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 And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise.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

Friday, February 28, 2014

MINI FLEA MARKET • GARAGE SALE at Cocina EclecTica (aka Joanna's Eatz) in Escazu (Trejos Montelegre), Costa Rica!!!

See info on these
ON-GOING MINI-FLEA MARKET

NEW DATES
Sunday -JULY 20 and AUGUST 17

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/06/MiniFleaMarketCocinaEclecticaEscazu.html



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See a list of other
GARAGE SALES•VENTA de GARAJE • FLEA MARKETS•MERCADO de las PULGAS • MOVING SALES•VENTA de TRASLADO • ESTATE SALES•VENTA de BIENES INMUEBLES • THINGS FOR SALE • VENTA de la CASA por la VENTA • REMATE • NOS VAMOS - APROVECHEN la OFERTA!  • GRAN VENTA de GARAJE por MOTIVO de VIAJE & Where to find USED THINGS in Costa Rica 
at

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HALF & HALF - Where to find HALF and HALF in Costa Rica


Over the nearly years I've been doing this blog, I've had MANY people ask me "Where can I find half and half in Costa Rica?"

I don't think Costa Rica has actual "Half and Half" (a FAV amongst many coffee drinkers) as North American are used to.

In Costa Rica, if you want to have any peace of mind - you NEED to learn how to work around things - or make due!!

A few people have said there was half and half at AutoMercado but I have not heard what it's called yet.  Looking into that.


Suggestions on how to work around the lack of Half and Half in Costa Rica and/or what we do have:

My friend Brenda just told me - if you want Half and Half - just take a 1/2 cup of milk and a 1/2 cup of Crema Dulce!!  (Brenda's lived in Costa Rica for 30 years and has learned how to master this technique of working with what you have)

What is CREMA DULCE?
This is what Costa Rica promotes more as "Whipping Cream" (well, that's what I'd think if looking at this box - strawberries and whipped cream [though maybe they are implying strawberries and creme??]).  It IS "cream" but it's not really HEAVY Whipping Creme as we know it (I once put Crema Dulce in my MagicBullet mini-blender and it turned into sweet butter in just like a minute or 2!).  It comes in the shelf boxed milk section in those Tetra Paks (that have a shelf life that is for YEARS often!!  New in town and don't know what a Tetra Pak is??  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetra_Pak )   BE CAREFUL!!  Recently I went to buy some milk and I went to the refrigerated section and got the cheapest one (it was to make that decadent instant chocolate pudding - yummm!!!) but got diverted from making it for 2 weeks (ahhh - my cravings come and go) and guess what - I didn't realize it was NOT in the tetra pak - so it went bad (which sure seemed awfully fast!!).

Sharon (a chef/baker who makes REALLY GOOD homemade Sausages and English Muffins) shared on one of the Facebook pages "The crema dulce from Dos Pinos in the plastic bag is 35% butterfat, and is pasteurized. It makes good whipped cream.
38% is better, but I'm not finding it.
The boxed stuff is ok for cooking/baking, but is iffy for whipping, and has a nasty evaporated milk taste.
Half and half is usually 10.5-12% butterfat, so you could figure the dilution with the local 2% Leche Semi-DesCremada.



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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/02/HalfAndHalfInCR.html

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Thursday, February 27, 2014

The VAGINA MONOLOGUES in Costa Rica - March 8, 2014

In honor of the
United Nations International Women’s Day
and V-Day
(a global movement to end violence against women and children worldwide)VDay.org/about#.UwZQZEJdXiM
the V-Team at the University for Peace
presents a special performance of

The VAGINA MONOLOGUES
14 monologues (12 in English and 2 in Español)


WHAT ARE THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES?
You've heard about it but haven't been yet?  The Vagina Monologues are not for everyone as it WILL make those uncomfortable with their body and the subject steer away from it - yet those are some of the perfect gals TO see it (note from Vicki!!) to help them come into their body/power!!!

