PF Chang's opens today in Costa Rica - Relocation Costa Rica

I know people would be all over my case if I said publicly that I am just a "little" happy that PF Chang's is opening in Costa Rica.  I actually like PF Chang's and their high priced cocktails! 

Our neighborhood Pf Chang's

Now, I'm not saying that all change is good change. It's not, but there is still plenty of old world Costa Rica left. I see no issue with some home town eateries showing up. It's opening in the right place too.  Escazu is an upscale city where many other "US " style restaurants are also located. I admit it, from time to time I might just want to frequent something familiar. (if I were to say this on any of the Costa Rica expat forums - I would be barraged with sneering, jeering comments like "don't come here" and "stay home"  They will warn that soon Costa Rica will be a little "America" (Ok, Ok maybe that would not be good) But here's my point. It will be nice not to have to fly 3,000 mile back home for some China Bisrto.  And anyway, neither I nor them have any say in what types of places open in Costa Rica. (And I am happy to have my own blog where I get to say whatever I want) Just Sayin! 

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month - the horse is pink

Grupo Enjoy, an investor group in Costa Rica working with 100 percent domestic capital, is preparing to unveil its latest $2.5 million investment in early November. According to finance reporter Evelyn Fernandez of business weekly El Financiero, Grupo Enjoy will welcome diners to the very first P.F. Chang’s China Bistro in Costa Rica, located in the ritzy Avenida Escazú, on November 3rd.

Click for the rest of the story

Farewell to Paradise - Day #7 in Puerto Viejo - Relocation to Costa Rica

Ashlea, Wanda and Tommy are flying home to Texas today. So these photos may be my last update. 

But....what an amazing experience they had! I really enjoyed following their journey and I appreciate that they were willing to share their trip with me via message and photos (thank you Facebook). 

One of the things that stands out to me about their trip is how much interaction they had with the locals.  After the 1st day or so I didn't hear very much about the expats. I heard much more about how they were building friendships and forming bonds with the local people and their experiences with local culture. That's exactly the way they wanted it.  I get the feeling that in Puerto Viejo this is fairly easy to do, however I'm sure with a little effort they could have had your "typical" US tourist vacation, lying on the beach, eating out and taking tours.  I'm happy they chose to experience the "real" Costa Rica!

Early on they met a young man named Kaboom and he became a friend.  Kaboom is a member of the Bribri - an indigenous people of Costa Rica living in Talamanca in Limon Province of Costa Rica

He shared his story and his life with them. 

And on their last night he prepared a celebration feast for them 

and cooked it on an open fire on the beach.

fire on the beach in Cocles

Rondon is a rich, delicious traditional Jamaican party dish and is very popular on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The name is the Patois pronunciation of “run down”.

“Run down,” as in, the cook of the home prepares a soup with whatever they were able to track down or forage that day, whether it was in the backyard, a neighbors coconut tree, or the bounty of the sea.  For this reason, there are many variations on the dish, and there can be no wrong way.

Kaboom spent 2 straight hours on the beach grating coconuts

“The vast variety of fishes, small game, and wild and domestic meats available to the coast people, in combination with the foods they cultivated on their land, kept them well fed, to say the least. Preparing a meal rarely entailed a trip to the shop. It was merely a matter of “running down” the ingredients in the bush, in the sea, or on the farm. The thrifty housewife put everything together in one pot, simmered it in coconut milk, and called it “rundown” for everything she was able to “run down” that day. If it included fish, yam, plantain, scallions, palmito and Panamanian pepper, it could hardly be better.” 
“What Happen” – A Folk History of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Coast 
—by Paula Palmer, 2005, p 61

Rondon can be made in the kitchen or on the beach: 

just make a fire with a nice bed of coals and cook the soup in a big kettle resting on some stones

Heidor (a surfing instructor) was working so hard his pants were falling off from preparation of the coconut milk

That's dedication and patience!

The coconut milk - first squeeze and strain is done with cold water...2nd and 3rd time with hot (boiling water) to draw more milk out...they repeat the process until the milk starts to get clear

This entire meal was prepared by the men. A ton of heart goes into their food!

and no help from any women!!

most of the cooking and prep done by Kaboom and Heidor

Prepared in the kitchen and cooked on the beach over an open fire

Takes 8-9 hrs from start to finish

Ashlea asked to sample the fish and it was served to her on this leaf

Rondon is best served about 20 minutes after taking it off the heat. 

Locals cover the pot with banana leaves.

What a wonderful send off. I hope to meet up with Kaboom and some of the other local people when we visit in the spring.

Thank you Kaboom, Heidor and of course Ashlea, Tommy and Wanda for sharing your journey with us!

It's a Dog's Life, Day #3 Puerto Viejo Costa Rica - Relocation Costa Rica

It's all about the dogs!

