Tourism FINALLY admitting it's DOWN!

I can tell you one thing, I've talked to MANY hotel owners in Costa Rica and those that are being honest are admitting it's down. 

Also, I've been in San Juan del Sol, Nicaragua for 3 weeks and I have only seen less than a dozen American's traveling (I believe I've seen things that have said that in the past, Americans made up about 80% of the Costa Rican tourists) here and 98% of the tourists are saying they are NOT going to Costa Rica - #1 - because they hear how EXPENSIVE $$$$$ Costa Rica has gotten as well as MANY are saying they have actually KNOWN someone that has had a safety problem in Costa Rica (most just petty theft crimes).

High season occupancy reported to be worse than expected

SOURCE:  AMCostaRica.com  2/29/13 A new survey report by the national tourism chamber showed that even in the most popular areas hotel occupancy was below 50 percent during December and January. Those months are considered the peak of the high season and this also is the time youngsters are out of school and Costa Rican families are likely to go on vacation. The survey results showed that the situation was even more grim on the Caribbean coast, the northern zone and the central Valley where occupancy was under 30 percent. The Cámera Nacional de Turismo surveyed 152 hospitality firms all over the country during February. The firms represent 5,600 hotel rooms, the chamber said. Despite the results, the chamber said that 40.6 percent of the respondents characterized tourism as normal and that only 6.6 percent said it was very bad. As is typical, less expensive hotels and other hospitality operations attracted the highest number of customers. One-star hotels reported 56.2 percent occupancy, and two-star operations reported 44.1 percent. Smaller operations also seemed to be preferred with those with 50 to 100 rooms reporting a 62.8 percent occupancy. Hotels with 200 or more rooms said the occupancy rate was just 15.6 percent. The larger and more expensive operations are those that cater to foreign tourists, who appear to be in short supply this year. The survey shows that hospitality operators perhaps were over optimistic last December when they estimated their occupancy for the Christmas season. At the time a survey of 142 operations showed the company officials anticipated 76 percent occupancy. A chamber survey of occupancy from December 2011 to last March showed a rate of 70.5 percent. The tourism industry has been hard hit by world economic conditions. But the central government also sees tourists as a

Reported Occupancy December to January 2013* Region Occupancy Guanacaste 45.3% Central Pacific 43.2% Puntarenas 35.2% South Pacific 30.8% Caribbean 29.5% Central Valley 26.2% Northern plains 22.1% *Cámera Nacional de Turismo data source of income and has increased various taxes. For example, the tax to leave the country now is $29, which means a family of five would have to pay $145 just to pass through a national airport. In addition, the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo has been paying for the Policía de Turismo under an agreement with the security ministry. Arecent study by the INCAE Business School said that the industry had a weak strategy. The tourism institute came in for criticism online in the Web site of the new Asociacion Para La Proteccion Del Turismo en Costa Rica for plastering the subways in Madrid, Spain, with photos of a tropical bird that does not even live in Costa Rica. The campaign cost $300,000. An earlier campaign featuring a talking sloth and trip giveaways did not seem to have much impact in tourism numbers. Tourism operators themselves also seem to be challenged in promotion and seem to rely on cheaper, less effective marketing techinques.

CHEAP PHARMACEUTICAL MEDICATION in Costa Rica - Nicaragua - Where to find Cheap Medication

It's true that Pharmaceutical Medications are cheaper in Costa Rica than in the U.S. - BUT this is ANOTHER area where Costa Rica prices are RISING BIG TIME!!!

After YEARS of research, I think I've found one of THE CHEAPEST pharmacies • farmacia around to buy Pharmaceutical Medications - BUT - it's NOT in Costa Rica - it's just north of us in Nicaragua.  If you're on multiple (and expensive) medications, it may just be WELL worth it for you to make a trip there yourself!!

EXAMPLE:

I went around to a few pharmacies to check the price on my blood pressure medication - Atenolol - 100 mg.  In Costa Rica they ranged from 220-250-colones per PILL.  I went to this place in Nicaragua and said "Here is $20 U.S.$s and $10 U.S. in Cordobas (the currency they use in Nicaragua) and they gave me OVER 3 YEARS worth of pills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I THINK I got 8 or so boxes - 10 pills on a strip and 10 strips to a box - that's UNDER 4¢ a pill!!!

