business, Days Open (or closed), City/Neighborhood•Barrio/Location  •  Hours  •  Any Specials (ESPECIALLY if it's special Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years events!!).
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com



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Was this information helpful to you?
Tracking this information isn't easy and was VERY time-consuming (VERY last minute as MANY places didn't want to commit and many backed out from last year as well!!)
PLEASE consider making a DONATION to help keep this site alive!!!
See the top Right corner of the blog on what options we take!
I REALLY appreciate it as this blog is the only $$ source coming in at the moment!!



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PLEASE "SHARE" this with everyone you know and tell where you're reserving that you heard about it from Vicki's Blog
NewYearsInCostaRica.info

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/10/new-years.html

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MAP of Downtown San Jose, Costa Rica


I Like this Map of Downtown San Jose, Costa Rica


Other sites for MAPS of Costa Rica:
CostaRicaMap-online.com

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

"ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW" Halloween Benefit - Costa Rica



"ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW"
HALLOWEEN CHARITY BENEFIT SHOW

facebook.com/events/166628780091013

WHEN:  Wednesday - October 31, 2012  -  8:30pm-12/midnight

WHERE:  San Jose - Bar Lobo Estepario
8-383-7098  •  8-376-1409)

LOCATION:    Cuesta de Moras, frente al costado norte de la Plaza de la Democracia) - Avenida Central

COST:  The screening is FREE and the bags of special props will be 2500 colones.


NOTE that SPACE IS LIMITED so get there early!!!


Once again, the Lobo Estepario Bar in San José will host a very special presentation of the film in it's full audience participation version.

The WILDLY FUN CAMPY cult film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975), was directed by Jim Sharman and starring Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, Susan Sarandon and Meatloaf.


For 37 years, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (FYI - it is NOT a “horror film”. It is a “campy” rock-musical•parody of old B-Movie, Science Ficture and Horror Films of the late 1940s through early 1970s) has been the first and only true audience partici-(SAY IT!)-pation movie. People yell back lines at the screen during the extended pauses between dialogue, dress up in costume and act out the film like they were in it - doing things like when it was raining - spraying spray bottles/water guns in the audience, or in the wedding scene - throwing rice or “toast” when they made a toast, laugh, dancing, warning characters before something was going to happen, singing along and shout insults to the screen mid-film.  Some people dress up in costume/drag (hence the popularity of it on Halloween).

In the states this movie has a campy “cult following” and is usually held at a midnight showing!  People came back over and over and over again!!!

NOTE:  Audience participation is NOT “mandatory” (though it SOOOO adds to the MEGA FUN!! factor here!!!).

Organizer Hector Gomez Hertz, said that TMC is showing it in October!


BENEFIT:
All proceeds raised from the screening will go to the Nephrology Foundation / Fundacion de Nefrologia (facebook.com/FundacionDeNefrologia) for kidney/dialysis patients at Hospital San Juan de Dios.

For this, they'll be selling special bags of props full of goodies to be used during the movie (some will have a hat or newspaper, rubber gloves, glow stick, confetti) - for just 2,500-c
(I’m sure additional ¢¢ donations will be welcome)

They'll also have some special surprises and raffles for those who attend!


I hear that Bar Lobo Estepario is a funky bar that caters to the more artsy/avante garde crowd which means they serve cheap drinks (Cervezas - 1,100, Johnny Walker Red - 1,500, JW Black 2,200) and their food Menu has 48 items to choose from ranging from just 2,000-4,000-c and INCLUDES all taxes/tips - so come hungry/thirsty!!!


Having seen the moving MANY MANY TIMES (ahhhh the '70s!!) - 
THIS sounds like THE EVENT in CR to celebrate Halloween!! It is TRULY an EXPERIENCE!!!! I'm SERIOUSLY considering going!!


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You might want to prepare a bit before you go - either to be reminded of what to bring or learn just the heck this movie is about!!!