I've mentioned several times that I'm a bit worried about the girls (Lily & Lola) living in Puerto Viejo ("if" we live there). I have read about the stray dogs that roam the streets and the beaches there. Mostly big dogs and my girls are very small. So of course I'm concerned.

I figure the best way to get accurate information is speak with pet owners who live there or have been there.

The central Valley is on our list of possible locations so I got some info from on the expats business owners who has lived in the Costa Rica for aver 10 years.

"There are no leash laws here, but you should not have any problem with your two yorkies. I would not leave them behind.  I brought my medium size Chow mix when I moved here (she passed away a year and a half ago 17 years old).  I never had any problems with her and she would sometimes walk around loose in the neighborhood.  A lot of the dogs you see around are not stray dogs they belong to someone but they let them out by themselves."

Ashlea and I have also discussed the situation (as she has a dog as well).  So since she was going to visit the area before I would get my chance to go, she agreed to give me some first hand information about just what the situation is on the ground in Puerto Viego.

"The dogs are all polite... Lol... They lay in the restaurants...bars...shops... Wherever they want to be but they never beg"

"They lay next to tables I guess hoping for food. They were on the DANCEFLOOR tonight... And I actually saw a stray fetch a ping pong ball from a match. Then he sat back down waiting for attention."

"To clarify on the dogs, they will try to get them away from the tables and the dogs do listen- but we said it was ok.

  "We were sharing a rib plate and I was excited to give them the bones and besides, I don't mind sharing space with dogs- they are all so polite!"

"Dined with THREE dogs....they sat and waited for a bite- one just rested his head on my knee."

"I met an American there, he had a dog that dined with us as well. So we were talking about the dogs...how docile. I watched a cat (also roaming inside) batting the tail of a dog...he didn't even bother- just looked at her."

"Saw a tiny Chihuahua with its owner- so we stopped him and asked
He said he's never had a problem. I told him about you.
I think this might have been a teacup
It was on a leash and walking... The dogs just ignore."

"The dog situation is amazing. I mean... Really."

Here are the requirements for bringing your pet to Costa Rica

Moving with your pets: A rabies vaccination is required for pets that enter Costa Rica, and it must be administered between 30 days and one year before departure.You’ll also need to have your veterinarian fill out and sign the APHIS 7001 International Health Certificate from the United States Department of Agriculture stating that your pet is in good health. Birds require additional paperwork.

This is how we do it - Day 2 - Relocation Costa Rica

It's day 2 and Ashlea, Tommy and Wanda head out for a full day of exploring.

They start the day with a meal of fresh fruit which they purchased from one of the local carts - the fresh fruit is wonderful. It can be cut for you and you are welcome to taste test fruits you might be unfamiliar with.  They buy Rambutan, Star Fruit, mini bananas and some sort of green orange. You can actually buy quite A LOT of fruit for $10!

Next they head off to rent bikes from one of the many bike shops. Bikes are a normal mode of transportation for tourists and locals alike. They rental rate is $7/ea for 24 hrs. They then head south  to explore the area south of Puerto Viejo. 

It's a scenic ride and they past by the Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel where we are going to stay and Ashlea remarks that "it looks awesome" (whew!). On the way they stop in Cocles at La Isla Inn located across from the ocean and booked their next two nights. The inn is owned by a very nice German lady. There are many different cultures in this part of Costa Rica. Ashlea is in love with melting pot of people who live in the area.  

As they continued their journey there were boutiques, restaurants, quaint hotels and grocery stores which dotted the entire ride. Ashlea and I had been a bit worried that there would be no cool clothing places but to our surprise there were many! She will send us some pics which I will include in a later post.

"Aqua de pipa" as it is called in Costa Rica is not to be confused with coconut milk. Drinking young coconut water provides a quick and easy source of nutrition without taxing the enzyme systems of the body. It improves the absorption of minerals, B vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as some amino acids.
Costs about $2.00 and can be found just about everywhere!

Along the ride they came upon a man on a bike...yelling "pahhhhty patty patty" so they decided to stop him and ask what he was selling. Homemade empanadas from a recipe originating in Jamaica...and fresh juice. He also instructed them that is they continued on their path, once they reached the town of Punta Uva (where a lot of the expats live), cross bridge and turn left they would find beach. After following the long road through the jungle and they arrived at a truly breathtaking beach. They swam...lounged about and then headed home.

Total miles on the bike....18
Now THAT is some riding!

Stay tuned for day 3 and it's all about the dogs!

The delicious taste of Watermelon, with or without the booze! - Relocation Costa Rica

I was walking through our local Whole Foods market the other day and I began to wonder about all the different kinds of fruit available in Costa Rica.  I knew there would be many new ones to try but I wondered about the availability of my favorites,  the watermelon. 
It's my go to fruit during the hot summer season. 