DO YOU WANT THE DIRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THIS PHARMACY•FARMCIA?

I am ONLY sharing this DIRECT CONTACT INFORMATION with people that make a SEPARATE $25 donation specifically for this information!

(If you want me to check prices and availability on what drugs you're seeking there will be an additional donation.  

If you want me to bring something BACK for you [ONLY legal things].  That will also be an additional donation).

I MAY BE going to Nicaragua as soon as October 20, 2013 for a few weeks to a town about 1 hour away (by bus) from where I've found has the WAYYY CHEAPEST prices on pharmaceutical medication and between now and a few days before I go back to Costa Rica I will make a trip there to get prices for people interested - IF you make a DONATION for my time (a donation of what you feel this information is worth to you and to respect my time/efforts.  
NOTE I'm NOT going for myself or ANY other reason other than to check on this for you). 

I CAN CHECK PRICES AT THIS INCREDIBLE PHARMACY • FARMACIA FOR YOU!!!

If you'd like me to inquire on some prices for you - see the top LEFT corner of my blog on how to make a donation and send me the EXACT DETAILS on what you're seeking (the brand, strength and what it is for.  Also note if you want me to inquire about the Generic version or a cheaper brand.

Please be ESPECIALLY generous if you're seeking information on more than 2 drugs as remember - this is taking MY time both to get there and back, talk to the pharmacist, find out if they have a generic version and return back to the village where I'm staying.

When I go next, I'm going to try to find a doctor that speaks English that can write you a local script/prescription if you need one so you have a local contact if you decide to go one day.

For my FULL write-up on Farmacias • Pharmacies around Costa Rica check out:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/03/pharmacies-farmacias-in-costa-rica.html

CONTACT:

Vicki (aka THE Sarong Goddess)
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/02/cheap-pharmaceutical-medication.html

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Smell Gas in your house? Here is a List of HINTS to help you avoid Explosions of Gas Tanks in your home

Explosion of gas tank prompts 

Recommendations for Safety

SOURCE:  AMCostaRica.com  Jan. 30, 2013

A fire and explosion at a small restaurant in Barrio el Carmen in Alajuela that resulted in the death of three persons has left many wondering what can be done to prevent it from happening to them.

The Bomberos de Costa Rica have issued a series of precautions to save persons from disastrous fires:

• According to the fire department, persons should not buy cylinders that are visibly corroded or beaten.  They should also check that the cylinder has a plastic seal in the valve, buy from an authorized dealer and check that cylinder brand is visible and also readable.

• When transporting the cylinder, it should be kept in an upright position.

• When installing gas tanks at home, the owner should check that the taps in the kitchen are closed, make sure the stopcock of the regulator is closed and remove any close device that has an open flame.

• In regards to the location of the tank, persons should try to place the cylinder in an open, well-ventilated area, make sure it is upright, avoid locating it close to the sun.

• Avoid that tanks are within the reach of children.

• Be careful that it is anchored to a fixed point.

• It is recommended to install a quick shutoff valve, located between the kitchen and the cylinder, in an accessible location.

Some other emergency advice:
    Before an escape or leak:
1. Alert other occupants.
2. Do not attempt to control the leak.
3. Do not operate light switches.
4. Do not connect or disconnect electrical items.
5. EVACUATE and call the 9-1-1 telephone number.

If you smell gas (similar to rotten eggs):
1. Alert other occupants.
2. Close the regulator or emergency wrench.
3. Open doors and windows.
4. Do not handle switches or electrical items.
5. EVACUATE and call the 9-1-1 telephone number.

Note: avoid making the phone call from inside the house


Behavior of the LP GAS:
1. LP GAS has no color.
2. If it escapes the cylinder gas is heavier than air and it seeks
     ground level.
3. It has an odor similar to rotten eggs or a dead rat.
4. It is highly flammable.


General recommendations:
1. The system of coupling by means of thread is the safest. However,  if  the system is a quick coupling the user should make sure it engages properly.
2. Use approved for GAS hoses or copper tubing.
3. The person who installs, repairs or is recommended must be certified.
4. Never repair a cylinder.
5. If in doubt, seek the advice of a professional or go to the nearest fire station.
6 Landlines, mobile phones, lighting fixtures and electrical appliances have the ability to generate a spark and ignite the gas.

