Vicki Skinner's latest INFORMATION, PHOTO & FACEBOOK SITES - September 2013

Below are links to my (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess")

various Costa Rica and Nicaragua Information Blog
and LOTS of other Costa Rica related Info and Photo Sites - places where I’m Gathering/Sharing Info and Photos and helping to Connect people!!!

My Costa Rica Information Blog
http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com

30,000+ Page Views a Month and OFTEN towards the top of MANY Google Searches! 
A VERY HELPFUL Information Site on where to find things (often with English-speaking contacts), what’s happening, SPECIALS, news, thoughts, experiences+++!!
The focus is on actual DETAILS and to bring more EASE into YOUR Life!!

Have anything to SUBMIT?  

Events, finds, YOUR experiences/stories, news, etc. to add?
Email me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

 Now accepting Information Ads

Has the site helped bring you ease or joy? 
Brought you business?
DONATIONS are Welcome!

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I tend to lean towards sharing LOTS of information and pictures on
ESCAZU 
http://CostaRicaEscazu.com 

where I’ve lived for 7 years and LOVE IT!!!
Trust me - Escazu is NOT NOT NOT just gringos!!  You CAN have a GREAT balance of gringo and Tico life with a huge variety of prices for accommodations and restaurants - IF you know where to look!!  There's something for EVERYONE in the various parts of Escazu!!

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PET • HOUSE SITTING Services

Also up now:
Please “LIKE” my NEW FACEBOOK PAGE

http://facebook.com/LovingYourPetHouseSitting
http://LovingYourPetHouseSitting.com

Helping your pet feel secure while you're away!
Sharing Magic Hands and giving LOTS of LOVE and attention to your pets! 

Loving Your Pet House Sitting is especially for owners that see their pet as family members and want them to receive a LOT of love and attention while they’re away!  I give everything from 2-10 Doggie/Kitty Massages a DAY, a warm Bath the day you arrive, Daily Skype calls (so you can see/talk to your baby), they even get to Sleep with me if they need to!
Do you have a pet that freaks out from thunder or fireworks??
I SPECIALIZE in helping them calm down!!

(Do you provide a pet related service?  I welcome you to share your information DETAILS on my new Facebook Page for
Loving Your Pet House Sitting


AVAILABILITY•OPEN:
October 9, 2013+
Christmas and New Years we prefer to help pets that freak out with fireworks – to give them the extra attention they need!


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THINGS FOR SALE
http://Things4SaleCostaRica.com

I and some friends have things for sale here.



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Tourism and FACEBOOK ASSISTANCE • MARKETING

and NEW BUSINESS SET UP
http://TourismFacebookMarketing.com

Tourism IS DOWN and Costa Rica IS seeing LOTS LESS tourists!  ‘Will that bring you to your knees or will you be in Denial or will you just “visualize” them coming to you? 

Or will you be PRO-Active?  Step-UP to the plate?!?!

Jump on board before it’s too late???

Facebook IS THE place for FREE Marketing and promotion and I’m quite the Facebook Networker and have a VERY UNIQUE – MUCH more Detailed way of looking at Facebook•Marketing - so let me assist you in getting your point across and helping people find out about you and your area!
I can also get you out there on the various Message Boards’

See some samples of sitespages I'm working on at:
facebook.com/CasaLaurinCostaRica
(a friend of this owner has been contributing some new things.  MY contribution is on the B&B, Escazu and nearby related things - to turn this B&B into a DESTINATION - where people use it as a base and do day trips from - NOT what it's been - a first night/last night property which is lots more work)
facebook.com/SanJuanDelSurNI
facebook.com/LovingYourPetHouseSitting
facebook.com/BigWaveDavesSJDS
facebook.com/NicaAdventuresTravel

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I WILL SET UP YOUR VACATION PROPERTY
http://IWillSetUpYourVacationProperty.com

Do you have a vacation rental Condo or Villa - or a Hotel?
Could you use some suggestions on how to stand out even more to the gringo clientele or help with marketing/promotions?
Are you new to this - or - could you use some help making sure it's up to the rental markets standards?  Are you sending good/clear responses?  Do you have a contract that protects you?  Are you listed in the key places and know other places to promote yourself?  How's your Facebook Page (CRUCIAL)?  
I can also assist with end or beginning of the season Inventory, help create a Guest Book that has menus, lists of restaurants, tours, info they should know before they go and as many English-speaking contacts as we can find and lots more information!
I've been in marketing/promotions/p.r. for over 30 years and tourism for over 20 years and I think outside the box!!!


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YOUR COSTA RICA CONNECTOR
I’m SLOWLY working on my new site
http://YourCostaRicaConnector.com

I've closed my guest house and am now focusing on doing what I've been doing for ages - gathering and sharing information and connecting people) - in a nutshell -
Consulting with and Connecting People to help fill their various needs around Costa Rica from Where to Find Things, How to Do Things, Relocation, Finding the Best Dentists, Travel Consulting, Shopping+++ and my LISTS!! and LOTS more information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can even Connect you with Eastern/Holistic and Medical doctors and dentists and ALL sorts of other resources!!!!
Pretty much – whatever you desire – I can at least try to Connect you!