The Spanish word for watermelon is Sandia and the Spanish word Melon is a cantaloupe.

Costa Rican watermelons, cultivated primarily on the Central Pacific and in Guanacaste have been selling well in European and North American markets,

There is nothing more refreshing than an ice cold cocktail and this Costa Rican Watermelon Mojito will fill the bill in popsicle form. Quick to make and definitely fun to eat.

Recipe Read more

According to a recent report, the countries of Holland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Poland and the United States are some of the nations that import Costa Rican watermelons.

Even though Tico watermelons only make up 2.1 percent of the total U.S. watermelon market, that portion still accounts for 10.3 million kilos worth approximately $2.7 million, the ministerio said.

Holland has become the fruit's primary destination. Costa Rica shipped more than 14.2 million kilos there.

ingredients:

3/4 cup frozen coconut meat, slightly thawed

1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

1 1/2 cups frozen watermelon chunks

1/4 cup coconut water

2 tablespoons honey

salty lime sugar

1 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

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the zest of one lime

In total, Costa Rica has exported more than 37,756 tons of watermelon worth $7,417,051 in the months between January and May of this year, the ministerio said. That's a 22 percent increase from last year.

Eat it, or drink it, either way it's very refreshing fruit and good for you as well.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like watermelon decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, overall lower weight.

Life is a beach! Boomer Retirement in Costa Rica

Uh, was it me who said (only a short week ago) that she didn't want to live at the beach and would not even consider it?

Well, I certainly can't deny that I said it because I put it in writing
but... today I am having second thoughts and have decided to consider at least one beach in particular.

That beach is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica in the town of Puerto Viejo.

Saddled with a bad reputation, it is one of Costa Rica's best kept secrets! (I hear the locals would like to keep it that way)

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a coastal town in Talamanca in Limón Province in southeastern Costa Rica, known simply as Puerto Viejo to locals. It is very south and close to Panama. It is also home to the BriBri, the original inhabitants of Talamanca.

For some reason there has been a lot of misinformation and myth spread about the Caribbean coast.  It appears that the only reason for this has something to do with the fact that this side of the country is  home to the majority of the African-Caribbean population.  Until yesterday, I had not heard one good thing about this part of the country.  I first mentioned that I was considering visiting Puerto Limon (Costa Rica's largest port city) in 2013.  To any and every question regarding visiting or living on the Caribbean side the responses were always negative with added warnings about increased crime and advice to stay away from the area.  So, of course it made me very nervous and hesitant to venture over to that side of the country.  

But, had any of these naysayers lived in the area or even bothered to fact check their warnings? 

I tend to think not! It's more like an urban myth that just keeps on going. 

The reason I am reconsidering the beach town of Puerto Viejo is because I discovered that just about ALL of the information I had received was incorrect.

What I found out was that Puerto Viejo is the largest tourist destination on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.  It is multi cultural and diverse with an international vibe and laid-back, Caribbean-style.   Its appeal includes stunning, unspoiled beaches and abundant wildlife with a healthy mix of music.   The food is also supposed to some of the best in the country. 

This kool mix of people and blending of cultures and bohemian lifestyle speaks to me (to us).  Our group is ready to live off the grid!

My favorite travel guys!

Can't wait to check out this restaurant
(be sure to watch to the end to see the cool restaurant photos)

We spent most of the day researching information and I found at least 4 great hotels or beach houses that are available during the time we plan to visit. They meet my initial specs of being rated at least 4 stars.  My hotel does not need to be off the grid - as a matter of fact, I'm looking for all the luxurious comforts of home.  After all this is a vacation.

Our research dispelled the myth regarding the dreadful weather.  It turns out that although it is HOT and it does rain, this area is actually one of the driest in Costa Rica and most of the rain falls at night.

I'm looking forward to checking it out in person. Whether we ultimately decide to live there, remains to be seen.

There is one HUGE fact that still remains.  It is HOT !!!

Lesson: 
Don't believe everything you hear about the places you plan to visit 

(even when you think it is coming from so called "reliable sources") 

Stay open and research, research, research 

then check it out for yourself!

I'm Just Sayin! 

Boomer Retirement Abroad - Secret restaurant dining in Buenos Aires

Across Buenos Aires, hidden behind nondescript front doors and in family living rooms, a host of homespun restaurants are the latest fad and a big hit. 

Have you ever heard of them? The trick is, finding them.

More and more of these closed-door restaurants, or restaurantes a puertas cerradas, have been popping in Buenos Aires and they're becoming the most sought-after tables in town. 

They are a cross between a restaurant and dinner party except they are more intimate and social than a regular restaurant.  

They give chefs more leeway to be creative and the menus change daily.