Sugar Cane Burning in Costa Rica

Long-time sugar cane Burning practice DEFIES carbon neutrality

SOURCE:  AMCostaRica.com  2/27/13 Neighbors of sugar cane fields in central Costa Rica are unhappy again this year with the annual ritual of burning the fields before harvest. Burning is an age-old procedure meant to reduce the need for labor, but this year, perhaps because tourism is fragile, some residents are angry. So are snowbird tourists. Said one tourist couple: "We are enjoying Costa Rica and its people but are concerned about the pollution and damage done by the fires that we see almost daily.  An environmental awareness and concern were priorities to us in choosing this country as our destination and we hope that something will be done in this regard very soon." Said a tourism operator: "Our guests were appalled and they said it is even worse in Guanacaste where they have seen fires every night during the month they have been here. She has had a persistent cough the whole time. Is this carbon neutral environmentally friendly Costa Rica? If it is, it's a joke." The complaints are probably not going to go anywhere or will a petition that some residents of Atenas are circulating. The issue already has gone to the Sala IV constitutional court which merely instructed the health ministry to keep an eye on the burning. Cane burning is a universal problem. There are consequences in Brazil's Amazon, Australia, the southern United States and just about anywhere cane is grown. The fires are set by growers to destroy the underbrush and the leaves of the cane so that harvesting is made easier. The blaze also kills or chases away dangerous bugs or snakes. The Atenas and Grecia areas are covered in smoke many times from December to April while the harvest is taking place.

A.M. Costa Rica/April ONeill This was the scene near Grecia a few nights ago as a cane field was burned off. In addition to smoke there are the charred bits of plant matter that take to the air and rain like black snow kilometers away. Fire fighters at the Cuerpo de Bomberos told reporters that cane burning is controlled by permits issued by the Ministerio de Agricultura y Gandería. The only time fire fighters are involved is when the fires get out of control, which is possible in this windy season. There are a number of academic articles available that address the dangers of the pollution products created by the burning. The fires also can cause changes in the weather, particularly when vast stretches of Amazon cane land are ignited, one report said. One report from University of Florida research said that about 80 percent of the trash and leaves in a cane fields are consumed by the fires. The practice produces about a tenth of the carbon emissions of a forest fire, the report said. One suggestion in Florida has been to collect the debris and burn it to produce steam for electrical generation. In the meantime, the high season in some parts of the country will continue to be known as the eyes watering, choking season.

ORGAN DONATION • TRANSPLANTS in Costa Rica

Foreigners swell ranks of those who would be transplant donors

Expats who agreed to donate organs when they obtained residency might have a long wait.

The immigration department said that some 77,000 persons, all foreigners, have agreed to organ donation when they received their cédulas of residency. But the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social said that there were only 454 transplants in public hospitals in 2012.

More than half were cornea transplants. But there also were 115 kidney transplants, five liver transplants and 18 bone and 55 bone marrow transplants.

Some 60 percent of the transplants are done at Hospital México in La Uruca. The Caja said that such an operation is a major undertaking with as many as 6 surgeons and sometimes 2 operating rooms if the donor is a living person. The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería said that it maintains a data base of possible donors. The data base is shared with the Caja.

SOURCE:  AMCostaRica.com  -  February 27, 2013


WOW - Looks like Costa Rica sure could use some more education on the IMPORTANCE of ORGAN DONATION so their own people will do this and help save more LIVES and give more of their OWN people QUALITY OF LIFE!!

ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP ESCAZU!

NEW ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP 

FORMING IN ESCAZU!

Yolanda is starting a group for people wanting to ENHANCE•IMPROVE their ENGLISH skills by joining an ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP!!!  You will improve through songs, games, conversations, support and having a good time for 3 hours! 
(NOTE that this is NOT a learn English or grammar class.  Some level of English is a must so you can have conversations)


NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS NEEDED:
To spice up the group - Yolanda invites other Native English speaking people to join in that would like to meet & help some locals! (eventually - as the group grows, her intention is to evolve it into a group that perhaps every 30 minutes changes between the 2 languages so everyone can grow!!).