Bookmark it and keep checking back as this is an UNLIMITED page and I’ll push it to it’s limits!!!!



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MESSAGE BOARDS • FORUMS

http://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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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CostaRicaPositives

Other boards – heck – the world these days – are FILLED with negative stories/experiences.  Why not help add to some different energy!  Post your POSITIVE stories, experiences, finds about life in Costa Rica!

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NICARAGUA INFORMATION

WOW!!  Nicaragua is SOOOO MUCH CHEAPER than Panama and Costa Rica!!!

I recently returned from what was SUPPOSED to be a 1-2 night Visa Run (you do NOT NOT NOT NEED to be OUT of Costa Rica for 72 hours – PERIOD!!!) that turned into 6 weeks in San Juan del Sur!!!
I am SERIOUSLY considering dividing my time living in SJDS (basically in Rainy Season) and PART TIME in Costa Rica Pet and House Sitting  - OR  -  POSSIBLY even getting a little 2-3 bedroom home in SJDS and hosting ExPats doing Visa Runs (and offering HOT  showers, WiFi and clean for a reasonable price) and I made LOTS of contacts and I’ve started creating a Facebook page

and I’ve created the following Facebook site (PLEASE “LIKE”)
http://facebook.com/SanJuanDelSurNI

Soon will be updating my SJDS Info Site
http://SanJuanDelSurNI.com

Plus have a HUGE Photo Site (getting organized soon)
http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSurNI

For information and photos on Isla Ometepe
http://IslaOmetepeNI.com

HOW TO DO THE
Costa Rica-Nicaragua Border Crossings
http://CRNIBorderCrossing.com

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Vicki Skinner

(aka THE Sarong Goddess)

CR #:    8-378-6679  •  U.S.#:  1-941-312-7569

LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

Feel free to join my personal
FACEBOOK:

VickiSkinner69@aol.com


For the MOST UPDATED version of this info, go to:

VickisSites.com

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/VickisInfoSitesSept.html

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PAUL KLOES Passed Away - April 24, 2012

Donald “PAUL” KLOES

Paul Kloes passed away in his easy chair on April 24, 2013 (he would have been 75 this birthday) - they say it was a heart failure in Pittsburgh, PA.

October 2, 1938 - April 24, 2013

SURVIVED BY:  his 2 daughters Kimberly and Rosemary, his Sister Lois Ann Allen (who is living in Illinois - (1312 W. Park Hill Dr., Bourbonnais, IL  60914 - South of Chicago) Dutch254@att.net who is taking care of his mother Mildred (who had lived with him in Costa Rica) and his wife Judy who is living with her granddaughter Natalie

KIDS:  3 - Michael (died), Kimberly Kloes (Florida) and Rosemary Kloes Mackey (South Carolina) and a bunch of grandchildren

PROFESSION:  Career Air Force - Interpreter (Paul knew 7 languages fluently + 5 additional).

HISTORY•LIVED:  Costa Rica, Germany, Japan, Turkey, Alaska (5 miles from Russia so he could TRULY “see Russia” from his front door), Florida, Virginia, New Mexico.


If anyone would like to reach any members of Paul Kloes' family, please contact Paul sister Lois Ann (email above) and she'll forward it.


Did you know Paul?  Do you have any stories to share?  More info on him to fill in more blanks?

Please add "Comments" below - or email them to me as well as any good photos of Paul to Vicki Skinner - LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

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Please share this with everyone you know that knew Paul!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/ObitPaulKloes.html
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Time Out Tavern former Owners opening new restaurant in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua & seeking help with Crowd Funding!!!

Were you a fan of, dined at, or ever celebrated a wonderful Americana holiday dinner at TIME OUT TAVERN Sports Bar and Restaurant in Escazu, Costa Rica? 

Steve & Glenn have closed TOT and left Costa Rica and are opening a new restaurant in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua  - 

CHA CHA CHA  facebook.com/ChaChaChaSJDS
and they can use some help getting it off the ground so they've launched a Crowd Funding campaign to help raise some $$$ & they even have someone to match some of the donations that come in between now and Saturday night!!! 

Please consider donating ANYTHING!!  Every $5+ helps AND adds up!!!

IndieGoGo.com/projects/cha-cha-cha-opening-soon-in-san-juan-del-sur

(tell them Vicki shared their info!!)


LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/NewSJDSRestaurantCrowdFunding.html
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For more info on SJDS (MY FAV place to go for my Visa Runs) check out

facebook.com/SanJuanDelSurNI • SanJuanDelSurNI.com
LOTS of PICTURES:  SarongGoddess.com/Travel/SanJuanDelSur-Nicaragua

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Know any U.S. Citizens that have RENOUNCED their U.S. CITIZENSHIP?? A Reporter wants to interview them!

Do you know any U.S. Citizens that have OFFICIALLY ALREADY
RENOUNCED their U.S. CITIZENSHIP??

A BBC News Magazine reporter in Washington DC
(bbc.co.uk/magazine  •  facebook.com/BBCMagazine
is looking to interview them.

