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Welcome to tips on how to enjoy Costa Rica, |
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Since our area is the Central Pacific, Jaco beach-Playa Hermosa and Los Sueños areas: |
Here are some things to do in your spare time?
1. Look for a copy OR go online for 2 Central Pacific Jaco news-ad mags: the newest one is: https://issuu.com/howler/docs/jacoemag-octuber2020 and the other one we love, made in Jaco https://theswelldealerjaco.com/ . (Irregular publications during the days of Covid!)
2. Very Important: Get a copy of your passport's photo & info page at any of Jaco's local copy stores (libreria's) in Jaco, our favorite is in
Jaco Walk, in front of Banco Bac. After that, enjoy some fantastic restaurants for lunch and dinner at all prices!!!
Then we invite you to go play, in Jaco Walk!, our new Miniature Golf course, just opened in August 2023 by friend Rich Spinelli. You will have a great great time, rain or shine!
3. Walk on the beach, both north end and south end are the best. Check out low tide charts to have a better time!!!
4. North end of Jaco at low tide enables you to visit Monkey Beach or on Jaco's south end, learn to Surf or paddle board.
5. Watch the Sunset from Villa Caletas
6. Visit a Turtle Reserve in Playa Hermosa if it gets rebuilt.......
7. Check out the tide pools north end of Playa Hermosa
8. Zipline in any one of the 5 local area companies
9. Waterfall repelling
10. Horseback riding
11. Visit and hire guide for Carara National Park, short trails-lots of birds
12. Visit the snake-monkey-butterfly farm in Pueblo Nuevo
13. Take a visit to a tropical island, Isla Tortuga, combined with snorkeling
14. Take a trip to Manuel Antonio
15. Go fishing from the Los Suenos Marina, full or half days.
16. Play golf at the Los Suenos 18 hole Iguana Golf Course
17. Take the kids to Jaco’s Central Park, Johannes Danker
18. Take the kids to the Jaco Public Library-Skate board park
19. Go to Jaco’s Air-Conditioned movie theatre (4plex)
20. Go on a hike to Miro’s ocean view ruins up from the gas station
21. Get a real massage
22. Get your teeth cleaned from a great dentist in Jaco.
23. Rent an all terrain vehicle
24. Visit waterfalls in Bijagual or Ocean Ranch Park, or the secret one down Calle Hermosa!
25. Take a yoga class, there are many all over the Central Pacific!.
26. Visit a Gym and work-out
27. Eat-Shop-Eat-Shop
28. Watch Jaco's very interesting parade of characters and tourists, from the sidewalk in front of the new Public House (former owner Los Amigos), Mono Verde, or at our two favorite Gelateria/Ice Cream Parlors: El Barco or Rebelissimo!
29. Walk around the Los Sueños Marina, checking out the views, the incredible fishing boats and yachts, visit great restaurants and one of Costa Rica's finest bakeries!
30. Walk around Jaco and take pictures of all the incredible Artify wall murals!
31. Check out the weekend events at Jaco Walk, formerly offering happy hour specials, live music, and outdoor activities.
32. Ask questions to an attorney regarding your future in Costa Rica!
33. Speak to a Costa Rica real estate expert like Jeff Fisher at CR Beach Investment Real Estate, because after 29 years of living here, he is famous for brutally honest advice. Bookmark this website: www.crbeach.com
9 TIPS ON HOW TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR CHILDREN INTERNATIONALLY!
By A.M. Costa Rica staff, Dec. 10, 2018, http://www.amcostarica.com/morenews5.htm
Millions travel for the holidays to spend time with family and friends, many with children. Of those travelers who responded to a recent Travel Leaders Group Travel Trends survey, 61 percent say they will fly to their holiday vacation destination in the coming weeks and 38 percent will drive. When traveling with children, there are a variety of tips that will help smooth the journey, say expert travel advisors at Travel Leaders – one of North America's largest retail travel agency brands with thousands of travel agents across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
"Domestic and international air travel with children has grown substantially over the past few decades," said Roger E. Block, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Network. "Fortunately, advances in technology, including tablets and mobile phones, are providing greater entertainment options for kids, while on the road. Our travel advisors spend a significant amount of time advising parents on how to integrate entertainment and activity options and many other tips to travel better with their children to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation."