I'm looking forward to visiting the most well-known closed-door restaurant in Buenos Aires, Casa Saltshaker, which is run by Dan Perlman, author of the influential Buenos Aires restaurant review site at www.saltshaker.net. Casa Saltshaker offers a five-course tasting menu (optionally paired with wine) which changes from one day to the next. Every menu at Casa Saltshaker is themed. It seats just 12 people in the Barrio Norte apartment of Perlman - and his partner Henry Tapia.


For website and list of closed-door restaurants worldwide click here

Vacation Review - My Little Slice of Heaven

It’s A Wrap

I have been home for a week and the time has come for me to sit down and reflect upon my travels (and also share some of the many photos I was not able to post during our trip).

To start with - This was - without a doubt - the ~BEST~ vacation I have ever had!! Twenty-two (count em 22) days is a long time to be away from home but I loved every, single, minute of it.  I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Europe for the first time by ship and I highly recommend it (especially for anyone who wants to get the flavor of many different places all at once). The Celebrity Century is a beautiful ship and the new friends we met on board helped to make this a most memorable occasion (a special "Thank You" to our new friends - you know who you are). Our ship arrived in port around 6:00 am every morning, As the engines loudly signaled our arrival, I could hardly wait to throw open the curtains to view each new port. I would stand out on our balcony in the early morning sunlight and behold the panoramic beauty before me. It was quite a sight. My first moments of "awe" are captured in the “Welcome to…” photos that I shot from our balcony, posted to the blog and I shared with you each day.

My plan is to now highlight the highs and lows of each stop along our journey.

So, let’s get started with our first stop (pre cruise) and also my most FAVORITE place Yep, you guessed it!

PARIS!

And there are so so many reasons why..

First of all, if you think about it, Paris is really one ginormous museum. A magical, cosmopolitan city steeped in history. Paris is a visual feast and a photographer's wonderland. The 5-6 days we spent there did not give us nearly enough time to take in all that this enchanting city has to offer.  Something about being there, just felt right to me, and now that I am NOT there, well, it feels as though something is missing. If the ticket didn’t cost so much and the plane ride wasn’t so excruciatingly long, I’m sure I would pop over to Paris every chance I got. 

I was very pleased with our HOTEL suite at the Hotel Le A (a very nice boutique hotel centrally located in the 8th arrondissement). We have some photos which I cannot seem to locate among the multitude of pictures we took. At any rate, the staff was pleasant and more than helpful. The hotel provided a very nice breakfast in their lobby each morning. The only draw back (if I should have to name one) was that our suite was on the 4th floor and shortly after our arrival (approx 15 minutes to be exact) the elevator broke down and was not fixed before we left. Every time we went in and out, we had to climb the narrow winding stairs to our room (usuallly stopping briefly on the 3rd floor to catch a second wind).

I found the PEOPLE of Paris to be friendly and helpful. I observed no hint of rudeness. It is true however, that there are lots of Parisians who do not speak any English. In those cases there was usually someone close by who could do an adequate translation, and my high school French came in handy as well.

The METRO was a little unsettling at first, but once we got the hang of it, we were off to the races.  The stations are pretty old but each one has its own charm.  Kind of felt like I was in an old French movie.

The FOOD was good too. I know most people rave about it but I am not really that in to food so I was more taken by the atmosphere. We went to several nice restaurants but we really liked an Italian place, called La Cavallina, which was very close to our hotel. We ate there twice. On our 2nd visit, the waitress even remembered what I had ordered the first time - which was very helpful (as I could not recall my order - en francais). The meal even included a complimentary glass of a fine French champagne (yum) The patrons were nicely dressed, the dog was under the table and the air was buzzing with conversation......all in French. 

Of course in Paris, Desserts were everywhere. Need I say more? But what I enjoyed most was sitting out at the sidewalk cafes and watching all the people go by. In Paris you can make a day of just watching people.

SHOPPING - I think you really need a ton of cash to shop in Paris (OK, maybe I just need a ton of cash to shop in Paris). One day I walked to the Champs Elysees (which was dangerously close to our hotel - I might add) anyway, I strolled in and out of many of the shops and little malls along the way. I found the cutest little boutique and stopped in to find no other customers in the shop. I spent the next 2 hours there, trying on clothes  (I bought 4 items which cost me more than I care to say) but the experience was one I will remember for some time to come. Oh, and BTW French women are very tiny and the European sizes are different from ours.  if you want to buy clothes there and you are bigger than, say a size 6 - get ready for salesgirl to go into the storage room to find you the BIG clothes sizes.

ah... The City. What can I say? The buildings, the river, the museums, the flowers, the trees.  Tres magnifique! I highly recommend the red double decker tour buses. The cost is reasonable and tickets can be purchased for 1-2 days. This tour will give you a good cross section of the most popular sights. I will say that June is the beginning of tourist season and there were soooo many people in the city that we were not able to easily visit many of the attractions. But, It's all just so FRENCH! and I loved it anyway!