PREVIEWS
youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=dEBQ3haBi3c
INTRO:   youtube.com/watch?v=G5MHNvOVl8Y
"Sweet Transvestite"  -  youtube.com/watch?v=lwUjJXxoGy4
“Time Warp”  -   youtube.com/watch?v=Rtkdo7bOmJc  AND  youtube.com/watch?v=w_Svq_ks3_Y
“I Can Make You a Man”  -  http://youtube.com/watch?v=P27au5OicbI
“Damn It Janet”  -  youtube.com/watch?v=NBjVBbeqf7E&playnext=1&list=PL59359C6E865E9FD8
“Toucha Toucha Toucha Touch Me”  -  youtube.com/watch?v=XyUmIrdeVv4
RHPS Halloween Horror Nights Universal Studios Hollywood:  youtube.com/watch?v=tfCkdu6_KAE 


SOUNDTRACK:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocky_Horror_Picture_Show__(soundtrack)  •    youtube.com/watch?v=57eixw4Q-pw


Sample of an AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION SHOWS:
youtube.com/watch?v=U26Qok5H7Fw
youtube.com/watch?v=m-4lG1Gbewg
youtube.com/watch?v=kFKY3c9PyFA
youtube.com/watch?v=mIykwWF_zrQ
youtube.com/watch?v=h-u0ojAiZg0


LYRICS
(you might want to print this up and bring them):
alwaysontherun.net/rocky.htm
stlyrics.com/t/therockyhorrorpictureshow.htm


AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION TRAINING:
youtube.com/watch?v=RED8h0d2T3k


THE CHARACTERS•LOOKS:
youtube.com/watch?v=nNH2uXcaxX4


WHAT DO YOU BRING TO A SHOWING OF ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW?
youtube.com/watch?v=lSveMOO4X54
answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091018115113AA9hH0h

RockyHorror.com/participation/proplist.php
RockyHorror.com/participation



(Mark your calendars now for NEXT years)


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PLEASE "SHARE" this link with ALL your FUN ADVENTUROUS friends!!!
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Monday, October 29, 2012

WARNING - SASY Animal Licensing Scam!!!!

Has anyone called you saying they're representing SASY saying they can come to you and license your dogs that are in your home for 8,000-colones???


BEWARE!!!!!  This is a scam!!!!!(or are they possibly casing the joint???)!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pass it on to all you know.  Let them show up and then call the police, or call Rita DeVore with SASY - 2-249-3722  •  980-1162  •  DeVore.Rita@gmail.com

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Holiday • Christmas Bazaar & Art Show Fundraiser - Ladies of the Lake - Lake Arenal area - December 9

Info on 2013's event:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/06/LadiesOfLakeHolidayBazaar2013.html






Ladies of the Lake


3rd Annual
Art Show • HolidayChristmas Bazaar Fundraiser


Gran Vigilia Contra el Maltrato Animal • Vigil against Animal Abuse


GRAN VIGILIA CONTRA EL MALTRATO ANIMAL
Great Vigil against animal abuse


CUANDO • WHEN:  Martes•Tuesday - Octubre 30  -  5:30pm

WHERE • DONDE:

Demostremos nuestra fuerza. (Favor presentarse de 5:30pm en adelante, la vigilia que será en el Bulevar de la Asamblea durará hasta las 8:30pm. El ingreso a la Asamblea será de 5:30-6:30pm para las personas que quieren participar en la presentación del proyecto.

5:30pm onwards, the vigil will be on the Boulevard of the Assembly last until 8:30pm. Admission to the Assembly will be from 5:30-6:30 pm for those who want to participate in the presentation the project.

ESPANOL:

Una vez más llegamos donde todos ustedes para pedir su valioso apoyo respaldando el proyecto reforma de ley para penalizar el maltrato y la crueldad animal.

Tenemos el gusto de comunicarles que el Proyecto de Iniciativa Popular contra el Maltrato Animal fue aprobado por el Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones y la resolución se le notificó a la Asamblea Legislativa el pasado viernes 12 de octubre del 2012.