9 easy-to-follow tips that will help vacationers travel better this holiday season when children are along for the journey.
Pack with a plan: Overhead space will be at a premium during the holiday travel season, especially as people bring gifts for friends and family or return home with presents they've received for their children. So, when preparing to pack your bags, it's crucial to check in advance whether your luggage meets the airline's size and weight restrictions for checked baggage and carry-ons, as well as to remember to save space for the extra items that will come home with you.
Children's liquids are an exception to the 3-ounce rule:
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows each passenger one quart-size bag of liquids and gels, including toothpaste, gel deodorant, and lotions. Each item must be 3.4 ounces or less, with medications and certain items for children being the exception. Infant formula, breast milk and juices for infants or toddlers, as well as ice packs to keep them cool, are permitted in higher, yet reasonable quantities through the security checkpoint. However, keep them separate from the items in your one-quart bag. Label medications and carry a copy of the prescription.
Bring multiple copies of important travel documents:
It's a good idea to have color photocopies and digital copies of all important identification documents, including your passport, front and back of credit cards and health insurance information for you and the children. If you're traveling internationally, consider bringing a copy of your child's immunizations. Also have extra ID photos cropped to passport size in case you have to order a replacement at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Also pack all paper copies or flash drives in a separate location for extra safe-keeping.
TSA PreCheck is free for children 12 and younger:
When traveling having expedited clearance such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry usually means you can skip the long lines at security checkpoints and not have to remove outer layers of clothing. Although Children ages 12 and under never have to remove their shoes or lightweight jackets, they also do not need their own TSA Precheck boarding pass since they can go through the TSA Precheck checkpoint with any qualifying adult with whom they are traveling. If traveling internationally, children under 18 do need to apply for their own Global Entry or Nexus status with a consenting parent or legal guardian.
Ease flight wait times:
Dress young children in comfortable clothing, even consider footie pajamas and no shoes. If your child is young enough, give your child a ride to the checkpoint and gate in a stroller. Though they will have to walk through or be carried through security, the stroller ride there helps to keep them in tow, and your stress low. You'll also save money as you can check the stroller or car seat at the gate, often bypassing the fees you'd pay at the ticket counter.
Work with a travel advisor if planning to visit a theme park:
Winter, especially the days surrounding Christmas week, is a busy time to visit any park. Bear in mind that lines are shorter first thing in the morning or late at night.
Hit the high seas for family adventure:
A cruise is a great way to vacation with family and friends without the stress of holiday meal prep, clean up and entertaining. To feel relaxed without overexerting yourself, skip an excursion at a port or two. If you take time to enjoy the ship while fewer people are onboard, you will avoid some of the hustle and bustle. When you do take a shore excursion, consider opting for the children to stay with the childcare service for one of your experiences. But don't leave the children out of all excursions. They will also enjoy the adventure and culture of other lands and the bonding time with Mom or Dad.
Relax at an all-inclusive resort:
Escaping the cold weather by traveling with the family to someplace warm and tropical can be a relaxing way to spend the holidays, especially when it is spent at a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort. Whether you land, the convenience and value that comes without always pulling out your wallet can make winter travel less stressful. There are many excellent choices and a travel advisor can help you select the one that best suits your family, such as ones that offer features ranging from kids' clubs, water parks and family-themed entertainment to spas for the adults.
Road Trips with Kids:
Long road trips with children allow for many options, as well as the ubiquitous "Are we there yet?" refrain. Pack a kiddie bag that can stay within arms reach of young children who may want to grab their favorite book, electronic device, sippy cup or snack pack. Remember to also pack wet wipes and paper towels for easy clean up. Play music over the car radio that the child can enjoy as a family sing-along in addition to an option of personal music time with their own headphones or video player. Children also love the attention if a parent climbs into the back seat with them occasionally, if space allows. I Spy and tic tac toe are classic games children will enjoy. Finally, be sure to build in time to take breaks to enjoy scenic overlooks or small towns or other attractions you may pass along the way.