For those unsure of what the Vagina Monologues are it's an AWESOME and HILARIOUS series of monologues read by women.  Each one deals with an aspect of the feminine experience, touching on matters such as sex, love, rape, menstruation, female genital mutilation, masturbation, birth, orgasm, the various common names for the vagina, or simply as a physical aspect of the body. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.
About how it got started
here are some excerpts from past shows:
"My Angry Vagina" - youtu.be/odv-Bnqfn98)


WHEN:
Saturday - March 8, 2014 - 6:30-8pm

ADMISSION:
$4 - pre-booked at 
OR
$6•3,000-c at the door

WHERE:
Ciudad Colon - Teatro de la Palestra
Central Avenue
Costa Rica
 

Please note the performance has sexual content and is 

NOT recommended for children under the age of 18



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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

AMERICAN CITIZENS LIVING IN COSTA RICA - U.S. EMBASSY SERVICES NEWSLETTER - WINTER 2014

dos_image.jpg
Embassy of the United States of America

AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES NEWSLETTER WINTER 2014

Election Meeting/Registering

The Embassy welcomed a colleague from the Department of Defense who trained local volunteers from the Republican and Democratic parties and other civic groups how to register American voters to participate in elections.  Americans can reach out to local parties to learn more or they can register to vote absentee on their own. 


How to Transmit U.S. Citizenship

Have you registered your child as an American citizen?  Although your child may not have been born in the United States, he or she still may have acquired U.S. citizenship by birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents.  American Citizen Services in San Jose has created a video to help explain the process to obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and a U.S. passport.  We recommend setting up an appointment to register your child as soon after birth as convenient. 

 

IRS Now Offers Download of Prior Year Tax Filing

The IRS now allows U.S. citizens to download their “tax transcripts,” which basically means all of their prior years’ tax filings. This could be useful for applicants for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad to assist them in proving physical presence in the United States and gleaning other information.  This might help speed things up a bit for applicants who may not be the best record keepers!

 

Travel.state.gov Relaunch

The State Department has relaunched its website, www.travel.state.gov, for Americans living and traveling abroad.  Interested travelers can learn about travel warnings, conditions in countries of destination, applying for or renewing passports, and other important information for potential travelers. 

 

ACS In The Field: Let us speak to your student groups

Consular Officers at the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica look forward to opportunities to speak to U.S. citizen students who are studying in Costa Rica.  Presenters provide tips to help students avoid becoming victims of crime, outline potential dangers, and provide information on services provided by the U.S. embassy.  If you are expecting a group of students and you would like them to receive a security briefing, please email ACSSanJose@state.gov.

 

It Is You, Our Citizens, Who Make the State of Our Union Strong

On January 28, President Barack Obama delivered the annual State of the Union address.  Many did not have the opportunity to watch the address, but interested Americans can read the full text online.  Costa Rican Carlos Arredondo was a personal guest of First Lady Michelle Obama for his role in helping victims of the Boston Bombings. 

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Please "Share" this with all U.S. Citizens living in Costa Rica

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/02/USCitizensInCREmbassyNewsletterWinter14.html
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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

POAS VOLCANO "PHREATIC Eruption" (NOT the dangerous kind of "eruption")



THE Tico Times reported
"BREAKING: Eruption at Poás Volcano captured on OVSICORI-UNA's camera on Tuesday at 12:03 p.m. More details coming."
WELL - those “details” they were finally given is that it was
NOT NOT NOT an “Eruption” as WE think of as an eruption but a
PHREATIC EXPLOSION
 a sudden release of steam, water, rock, and ash - so all is safe!




FROM THE BEST SITE FOR CURRENT INFO ON VOLCANOS AND EARTHQUAKES IN COSTA RICA

Today, February 25, 2014 at about noon, there was a significant phreatic eruption (water, hot gases and lake sediments) in Laguna Caliente Poas volcano. This possibly occurs in response to the temperature rise in the Dome and filament observed at night since December 2013. Tomorrow, volcanology staff of the National Seismological Network, go to Costa Rica volcano for more details of this event.

