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 And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise.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.
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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:
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I welcome you to show YOUR appreciation for my efforts!
ANY size DONATION is APPRECIATED!
(see below other ways to show your appreciation)
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Thursday, July 2, 2015

4th of July 2015 - Where to Celebrate U.S. Independence Day in Costa Rica!


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My blog seems to have become THE MAIN places to find DETAILS on various events • places • restaurants • fireworks • bars celebrating
4th of July U.S. Independence Day - 2015
I'll be enhancing•updating this list up to the last minute so keep checking back for LOTS of old fashioned Americana 4th of July FUNNNN!!!! 

 (like usual in Costa Rica - details tend to come out more late minute!!).
(WOW!!  This page got OVER 700 Page Views in just 2 days!)
NOTE:
I am adding things that actually have a 4th of July theme - not just a bar/business with live music or an non-American related food special that happens to fall on the 4th of July.


PLEASE email me DETAILS if you see something to add here!


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4th of July EVENTS LISTED HERE SO FAR:

American Colony of Costa Rica THE MAIN U.S. ExPat 

4th of July Celebration
Alajuela

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SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS SHOW
Avenida Escazu

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SAN RAMON
OPEN PARTY
at 
Steve and Dianne Fischer 


ARENAL•FORTUNA

GUANACASTE
Santa Cruz


SOUTHERN ZONE
UVITA

Live Stream from the
GRATEFUL DEAD Farewell Tour


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(See the bottom of the page on how to add other events!!)



This folks is - THE BIG ONE!!!
U.S. July 4th Independence Day Celebration - 
hosted by the American Colony of Costa Rica
celebrating their 54th year!

WHEN:
Saturday - July 4, 2015  -  9am to 1pm


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WHERE: 
ALAJUELA

Cerveceria Picnic Grounds 
(directions further down)

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ADMISSION:
$10/5,000-c
Children 5 and under FREE
(NOTE there is NO additional charge for any of the food, drinks, games*!!!)
NO credit cards  •  NO $50 or $100 or 20,000-c bills.

WANT TO GET IN FASTER?!?!?!
Bring EXACT CHANGE and get in the EXPRESS LANE!

PRICE INCLUDES:  
Admission, ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT food and drinks (including beer [note I was REALLY concerned with this as a non-drinker and knowing how most festivals I've observed/heard about in Costa Rica seem to be drinking fests - but I was pleasantly shocked to see hardly anyone drunk!!!), games and LOTS of
old fashioned Americana 4th of July family FUNNNN!!!!




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WHO CAN ATTEND
?
It's open to all United States citizens and their IMMEDIATE families -
PLUS
Each U.S. citizen can bring 
ONE Tico/Costa Rican Friend 
 (ALL NON-Americans MUST be accompanied by a person with a U.S. Passport).
(NOTE from Vicki - after attending the 2012 event: 
Quite a few people I know brought more than one Tico friend per one American and they were ALL welcome!  I think this is a WONDERFUL thing to do to bring both cultures together and expose the Tico's to a bit of traditional American way of celebrating.  I hope they keep this policy!!)


ALL people MUST bring their ORIGINAL PROOF of their citizenship (U.S. Passport)
or other official identification for immediate family members who are not US citizens. 
Cedulas for Ticos [but you MUST enter WITH an American]) 


Help the line flow faster by having this and your Admission Fee ready when you get to the front of the line!!)



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FOOD:
(remember - it's ALL FREE [though note it's 1-2 items per person each time in line - so EACH of you need to get in line])

Hot Dogs (NATHAN's FAMOUS!!!! - 100% beef [sorry - NO vegetarian yet but I've made that suggestion again!!]) - facebook.com/NathansCR
Coleslaw
 TCBY Frozen Yogurt - TCBYCR.com
Boston Bagels - Facebook.com/BostonBagelsCostaRica
Cotton Candy!!!!
Popcorn

WATER - Cristal
DRINKS:  Pepsi
BEERCerveza:  Imperial and Pilsen
facebook.com/CervezaImperialflorida.co.cr/fifco/florida_bebidas.php)
COFFEE:  Cafe Britt

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ACTIVITIES

LOTS of music!!!
LOTS FOR THE KIDS!!
face painting, clowns, magicians, carousel, rides
Tio Beto's Petting Zoo 
facebook.com/LaGranjaDeTioBetoCR  •  GranjaTioBeto.com
Rides on a small tractor!