Tourism Doesn't Come Cheap but Costa Rica
Comes Awfully Close DUE TO COVID-19 MANY EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED!
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So there you are: vacationing in Costa Rica -- ONE of, if not THE most bio-diverse location on Earth and home to panoramic beaches, rainforests and waterfalls, not to mention a seemingly endless variety of flora and fauna and you're looking for things to do in Costa Rica that are FREE?
Sure thing! Excluding the obvious free activities like hiking, walking on the beach and sunbathing, there ARE free things to do in Costa Rica. It depends on where you go and at what time of the year and above all HOW you want to spend your time. Having established that, here are some free things to do in Costa Rica.
I. Festivals: DUE TO COVID-19 MANY EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED!
Let it not be said that in Costa Rica the locals don't know how to party! Every month during the year there is at least one festival being held and like all great festivals they are FREE! Within the context of the festival you're going to have to pay for food and drink - but the music, dancing and fireworks that are invariably a big part of every festival in Costa Rica is free-of-charge. And as we all know -- FREE is a good thing. Here are some noteworthy free festivals held throughout the year. Take your pick and schedule your vacation accordingly:
JANUARY:
- Palmares Civic Fiestas - Lots of culture here: folk dances, music, amusements and bullfighting.
- Alajuelita Fiestas - Honoring the Black Christ of Esquipulas, Alajuelita's Patron Saint..
- Santa Cruz Fiestas - dancing, marimbas and bullfighting.
FEBRUARY:
- San Isidro del General Fiestas - annual agricultural and industrial fairs with bullfights and a flower exhibition.
- Fiesta of the Diablitos - annual recreation of the fight between Indians and the Spanish.
- Puntarenas Carnival - Masks, music and plenty of sangria.
MARCH:
- Escazu - Dia de los Boyeros (Oxcart Driver's Day) - parade of oxcarts and the blessing of the animals and crops by local priests. Not to be missed - especially if you're a farmer.
- National Orchid Show - more flowers than you can shake a stick at.
APRIL:
- Holy Week - processions galore in all parts of country.
- Juan Santamaría Day - Commemorating Costa Rica's national hero -- a simple barefoot soldier who gave his life in the battle against William Walker's troops in 1856.
MAY:
- Puerto Limon - picnics, music and dancing. What more is there to life?
- Escazu - San Isidro Labrador's Day - another celebration honouring the Patron Saint of farmers
- Corpus Christi Day - May 29 - Religious celebration.
JUNE:
- Saints Peter & Paul Day - June 29 - More religion!
JULY:
- Puntarenas - Virgin of The Sea - fishing boat regatta which honors Puntarenas' Patron Saint, La Virgen del Monte Carmelo. Plenty of parades, dances and fireworks.
- Guanacaste Day - you guessed it: folk dances, bullfights, and music.
- Alajuela - Los Mangos Festival
AUGUST:
- Cartago - Virgin of Los Angeles - Honors Costa Rica's Patron Saint , "La Negrita" with nationwide
pilgrimage and religious processions to the Basilica in Cartago.
SEPTEMBER:
Costa Rica's Independence Day is September 15th: witness the Freedom Torch as it is brought from Nicaragua by student relay runners the day before. Thrill to local "lantern parades" where kids carry home-made "faroles".
OCTOBER:
- Puerto Limon - Limon Carnival - Columbus Day is celebrated in style in the port city with week-long street dances, parades and music.
- Upala Corn Festival, Corn Queen contest.
- Tres Rios Virgen del Pilar's Day - celebrating yet another Patron Saint with parades and costumes made entirely of corn husks, grain, and silks.
NOVEMBER:
- All Souls day - Nov 2 - Day of the Dead.