CONTACT:
Tom Geoghegan
1-202-355-1772 • tom.geoghegan@bbc.co.uk
(tell Tom Vicki Connected you)


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Please "SHARE" this with anyone you feel might be able to help!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/SeekingUSCitizensRenouncedCitizenship.html
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WATER TURNED OFF - AUGUST 31 - ESCAZU • SANTA ANA • DESAMPARADOS • ALAJUELITA

Parts of ESCAZU • SANTA ANA  •  DESAMPARADOS  •  ALAJUELITAWILL HAVE THEIR WATER TURNED OFF
according to AYA and the EscazuNews.com/en/water-service-suspended-from-9am-to-11pm-in-escazu-and-santa-ana-august-31-2013

WHY:
Preventative Maintenance

WHEN:
THIS SATURDAY - AUGUST 31 

FROM 9am till POSSIBLY as late as 11pm (but estimate time is 6pm)

AREAS EFFECTED:

ALAJUELITA:
Centro, San Felipe, La Aurora, Tejarcillos, San Josecito, Calle El Alto, Concepción, El Tejar.

DESAMPARADOS:
Novedades, Alpino, Méndez, Los Ángeles, Tolima, Maiquetía.

ESCAZU:
Centro, San Rafael, Guachipelín, Loma Real , Vista Real, Real de Pereira, Pinar del Río, Multiplaza, Cima, Office Depot, Price Smart, Corazón de Jesús, Carrizal, Pájara Pinta, Rosalinda, Bello Horizonte, Anonos, Trejos Montealegre, Maynard, Los Elíseos, Altos de Bello Horizonte, Santa Teresa, Profesores, Santa Eduviges, Vista de Oro.

SANTA ANA:
Centro, Don Lalo, Gavilanes, Concepción, La Chispa, Pozos, Obando, Valle Soleado, Lajas, Casa Blanca, Calle Pilas.

Foster or FOREVER HOME NEEDED for Small Friendly Dog in Grecia - Foster Home or ULTIMATELY a Forever Home

Chance (his new name) was found outside the Moralva Veterinary Hospital this morning after having been hit by a car on Sunday. An xray confirmed his leg is not broken but he can not walk on it yet and needs to take medicine for a couple of days.

He has been treated with Frontline and has had vaccinations but needs a safe, caring home to recover for a short time until a forever home can be found for him.

Chance is friendly, about 2 years old and weighs maybe 25 pounds.

Can someone take him in for a bit? I will cover all food and any additional veterinary costs while in your care.

Please call Dawna as soon as possible at 8-508-0043 or email her at: dmwinegrad@gmail.com

Thanks, Dawna

AMERICANS RENOUNCING THEIR CITIZENSHIP - Up SIXFOLD!!!!

Bloomberg has a gloomy article about a sixfold increase in the number of AMERICANS GIVING UP THEIR PASSPORTS - Bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-09/americans-giving-up-passports-jump-sixfold-as-tougher-rules-loom.html. Unfortunately, it starts out with the following sentence:

Americans renouncing U.S. citizenship surged sixfold in the second quarter from a year earlier as the government prepares to introduce tougher asset-disclosure rules.

Expatriates giving up their nationality at U.S. embassies climbed to 1,131 in the three months through June from 189 in the year-earlier period . . .

SOURCE:  Nicaragua-Community.com/sixfold-increase-americans-giving-passports
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MEDICINAL PLANT WORKSHOP with Jill Ruttenberg - August 31, 2013

Medicinal Plant 1/2 Day Workshop
facebook.com/events/194557680722348

Hosted by AmaTierra Retreat Center


Learn how to use Medicinal and Culinary Herbs for your health with
Jill Ruttenberg
AHG Registered Herbalist, Nutritionist and owner of
AmaTierra Retreat and Wellness Center in Turrubares, Costa Rica.
facebook.com/AmaTierraRetreat

Have fun in this interactive workshop, designed for plant lovers, and people who want to learn about herbal medicine to enhance their health and the health of their loved ones.

Learn how adding simple herbs/spices to your food can reduce inflammation, strengthen immunity, ward off illness and aid digestion.

See samples of plants you can grow or that grow in Costa Rican forests

Learn to make simple teas, tinctures and syrups


WHEN:
Saturday, August 31 at 12:30pm


WHERE:
Aurora Yoga
Jaco Costa Rica
AuroraYogaJaco.com


PRICE•SUGGESTED DONATION:
$45
(but please do not let the price deter you from coming! All interested people are welcome!)


RESERVATIONS:
(506) 2-419-0110  •  info@AmaTierra.com 

 AmaTierra.com
(make sure to tell Jill that Vicki with the blog Connected you!)

Private consultations can also be scheduled.


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Please "SHARE" this link with anyone you feel would enjoy it!!!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/MedicinalPlantWorkshopAug.html
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FREE calls to Costa Rica Landlines & another promo - FREE calls to many countries including the U.S. on SKYPE!!

Want to stay in touch with your friends in Costa Rica and other Latin American countries??