Climbing Wall - kids 10+.

Nathan's Hot Dog Etiquette Eating Contest - kids 5-12
(hot dog "eating contest" that's not who can eat the most - this one the hot dogs are filled with ketchup and mustard - BUT - the one that's the NEATEST wins!!)

For "Kids" of ALL ages:Included traditional games, 

Sack Races
fish pond for prizes
Water Balloon Toss
Volleyball
Mechanical Bull

LOTS of LIVE MUSIC and Dancing by

(exact entertainment for 2015 coming.  This is from 2014)
Mustang65 [rock]
facebook.com/Mustang65CRyoutu.be/S0AVoXl6OSI

and 
JR Blues Band [rock and blues])
the House Rockets Cheerleaders - Costa Rica's national champions
Coffee Pickin' Square Dancers (and they'll call you up to join in), at least 6 Mustangs•Antique American cars and MORE!!



PROGRAM:
11am  -  Flag Raising by the U.S. Marine Corps
(HINT:  At that time ALL booths close down from 11-11:30am [some people strategically placed themselves at the longer food and drink lines during this time so they were closer to the front of the line since after the program many lines can get mega long!!)


NON-PROFITS•SERVICE TENTS WITH BOOTHS
past years list.  Will have current one closer to the date)
AmCham (the Costa Rican – American Chamber of Commerce)


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PICTURES FROM WHEN I WENT IN 2012
SarongGoddess.com/Holidays/4thOfJulyCostaRica2012



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Most of the picnic site is HANDICAP•WHEELCHAIR•STROLLER ACCESSIBLE
Unfortunately their special parking in front is not available so you'll have to Drive up, drop off the person with limitations and then go park in the regular parking lot.



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COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRTS
(this is the ONLY thing you'll need $$ for - other than to sign up for various clubs or if they have something for sale.  5,000-c•$10).




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PATRONS • Sponsors (people or corporations)
Red White and Blue Walkway = $1,000 = gives you a booth on the RWB Walkway
Denny's • Clinica Biblica • Converges
$300-$700 -  Stars and Strips Group - gives you presence and recognition in advance and during event.



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HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL ATTEND?!!!!
They're expecting 3,000-3,800
(but this venue can handle up to 5,000 attendees!!)


 
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GETTING THERE and PARKING

DRIVING

Get the latest updates at
 Transito.go.cr/estadorutas/index.html
IQRadio - 93.9fm - http://IQRadio.fm  •  http://Facebook.com/GenteIQ
Rocio told me about this AWESOME IQRadio!!  Drivers around CR Text (SMS) notices about their drive - where there are accidents, blocks, fast ways, etc.
TEXT•SMS: 9390 (costs 100 colones each text)

WHERE IS THE PARKING?:


FREE SHUTTLE BUS!

at the Antiqua ExpoMovile next to AVIS car rentals main office in San Antonio de Belen

Because parking on the roads near the Cervecería is now prohibited (and  
VIOLATORS WILL BE TOWED),
they have arranged a NEW FREE PARKING location which is secure and only minutes from the picnic site. 

Follow the map above, and watch for the signs on the freeway, beginning at both the airport and the Cervecería.

HOURS FOR PARKING and SHUTTLE:
8am-2pm

JUST DROPPING SOMEONE OFF - OR
Have Someone with MOBILITY ISSUES?
They "SAY" you can not drive up but that was not our experience so drive on up to drop them off!!!
 

NO PARKING ANYWHERE ELSE!!!

For security and safety issues (because it's an industrial area - if you don't want getting your vehicle towed, smashed, stolen or broken into)- do NOT park your vehicle on the street!!
Violators WILL be towed!!


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Parking can get tight so PLEASE
"Show Your Love for Mother Earth" and 

CARPOOL or organize a shuttle from your area!!!

Anyone else wanting to coordinate rides/shuttles in your area?  Post in Comments below also!!  Lets help each other•work together and show your love for Mother Earth!!




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DIRECTIONS
Follow the map above and watch for the SIGNS on the highway, beginning at both the airport and the Cervecería.