- Central Valley Coffee picking contest, music and dancing CANCELLED
- International Arts Festival, plays, street theatre and other entertainment. MAINLY ONLINE!~
DECEMBER: DUE TO COVID-19 MANY EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED!
- Fiesta de los Negritos - very big event held in the Indian village of Boruca, and ancient Indian ritual is combined with honoring the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
- Nicoya Fiesta de la Yeguita - Processions, bullfights, fireworks, concerts.
- Festejos Populares (Year-end Festivals) - Dec 25-31
- Tope - Annual horse parade. Careful where you step!
- Carnival - Head to downtown San Jose for the biggest block party of the year!
II. Free Museums
- The Museo de Oro Precolombino (Museum of Precolumbian gold) is located under the Plaza de la
Cultura in downtown San Jose. This impressive underground building houses the exhibit that creates a mysterious and dark background for the gleaming beauty of the golden pieces, which seem to float because they're suspended by transparent strings.The Museo de Moneda, or the Coin Museum, is located in the
same building, and its exhibit includes information on coins, as well as interesting samples. And it's FREE.
- The Museo de Jade, or the Jade Museum.o Lcated in the INS building in downtown (in the National Insurance building. The exhibit in this museum is the largest American jade collection in the world. The collection is extremely valuable because of the rarity of the mineral and of the religious and historical significance that it has for the Indian population and for the Costa Ricans in general. Like the golden pieces, the jade artifacts also depict animal shapes.
- The Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle (Natural science) and the small Entomology Museum in the University of Costa Rica. The first museum is located in La Sabana and presents a taxidermy collection of various animals and a preserved fish and reptile exhibit. The small university museum houses a large collection of insects of Central and South America, including beautiful butterflies.
III. Free Markets
The most popular market in Costa Rica is Mercado Central (Market Central) and has to be seen to be believed. A variety of craft work , leatherwork and crafts not to mention some of the cheapest meals in San Jose town. Come to think of it, almost every town of any size in Costa Rica has a mercado central, where
in addition to produce, fruits and meat, there are booths selling everyday items.
IV. Other Free activities
The Hummingbird gallery:
Next to the Monteverde Reserve entrance. Feeders outside attract dozens of hummingbirds representing about 7 species.
V. Art & Artisans
Traditional Costa Rican artisans in Guaitíl hand throw Chorotega pottery while you watch, and the wood carvers of Sarchí transform rainforest hardwoods into every imaginable shape. Drums, baskets, textiles, and pre-Columbian reproductions are just a few of the things you'll want to take home with you.
VI. Bird Watching
Botaurus pinnatus, Tigrisoma fasciatum, Tigrisoma mexicanum, Egretta thula, Egretta caerulea, Agamia agami, Cochlearius cochlearius- and that's just the most common Aredeidae. Avid birders know that Costa Rica is one of the top spots in the world, but you don't have to spend hours with binoculars glued to your
eyes to see fascinating bird life in Costa Rica. Buy an Hermosa Beach Bungalow, and see hundreds of birds from your patio.
VII. Waterfalls & River Hiking
The number of spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica reflects rainfall averages of over 20 feet a year and the sheer drops of some of the mountain ranges. Some are visible from paved roads as you travel from place to place, but others require significant effort to reach. The surest way to find a falls with a deserted swimming hole at the bottom is to start walking upstream.
So there you have it: some truly fun things to do that are free! You're no doubt going to discover many more free things to do and see once you set foot in beautiful Costa Rica. Follow your instincts and not your pocket book and you'll come up with your own list of free activities in Costa Rica!
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Anglican Episcopal Church: Ca. 3/5, Av. 4, north side of Colegio de Señoritas, 2222-1560,ibuenpastor@gmail.com.
B’nei Israel: La Sabana, 800 m west of Pops, 2231-5243, congbnei@racsa.co.cr.
Baha’i Faith Firesides: La Uruca, 2249-1231.
Beach Community Church: Sun., 10 a.m., Brasilito, Guanacaste, next to Country Day School, 2653-4437,info@beachcommunitychurch.com.