Skype.com is also offering FREE CALLS for 1 month to 10 countries within Latin America (well - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia [excludes rural areas – LEX], Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela)!!!!

This is ONLY good on calls to LANDLINES - NOT cell phones!!!

 

Skype.com/en/offers/latinsubsoffer
 

I JUST signed up for this!!!  (DAMN - I JUST spent 1 hour on a call to Mexico!!  Wish I'd remembered this before!!)



Skype is also offering FREE CALLS to MANY countries (though NOT Costa Rica though) including the U.S. and Canada for a month:

Skype.com/en/offers/skype-with-love

AGAIN - ONLY good on calls to LANDLINES - NOT cell phones!!!

 

This promo is good for landlines in: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg only), Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Venezuela.

AND calls to landlines AND CELL PHONES in: Canada, Guam, Hong Kong S.A.R., Puerto Rico, Singapore, Thailand and United States.

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PLEASE "SHARE" this with all your friends that live in one of these countries or have friends in them!!!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/FREESkypeCalls.html

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Anyone Driving from Grecia to Escazu on Wed. (or Tues.) - Aug. 21/20 - I can catch a ride with?

Anyone DRIVING FROM
GRECIA TO ESCAZU
on Wednesday August 21
(or Tues. August 20 if need be)?

I've got some last minute errands to run in Escazu before my trip back to the States and I'm currently in Grecia & I was wondering if anyone is Driving FROM Grecia (or Santa Ana or even San Jose if I can't get to Escazu) - TO Escazu THIS Wednesday (August 21) (or Tues Aug. 20 if need be) that I could catch a ride with & of course contribute towards gas & tolls??

IF need be, if someone was doing a quick/turn-around trip I COULD go tomorrow August 19, 2013 with you as long as I'm at Banco Nacional in Centro before BNCR BY 2:30pm-ish.

I can't take the bus as I'll be shlepping a few bags of stuff with me.

THANX!!


Vicki Skinner
(aka THE Sarong Goddess)
Author of this blog - http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com
8-378-6679

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Please "Share" this with anyone you know that might be able to help!!!  THANX!!!

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/SeekingRideFromGreciaToEscazu.html

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I'm Seeking to Borrow a Rolling Wheeled DUFFEL BAG - FOUND (but this is a GREAT move to bring if you're moving to/from Costa Rica!!)

(like this)

FOUND

Does anyone have one (or more as we NEED a LOT) of those Large Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag's that unzips a few times to expand to BIG & squishes down to put inside another suitcase?

I'm looking to borrow it from this coming week till around mid-Sept. as I'm going back to Portland, Oregon to help a friend move to CR.

I can have a friend pick it up within the Central Valley though IDEALLY IDEALLY Grecia & Escazu - or between Atenas & San Jose & Ciudad Colon & San Jose.

THANX!!


Vicki Skinner (aka "THE Sarong Goddess")
http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com
8-378-6679

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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/BorrowRollingDuffelBag.html

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"Mule" Available - Do YOU need something taken BACK to the U.S.?

I'm heading back to the U.S. (Portland, Oregon) THIS WEEK so if you have anything that needs to get back to the U.S., I have some space in my luggage GOING to the U.S.
(I'm bringing my friend and all his life/possessions back to move to San Francisco - de San Isidro - de Grecia, so no room to bring anything back for anyone else).

TOTALLY LEGAL items ONLY and you MUST let me see what it is I'm taking back (DUHHH - that's a no-brainer!!)

I'm in San Isidro de GRECIA till Tues. or Wed. and ESCAZU on Wed. and withOUT a car so YOU'LL need to bring whatever to me.


Vicki Skinner
8-378-6679  •  LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

"NEW THOUGHT" - Vicki's Spiritual Beliefs•KNOWING & a link to an introduction to the new movie "NEW THOUGHT MOVIE"

AWESOME 15 minute teaser for what looks like a GREAT movie that's SOOOOO in alignment with MY Spiritual beliefs•KNOWINGS (though it's definitely nothing "new"!) -

Here's a clearer definition on
"A Look at What Is New Thought"
http://youtu.be/jO-gf4N2v9s


So here's a COOL NEW MOVIE on it!!


"NEW THOUGHT MOVIE"

NewThoughtMovie.com 



Here are other comments•sites on this:


OutTakes from "What Is New Thought?"

What is New Thought? - First Look

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Here's their Facebook Page
facebook.com/NewThoughtMovie
(it's a GREAT FB page with LOTS of other info on it!!


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IF I leaned more one way, I'd say I was more of a
Science of Mind•Religious Science - NOW known as
Centers for Spiritual Living

Dana Goudie - Unedited Interview from 'What is New Thought?'

Centers for Spiritual Living Integration
(Excerpt from the upcoming movie 'What is New Thought?')

What is New Thought? - Repentance

Do you have similar beliefs to SOM•Centers for Spiritual Living???
E- me your contact info and where you are at SarongGoddess@gmail.com so we can stay in contact if we start another Study Group!!!


If you share general feelings like on the movie, share below in the "Comments" and maybe you can find other like-minded people to CONNECT with!!