Por eso los invitamos a una Gran Vigilia contra el Maltrato Animal en el Bulevar de La Asamblea Legislativael martes 30 de octubre, para manifestarnos como pueblo haciéndonos presentes en la Asamblea Legislativa antes de que termine el Mes de los Animales, para recordarles a los diputad@s que ya cumplimos un año de haber presentado el Proyecto de Iniciativa Legislativa y que este año honramos nuestro compromiso presentando el Proyecto de Iniciativa Popular aprobado, con más de 188000 firmas de apoyo, tal cual nos lo solicitaron.

El gran momento llegó y ocupamos de todos. Requerimos la asistencia de cada asociación o grupo de rescate o bienestar animal que esté apoyando la reforma de ley 7451 de Bienestar Animal y les pedimos que al menos 2 representantes de cada organización nos acompañen en ese día tan importante para la democracia participativa de nuestro país.

También estamos convocando a los rescatistas independientes y a los amantes de los animales que de una u otra forma están cansados de tanto maltrato y firmaron por un cambio para que se haga justicia a nuestros animales.

Vivan la emocionante experiencia al final de nuestro largo y duro camino de más de 4 años de luchas, marchas y colectas de firmas, para cerrar con la ipresentación de la niciativa popular que ahora iniciará su etapa legislativa, con el peso y prioridad que demanda un proyecto de voluntad popular, lucha que ustedes pelearon y apoyaron a nuestro lado.

Demostremos a cada diputad@ que somos ese pueblo que fue a firmar para decirle No Al Maltrato Animal y que somos los cuidadanos ejerciendo su derecho constitucional de legislar, convertidos en el diputado número 58, que quieren una ley efectiva para Costa Rica.

Por eso vamos todos este martes con nuestras mascotas, pancartas y velas o faroles, de forma pacífica y respetuosa, a dar apoyo a la Presentación de la Iniciativa Popular y demostrar que los que firmamos contra el maltrato estamos presentes respaldando nuestro proyecto.

Hagamos la vigilia alrededor de una gran huella de pata animal con velas encendidas, coronada con una aureola en tributo a todos los animales que ya no están con nosotros porque murieron víctimas de la crueldad humana. Mientras se realiza el acto protocolario de la presentación formal del proyecto en los salones de la Asamblea Legislatva:
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=376648982411151&set=a.142868739122511.37984.116166335126085




ENGLISH:
Again we ask where you all for your valuable support by supporting the law reform project to penalize abuse and animal cruelty.
We are pleased to report that the People's Initiative Project against animal abuse was approved by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and the decision was notified to the Legislative Assembly on Friday 12 October 2012.
So welcome to the Great Vigil against animal abuse in the Boulevard Legislativael Assembly Tuesday, October 30, to show us as a people making present in the Legislative Assembly before the end of the Month of Animals, to remind diputad @ s already fulfilled one year of filing the Draft Legislative Initiative and this year we honor our commitment to presenting the Popular Initiative Project approved, with over 188,000 signatures of support, as they requested us.
The big moment came and take care of all. Require the attendance of each association or rescue group or animal welfare reform is supporting Animal Welfare Act 7451 and asked them to at least two representatives from each organization to join us in this important day for participatory democracy in our country.
We are also calling for independent rescuers and animal lovers of one form or another are tired of so much abuse and signed by a change for justice for our animals.
Live the exciting experience at the end of our long, hard road for more than 4 years of struggles, marches and signature collections, to close with the NITIATIVE ipresentación popular now begin its legislative stage, with the weight and priority demands project of popular will fight you fought and supported us.
Let's show each diputad @ we are the people that went to sign to say no to animal abuse and we are The citizens exercising their constitutional right to legislate, converted in the 58th deputy, who want an effective law to Costa Rica.
So we all Tuesday with our pets, banners and candles or lanterns, peacefully and respectfully, to support the presentation of the popular initiative and show that the undersigned from abuse are present to support our project.
Let vigil around a large paw print animal with burning candles, crowned with a halo in tribute to all the animals who are no longer with us because they died victims of human cruelty. While performing the formal ceremony of the formal presentation of the project in the halls of the Assembly Legislatva:
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=376648982411151&set=a.142868739122511.37984.116166335126085

Los esperamos amigos, no le fallen a los animales. The hope friends, do not fail to animals. Let's show our strength.