FROM SAN JOSE:
Take the General Cañas Highway West towards the airport.
Take the 2nd Real Cariari Mall exit 
(just AFTER the mall).
Pass EPA and the 2nd traffic light and after the 2nd light turn RIGHT

and follow the big Alamo signs (they're a point of reference though you're going to Avis) and they're the 2 - 2 properties before on the right.


Do not take the Rio Segundo road as there is NO entrance to the picnic there!!


Coming from the North•WEST side (Grecia•Atenas+)
Heading East on General Cañas Highway #1 - pass the airport and keep going towards San Jose until you PASS the Bridgestone facilities.
The next exit to the right toward Cariari Mall turn RIGHT at the next 2 lights. Follow the signs to the free parking lot.  





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BUS
Take an ALAJUELA BUS

FROM SAN JOSE:
Catch the "Alajuela" bus at the beginning/Eastern end of Avenida Segunda/2nd (on the West side of Hospital San Juan de Dios - JUST East of the gas station).
Tell the driver you want the Cerveceria Stop.
The bus stop is ON the highway. Exit and walk to the Right about 200 yards/20 meters to the Cerveceria (you won't be able to miss it!!). 

FROM THE NORTH•WEST SIDE
:

Cerveceria stop and cross OVER the Cerveceria Intel Bridge



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*******WARNING*******

DRINKING and DRIVING!!!
As part of the Corporate Social Responsibility Program, Florida Ice and Farm y Subsidiarias S.A. (owners of the event grounds) is implementing a new policy to control underage drinking and drunk driving.   
There WILL be police check-points set up around the event to help prevent drunk drivers.   
Also, EVERYONE will be carded to ensure they're of legal age to drink (18 years old in Costa Rica) and will be given a bracelet that will allow them to consume alcohol.



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Make life more ENJOYABLE and be able to drink without worrying about getting thrown into jail??
HIRE A DRIVER!!!
My MAIN•FAVORITE LEGAL Tourism Van Drivers are:

Abner Arias - Abners Custom Costa Rica Tours
8-889-7555  •  Abner506@gmail.com  •  Skype:  Abner506
AbnersCustomCostaRicaTours.com

FRANK Chicas
COSTA RICAN RELIABLE TOURS
(506) 8-871-2900  •  FrankChicasTours@yahoo.com CostaRicanReliableTours.com

(both area GREAT and if they're not available, they have access to other drivers.  PLEASE stipulate you need an English-speaking driver if that's the cae)




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CONTACT:
AmericanColonyCR.org (the official site)
American_Colony@yahoo.com  •  info@AmericanColonyCR.com
2-288-4864 (Rocio Madrigal is the gal!! [tell her Vicki Connected you!!!])


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CRUCIAL INFORMATION!!!  NEW LAW!!

ALL American Voters desiring to
Vote From Abroad
MUST
RE-Register TO VOTE!!
with EVERY ELECTION!!! 
You can RE-register
(or for the first time) here.  

To register - you MUST have the ENTIRE mailing address of your LAST RESIDENCE in the U.S. to determine your proper voting jurisdiction so remember to bring that information.

at the booths of:


Democrats Abroad
Republicans Abroad

U.S. Embassy


For more information for U.S. Citizens on 

HOW TO VOTE FROM ABROAD go to:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/06/AmericansLivingAbroadReregisterToVote.html




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VICKI SKINNER (aka "THE Sarong Goddess") REVIEW

from attending 2012

OMGoddess!!!!   WHAT FUNNNN!!!  SOOOO WELL RUN!!!!!! 


IMPRESSIVE!!!
This was my 6th year of 4th of July Celebrations living in Costa Rica - but the FIRST time I've attended.  There were 2 reasons I hadn't gone in the past:
#1 - Despite the LOVE I have for Hot Dogs - I just don't celebrate "Holidays" (I celebrate and honor EVERY day!!)  and
#2 - Transportation (I'm one of those Escazu "snobs" [in the sense as most of my life takes place over here] and )
but this year I REALLY want to help
"GET OUT THE VOTE"
helping get people registered to vote in the 2012 election
(though I proudly own to being a Democrat [Most of the time] - my goal is to get as MANY people of whatEVER party registered) so I went to volunteer for Democrats Abroad
One of THE MOST POPULAR booths of course was the Hot Dog booth and in ALL the festivals I've attended in my life - I've never seen a more well-oiled machine!!  The volunteers just popped them out and the line flowed!!! 