PLEASE "SHARE" this post with ALL your friends into SELF EMPOWERMENT:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/NewThoughtCR.html

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MISO - Where to find Miso Soup or Paste in Costa Rica

Where to find MISO in Costa Rica

Miso (paste, soup) is one of the many items that is not easy to find in Costa Rica.  Where I've found it is:

The SURE bet is MY FAVORITE store in Costa Rica

SUPER SONY Asian Market

in downtown San Jose ALWAYS has a bunch of varieties, flavors, spiciness!!

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/03/super-sony-costa-rica.html

Every time I've looked for it at Saretto's in Escazu, they had it. 

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2010/08/sarettos-market-escazu-costa-rica.html

Sometimes AutoMercado has it but - this IS Costa Rica so it's a hit or miss!!

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/AutoMercadoCR.html

Michael with 8ctavo Rooftop Restaurant shared:
Ancyfer sells Miso in San Jose. It's a great option for Asian products.

Ancyfer.com

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Where have YOU found Miso in Costa Rica?
PLEASE ADD COMMENTS below or email me at

 LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com



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Has this entry helped you in any way?

Please consider making a
DONATION
(top left corner) - to help keeping this DETAILED style information going!!
ANY size is GREATLY APPRECIATED since what we receive here is our only income these days!!  THANX!!


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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/MisoInCR.html

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Burning Spirit Festival - August 30-September 1, 2013 - Costa Rica

Burning Spirit Festival
facebook.com/events/426710024108442

Friday-Sunday - August 30-September 1, 2013

Laughing Gecko Campgrounds
10.5k east of Quepos just prior to Londres, Costa Rica at the

The 2nd annual Burning Man for Costa Rica.

Here will be a small 3,000 colone per day "membership fee" to cover the cost of the sound system and electric. If you have black plastic or tarps it would be a GREAT idea to bring some. We have LOTS of bamboo if any one wants to come early and build a Tepee village.


Nothing will be for sale. This is a decommodified event, meaning no commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising or any kind. Gifting is the way things will be done here.


Not sure what those 10 Principles of Burningman are?

http://BurningMan.com/whatisburningman/about_burningman/principles.html

Laughing Gecko is not charging for use of the venue for this festival, however to cover the costs of electric, equipment rentals, and site preparation and to keep the event a NON-commercial festival, and in keeping with the idea of a membership community, Finca Amanecer has DAILY MEMBERSHIPS available at $5 a day in advance and 3,000 colones at the door... yea, I know not free, but WAY cheaper than Burningman right!


Those who wish to really "create community" may arrive a week early and help build the "dance temple" or help with the Effigy, and there is lots of bamboo if you wish to create a tepee village. Come early and help create it.


This is YOUR festival. whom would YOU like to invite and what workshop would YOU like to lead?


There will be an open-mic signup, but yes, a line-up / schedule will be made available as it comes together.


Will there be art at Burning Spirit? Good question! Yes, when YOU bring your art, or your raw materials and tools and make the art there will be. Any type of art is exactly what you should bring, this is the venue for exposing people to the awesome things you do... whether it's a poetry reading, juggling act, martial art exhibit, exotic yoga flow, spoken word, painting, wood carving, comedy act, fruit carving, or anything else that shows your creative side.


ACCOMMODATIONS:  What? You don't have a tent but want to spend the night there? Okay, Finca Amanecer has a limited number 2,3, and 4 person rooms available at $15.00 per person. reservations must be prepaid contact: FincaAmanecer@gmail.com

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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/BurningSpiritFestivalCR_15.html

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Auto Mercado - Americana level Grocery Stores in Costa Rica

AUTOMERCADO  
facebook.com/AutoMercadoCostaRica  •  AutoMercado.co.cr  •  2-257-4242  •  cliente@AutoMercado.co.cr

PICTURES of a sampling of the gringo products you can often find in AutoMercado go to my Photo Site: SarongGoddess.com/Other/AutoMercadoCR

The largest selection of gringo products/things from the U.S. (hence higher prices of course).  NICE store with a GOOD butcher department for meat (packaged OR - ASK for the quantity YOU want!!) and seafood (the BIGGEST selection of seafoods!!)(I WOULD buy my meat here!!!!).  They also have frozen KOSHER MEATS.  GREAT for gringo HOLIDAY fixin's like Turkey, Stuffing, Pumpkin Pie Mix (year-round), cans of Cranberry (year-round). 

VICKI'S AUTO MERCADO FAVORITES  - Amaretto Liquer Cake (BEYOND Linguasmo!!  Also Jamaica Rum, Black Forest and Contreau), MALTED (for Malted Milk!!)!!!!!  Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream (though this varies from $7-$10 for a PINT!!!  But sometimes ya just GOTTA HAVE IT!!).

SOMETIMES you can find MISO at AutoMercado!  Jared Horseradish (at AM I find that in the refrigerated section - near the chilled bagels, cheeses (NOT the cheese stand alone gourmet section.  I find their Horseradish to be a bit stronger than the other stores though I still like it STRONGER!!  SunRa uses Wasabi instead to add to things as that is usually stronger and lots cheaper than horseradish!)