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Sunday, October 28, 2012

Speakers Forum November


COSTA RICA SPEAKERS' FORUM


HENRY KARCZYNSKI
“THE SPIRIT MOLECULE”

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2012  -  5:30pm
(Please Arrive BY 5pm.  One Hour with Questions/discussion after!!)

Reserve your space in advance

FREE

About our presenter Henry:
Born in Germany and raised in urban Chicago, Illinois, Henry Karczynski studied business  (MBA) and worked in commerce for several years before finding his true vocation in life.  He has been continuously involved in agricultural development since joining the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Jamaica in 1975.   Henry has resided in Costa Rica since 1977 and has been manager/owner of Villa Vanilla, the farm home of www.rainforestspices.com since 1987. Never a proponent of conventional chemical agriculture the farm has been certified organic since 1992 and biodynamic since 2000. ­­The farm produces a variety of quality spices, including vanilla, that are sold literally around the world.  Henry's  studies of ancient agricultural practices peeked his interest in archeology and human origins. His holistic interests have opened a door about human potential and spirituality. 
(He is an excellent bridge player--Sam.)


RESERVE YOUR SEAT IN ADVANCE:
Seating is limited to 25 people.   Popcorn and drinks will be served.  

BRING YOUR OWN FOOD SNACK TO SHARE. 

KBarnesButler@pobox.com • samjcr@pobox.com  •  2-289-6333  •  8-821-4708-Karen


LOCATION:  Escazu (Bello Horizonte) - at Karen and Sam Butlers home.  Directions given upon reserving your space!



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Please "SHARE" this link with people you know that will enjoy this event!
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Restaurant Guides - Escazu, Costa Rica

ESCAZU NEWS RESTAURANT LIST


My buddy (and the BEST realtor I've found in Costa Rica [specializing in the Escazu area]Daniel - has created the most comprehensive list to almost every restaurant in the area South/West Central Valley area - from Escazu, Santa Ana, Ciudad Colon, with some in Sabana, Rohrmoser, Paseo Colon and San Antonio de Belen. 

His Information blog is FILLED with all sorts valuable information so sign up for it - especially if you live in or are interested in these areas!


Daniel Langlois is also MY choice for realtors in the Escazu area!!!!  (make sure to tell him Vicki Connected you!!)
Zucaes Realtors



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I started a MEGA DETAILED restaurant guide awhile ago - the 

COSTA RICA EATS 
RESTAURANT GUIDE 

but I haven't had time to updated in ages though MUCH of the info is still gives you an overall good base (like directions, hours, description of types of food+++).


(Do you know anyone that has extra time and speaks Spanish that would like to VOLUNTEER to help me to start updating it??  I'd LOVE to get back on track with it!!!)


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Do you know of any new restaurants opening 
(to add to these lists AND invite to the opening!)?  
Something on the list closing?  Changes?

Email Daniel at EscazuNews@racsa.co.cr  OR  me (Vicki) at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com  



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Want a RESTAURANT REVIEW?
If you Invite me as your guest to your restaurant, I'll write it up on the blog and share it with over 1,500 people on my Facebook (but warning - I WILL be honest!!!).  
PLUS I will share a list of places (mainly Message Boards/Forums) where you can share your restaurants info!  
Contact me about hiring me for Restaurant and Bar Marketing and Promotions Consulting!



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PLEASE "SHARE" this information with EVERYONE you know that likes to eat out in Costa Rica!!


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Saturday, October 27, 2012

Bureaucracy in Costa Rica (SOOOOO TRUE!!!)

Barry with ElPuente-TheBridge.org shared this PERFECT short video made by two Costa Rican filmmakers about dealing with the Bureaucracy one often goes through in Costa Rica!!  Be prepared like this gal and your life will be SOOOO DIFFERENT!!!!



youtube.com/watch?v=XXWZ3uAEKsw


SHARE this with EVERYONE you know that's been here - done that - or is thinking of moving or doing business in Costa Rica!!  HELP THEM make their lives easier!!
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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Crime In Costa Rica

Ya wonder why crime keeps getting worse and worse in Costa Rica - and why many people don't even bother reporting things??  Yeah there's crime all over the world - and in some places worse - BUT what might be contributing towards Costa Rica standing out from MOST other countries - is how OFTEN this type of story happens (or worse - where the criminal doesn't even get arrested!!!  Or they steal from you and contact you [sometimes even from jail] with how much it will be for YOU to buy whatever back from THEM!!])