Being not much of a drinker and not liking to see it around kids much - plus having been to LOTS of festivals in Costa Rica that were big drunk fests and not liking that - I was quite concerned with the unlimited beer flow - but it was for naught!  In my walking around (working the lines passing out cards for Voting from Abroad) - I did not notice one drunken fool!!!!  REFRESHING!!!

I met a LOT of people planning on or talking about leaving Costa Rica - most going back to the U.S. sighting #1 - how EXPENSIVE it's gotten here - especially food and housing prices and safety issues.

I was REALLY GLAD we had this opportunity to help people register to vote - ESPECIALLY since VERY FEW knew about the new law that REQUIRES that ALL people registering to
"Vote from Abroad"
http://VoteFromAbroad.org
(if you haven't done it yet)
MUST RE-Register for EVERY ELECTION!!!

I was in Hot Dog Heaven with my 3 hot dogs, 1/2 a bagel, mixed TCBY frozen yogurt and Cotton Candy (I actually hadn't eaten dinner 2 nights in a row and no breakfast hoping to pig out on more but my big exterior belly is small inside so that's all I could do!!)


But THE MOST AWESOME part of the day for me -
Despite MANY people going through challenges and changes these days. 
Despite a LOT of party division and disagreement (ahhh - election years) -
Today - people were coming TOGETHER!! 
Even when I was passing out the register to vote forms to republicans - I didn't hear anyone arguing or even making snarky/snide remarks to each other!!  Sure - we disagreed but it was FUN (maybe it was because "they" weren't real keen on their own candidate!! [teeee heeee heeee!!!  Hey - MANY actually said that!!  I swear!!])


The JOY that was abound in just about everyone I saw!!  
The POSITIVE ENERGY!!  It was BEAUTIFUL!!   
It was a time to forget EVERYTHING and just BE!!  Maybe it was about tapping into that child within that's been so forgotten!!
Whatever it was - I want to send a BIG THANX the the American Colony for ALL their hard work towards helping each of us COME TOGETHER and have a GREAT TIME!!!









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ESCAZU


SPECTACULAR FIREWORK SHOW
(about 20 minutes worth!!)

WHEN:
Friday - July 4th
5pm  -  DJ's (chill out music)
7-pm  -  Fireworks (about 20 minutes)

WHERE:

Avenida Escazu

 facebook.com/AvenidaEscazu  •  AvenidaEscazu.com
(just a couple buildings East of Hospital CIMA
Directions coming later)

(afterwards - go check out the plush VIP movie theatre (with it's luxury lounge with full bar and gourmet foods [like sushi, panini, order of the Nova Sports Bar menu+] & lay back and watch the movie in your own leather electronic recliner and have the waiters serve you DURING the movie!!) & or iMax Movie Theatres right there:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/02/nova-cinemas-vip-and-imax-movie.html




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SAN JOSE


facebook.com/events/702895916503470
A

American Buffet
(hot dogs, fries, apple pie, chili con carne, cold slaw)

FREE if you're gambling
& Live Music by Grupo Times
& Raffles

 

WHEN:
Saturday - July 4 - 8:30pm


WHERE:
CASINO Club Colonial




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HARD ROCK CAFE
10pm - Rock n Roll from the Still Dogs
11pm - The Blind Pigs - Rock/Blues
FREE


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ARENAL • FORTUNA:
Karacters Bar
facebook.com/events/569694236507034
(not sure if there's any actual Americana 4th of July things going on here but they're promoting Live Music & using 4th of July pictures)

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SAN RAMON:

Sadly the
COMMUNITY ACTION ALLIANCE
is not doing their great party this year (2015)
BUT

Steve and Dianne Fischer 
are opening their home for an
OPEN PARTY for anyone in the San Ramon area

(the Magallanes neighborhood)
WHEN: 
 Saturday - July 4
Pool Opens - 11am
Eat  -  1pm
 