Chabad Lubavitch: Rohrmoser, in front of Antojitos; Escazú, 50 m west of Banco General, 2296-6565,hspalter@jabadcr.com.
Christian Center: San Roque, Grecia, 2494-0970, laterrazagrecia@msn.com.
Church of Christ: Quircot, Cartago, 8839-4331.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Curridabat, Edificio Trébol, 500 m south of Pops, 2224-9401,2015218@ldschurch.org.
Costa Rican Lutheran Church: Barrio El Carmen, San José, 600 m southeast of San Cayetano Church, 2227-8080, comunicacion@ilco.cr.
Episcopal Diocese of Costa Rica: Zapote, 75 m north of Plaza Cemaco, 2225-0209,anglicancr@racsa.co.cr.
Escazú Christian Fellowship: Interdenominational, Sun., 5 p.m., International Baptist Church, Guachipelín, Escazú, 8395-9653, www.ecfcr.net.
Foursquare Church: Monthly English-language worship service, Sunday school, Manuel Antonio, 8338-4655, 8702-0807, 8390-0591.
Guadalupe Missionary Baptist Temple: Guadalupe, 300 m east of cemetery, 2222-4757,kerawa@racsa.co.cr.
Hare Krishna Center Gaudiya Math: Cuesta de Núñez, #1331, Av. 1, Ca. 15/17, 2256-8650,haribol@racsa.co.cr.
Harvest Vineyard Church: Sabana Oeste, Lexicon Library, 200 m north, 100 m east, 75 m north of UCIMED, 2291-4383, info@harvestvineyard.info.
JACO HORIZON CHURCH NEW LOCATION... GOOGLE IT
JACO ALSO HAS A SECOND BILINGUAL CHURCH: RADICAL CHURCH
International Baptist Church: Guachipelín, Escazú, west of Multiplaza, north side of highway, 2215-2117,paul_dina@hotmail.com.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: La Asunción, Belén, across from Avis, 8982-3381.
Mass for hearing-impaired: With translation in Costa Rican sign language, Sat., 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, Heredia.
Muslim Center: Guadalupe, Calle Blancos-Montelimar, 100 m east, 80 m south of Escuela Santa Mónica, 2240-4872, omarhemeda@hotmail.com.
Nondenominational Christian Church: Sun., 8:30 a.m., El Empalme, San Ramón, Pastor James Rush, 8385-6403, trandall360@gmail.com.
Quaker Meeting: Sun., 11 a.m., Friends Peace Center, San José, Ca. 15, Av. 6/8; Monteverde School, Monteverde, 2222-1400, friends@racsa.co.cr.
Roman Catholic Mass: Sat., 4 p.m., cathedral, San José, Ca. Ctrl./1, Av. 2/4, 2221-3820.
San Pedro Christian Fellowship: San Pedro, Centro Comercial Calle Real, 2267-6038,sleves@racsa.co.cr.
St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Chapel: Mass, Sun., 4 p.m., Hotel Ramada Plaza Herradura, Cariari, 2209-9800.
Union Church: San Rafael, Moravia, 100 m east, 400 m north, 100 m west of Lincoln School, 2235-6709,www.iglesiaunion.net.
Zen Buddhism: Casa Zen, Santo Domingo, Heredia, 2244-3532, www.casazen.org.
TAKE A CLASS -- OLD LIST, MAYBE SOME NUMBERS STILL WORK
Acting: Carpe Diem Theater, Alajuela, 8810-3892; Fundación Skené, Barrio González Lahman, basic acting, 2258-7236, 2256-6978, www.fundaskene.org; Giratablas Theater, Los Yoses, theater for kids, teens and adults, 2253-6001.
Agility: For dogs and owners, weekends, Pets’ Paradise, La Guácima, Alajuela, 8381-8285, 8393-4904.
Agro-ecotourism: Also tropical ecology, Costa Rican natural history, organoponics, labyrinths and mazes, Barrio Francisco Peralta, 8819-3173, grupoloscongos@gmail.com.