Hoy 25 de febrero a eso del medio día, ocurrió una importante erupción freática (agua, gases calientes y sedimentos del lago) en la Laguna Caliente del volcán Poás. Esto posiblemente se da por en respuesta al aumento de temperatura en el Domo e incandescencia que se observa en las noches desde diciembre del 2013. El día de mañana, personal de vulcanología de la Red Sismológica Nacional, Costa Rica irán al volcán para obtener mayor detalle de este evento. En la fotografía adjunta se muestra una erupción que ocurrió el 25 de diciembre del 2009, similar a la ocurrida el día de hoy.
This picture of a similar eruption was taken on December 25, 2009.


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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/02/PoasVolcanoPhreaticEruptionFeb2514.html
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Sunday, February 23, 2014

SAP Button - How to switch tv programs in English translated into Spanish &/or back into English using the SAP Button!!!

did a COOL YouTube video on
How to switch your tv programs that are originally in English and translated into Spanish and/or visa-versa - back into English using the
SAP BUTTON!!!

Friday, February 21, 2014

MONTHLY EXPENSES - A list of blogs showing you how some ExPats live in Costa Rica on a set budget

Sometimes I'm blown away at what some people consider "living on a budget" when they move to Costa Rica - but - whatever works for them - here's a list of some blogs•websites that show you examples!!  (I NEED to start keeping track of this as I SOOOO know how to live off MUCH LESS than this!!  Mind you - both of these sites are COUPLES).

This topic is especially helpful for ExPats thinking of Moving to Costa Rica:


Paul and Gloria sharing how to live on $2,000 a month
PaulAndMarilynRetire.blogspot.com
Showing how to live on $2,000 a month

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Do you know anyone else that shares their budget breakdown for living in Costa Rica?
Please add it under "Comments" or email me at





PRICE • SALARY•WAGE • TAX INCREASES & NEW LAW in Costa Rica - When do they go into effect

 "WOW - IT SEEMS LIKE PRICES HAVE GONE UP A LOT RECENTLY.  WHY?"

WARNING!!  If something is going up in price in Costa Rica (ESPECIALLY salaries•wages [and Costa Rica is VERY PRO employees], tolls and bus prices) - chances are REALLY GOOD it will go into effect on/around the first of January!!

Democrats Abroad Costa Rica•DACR - February 2014 Meeting - “The Costa Rican Political Scenario 2014 and the Perspective for Change”.

DEMOCRATS ABROAD Costa Rica
MONTHLY MEETING
Saturday - February 22, 2014
9:30am till noon-ish


As most of you know, on Sunday, February 2nd, elections were held in Costa Rica.  So that we may better understand what’s happening, they have invited
Professor José Luis Vega Carballo
who will speak on the topic 

“The Costa Rican Political Scenario 2014 and the Perspective for Change”

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Curso BARISMO • BARISTA Certificado - 05 de Marzo

Curso BARISMO•BARISTA Certificado


CUANDO:
 todos los Miércoles durante 3 meses de partida 05 de Marzo a las 6:30pm

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

GETTING AROUND COSTA RICA - DRIVING Yourself vs taking a BUS vs HIRING A DRIVER vs FLYING

Driving a vehicle in Costa Rica is NOT necessarily one of the most positive things you'll experience here whether you're a tourist or an ExPat living in Costa Rica for years as we don't have "addresses" - "signs" (especially off highways BEFORE the exit) are few and far between - to say nothing of potholes and the potential of big delays because of accidents.

I'm the type of person that likes to REALLY LOOK AT the BIG PICTURE of situations - so I can TRULY make a more "educated decision" for what works best for ME!!!  Only YOU know what works best for you (well - we THINK we do - yet how OFTEN were our friends "right"???)

To•FOR ME - I can go both ways on +s/-s (the pluses and minuses) on which is better to do - DRIVING YOURSELF - OR - TAKING A BUS - OR - HIRING A DRIVER - to show you around Costa Rica (this is geared towards longer trips).