Could part of it POSSIBLY be because of THIS type of action???


Alleged drug dealer flees Costa Rica after posting $6,000 bail

October 25th, 2012  – On July 31st, 2011, a man by the last names Zamora Valerio was caught with one TON of “High Red” marijuana.

Zamora, from Nicaragua, was arrested in an operation that had been coordinated with United States coastguard and Costa Rica’s Drug Control Police (PCD, in Spanish).

The man was arrested along with 5 others, four of whom are in preventive detention.

However, a judge allowed Zamora to be freed by posting $6,000 bail, which he quickly paid, and then fled the country . . .

(read the rest of the story at:
InsideCostaRica.com/2012/10/25/alleged-drug-dealer-flees-costa-rica-after-posting-6000-bail)

Authorities say the man is presumed to have fled to Haiti."


So, what do YOU think???


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Do YOU know of any Swingers Clubs•Parties Costa Rica

This question will blow some people away/trigger some others (tittilate some others!!)

Do YOU know of any PARTIES • CLUBS or HOTELS catering to the SWINGERS Lifestyle community (including by invitation private parties) in Costa Rica?

How about any places where NUDIST are welcome to be free (even though it's "illegal" in Costa Rica - even in a PRIVATE hotel!!)??

I'm seeking names, cities/directions/locations, hours - anything you can share. 

(of COURSE it's NOT for sweet little ole innocent moi [well - not THIS time at least - hehehehehe/jejejejeje]).  Just helping provide information for those that are seeking it as this question has come up quite a few times in the 5 years I've had this blog)

Email me privately - at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com


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Here are some resources I've found for Swingers Club and Parties and Hotels in Costa Rica:
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Note from U.S. Embassy Returning Voted Ballots

U.S. Embassy, San Jose, Costa Rica
Message for U.S. Citizens
Final Opportunities to Return Voted Ballots
25 October 2012

Embassies and consulates are not "polling" places
The majority of states require voted ballots to reach local election officials by the close of polls on Tuesday, November 6. U.S. citizens who want to participate in the 2012 U.S. elections should already have returned their absentee ballots to their local election officialsU.S. embassies and consulates are not polling places; same-day in-person voting is not available outside the United States.
 
Ballot not yet sent to local election officials?
All voters who wish to participate in this election who have not yet sent their ballots to their local election officials should consider returning their ballot to the United States via an express courier service such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Some states or counties may allow you to return your voted ballot electronically. Check your state’s voting procedures at FVAP.gov for guidance.
 
Returning your Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot by email or fax
The following states allow voters to use email or fax to send signed, voted Federal Write-in Absentee Ballots to local election officials:
Arizona
California (fax only)
Colorado
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Indiana
Kansas
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Montana
Nevada
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Utah
Washington
West Virginia
Check your state’s voting procedures at FVAP.gov for guidance.
 
Returning ballots via express courier service
Voters can hire express courier companies such as UPS, DHL, and FedEx to return voted ballots.  Through October 31, FedEx is offering discounted shipping for last-minute voters in 94 countries through the Express Your Vote program https://OverseasVoteFoundation.org/overseas/ExpressYourVote.htm.  Ballots sent to local election officials via express courier service do not receive standard postmarks, so voters using this method should confirm delivery on or before November 6 prior to payment and shipment.
 
Returning your ballot by mail
 Ballots sent via mail at this late date are unlikely to reach local election officials by state ballot receipt deadlines. If you still wish to send your voted ballot via mail, place your voted ballot in a U.S. postage-paid envelope addressed to your local election officials.  Drop it off at the Embassy, and we’ll send it back home for you without the need to pay international postage.  If you can’t visit the Embassy in person, ask a friend or colleague drop it off for you. If it’s easier for you to use Costa Rica's postal system, be sure to affix sufficient international postage, and allow sufficient time for international mail delivery. 
 