Art: Casa del Artista, Guadalupe, all ages, 2234-1233, 2281-0693, escuelacasadelartista@ice.co.cr; Fundación Skené, Barrio González Lahman, 2258-7236, 2256-6978, www.fundaskene.org; Galería Valanti, Barrio Escalante, painting, drawing, art appreciation, 2253-1659, www.galeriavalanti.com.
Arts: Art, literature, music and theater courses, talks and workshops at CCCN, Barrio Dent and La Sabana, by the Institute for Study of the Arts (INESA), 2290-5113, www.inesacr.org.
Baby Massage: For parents with babies older than 2 months, Mon.-Tues., Desarrollando Mentes, Escazú, 2289-4586, www.desarrollandomentes.com.
Badminton: Academia de Bádminton Costa Rica, San Pedro, classes for all ages, group play for experienced players, 8897-5313, 8990-9295, sharon@badmintoncr.com, www.badmintoncr.com.
Belly Dancing: Led by Jerusa Alvarado, basics, 8876-6184, jerusaalvarado@gmail.com.
Classes: Art, tai chi, qigong, opera, food, Florencia Culture Center, Plaza Florencia, 200 m north of BAC San José, road to Guachipelín, Escazú, 2289-3557, www.culturaflorenciacr.com.
Classes at Terapiarte: Portuguese, English, drawing, painting, cartoon, graphic design, clay modeling, yoga, belly dancing, popular dance, guitar, violin, Alajuela, 50 m north of Palí, Cristo Rey, 2441-0290, 8970-5026.
Cooking: Boc Art Gourmet Shop and Cooking School, Escazú, Plaza Itskatzú, 2228-0804, and Guadalupe, 300 m south of La Católica Hospital, 2225-1013; Brunetti, Santo Domingo de Heredia, 2268-9423; Culinary Trainer School, San José, Av. 4, across from Sala Garbo, 2222-0361, www.ctscostarica.com; Estudio Gastronómico Mucho Gusto, Los Yoses, 2234-0840, www.revistamuchogusto.com; Radha’s Kitchen, Escazú, gourmet vegetarian and vegan cooking, 2288-3294, www.radhaskitchen.org.
Dance: 29/4, ballet, jazz, tap, flamenco, hip-hop, break dancing, cardio dance, yoga, Sabanilla, Montes de Oca, veintinueve.cuatro@gmail.com; Academia Danza O, Middle Eastern, yoga, ballet, tap for girls, La Uruca, 2296-2022; Al Andalus, flamenco, tango, Sabanilla, 2225-2793, 8342-4083; Baila SAP, traditional, hip-hop, jazz, rumba, tango, yoga, theater, aerobics, Guadalupe, Moravia, Desamparados, Rohrmoser, San Ramón, Grecia, Palmares, Liberia, 2224-0834, 2224-6364; Dance Force Center, ballet, flamenco, tango, jazz, ballroom, Pavas, 2290-2271; Danza Abend, Calle Blancos, 2236-0700; Escuela de Ballet Piruetas Dance Studio, ballet, Jewish dance, flamenco, contemporary, all ages, Heredia, 2260-1549; Estudio Danza Libre, ballet, contemporary, jazz, Latin, hip-hop, fitness, all levels and ages, Guadalupe, 2253-8770, 8994-1124; Signos Teatro Danza, aerial dance, contemporary ballet, dance theater, yoga, break dancing, hip-hop, Lourdes de Montes de Oca, 2234-5584, 8714-5128, signosteatrodanza@gmail.com; Taller Nacional de Danza, ballet, belly dancing, flamenco, contemporary, jazz, tango, Indian, Afro-Caribbean, break dancing, hip-hop, all ages, Barrio Escalante, 2223-3319, 8776-1244, infoaatnd@gmail.com; Zíngari, flamenco, Santa Ana, 2282-1127, 8833-4260, www.flamencozingari.com.
