For such a small country, Costa Rica seems to be a leader in volunteer programs. The number of individuals interested in donating their time - there are literally hundreds of organizations throughout Costa Rica and each has its own mission and purpose. One of the biggest volunteer programs is for the protection and conservation of the Sea Turtles. Many eco-conscious tourist will join a program … [Read more...]
Beef Picadillo – Costa Rica Style
07/14/2012 by Leave a Comment
Picadillo is a traditional dish in many Latin American countries and the Philippines (where it is known as giniling, and also Arroz a la Cubana) that is similar to hash. It is made with ground meat (usually beef), tomatoes (tomato sauce may be used as a substitute), and other ingredients that vary by region. Costa Rican versions always include the name of the vegetable which represents the main … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Street Signs and Addresses. “ We don’t need no stinking street sign!”
07/03/2012 by 6 Comments
I had to laugh the other day when the Wall Street Journal wrote an article on how Costa Rican's find addresses - a country where street names or addresses are fictional. Any expat will tell you, "It is a challenge, hassle, and at most time’s pure frustration to find any home, residents, or business." Costa Ricans use the infamous Landmark System (based on distances). Wall … [Read more...]
Fishing Costa Rica’s Summer or Rainy Season
06/18/2012 by Leave a Comment
Yeah, I know, why would you want to fish during Costa Rica’s raining season (June - Nov)? Well, summer can be the perfect time to fish in Costa Rica; there is some very decent billfish and tuna bites. However, the big attractions are, during the 'Green Season' hotel and airline rates are lower, plus there is a greater availability of the country's top captains, which means, … [Read more...]
Hacienda Matapalo – Legit or Scam?
06/09/2012 by 10 Comments
Those in the real estate business know that there are three items that sell homes, Location, Location, Location. In case of the "controversy" Hacienda Matapalo development, a "proposed" 665 acre resort style gated community, situated in a rainforest on a mountain overlooking the Pacific between two beach communities of Quepos and Dominica, location couldn’t … [Read more...]
Trivia, Odd and Weird Facts About Costa Rica
05/14/2012 by 4 Comments
Below are some interesting, odd, trivia, tidbits and weird facts about Costa Rica. Some will make you smile, relate to and may even be educational. All in all, if you have some more, please put them in the comment section at the end of this this article. FOOD The first fast food chain was McDonald, which began in operations in Costa Rica in 1970. But in May 2011 it was shut down (and another) … [Read more...]
Costa Rica’s New Luxury Tax – Meat, Fruit and Floors Mops
05/05/2012 by 4 Comments
I don't know what is going on with the government of Costa Rica and it seems like every day I/m feeling more sorry for the Ticos. Last January, the government hammered the people with higher traffic fines, tolls increases and corporation Tax and before that, the cigarette tax. We all know how importing luxury items like cars, boats, electronic products are already taxed to death ... … [Read more...]
Dogs In Costa Rica – Stray, Puppy Mills and Abuse
04/17/2012 by Leave a Comment
About 2 to four times a month we get these heartbreaking emails from animal lovers about stray dogs that wander the streets. And of course the story of the man who took a machete to a street dog, who only survived by a generous veterinary, pretty much had animals lovers in rage. Those loving and caring pet owner know that owning pets, especially dogs, is a big responsibility. … [Read more...]
Costa Rica’s Dry Law – Eliminate the Prohibition Ley Seca?
03/30/2012 by 2 Comments
One of the things that Gringo's have always been puzzled on is Costa Rica' very old "dry law” (Ley Seca); a liberal law that prohibits sales of liquor, wine and beer at Easter and Christmas, besides elections and such sectarian holidays as Sept. 15 (Independence Day). Bars are supposed to be closed … but as most know, it usually is the front door only! Establishments … [Read more...]
Social Media Marketing Costa Rica
03/19/2012 by Leave a Comment
Years ago when a client's only bullheadedness concern was getting in the top five at Google under a few very major Costa Rica keywords, I said to myself, Oh boy, here we go again! I had to shake my head. It took me about six months (after his keywords hit the top five) for him to realize, even if keywords are good way to drive traffic to ones websites, it is not the only way. In my … [Read more...]
Redbone Celebrity “Fishing” Tournament Helps Raise Funds For Cystic Fibrosis
03/12/2012 by 2 Comments
Huge breakthrough in CF gene research; Redbone Celebrity Tournaments perseveres with fund-raising efforts in 25th year Costa Rica’s Crocodile Bay OSA Classic March 17 -22 helping to catch a cure for CF. PUERTO JIMENIZ, Costa Rica and ISLAMORADA, Fla. USA -- Hopefully there’s a lot to celebrate at the 25th anniversary of the Redbone Celebrity Fishing Tournament this November after a … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties vs. La Vegas
Las Vegas has always been known as Sin City or “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.” With 24/7 parting, high-energy clubbing, gambling, massive drinking and of course adult entertainment it has always been the best place to have bachelor/bachelorette party. Or is it? A bachelor/bachelorette party usually involves debauchery activities - often drinking, gambling and going to strip … [Read more...]