Need help?
You can get in-person assistance from our Embassy Voting Assistance Officers at the Embassy.
Have Questions? 
Please contact Embassy San Jose’s Voting Assistance Officer at ACSSanJose@state.gov or 2-519-2000.
Confirm your registration and ballot delivery online
 Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program's (FVAP) website at FVAP.gov.

WHERE ELSE CAN YOU SEND YOUR BALLOTS THROUGH?


NOTE:
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RIDE SHARE - San Jose - Jaco - San Jose - October 30

RIDE SHARE
(in a red taxi)

San Jose/Central Valley to Jaco
AND/or
Jaco to San Jose/Central Valley
Share a ride in a red taxi with a couple others going between the San Jose area and Jaco - traveling along the new/faster Pista del Sol highway
(so anywhere along the way would be ok also [same price]). 


Small PACKAGE DELIVERY?
Do you have something small (and LEGAL) that needs to be delivered? 
He can take that also!
(but they WILL want to see it to make sure it’s legit).


 
Alonso’s been one of my main taxi drivers for over 6 years and he is a VERY conscious driver and I'd trust him to make any deliveries!!!  He also speaks pretty good English!


WHEN:  Tuesday - October 30, 2012
7am  -  San Jose to Jaco
5pm  -  Jaco to San Jose

PICKUP:  He will pick you up anywhere within 20 minutes from Downtown Central San Jose or along the way

COST:  $20 per person/package.

CONTACT:  Alonso or Ashleigh at Info@CostaRicaPuraVidaTours.com  •  8-640-6656  •  8-591-1547
(make sure to tell them Vicki Connected you!!)


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PLEASE "SHARE" this with anyone you know that can use this!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/10/ride-share-san-jose-jaco-october-30.html
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3.65% Private Employee Salary Increase - 2013

The Consejo Nacional de Salaries has fixed the increase in the nation's minimum wages at 3.65% as of January 1, 2013. The decision closely parallels the proposal that was advanced Monday by employers and Tuesday by the central Government.
The Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social estimated that the decision affects 1.2 million workers, about 85% of the labor force.

Sandra Piszk, the minister, said on the agency's Web page that the Consejo uses a new methodology to arrive at the figure. A policy established in 1998 that recognized just the increase in the cost of living has been changed to a policy that seeks to redistribute the wealth of the country, she said.

The increase is more than the 2.47% estimated inflation for the last 6 months of 2012. Ms. Piszk said that the increase is the largest in the last 2 years when pay hikes ranged from 2.63 to 3.17%.

The minimum salaries are different for various occupations, and the ministry's Departimento de Salarios (2-256-2251) will post the new salaries on its website - www.mtss.go.cr/salarios-minimos.html (note you MUST add the www. first or it won't come up [I think many of the webmasters doing most of the governments websites were not taught properly in this instance of web design]) -  before the first pay period in January. The new wages go into effect January 1, 2013.

SOURCE:  AMCostaRica.com  October 24, 2012

Tamales Festival • Feria del Tamal - October 26-28 - Aserrí, Costa Rica

Tamales and Mascaradas are on the Weekend Menu

The tamal season is in the air, and Aserrí will start the holiday tradition this weekend with a fair devoted to the typical Central American dish.

Costa Rican households around the country annually decorate their Christmas table with the maize-based course.  It is presented wrapped in a plantain or banana leaf held together by a tied string.  Inside is a gift of meat, garbanzo beans and rice.

To eliminate the preliminaries, both the leaf and masa or dough can be bought pre-made in local markets.  For those who would rather buy them completely prepared, or who just want to get the treat early, this Feria del Tamal gives the opportunity to buy tamales in the country's tamal capital.

This is the eighth edition of the event which is formally called Expoferia Turística  del Tamal Aserrí 2012.  Activities will take place in the heart of Aserrí Centro around the community park. The canton is south of San José.

Keeping up with the recent festival spirit, patrons can enjoy concerts and buy handicrafts, tamales,  and other traditional foods.  At night, fireworks will design the sky.