WHEN: 
Wednesdays - 6-9pm

(first group starts February 27, 2013)

LOCATION: 
Escazu - Alto de las Palomas 

(off Calle Vieja•the old road between Santa Ana and Escazu - just East of Taj Mahal restaurant.  Complete address given upon reservations)

PRICE:
*5,000 colones (includes soup and iced tea)

RESERVATIONS: 
Yolanda Almaraz - 8-393-1655 • yolanda.a.g@hotmail.com

TODAYS NEED:
Yolanda needs someone that can do 2-3 songs with the group (you pick the songs and Yolanda will print the words up so everyone can read them and clear up doubts of meanings of words and sing!!!!!!)

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PLEASE "SHARE" this with EVERYONE you know that might enjoy it
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/02/english-conversation-group-escazu.html
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NICARAGUA Links - Vicki's Various INFORMATION & PHOTO SITES for San Juan del Sur, Isla Ometepe, Granada, Rivas & San Jorge

Below are links to various PHOTO and INFORMATION SITES I've (Vicki - "THE Sarong Goddess") on locations around NICARAGUA:

CROSSING THE BORDER
Between

Costa Rica and Nicaragua

MANY people living in Costa Rica need to do a Visa Run every 90 days.  Nicaragua is now MY FAVORITE place to do it - in part because for me living in the Central Valley (mainly Escazu [but I travel around doing Pet and House Sitting - LovingYourPetHouseSitting.com) - it's MUCH EASIER to get to (just 1 bus from San Jose)

I've started a "Step-By-Step Guide to the Costa Rica and Nicaragua Border Crossing" to help make your life Easier (this site is totally in transition right now - merging LOTS of new pictures/information/details.  If you've found this helpful - PLEASE consider making a DONATION of ANY size since this blog is my only form of income right now.  See the TOP RIGHT CORNER of this blog for how you can do that)

CURRENTLY - the BEST place to go is:
SanJuanDelSurNI.com/GETTING_THERE.html

With some more DETAILS and PICTURES at:

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/CR-NI-BorderCrossing

ULTIMATELY it will ALL be merged at:

CRNIBorderCrossing.com

GRANADA

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/GRANADA-Nicaragua

ISLA OMETEPE

IslaOmetepeNI.info

RIVAS

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/RIVAS-Nicaragua

SAN JORGE

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SAN-JORGE-Nicaragua

SAN JUAN DEL SUR

INFO:

SanJuanDelSurNI.com

facebook.com/SanJuanDelSurNI

facebook.com/pages/SanJuanDelSur-SellRentServicesSeeking

PICTURES•PHOTOS:

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSur-Nicaragua

Vicki's CURRENT TRIP (there NOW!!)
SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNI-Feb13

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSur-Nicaragua-Feb-23

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNI-ACCOMMODATIONS

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNI-RESTAURANTS

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNI-ACTIVITIES

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNI-SCENIC

SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNI-MISC

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Vicki Skinner
(aka - "THE Sarong Goddess")

SarongGoddessTourismMarketing.com

CONTACTS:

Nicaragua (till at least March 13, 2013):  
8-753-3355-MovieStar  •  8-449-2340-Claro

Costa Rica:
8-378-6679

U.S. #:
1-941-312-7569 (BEST!!)

Skype:
VallartaVicki

SarongGoddess@gmail.com

.
.

PLEASE GIVE BACK to the People of Costa Rica (geared towards tourists coming & non-Nationals that are blessed to get to live here!!)

 PLEASE GIVE BACK TO THE PEOPLE OF COSTA RICA!!!

We are SOOOO BLESSED to get to live in or even Visit as a Tourist to Costa Rica and I feel we ALL have an OBLIGATION to GIVE BACK in whatEVER way we can - via our time, donations (things or cash), service - whatEVER!! 

EXPATS LIVING IN COSTA RICA:
There are SOOO MANY Expats with too much time on their hands - make yourself useful and SHOW your appreciation!!!  EVERYONE has SOMETHING they can share - be it a hobby, a skill - heck - even just a hug!!!  Are you all anal-retentive about the English language??  Use that uptightness in a PRODUCTIVE way by helping kids or adults - or your neighbors learn English and do it for FREE!!!!

TOURISTS:
You know you have PLENTY of EVERYTHING!!  How about cleaning out your closets and cupboards and bring things down that you're no longer needing/using!!  For a list on suggestions go to http://GraciasCostaRica.com



VICKI'S RANT:
I just can NOT get certain message boards/forums or associations geared towards the Expat community that do not allow posts/make announcements to ENCOURAGE the expats to help the people of this country who have allowed them to live here.