Here are some of my thoughts on the various options:

TORNEO OFICIAL DE AGILIDAD CANINA • COSTA RICA DOG AGILITY TEAM TOURNAMENT - March 8-9, 2014 at Pets Paradise


XXXVII TORNEO OFICIAL DE AGILIDAD CANINA • COSTA RICA AGILITY TEAM-USDAA
XXXVII OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT DOG AGILITY • AGILITY TEAM COSTA RICA
facebook.com/events/400746900062260
CUANDO•WHEN
Sabado•Saturday - Marzo•March 8-9, 2014


DONDE•WHERE
La Guácima (Alajuela, Costa Rica)
Pets Paradise
facebook.com/PetsParadiseCR  •  PetsParadiseHotel.com


ENGLISH:
XXXVII OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT DOG AGILITY • AGILITY TEAM COSTA RICA

We will have the great honor of having the presence of the
JUDGE: MRS CAROL VOELKER U.S.
ORGANIZER:  PETS PARADISE COSTA RICA .
usdaa.com/events_detail.cfm?event_no=106124


REGISTRATION:
As this is an OFFICIAL EVENT USDAA shall be governed entirely by RULES AND REGULATIONS USDAA , which must be known to all participants. 
ALL participants officially dog MUST have been previously enrolled in the association (a one time $20 per dog).

Any handler that wishes to participate must complete the registration form with your details and the participant dog.

This form may be delivered to Pets' Paradise or sent by e- mail: PetsParadiseHotel@gmail.com 
before the date of closing of entries.

DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING AND CANCEL REGISTRATION:
SATURDAY MARCH 01

DEPOSIT PAYMENT:
Banco Nacional - Account No.200 -02-002-512181-9 on behalf of PETS PARADISE SA

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ESPANOL:
Todos los Agilitas del país reciban un caluroso saludo, al mismo tiempo queremos invitarlos a participar en el XXXVII TORNEO OFICIAL DE AGILIDAD CANINA, COSTA RICA AGILITY TEAM-USDAA a realizarse los días 8 Y 9 DE MARZO DEL 2014, en las Instalaciones de Pets Paradise, en la Guácima de Alajuela.
Tendremos el gran honor de contar la presencia del Juez SRA CAROL VOELKER de USA
Organiza, PETS PARADISE COSTA RICA.
usdaa.com/events_detail.cfm?event_no=106124

INSCRIPCIONES:
Por ser este un EVENTO OFICIAL DE USDAA, se regirá en su totalidad por LAS REGLAS Y REGULACIONES DE USDAA, las cuales han de ser del conocimiento de todo participante. https://www.usdaa.com/rulesReg.cfm

Por otro lado, todo perro participante oficialmente, debe haber sido previamente inscrito en dicha asociación. Esta inscripción se realiza una única vez, tiene un costo de $20 dólares americanos por perro y puede hacerse vía Internet en el sitio web de la USDAA. Para más información visite el sitio web www.usdaa.com

Todo manejador que desee participar deberá llenar el formulario de inscripción con sus datos y los del perro participante.

Este formulario podrá ser entregado en las instalaciones de Pets´ Paradise o enviado por e-mail a la dirección: petsparadisehotel@gmail.com Antes de la fecha de cierre de inscripciones.

FECHA LÍMITE PARA RECIBIR Y CANCELAR INSCRIPCIONES:
SABADO 01 DE MARZO


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CONTACTO:
8-381-8285  •  8-393-4904  •  PetsParadiseHotel@gmail.com
(tell them you found them through Vicki's Living Life in Costa Rica blog)


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Monday, February 17, 2014

ORQUEDEAS•ORCHIDS - Exposicion de Nacional ORQUEDEAS • Costa Rica ORCHID Exposition - 2013


43rd Annual Costa Rica
EXPOSICION de Nacional ORQUEDEAS
Orchid Exposition

WHEN•CUANDO:
Friday and Saturday  -  Febrero•February 28-March•Marzo 1, 2014  -  8am-7pm
Sunday • Domingo  -  Marzo•March 2  -  8am-6pm


ENTRANCE•VALOR DE LA ENTRADA:
2,500-c -general  •  1,500-c - Seniors•Adulto Mayor y nines 8-12 amos•years


LUGAR•LOCATION
San Jose - Barrio Escalante
Antigua Aduana (2-223-3699) • the old Customs building
 Calle 23 and Avenida 3 just north of the Estacion al Atlantico • the Atlantic Train Station.
(get directions by clicking onto:
Facebook.com/pages/Antigua-Aduana/215220061824160 and "Get Directions"