Gardening: Centro Nacional de Jardinería Corazón Verde, Pinares de Curridabat, 2271-0303, 2271-1919,www.corazonverdecr.com.
Karate: Kids, daily, 5-6 p.m.; adults, Mon., Wed., Fri., 6:30-8 p.m., and Tues., Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m., Heredia, opposite Mercedes Norte cemetery, 8816-8387.
Mandarin Chinese: Liu-Yi Centro de Idioma Chino-Mandarín, Heredia, San Joaquín de Flores, San José, 8878-9875, www.liuyicr.com.
Martial Arts: Pavas, Rohrmoser, Parque La Amistad, 8873-3859, 8873-4265, 2232-9801, www.bushido-jo.com.
Meditation: Inner Balance, Escazú, Mediplaza, 500 m south of Multiplaza, 2201-7201, ext. 2,natalie@innerbalance.co.cr.
Music: Café Liberia, Guanacaste, singing, piano, electric and acoustic guitar, 2665-1660, 8339-0492; Centro Artístico Omar Arroyo, Moravia, 2297-2559; Editus Arts Academy, Barrio Escalante, 2253-5135, 2234-0491,www.edituscr.com; Escazú Music Academy, 2228-9327, www.escazumusic.com; Estudio Arte Heredia, singing, guitar, clarinet, sax, flute, piano, music theory, Barrio María Auxiliadora, Heredia, 2263-4184, 8704-9775; School of Rock, Sabana Sur, info@clandestina.cr, 8840-7204.
Pilates: Classes at your home given by certified instructor Michael Miller, all levels, contact Hernán Sain, 8861-9336, hersain@gmail.com, www.casapilates.com.
Qigong and Tai Chi: San Pedro, Sabanilla, 2234-2680, 8715-0573, chiralu@gmail.com.
Robotics: Ages 6-12, Abacus Institute, Edificio Colón, Paseo Colón, 2222-1446,www.abacusinstitute.net/robotica; Laboratorio de Robótica, Escazú and Pinares de Curridabat, 8880-2424,pattyct@racsa.co.cr.
Satsangs: Sat Yoga Institute, Escazú, 2288-3294.
Synchronized Swimming: Girls, Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m., La Salle School, Sabana Sur, 2291-0147, 8373-4005.
Tai Chi: Bambú Dorado, Escazú, San Pedro, adults and seniors, 2225-4411, 8829-0237,www.muevete.co.cr; Heredia, adults and seniors, International Taoist Tai Chi Society methods, 2263-5075,costarica@taoist.org.
Wine Seminars: Bodega05, HA&COM Bebidas del Mundo, Llorente de Tibás, 2297-1005.
Yoga: Bamboo YogaPlay, Dominical, 2787-0229, www.bambooyogaplay.com; Café Liberia, Liberia, Guanacaste, Mon. and Thurs., 7 p.m., Sat., 6 p.m., 2665-1660; Desarrollando Mentes, Escazú, for kids ages 3-5, Tues.-Wed., 3:30-5:30 p.m., 2289-4586, info@desarrollandomentes.com; Fit Yogis, Escazú, yoga for kids, 2228-9141, www.fityogis.net; Gayatree Yoga Center, Sabanilla, yin and Nidra yoga, 8848-2347,sofiyoga@yahoo.com; Jardín de Yoga Kapoli, San Rafael, Escazú, 2228-1350, 8325-2397; Rincón Natura Spa, Sabana Sur, 2291-4505; Sat Yoga Institute, San Rafael, Escazú, 2288-3294,www.satyogainstitute.org; Turya Yoga Studio, Escazú, 2289-7524, 8887-8835, janine@turya.info.
2023 CIA INFORMATION ON COSTA RICA:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cs.html
US Money’s Practical Check-off List for Overseas Home Purchases
When shopping for a new home for your overseas retirement, the most important thing is to follow your instincts. Choose a new home for your new retirement life in another country because you like it and it feels right to you. Here is a check-off list to consider when thinking through your overseas home purchase.