Vicki's Costa Rica Information & Photo Sites • PET & HOUSE SITTING Services • Tourism & FACEBOOK MARKETING • SAN JUAN DEL SUR, Nicaragua Information & Assistance+++ - February 2013

Below is what I'm (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess") up to with ALL my Gathering/Sharing Info and helping to Connect people!!!

Here are links to my/this Costa Rica Information Blog
LOTS of other Costa Rica related Info and Photo Sites

my PET and HOUSE SITTING Services

TOURISM and FACEBOOK MARKETING

PLUS some EXCITING NEW THINGS HAPPENING!!
(specifically around Visa Run Assistance and Information on
SAN JUAN DEL SUR, NICARAGUA
and LOTS more!!!


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COMING SOON!!!!!

VISA RUN ASSISTANCE, Information+ to

SAN JUAN DEL SUR, NICARAGUA!!!

I’ve been doing Visa Runs to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua (the first seaside village just over the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border - and Isla Ometepe) for over 4 years now -
and I JUST returned from spending 6 weeks checking out the potential of living in San Juan del Sur part-time (spending part time in Costa Rica and part time in Nicaragua!! - hey - por que no - I CAN!!  I went just on a 1-2 day Visa Run and figured I had a break in between House/Pet Sitting gigs and I REALLY NEEDED a water fix [as of now I have NO plans to move from Costa Rica full time before the gossip wires start buzzing!!])

and I’m gathering LOTS of information to update my San Juan del Sur Information/Photo Sites

facebook.com/SanJuanDelSurNI
SanJuanDelSurNI.com
 plus to check it out as a potential place for OTHERS to move to since I’m hearing MANY people leaving Costa Rica and seeking new places and some have asked me to learn more for them since Nicaragua is SOOOOO MUCH CHEAPER than Costa Rica
(#1 reason I’m hearing for people leaving Costa Rica [as well as literally 98% of why MOST travelers I’m meeting on this trip are NOT choosing to come to Costa Rica or reporting on their pass through Costa Rica - BY FAR is how EXPENSIVE Costa Rica has gotten in the past couple years - and #2 Safety [safety is an issue everywhere – the difference with Costa Rica is most are reporting that RARELY are the people being caught] and some have asked me to check out what the Nicaragua scene is about]).

I’ve developed some contacts for people that will start leading
Visa Run Tours to San Juan del Sur – Isla Ometepe and Granada,
plus someone considering starting
Exploratory Tours for Moving to Nicaragua
Transportation and Assistance at the Border 

and others that are offering other services.

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THE BLOG

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com

gets OVER 30,000+ Page Views a Month and is OFTEN at the top of MANY Google Searches!  MANY posts I put up even come up on the first 1-2 pages within immediately or up to 15 minutes after posting!!!! 

I'm now
accepting 

Information Ads
(DETAILED descriptions [up to 250 words + 1 picture or logo])

for JUST a
DONATION 

+ 10% on any business it generates!!

Some of my more popular specialized blurbs:

-  DISCOUNTS, OFERTAS, DESCUENTO – including an AMAZING TOURIST DISCOUNT CARD you can purchase that gives you 20% off Car Rentals and 15% off some of Costa Rica's MOST Popular Tours!!

-  MEAL SPECIALS - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner SPECIALS (separate posts)

-  MATTRESSES and BEDDING in Costa Rica – 100% Cotton Mattresses and other Natural Bedding Supplies, Memory Foam Mattresses, High Quality Linens++

-  Semi-Permanent Eyeliner MicroPigmentation•“tattoos” for JUST $100!!  Eyelash Extensions, Semi-Permanent “Makeup” – Eyebrows and Lips!

-  DENTIST in Costa Rica (ESPECIALLY for Dental Implants, Crowns and Root Canals and HOLISTIC dentistry), MEDICAL and HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS.  I’ve researched Medical Tourism for OVER 5 years

-  EVENT Announcements (heavy on ExPat groups and Self Empowerment, Holistic, Spiritual, Woo-Woo Communities and in English and some in Espanol)

-  GREAT English-speaking HAIR STYLIST
-  Things and FOR SALE and Rent
-  A WONDERFUL Service-oriented Bed and Breakfast in Escazu (that even speaks French)

-  HEALTHY, Organic, Natural PRODUCTS http://NaturalProductsCostaRica.com

-  Find CHEAP AIRLINE TICKETS

-  TELL ME WHY??  What keeps you in Costa Rica?  Why’d you leave/are you thinking of leaving?  Why you want to move here?  What you/don’t you like about life in Costa Rica?  Why WERE you thinking of moving to Costa Rica and changed your mind?