For more information on Antigua Aduana check out this site:
CostaRicaPages.com/blog/social/antigua-aduana/1058 )


HOSTS:
Asociacion Costarricense de Orquídeas - San Jose

Sunday, February 16, 2014

BANKING in Costa Rica - Pluses, Minuses & Challenges

NEGATIVES:

LINES:
The Costa Rica banks I've dealt with (mainly in Escazu, Santa Ana and San Jose) most had you standing in line to do banking things (I find that banking [heck - MOST] things take SOOO MUCH longer in Costa Rica.  We're talking on some key days (see "Horrible Days to do Banking" below) - or some areas with less banking options and lots of people - like at the beach in Peak Season - you might be in line for 30-60+ minutes - STANDING!!! 

SOMETIMES (in a more organized bank) you will take a number (which I LOVE as you can leave and come back later - but note that if you missed your number being called, you WILL HAVE to start over again!!!).

And I have never seen an "express" type line or heard them announce anything like "Deposits Only" or some fast thing - no matter how long the line is.

Business Lines  -  SOME banks do that - but OFTEN those people (sometimes they're a motorcyclist/transportation person) spill out onto the regular lines - holding them up!!



I've hardly ever seen more than 2 lines open at a time - even on busy days with long lines!!!


THINGS TEND TO TAKE LOTS LONGER AT BANKS IN COSTA RICA!!
I almost always find that what would take 3 minutes in the U.S. can take 10++ minutes in Costa Rica!!  We're talking simple things like just making a deposit!!!  And as mentioned above/below, lines can take AWHILE!!!!


PAYING BILLS:
You have 3 options:
TELLER  -  You CAN do this at the bank BUT - SOME banks are starting to charge you to do this (Banco Nacional specifically who's charging 350-c per bill).  I do NOT like doing this here as it holds everyone up. 

ATM MACHINE  -  You can also pay your bills at the ATM machine (no fee).

ONLINE  -  If you have Online Banking set up - this is one of the EASIEST ways & a COOL OPTION as this is one POSITIVE thing that Costa Rica has mastered that we don't have in the States - you can go online and give ANYONE's account/phone number and it gives you the amount due and ANYONE can pay it!!! 

SERVIMAS•PHARMACIES


INFORMATION PERSON:
This window is not just for questions, it's where you'd go to get a print out of your statements for up to 6 months, get a new card or pick it up, do anything having to do with a Safety Deposit Box (I pay $40/year for mine at Banco Nacional in Downtown Escazu where in Santa Ana it's just $30!).



WHAT'S MY BALANCE??:
Tellers can NOT give you your account balance!!!  The EASIEST way - just jump into the atm!!  Otherwise - get a number and wait for assistance in the area to the side of the Information window (usually NOT the number you'd take at the Information Window).




HORRIBLE DAYS TO DO BANKING:
The WORST DAYS to do banking
#1  -  Pay Day (which tend to mostly be the 30th or 1st and 15th-ish) and the day after.
#2  -  The day before a holiday (be prepared because unlike in the U.S. when banks are not allowed to be closed for more than 3 days in a row - in Costa Rica - if a major holiday falls on a Thursday - not only there's a good chance the bank will not only be closed on Thursday and Friday - but if it's Christmas or Samana Santa•Easter - they may close early on Wednesday!!!
#3  -  1-2 days before is more bosses/administration going to get the cash (since some people tend to get paid cash).
#4  -  The first business day after a holiday when there was a Payday.


BEST TIMES:
MY experience, plus what I've had some bank people share - late morning or mid-afternoon - before they close and a


RESULT:  You can literally be waiting in a LONG line for an hour+!!! 

I've done some of the banks where you take a number (Tamarindo) and I LIKE those because they were LONG waits - so you could go out and do other things and come back (and hopefully not miss your turn which has happened to me!).

Imagine how hard it is for Tico's to open a bank account in the U.S. without citizenship/residency.  I think a LOT of the things they're making harder for us here, are things that's been SOOOOO hard for them to do for awhile!!


SECURITY IN BANKS:
Most banks I've seen in Costa Rica, there was a Scanner with a guard checking your things.  Entering - they usually demand one person at a time.  Exiting - you can usually have 2-3 people in it. 