STORE CARD - Auto Frecuente Club gets you a small rebate after you've accumulated a certain amount (YOU have to ask for it) plus I hear they it’s also good for some other businesses.
DELIVERY/EXPRESS: AMIDomicilio.com  -  800-800-2886
SPECIALS:  Looks like they have special 25% discounts on Thursdays on some things.

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LOCATIONS
AutoMercado.co.cr/aam/showEmpresaLocalizaciones.do:

Alajuela  (2-431-2420)
HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. 7am-10pm. Sun. 8am-?pm
LOCATION:  de los Tribunales de Justicia 800 mts al Norte

Coco  (2-670-2232)
HOURS:  Sunday-Thursday - 7:30am-9pm.  Friday-Saturday - 8am-10pm
LOCATION:  Centro Comercial Pacífico, frente al Banco Nacional en Playas Del Coco - Sardinal de Carrillo

Curridabat  (2-253-5306)
HOURS:  Monday-Saturday•Lunes-Sabado - 8am-10pm.  Sunday-Domingo - 8am-8pm?
LOCATION:  Centro Comercial Plaza del Sol, carretera a Curridabat

Escazu-San Rafael (2-588-1742) 
HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. 7am-10pm. Sun. 8am-9pm
LOCATION:  200 meters Sur/up the hill from the Scotia Split in Plaza Atlantis

Escazu – MultiPlaza (2-201-6174)
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-9pm. Sun. 8am-8pm
LOCATION:  As you come in at the main entrance (off the Rotunda) - it's the entrance on the Right - by Scotia Bank
***Escazu – Guachipelin (2-228-0616)
This is the LARGEST Auto Mercado in Escazu
HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. 7am-10pm. Sun. 8am-9pmLOCATION:  Heredia  (2-262-2833)
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-9pm, Sun. 8am-?pm
LOCATION:   Carretera a Barva, 500 norte de la Comandancia de Heredia

Herradura  (2-637-8440)
HOURS:  Sunday-Thursday - 8am-9pm.  Friday-Saturday - 8am-?pm
LOCATION:  Centro Comercial Plaza Herradura, entrada a Playa Herradura

Los Yoses  (2-225-0361)
HOURS:  Monday-Saturday•Lunes-Sabado - 8am-10pm.  Sunday-Domingo - 8am-8pm
LOCATION:  Carretera a San Pedro, frente a Barrio Los Yoses

Moravia  (2-297-0635)
HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. 7am-10pm, Sun. 9am-?pm
LOCATION:  del antiguo Colegio Lincoln 800 m. oeste, cruce Moravia -Tibás

Pozos de Santa Ana•aka Lindora  (2-203-5335)
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 7am-10pm, Sun. 8am-??pm.
LOCATION:  on the road heading towards the Airport - Frente a Residencial Lindora, radial entre Santa Ana y San Antonio de Belén.

Rohrmoser – Plaza Mayor  (2-232-5555)
HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. 7am-10pm, Sun. 8am-8pm?
LOCATION:  Centro Comercial Plaza Mayor, Boulevar Rohrmoser

San Jose-Central  (2-233-5511)
HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. 7am-8pm, Sun. 8am-3pm
LOCATION:  Avenida 3 and Calle 3

Tamarindo  (2-653-2414)
HOURS:  Sunday-Thursday - 8am-9pm.  Friday-Saturday - 8am-10pmLOCATION:  Centro Comercial Garden Plaza, contiguo entrada a Tamarindo

Auto Mercado supermarket chain has announced the opening of 18 “Vindi” convenience stores before the end of 2013.

news.co.cr/auto-mercado-costa-rica-planning-to-open-18-vindi-convenience-stores/11339

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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/AutoMercadoCR.html
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Wireless Cellular Rates War in Costa Rica Is Just Getting Started

The Wireless Rates War in Costa Rica Is Just Getting Started

Posted: 14 Aug 2013 02:00 AM PDT

Wireless data and communications providers in Costa Rica spent almost two years in a relative state of post-monopoly peace. That changed a few days ago, however, with an announcement by former communications monopoly ICE with regard to its prepaid wireless rates. The cost of using ICE’s extremely popular Short Message Service (SMS) went up by almost 100 percent, which means it now costs three colones (not even a U.S. penny) to send a text message to another cell phone in Costa Rica.

Many smartphone users in Costa Rica initially shrugged off the rate increase; they thought they could always use mobile apps such as WhatsApp, Skype or online social networks to communicate via wireless broadband without having to send text messages or even use airtime minutes. Doing this, however, will probably consume their prepaid amounts even faster since they found out that, from now on, they will be charged for every kilobyte used.
Spanish mobile carrier Movistar was quick to follow in ICE’s footsteps insofar as text messaging, but it drew the line at raising its wireless Internet fees. Claro had already beat both ICE and Movistar in this regard, as it had tacitly raised its prepaid rates weeks before. As it stands, Movistar’s wireless Internet data rates for prepaid customers are looking better than ICE, and very similar to Claro. There is no doubt that the three major wireless players in Costa Rica are waiting on each other to make the next move.