Sunday the city will celebrate the 15th anniversary of Encuentro Nacional de Mascaradas.  Representatives from Heredia, Asserí, Desamparados, and Alajuelita will dress in masks and parade from the south side of Cementerio de Aserrí.  They will be accompanied by more than 20 cimarrona groups or small musical bands.

Organizers explained that the purpose of the event is to highlight the natural, touristic and cultural beauty of the community. 

tamal
A.M. Costa Rica file photo
 Tamal lovers generally eat them with chiles or a sauce.


"This allows us, the Asociación Cívico Cultural Aqueserri, to continue to promote Aserrí as a tourist destination and as tamales-producing area," said Carlos Solís, a member of Aqueserri.

To keep the event eco-friendly, the Comité Bandera Azul de Aserrí will collect recyclable waste such as plastic and tamal leaves. Later the organic trash will be composted and turned to fertilizer, Solís said.

The fair begins Friday and ends Sunday - October 26-28, 2012

There will be two Sunday masquerades, one of the traditional diana or reveille accompanied by cimarronas at 4 a.m and another at 11 a.m.

The Encuentro Nacional de Mascaradas is an effort to maintain the culture of the masks in the face of Halloween imports from the north. The mascaradas date to the Colonial era and probably before. The papier mâché giant heads are modeled after traditional characters and sometimes current politicians or public figures.

SOURCE:  Kayla Pearson  AMCostaRica.com


of the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

What is "PLAN SMS INTERNACIONAL" on the ICE bill??

Does anyone with an ICE cell phone bill know what this means:
PLAN SMS INTERNACIONAL  20   20     $2.80-U.S.•1,408.51-c
??? Does this mean I made 20 (or ANY) SMS/Text calls internationally?? 

Does it mean I have a plan that allows me to make international calls?  Because if it does,
I JUST tried calling a U.S. # and it said I didn't have permission to make the call and in OVER 8 years of having this cell, I don't recall ever making an international call - besides, why would I do that if I had Skype for MUCH cheaper???

Someone said perhaps I had used my cell after crossing the border into Nicaragua or Panama which I hadn't within the timeframe above - but that was good to know that MAYBE there was a separate fee if I cross over say 5 minutes into another country and still have a bit of a signal (I'll be looking into that also).


I can tell you that they're not showing up on my bills!!!



WOW - I JUST looked at a bunch of old bills and it's on ALL of them!!!

People -
CHECK YOUR ICE BILLS!!!


HMMMMM - looks like a visit to ICE is in order!!   Once I find out what to do I'll be sharing it here as well as 

Friday, October 19, 2012

Photo Exhibit & Lectures Costa Rica - October 26-28


WHEN:  Oct. 26 to Oct. 28

WHERE:  San Jose - Antigua Aduana in east San José

COSTO:  FREE


Free photo exhibit geared to promote the art here


By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Photography lovers can indulge next weekend in Expo Foto 2012, a FREE series of seminars geared toward the education of photographers.

The program appears for the second time in Costa Rica and includes photography exhibits and educational lectures and films from renowned national and international photographers.  It will last from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28.

"With Expo Foto we are looking to develop photography in our country and create the opportunity for all photographers to share with domestic and overseas professionals," said Expo Foto producer Paulina Segura. “Furthermore, we want the public to enjoy a photographic exhibition and the trends of the photography market.”

The photographic display will feature 103 pictures from 58 different artists of nine countries.  Judges chose the pictures based on the artists theme, technique and aesthetics. 

Cuban photographer Roberto Salas will also have an exhibition of his contemporary works since 2007 on display during the entire seminar.

Seven different lectures will take place over the three days and organizers will play three films that show the role of photographers in the world. 

Some notable photography presenters will be Guatemalan Iván Castro, Costa Rican and co-founder of Photo Media Express Jose Tenorio, Costa Rican and co-founder of Expo Foto Gustavo Valley and Costa Rican Mario Peraza.

Also, 20 companies will sell photographic equipment, printers, accessories and photographic services in commercial exhibits.

Everything will take place in Antigua Aduana in east San José and is FREE!