They also insist you remove your sunglasses and hats and absolutely NO CELL PHONES!!!

SECURITY
They were starting to get the security measures when I was in San Diego AWHILE ago and I remember even back in my San Francisco days (15+ years ago) we had to remove sunglasses and hats when we got up to the teller. 



SENIORS AND LINES:
One REALLY COOL thing in Costa Rica is the respect they give seniors (65+) so there's a special line for seniors, pregnant women (I'm not sure how many months constitutes it), women with babies/little kids (I'm not sure how many years old max on the kids yet - I'll check into it) and people with mobility issues.



SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES:
The price on these varies - I've found the more popular the destination, the more expensive.  I pay $40 for a box at the Escazu Centro Banco Nacional.  The Santa Ana BNCR was only $30.

This is due January 1 and I find they do NOT usually notify you it's due, and I've forgotten numerous times and didn't pay it till March and April with no problemo. 


PLUSES:
A BIG PLUS with banking in Costa Rica - it's FREE!!!!!!!!!!!  NO minimum balance!!!!!


Saturday, February 15, 2014

PC CLUB of Costa Rica - the Personal Computer Club of Costa Rica


PC Club of Costa Rica 
(Personal Computer Club of Costa Rica)


DESCRIPTION:
This is a GREAT GROUP!!!!!!!!!!! 
I'm more of an "Action"/do something kinda gal (vs just/mainly social) & this group is AWESOME for that!!!
It’s a place to learn about the latest technology, share info, get your problems solved, network and enjoy the fellowship!! 

MOST members are PC people - though there are quite a few Apple•Macintosh•Mac people - we're ALL welcome.

NOTE - it is NOT just for computer pros/geeks!!
It's a GREAT place for technophobes like myself as well!!!  I didn't feel anyone was looking down on me for not knowing much about computers or the right way to language something!!   There were MANY people that explained things in a GOOD EASY to understand way!!!

They have a new FORUM for their members to ask questions, sell stuff, share info.

The COOLEST part to me was they go around the room and people can ask ANY computer related question or share and members help answer it!
This alone makes it WELL worth the investment in the membership fee!!!

I went on February 15, 2014 and there were 35 attendees which many people said was a large turnout!

Are you a computer pro?  This might be a place to pick up some new clients?!!!

I hear their Christmas Party is GREAT!!!

MEETINGS:
3rd Saturday of month 
(NOT in December)
8:30am - People start gathering for donuts (yumm!), coffee and networking•connecting
9-11am-ish  -  Meeting with questions and 1-2 computer technology presentations!


MEMBERSHIP:
15,000/year   Calendar year - Pro-Rated
You can come the first 2 times for free and after that you are required to join.
Membership Contact - Ken Booth - Tucano340@gmail.com


LOCATION:
BELEN - Pan American School
The road going through Lindora
GREAT DIRECTIONS AT:


CONTACT:
President:  Chuck Jennings - CJ@PCClub.netawake897@gmail.com • 2-266-0123 



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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/02/PCClubOfCostaRica.html
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INDIAN FOOD RESTAURANTS - Where to find Indian Food in Costa Rica


NOTE that it is VERY CHALLENGING to find spices needed for most non-Tico - ETHNIC restaurants - hence why they tend to be more expensive & not as "authentic" as some of us are used to.

Also, I find in most of the Indian restaurants I've been to in Costa Rica, they tend to give you SMALL portions - like in the photo above & they're QUITE EXPENSIVE•$$$$!!!   I'm talking 4,000-9,000-colones•$8-$18 PER DISH EASILY!!!  It's not so bad if you have the $$$$ - OR - if you go with a few friends & dine "Chinese-style" where you all share each dish & get a little of this & a little of that!!  So bring LOTS of $$$$!!!