A Confusing, Yet Regulated, War
There is a referee setting the rules of engagement for this mobile communications combat. The Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL in Spanish) is the government entity in charge of setting limits. For example, the three colones rate for each text message sent by wireless prepaid customer is the maximum allowed by SUTEL, and Claro was the first to take advantage of it. ICE eventually caved in with its big announcement, quickly followed by Movistar.

Although the SUTEL sets the pace for the combatants to engage in business battles, there is one more regulatory entity that can trump the wireless carriers and even the SUTEL: The Regulatory Authority of Public Services (ARESEP in Spanish). This agency is not in step with the SUTEL and has already warned ICE about raising its fees again. The ARESEP sees wireless services as either telecommunication or information services, and it vows to keep communication fees down while allowing mobile service providers to charge as they please with regard to information services. SUTEL, on the other hand, wants to make SMS a communications-only service, which will allow them to prevent further increases.
ICE has thus far shown greater interest in being aggressive with regard to pricing. Claro tends to test the waters and stay just under the limits promulgated by the SUTEL. Movistar follows ICE’s cue. The casualties of this war are the consumers since the wireless landscape is becoming confusing. ICE would like to convert many prepaid customers into monthly subscribers, and they are trying to do so by pressuring them with their prized wireless Internet service. Claro and Movistar are not quite ready to handle many subscribers, and for the time being they may realize greater profits with prepaid accounts.

The Wireless Internet Elephant in the Room
ARESEP has the power to undo rate increases and can even influence the market with certain measures. For the time being, however, regulators are waiting to see how the three wireless service providers handle upgrades such as mobile telephone number portability and 4G technology. The most significant aspect to watch will be how SUTEL and ARESEP react to the double-digit growth of mobile Internet use in Costa Rica. According to a July article in business weekly El Financiero, Movistar estimates that 83 percent of all its customers are Internet users, and 50 percent access online services via smartphones.
Many of these wireless Internet customers, however, use their mobile devices as modems. They take advantage of unlimited wireless data plans to download films, play video games, stream audio, and make video conferencing calls. For these users the status quo is ideal: They can take up as much bandwidth as they want for one low, prepaid rate.
The problem with this situation is that these data-hungry users are saturating the network and moving providers to raise their fees and meter their networks. Again, the wireless carriers would like to convert these prepaid Internet junkies to subscriber models where they will pay a little more to download all they want; but, the regulators are concerned that ICE, Claro and Movistar may just want to entice prepaid customers to subscribe now just so they can downgrade their services and increase their fees in the future.

SOURCE: El Financiero 
 http://news.co.cr/the-wireless-rates-war-in-costa-rica-is-just-getting-started/24606

ARTE VIVA FESTIVAL - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica - Septembre 27-29, 2013

ARTE VIVA FESTIVAL
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Septembre 27-29, 2013

DENGUE FEVER - U.S. EMBASSY Message for U.S. Citizens

Message for U.S. Citizens: Dengue Fever
August 13, 2013

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose informs U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Costa Rica that the Costa Rican Ministry of Health has declared a health alert due to an increase in dengue fever cases.  We recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Costa Rica monitor the Center for Disease Control website, the Costa Rican Ministry of Health website, and local Costa Rican news reports for the most current information.

WHAT IS DENGUE FEVER?
Dengue fever is a mosquito borne viral illness.  It is spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which can bite both during the day and at night.  This mosquito can bite a person more than once or bite more than one person before finishing its meal.  The symptoms of dengue fever usually appear about 5-7 days after the infecting mosquito bite.  There is a blood test to diagnose dengue but it is not accurate until almost a week after the symptoms appear.  Therefore, anytime you think you have symptoms that might be dengue fever, seek medical attention for an evaluation.  In rare cases, ordinary dengue fever can become severe dengue fever (or hemorrhagic dengue fever) which is a serious and potentially life threatening complication.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The symptoms for ADULTS are very obvious:
• High fever (104 Fahrenheit or above)
• Headache
• Muscle and bone pain
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• A pinpoint red rash may start on the trunk and spread outward
• Small purplish spots (petechiae) may occur on the extremities
• The illness lasts 7-10 days.  The fever is almost never more than 7 days in duration

The symptoms for CHILDREN may be more subtle:
• The temperature may not be as high
• They may be very cranky and irritable
• Vomiting can be more prevalent

If a child or an adult has the more severe form, dengue hemorrhagic fever, the symptoms include, for example; easy and continuous bruising and bleeding, displacement of fluid from the circulatory system to other spaces like the lungs and abdomen, and a subsequent drop in blood pressure and shock. In the severe form of dengue the illness is very obviously serious.