Bring your own...drink and dish to share.
CONTACT:

dfischercr@gmail.com



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GUANACASTE

SANTA CRUZ
Amigos Bar & Grill
July 4th "Saturday" BBQ




PACIFIC
NOSARA



INDEPENDENCE DAY PICNIC & FIREWORKS DISPLAY
facebook.com/events/861012810648366
At Tierra Magnifica
facebook.com/TierraMagnifica
Free Shots if you are wearing Red, White & Blue.
MENU: Chicken & Meat Pinchos, Hot Dogs & a variety of drinks & beers.
Shuttles - $5/round trip. 
Pick-Ups! 2pm: Harmony Hotel ~ 2.10pm: Cafe De Paris ~ 2.20pm: Giardino Tropical ~ 2.30pm The Gilded Iguana and then up to TM for the party!
Bring your friends and some food to share and come to
THE place to celebrate Independence Day.

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SOUTHERN ZONE
UVITA

 
This isn't exactly 4th of July but what's more Americana than a Grateful Dead concert???

LIVE STREAM from the
GRATEFUL DEAD Farewell Concert from Chicago

& BBQ
FREE ENTRANCE - COME AND JOIN THE PARTY!!!
ENTRADA GRATIS STREAM EN VIVO
 


WHEN:
Friday•
Viernes - July 3rd, Saturday•Sabado July 4th & Sunday•Domingo July 5th
5:30pm

WHERE:
UVITA  -  HOTEL TUCAN
 
TucanHotel.com  •  2-743-8140


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PROTECT YOUR PETS!!!!

HINTS ON HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PET
from freaking out from fireworks or thunder:
(I have special gifts/talents to help animals during this VERY frightful time [and with thunder] but I'm already booked up for that day with a sweetie that's afraid.  But keep me in mind for Pet•House Sitting during Thunder Season and the Month of December with all the fireworks that go on - ESPECIALLY the MONTH of December - EXTRA ESPECIALLY Christmas Eve and New Years Eve plus Costa Rica's Independence Day September 15!

NOTE:
Even though 4th of July fireworks are not big in Costa Rica, they do happen - mainly in/close to the Escazu area.
As of now I AM AVAILABLE for Pet Sitting that day•night
(until July 7)
LovingYourPetHouseSitting.com


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ADD OTHER EVENTS HERE!

Do you know a Restaurant or Business having a special event celebrating U.S. or Canada Independence Day?
Have them list their event here:

FREE LISTING:
•   Name of the event:  •   Name of business hosting it:  •   Date and Start/finish Time:  •   City:  •   Phone #: 

DETAILED LISTING:
MAKE A DONATION TO THE BLOG
(of any size - whatever you feel it's worth to be on this list that comes up on the first page of google searches & is THE MOST detailed and complete list.  Placement will be based on amount of donation!!):


Also Add:
•  
.jpg •.png type flier•picture with event details on it  

•   FB Event Invitation link:   
•    facebook page link:   
•   Website link: 
•   Directions:  
•   List of any bands/sponsors along with their links (if it's entertainment - ideally a link to their youtube page so people can hear them & get excited!  All this goes to anyone that makes a very generous donation):
•   Entrance•Price 
•   What ALL is included or not:   
•   What is NOT included (clarity is important):   
•   Where people can pre-pay for tickets, etc.: 
•   Contact name:
•   Email: 
(I tell you I LOVE LOVE LOVE DETAILS!!)
 

•   Can other businesses participate like with a table or something & if si - how much. 
Send me the above info along with a to - LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

(FYI - I already have the big 4th of July celebration details on it for the event in Alajuela and will be sharing it soon)




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Remember - We're in Costa Rica so EVERYTHING is subject to change (and weather!!)!!!


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Has this DETAILED information been helpful to you - brought more ease into your life, saved you time and/or $$$/¢¢¢¢?

Please consider showing your appreciation for and helping keep this detailed blog going by making a
DONATION

You can do it via PAYPAL (LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com - you do NOT need to have a PayPal account) - or send me an Amazon.com Gift Card (attention SarongGoddess@gmail.com)!!!

ANY amount is appreciated since this is my ONLY source of "income" and VERY FEW people give back/donate!!!

Go to the top LEFT column of the blog for details.


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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/05/4thOfJulyInCR2014.html
.1999 7/4/15 (742 in 2 days)



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