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The newest entry into the INDIAN FOOD scene in Costa Rica is
TASTE OF INDIA 506
Artisan Indian Cuisine

I'm hearing MANY POSITIVE things MANY dishes that are VEGETARIAN • VEGAN

Reviews:
QueRicoTodo.com/comemos-afuera-taste-of-india-506

DISCOUNTS
10% off always

EXPRESS•DELIVERY

LOCATION:
ESCAZU (San Rafael) - 1-1/2 blocks South of the Scotia Split

facebook.com/TasteOfIndia506  •  InHouseCR.com  •  2-289-9123  • 
TasteOfIndia506@gmail.com

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NAANS and CURRIES

Gourmet Tandoori Cuisine, Varieties of Naans & Curries, Authentic Indian Vegetarian Varieties, Kebabs & Tikkas, Dine-in, Express, Events & Catering. Description Savor the Best Indian Cuisine in Costa Rica, by 5-Star Native Chefs. Indian Clay oven cooked Naans, Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian.

SPECIALS
11am-3pm (not clear if it's just Monday-Friday or daily??)
Prices START at 3,450-c
A Lunch Meal•Almuerzo comes with a free Lassis (MY FAV is Mango Lassie)
Naans-Curries.com/lunch

EXPRESS•DELIVERY

Visa • American Express • Mastercard • Discover

HOURS:
Daily 11am-10pm

LOCATION:
Lindora•Pozos de Santa Ana
Centro Commercial Momentum

(tell them Vicki with the blog Connected you!!)
2-282-5470  •  2-282-0001  •  8-303-0123  •  reserve@naans-curries.com


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NAMASTE INDIAN•HINDU RESTAURANT
facebook.com/NamasteIndia.RestauranteHindu

El Sabor de India  •  Catering
Mukunda the cook is from Gujarat, but he learned from different states and friends in the past. But he has the taste of typical gujarati food mainly
They also sell MANY Indian spices & goodies!!!
See - LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/08/BuyIndianSpicesCR.html


SPECIAL:
EJECUTIVO ALMUERZO • EXECUTIVE LUNCH

HOURS:
Wednesday-Monday - (closed Tuesdays)
10am-9pm


LOCATION:
Sabana Sur - on the old road•Calle Vieja from Escazu - contiguo a edificio American Data, sobre carretera vieja a Escazu
,

8-380-2042  •  2-290 4543  •  NamasteIndia13@gmail.com
(tell them Vicki with the blog Connected you!!)


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GOKUL VEGETARIAN INDIAN RESTAURANT
facebook.com/pages/Gokul-Restaurant/146137772128843

El Sabor de India  •  Comida Vegetariana  •  Catering
They also sell MANY Indian spices & goodies!!!
See - LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/08/BuyIndianSpicesCR.html

HOURS:
Monday-Friday  -  11am-6pm (closed Saturday & Sunday)

LOCATION:
San Pedro?

CONTACT:
2-280-5649  •  8-380-2042  •  RestauranteGokul@gmail.com
(tell them Vicki with the blog Connected you!!)


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 MANTRAS VEGGIE CAFE and TEAHOUSE
facebook.com/MantrasVeggieCafe  •  MantrasVeggieCafe.com
VEGETARIAN  •  INDIAN

TEA HOUSE

EJECUTIVO ALMUERZO • EXECUTIVE LUNCH SPECIAL
(check their FB page)


HOURS:
Monday-Saturday - 8:30am-5pm

LOCATION:
San Jose - Barrio Escalante
200 metros Este de la rotonda farolito y 25 Sur. En barrio escalante. Diagonal a Whappin restaurant

2-253-6715  •  info@MantrasVeggieCafe.com


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TIN JO
Tin Jo in San Jose has a HUGE menu with all sorts of ethnic foods on it including a few Indian dishes.
 A popular ASIAN food in Costa Rica with some selections from everything from Thai • Japanese • Indian • Vietnamese • Filipina • Indonesian • Chinese • Stir-Fry's • Noodles • Fried Rice.  LOTS of Vegetarian dishes and MORE!!!

KIDS MENU.

Their prices seem to be at the higher end but they INCLUDE the 13% tax and 10% service up front (no surprises).|

Tin Jo is home to THE HOTTEST CHINESE NEW YEARS PARTY!!!