HOW DO YOU TREAT DENGUE FEVER?
Because it is caused by a virus, there is no antibiotic to cure dengue.  The treatment is symptomatic - FLUIDS, FLUIDS, FLUIDS rest and Tylenol (acetaminophen, panadol, parcetamol) according topackage instructions for fever and aches.  DO NOT use Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Aspirin, or other NSAIDS (naproxen, Aleve, ketoprofen) if you think you or your child may have dengue. If there is easy and continuous bruising and bleeding, swelling, severe weakness or other signs of severe (hemorrhagic) Dengue Fever, go to the emergency room at once.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT DENGUE?
There is no vaccine or preventative medication to decrease your chance of getting dengue fever.  The best way to avoid getting sick is to prevent or minimize your exposure to mosquito bites.

Everyone should take basic precautions, such as:                  
• Always close un-screened doors and windows tightly
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants
• Apply DEET containing mosquito repellent according to label instructions. Use DEET insect repellent liberally, both when indoors and outdoors.
• Ensure screen mesh is intact and small enough to prevent entry of mosquitoes
• Eliminate all breeding sites at residences: Remove all standing water from gardens, drains, gutters and any place in or around the house.
• Use larvacide in outdoor laundry areas, especially if your sink contains water open to the air.  A good larvacide is Abate.
• Weekly cleaning of the walls of the laundry area with a mixture of Clorox and detergent

For more information on the disease, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website at Center for Disease Control Website.  

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Costa Rica enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website at Department of State Website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for Costa Rica at Country Specific Information.  For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter at ACS Twitter and Facebook at ACS Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App at Smart Traveler iPhone to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose is located at Av. O Calle 120, Rohrmoser. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is 2519-2000.

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Please forward this to everyone you know living in or visiting Costa Rica!!
 LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/USEmbassyInCRDengueWarning.html
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AUGUST 15 - NO VEHICLE RESTRICTION in Downtown San Jose, Costa Rica because it's Dia de Madre•Mothers Day.

Thursday - AUGUST 15, 2013 - VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS in San Jose, Costa Rica are NOT active because it's Dia de Madre•Mothers Day. 

NOTE that the Government and banks will be closed, MANY businesses WILL be closed and if a restaurants is open, most likely it WILL be PACKED•BUSY!!! 

It's one of the many NATIONAL HOLIDAYS which means a mandatory day off for employees OR if they are working, you get to pay them DOUBLE PAY!!!!

People take this Mother's Day thing VERY SERIOUSLY in Latin countries and Costa Rica is no exception to that!!

Democrats Abroad Costa Rica - Monthly Meeting - August 2013

Democrats Abroad Costa Rica's 

Monthly Meeting

  

Dr. Silvia Castro 

will speak on 

"Educational Challenges in Costa Rica".

Saturday, August 31st - 9:30am to noon

Holiday Inn in downtown San José, 3rd floor.  

Contribution

5,000 colones for coffee break and meeting room

Reservations required 

Email - bruynn@yahoo.com 

OR

Nelleke at 2-279-3553

Facebook (set up by Larry Thwing)

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

Democrats Abroad's LinkedIn page:    

linkedin.com/groups/Democrats-Abroad-Costa-Rica-4294861?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

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From Dr. Silvia Castro: 

I will be talking about all levels of education, public and private. How about an introduction to the talk like this?  "100% of Costa Rican children attend primary school, but only 10% end up graduating from college.  Learn what happens to generations of children down the educational pipeline as a consequence of faulty public policies that perpetuate inequality and poverty."  

Silvia Castro is President and Provost of the Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT), a private university in San José, Costa Rica. She obtained her doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in Education from Harvard University.  She also graduated from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in the field of International Politics, Law, and Organization.  Ms. Castro is certified in Design of Interactive Multimedia for Instruction from Columbia University and in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University.  She is a columnist for Periódico La República.  She also chairs the International Education Task Force at AMCHAM and is an active member of the CPC (Consejo de Promoción de la Competividad) and the AED (Asociación Empresarial para el Desarrollo).  She has been teaching at the university level for over 18 years and has served as an international consultant for organizations such as the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and LASPAU-Harvard. Her interests include metalsmithing and photography.

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Please "Share" this with everyone you know that might enjoy it!!!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/08/DemocratsAbroadAugustMeeting.html

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AEROSMITH in concert in Costa Rica - Octubre 1, 2012

facebook.com/events/149417525243454

AEROSMITH
along with AKASHA 

in concert in
COSTA RICA!!!

CUANDO•WHEN:

Martes•Tuesday - Octubre•October 1, 2013  -  8-11pm

DONDE•WHERE:I've seen Estadio Saprissa • Saprissa Stadium
PLUS I've seen

Estadio Nacional•National Stadium - San José 

PRECIOS•PRICE:

Sol ¢ 25,500

West Grandstand ¢ 33,000

Shadow This ¢ 37,000

Platea ¢ 51,000

Standing VIP ¢ 60,000
(incluye impuestos de ley y cargo por servicio)

Tickets available at:

 PubliTickets.com 

OR call

2-582-2323 

OR at:

PLAY STORES 

Zapote - Rotonda Social Guarantees 

Escazú - Adjacent to EPA 

Heredia - Paseo de las Flores

Monge STORES 

Central Av - Universal Facing 

East MultiPlaza 

Alajuela - Municipal Market Side