-  MASSAGE THERAPISTS in Costa Rica

-  ENGLISH-Speaking Taxi Drivers

-  AA and Recovery Options in Costa Rica

-  List of various Costa Rica MESSAGE BOARDS

-  EARTHQUAKE Site for Costa Rica, Hints, Tips on how to Be Prepared+

-  Airport Parking, Getting to the Airport, Airline Phone #s++ (including how to get a 4 FREE rides to the airport!)

-  Owning/Driving a CAR vs taking TAXIS•BUSES

-  Bio-Identicals and Hormone Replacement Therapy

-  Where to Watch U.S. TV Stations in Costa Rica and Costa Rica Radio Stations

-  Service Workers like for Appliance Repair, Electrical Repair++

-  Why I LOVE Living in Escazu, LOTS of pictures and other resources on Escazu++

-  The VIP and iMax Movie Theatre

-  Where to get a TOTALLY FREE/NO credit cards CREDIT REPORT

and LOTS MORE!!

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TOURISM and
FACEBOOK MARKETING

One thing I'm GREAT at is Marketing•Promotions•Getting the word out having been doing it for OVER 20 years (I have even won awards for it!!)!!! 
And now I'm also doing my FAV - Facebook Marketing!! 
I create a VERY UNIQUE and MUCH more DETAILED approach to it than I've EVER seen!! 

I'm also available to assist you in starting or updating your Vacation Rental Property or Hotel
(I did that with a Puerto Vallarta related business for over 12 years!  Helped over 100 properties get up and running and with promotions!!)
What's going to make YOU stand out amongst the THOUSANDS of Costa Rica Hotels, Villa and Condo choices people have?  Especially since tourism is slowing down!!!
(note, I do NOT help people with rentals/finding clients specifically!  I get you set up with MANY different options to promote your property and it's up to you to work it!!)

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LOVING YOUR PET and HOUSE SITTING SERVICES

LovingYourPetHouseSitting.com

For those that feel their pet is part of their family and want them to receive LOTS of love and attention, 2-10 massages daily, even let them sleep in her bed and have them all bathed and pretty the day of your return!   Have someone stay in your home that you can TRUST!!   If you want someone’s who’s almost always there, won’t destroy your place or steal things or snoop, is not a druggie/smoker or drinker and who will watch your home that’s not just looking for a landing/base place for their travels around Costa Rica – and ESPECIALLY – take LOVING CARE of your pets - you’ll call me!

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YOUR COSTA RICA CONNECTOR

YourCostaRicaConnector.com

I can Connect you with ALL SORTS of people to assist you – ESPECIALLY in Escazu, people considering moving to Costa Rica, Newbies, Custom Travel Planning, Shopping+++

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ESCAZU
CostaRicaEscazu.com

LOTS of links to pictures and other info on ESCAZU

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MESSAGE BOARDS • FORUMS
groups.yahoo.com/group/Costa_Rica_Conscious_Community

For people in Costa Rica into more Self Empowerment/Sustainable Living, Spiritual (NON-religious) - Consciousness


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groups.yahoo.com/group/CostaRicaPositives

Post your POSITIVE stories, experiences, finds about life in Costa Rica!

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DESTINATION INFO:

CRNIBorderCrossing.com

Hints on how to do the Costa Rica – Nicaragua Border Crossing

SanJuanDelSurNI.com

 (where I'm currently spending 5 weeks gathering and updating my information)

IslaOmetepeNI.com

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NOT COSTA RICA RELATED
 

SarasotaToVeniceFL.com

Ready to leave Costa Rica but not sure where to next??  Consider THIS SPECIAL area!

ComfortingWordsForTransition.com  

Had someone pass away?  Songs, quotes, poems that might help.