CONSCIOUS BUSINESS PRACTICES:
Tin Jo is ACTIVELY seeking new ways to be more and more Environmentally Conscious!!  They do not use straws, they use re-usable containers for take-out, 10% discount off if you bring your own reusable containers and bags for take-out - even 10% off if you arrive by bike!!  They collect rainwater in tanks for their plants and to flush the toilets in the new Bamboo Room. And excess oil from the kitchen is used as fuel after purification.

HOURS:
Daily 11:30am-3pm and 5:30-10pm.

OWNERS: 
Maria Hon and Robert (give Maria a HUG from Vicki).  Maria is such an AWESOME breath of fresh air type of energy!!!!  ALWAYS SOOOO POSITIVE!!!
There’s a WONDERFUL article on her at:
 TicoTimes.net/Weekend/Restaurateur-s-culinary-journey-continues_Friday-May-06-2011

LOCATION: 
San Jose - ON Calle 11 between Avenida 6 and 8 (de la Casa del Tornillo, 100 Este/East, 25 Norte/North)
GPS Coordinates:  9.930481,-84.074056 (9º55’49.73”N,84º04’26.60”W)

PARKING:
Street parking is not permitted during the day during the week/business hours, but there are several parking lots nearby. 
FREE PARKING (partial)
Tin Jo will validate•give you a certain amount of time or FREE PARKING.  Ask the Hostess at the entrance for a Stamp as you're leaving.  The ONLY Parking Lot this is valid in is Parqueo Musical on Avenida 6.  To get to it coming from Avenida 10 - go up to Calle 13 & turn LEFT.  Go down 2 blocks to Avenida 6 & turn LEFT & it's about 1/2 way down the street on your LEFT.  Park your car & make sure to note the Space number to give the person in the booth.
There is also a parking lot (NOT FREE) on Calle 11, 50 meters past the restaurant.

(Facebook.com/TinJoRestaurant  •  TinJo.com 
 2-221-7605  •  2-257-3622 (if you get lost)  •   hola@TinJo.com)




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Taj Mahal
GREAT ambiance though most dishes are mini-small portion sizes and expensive.
WiFi

EJECUTIVO LUNCH: 
Tuesday-Friday - 12pm/noon-3pm
Choose from 12 options - Full Meals include drink, soup, main course, roti, rice, and dessert.
12 delicioso opciones para escoger incluye bebida, sopa, plato fuerte, roti, arroz, y postre
 Prices range from 5,250-6,000-c - PLUS Impuestos y Servicio

EXPRESS•DELIVERY
PLUS - they will pick you up if you're in the area

HOURS:
Tuesday to Saturday 12pm/mid-day to 3pm, 6-11pm, Sundays 1-9pm (Closed Mondays)

LOCATION: 
ESCAZU (San Rafael)
On Calle Vieja - on the right side on the old road heading West towards Santa Ana (across the street is Out of Bounds Boutique Hotel)

2-228-0980  •  2-228-3012

(tell them Vicki with the blog Connected you!!)



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WHEN:
THURSDAYS - 6-9:30pm

WHERE:
SANTA TERESA
NAUTILUS HOTEL - OLAM RESTAURANT
facebook.com/pages/Olam-Pure-Food/156029987813111
ORGANIC INDIAN FOOD!!


RESERVATIONS:
2-640-0991



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WHERE TO BUY INDIAN SPICES in Costa Rica

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


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 Do you know of any Indian restaurants, restaurants that have some Indian food selection &/or theme nights &/or where to find Indian Spices
ANYWHERE around Costa Rica?

Please email me answers to the following so I can share them here:


NAME OF RESTAURANT:
CITY (along with barrio or neighborhood): 
DETAILED DIRECTIONS (as if the reader is fresh off the airplane & does not know you're area): 
TYPE OF RESTAURANT•FOOD (is it an Indian restaurant?  If so, from what region?  Do they have a few Indian dishes?): 
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY ITEMS•FOOD, AMBIANCE:  
SPECIALS:  
BUFFET??:  
WEBSITE:  
FACEBOOK PAGE:  
TWITTER:  
EMAIL:  
NAME OF ENGLISH SPEAKING PERSON:  
HOURS:  
DAYS OF WEEK:  
PRICES:  
Please send it along with a JPG image/photo that has the name of the business & info on it.

email them to:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com


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