Original Article Text From US News Money:
10 Questions to Ask About a Retirement Home Overseas
When shopping for a new home for your retirement overseas, the most important thing is to follow your instincts. Allow yourself to be led by your heart and your gut. Choose a new home for your new retirement life in another country because you like it and it feels right to you.
You aren’t buying a retirement home to make money. Perhaps the property you buy ultimately will be worth more than you’re paying for it and turn out to have been a smart investment, but don’t allow that agenda to get in your way.
Of course, there are also many practical considerations when making any real estate purchase. Here is a list of some quantifiable things to consider when thinking through the purchase of a new home in another country. The answers to these questions will help you to pin down the lifestyle you imagine for yourself in retirement. You can then work backward from that lifestyle to the house that would best support it.
1. How much space will you need? Do you want an apartment or a house? One bedroom or two? (You probably won’t need more than two.) Two levels or only one? A guest room or even a guest house? Will you have guests often, for example? Will you want them to be able to stay with you, or would you prefer if they came and went from a hotel nearby?
2. Do you want a front yard, a back garden, or a swimming pool? All of these things require care and maintenance.
3. Do you want to be in the heart of downtown or out in the country?
4. Do you want a turn-key, a renovation project, or something in-between?
5. Do you like the idea of living in a gated community, or would you prefer a more integrated setting, such as a neighborhood where you could become part of the local community? This is a key consideration. Going local means you have to learn the local language (if you don’t speak it already). Or perhaps you’d prefer to be off on your own with undeveloped acres between you and your nearest neighbor. In this type of rural setting you will need to build your own in-case-of-emergency infrastructure.
6. Consider traffic patterns and transportation. Where you base yourself determines whether you’ll need to invest in a car, which is an important budget consideration.
7. Consider the convenience factor. How far is it to shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parking, and the nearest medical facility?
8. Do you want a furnished home? You may have no choice but to buy unfurnished (unless you buy, say, from another expat who’s interested in selling his place including all contents). Buying unfurnished means you’ll need to purchase furniture locally or ship your household goods from home.
9. What’s your budget? This is the most practical guideline of all, of course. Be clear on your finances before you start shopping, and, if your budget is strict, don’t be tempted to consider properties outside your price point. You’ll only be disappointing yourself unnecessarily.
10. Finally, ask yourself what kind of view you’d like from your bedroom window each morning. This can be an effective way to focus on something important that might otherwise be overlooked until it’s too late.
NEW ! SCROLL DOWN FOR NEW U.S. VETERANS' INFORMATION
UPDATED JAN. 17, 2019
Veterans Affairs info to get you started:
https://cr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/veterans-affairs/
http://alcr10.org/ AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY SON OF THE AMERICAN LEGION Harold L. LeClaire American Legion Post 10 (CR) NEXT MEETING
Meeting location- San Jose, CR; Casa de Espana First WEDNESDAY of the month-12 Noon CONTACT MAIN NUMBER(506)4034-0788 ...
FOR CLINICA BIBLICA:
http://www.hcbinternational.com/web/
Health Care for Veteran's in Costa Rica
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The Clínica Bíblica now accepts medical coverage through Tri Care Latin America and CHAMPUS for hospital and pharmacy services.
Here are the requirements for medical benefits for U.S. military retirees and their families:
- A current U.S. military retiree ID card (20 years of active duty)
- 65 years or over and have Medicare Part B.
- Current ID cards for all dependents under 21 years of age if in college with proof of enrollment
- Unmarried widows must have the related documents above for their husband. Medical benefits for U.S. veterans: The disabled veteran can only be treated for the disabilities listed on the Treatment Authorization Sheet from the VA. If the veteran is 100 percent disabled, all dependents will receive total health care, not including dental and glasses.
The following documents are required:
- Current CHAMPUS VA card.
- Current ID card for all dependents under the age of 21 and up to 23 years of age if in college with proof of enrollment.
- Copy of DD 214
- Unmarried widows must have the related documents above for their husband.
E-mail: seguros@ clinicabiblica.com.
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