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Vicki Skinner
(aka “THE Sarong Goddess”)

LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
1-941-312-7569-US#  •  Skype – VallartaVicki

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 PLEASE "SHARE" this link with EVERYONE you know seeking information on Costa Rica!

http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/02/vickis-info-sites-february-13.html

Power Through Solar

If ANY country REALLY CARED about it's land • Environment and it's people they would do what this German SOLAR PLANT did!!!!

Wouldn't it be GREAT if Costa Rica did this??????

Curso de Parrillada - Febrero 23

 CURSO GRATIS


El Curso de ParrilladaSabado - 23 de Febrero  - 12/noon-2pm

Mas x Menos
Guachipelin - Costa Rica

Inscripciones 

2-543-2149  •  2-543-2100

 facebook.com/TipsCostaRica
.

CURSO GRATIS - La Pocina Moderna de Semana Santa

 CURSO GRATIS

La Pocina Moderna de Semana Santa

con la 

Chef Doris Goldgewicht
Jueves - 7 de Marzo  -  6pm

 Sabado - 9 de Marzo  -  10am

Miercoles - 13 de Marzo  -  6pm

Entrada
1 empaque vacio de cualquier producto Roland o Cirio.

Distribuidora isleña cuantifcara lo recaudado y el monto que representa lo donara en jugos Petit a las Obras del Espiritu Santo.

"este curso les va a enseñar una cocina DELICIOSA y DIFERENTE! Se los prometo...La entrada de un empaque vacío ROLAND es COLABORAR con los necesitados. Les aseguro que vas a aprender la NUEVA Y DELICIOSA cocina...NO FALTES!!" Chef Goldgewicht

TIPS

Pavas - Costa Rica


Inscripciones 

2-543-2149  •  2-543-2100

 facebook.com/TipsCostaRica
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WARNING!!! VISA RUN due mid/late March???? READ THIS!!!

Are you due for a Visa Run around the middle/end of March??

Would you like to be standing in the BLAZING HEAT for 3-5+ hours at the border crossing?
I didn't think so!!

WARNING!! 

The 2 WORSE•LONGEST times for HORRIFIC (NOT an exaggerated word in this case!) lines at the Costa Rica - Nicaragua border crossing are:
Christmas • New Years

and

Easter • Samana Santa
as MUCH of Latin America shuts down for those periods and MANY MANY MANY Nicaraguans take that opportunity to return home to their Mother Land/family!

Samana Santa is early this year (Easter DAY is March 31 [though I don't find many Latin's celebrating that like they do with Maundy/Holy Thursday and Good Friday] - and the crowd masses should start crossing AROUND March 22 and they will be returning March 30 and 31 - so best to COMPLETE ALL border crossings BY then to be safe and avoid waiting 3-5+ hour waits at the border!!

UPDATE:
For the first time ever, the borders into Nicaragua will be open 24 HOURS A DAY on
Saturday and Sunday - March 23 and 24
Wednesday March 27 THROUGHOUT the night till Thursday March 28 at 6pm

They have not announced yet but I'll bet they'll also do it Saturday and Sunday March 30 and 31 (since those 2 days will be the WORST/HIGHEST TRAFFIC days!!)


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For step-by-step details on what to do for the Costa Rica-Nicaragua Border Crossing - go to:
CRNIBorderCrossing.com



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PLEASE "Share" this with anyone you know needing a Visa Run or planning on going to Nicaragua during/around Samana Santa/Easter!!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/02/visa-run-march.html
.

Democrats Abroad Costa Rica•DACR - February 2013 Meeting

DEMOCRATS ABROAD Costa Rica


MONTHLY MEETING
Saturday - February 23, 2013
9:30am till noon-ish

SPEAKER:
Francisco Cordero Gené
Director of the Centro de Amigos Para la Paz (Friends Peace Center)
  AmigosParaLaPaz.org

 “Historical Highlights of Political Costa Rica, and How They Tie in with the Founding of Patria Nueva, and the Next CR Presidential Campaign”    

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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?

Post your request on
facebook.com/pages/Democrats-Abroad-Costa-Rica/173779922776859

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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:

DemocratsAbroad.org/user/register

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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.

More information at:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/06/AmericansLivingAbroadReregisterToVote.html

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Costa Rica Democrats Abroad - Costa Rica

facebook.com/pages/Democrats-Abroad-Costa-Rica/173779922776859

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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!!):

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/02/dacr-february-13-meeting.html