Pancakes and Flower Power - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #3

I'm so happy that we have new neighbors that moved on our ridge a couple of months ago. AND, they are from the Bay Area. As a matter of fact they lived fairly close to where I lived for about 10 yrs. 

With many of the expats here, usually the biggest commonality is that we come from the US, but in this case it is even better because in addition to being from the same country, we are from the same local area and they live close enough for us to walk to their house (very important since we have no car). 

Anyway, yesterday they walked over to our house (which was an easy (?) 40 minute walk (for them) - we have not tried it yet) and we decided to go up to Isabel's (the restaurant where we have our Friday happy hour) and have breakfast. 

The place was full because there is another group of expats who go there for Sunday breakfast after their church service.

At any rate  -- we loved the breakfast!! The pancakes were the best I've had in Costa Rica and Isabel serves US style bacon (for any of you who still eat bacon). Costa Rican bacon (tocineta) is not the same, not sure why, and nothing against the local food, which we eat most of the time --

 but sometimes it's just nice to have food you are used to and also get to speak English 😁

enjoying a caramel latte @ Isabel's

After breakfast, we went back to their house (in the rental car my brother drove down from Tamarindo) and Kate gave us a tour of their garden. Gardens are quite the thing here since so many of us have lots of yard and beautiful views.

Her hubby is a coffee expert (they are also growing coffee on their land and roasting it themselves) He made espresso for us and we chatted on their patio for a while.

We had a beautiful Sunday!!

Kate picked some of her gorgeous hydrangeas and gave them to me to take home along with some yucca.

(I actually had enough for 3 separate flower arrangements) 

Thanks Kate because the hydrangeas in our yard are pretty pitiful - I must say!!

If you live in the cooler regions of Costa Rica you will see plenty of hydrangea flowers (Hydrangea macrophylla).

Originally from Japan, (the Spanish name is Hortencia). Hydrangea is common in the highlands of Costa Rica (we are at 4,200 ft). The shrubs are everywhere around our neighborhood with their large inflorescences of blue, pink or white flowers with coarse green leaves. If you look closely at the center of each flower, you will notice miniature flowers with petals, stamens and pistils. What looks like large showy petals of each flower are actually calyces (the sepals of a flower collectively, forming the outer floral envelope that protects the developing flower)

The root is considered a useful botanical tonic for the kidneys and bladder. However, the buds and young leaves are toxic.

In Costa Rica, hydrangea blossoms are most commonly blue, but interestingly enough, the blossoms change color depending on the soil. In acidic soils, the flowers are blue. In alkaline soils, they’re pink. White flowers indicate the soil is neutral. 

Pancakes & Flower Power from Devon on Vimeo.

It's A Family Affair - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #3

For those who do not follow me on Facebook

Family has arrived in Costa Rica!

A BIG Welcome to Russell!!

Photo of Lavanson and Russ at the SJO Airport on Wed.

My brother Russ is here! 

He has visited Costa Rica often back in the 80's,mostly the Tamarindo area so now he can also experience the Central Valley. 

So Happy that he's here!!!

Friday trip to the feria for fruits and veggies

Friday night @ Isabel's dinner toast

Fruit Festival Class - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Overwhelmed by all the fruits at the feria?

Well worry no more...

Isabel Arguello a Spanish teacher on El Cajon in Grecia holds Spanish Conversation Classes

On Sunday she held a "FRUIT FESTIVAL". Where we learned about and experienced different flavors, colors, shapes and tastes of a great variety of our Costa Rican fruits.

Spanish only allowed, NO ENGLISH!!

It was very helpful. For any interested, Isabel will be happy to host one for you. Let me know if you are interested and I can put you in touch with her.

Fruit Festival Class in Grecia from Devon on Vimeo.

Today in pictures - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

We are nearing the end of the rainy season and the beginning of SUMMER in Costa Rica.
The days have been sunny and very pleasant up here on the ridge (it has been pretty hot in town)
The mornings sometime start with some fog over the mountains which usually clears by 7 or 8am.  Then sunny and warm all day!

The end of rainy season also means the beginning of the "windy" season. They call them the Xmas winds. So far it hasn't been that bad but if it's anything like last year - hold on to your hat!!

 Coffee is ripe all around us. I expect to see the pickers here any day now

Speaking of hats...I stored these in a plastic bag and put them in the closet in one of our bedrooms. That bedroom will be occupied shortly so I had to move them, but 1st I put them out on the line to air out and get rid of any signs of mold.

Houston I think we have papayas!!! We have the 2 trees that our housekeeper planted out back shortly after we arrived. According to research "Most healthy, established papaya trees (Carica papaya) bear fruit seven to 11 months after planting." Since we are going on 1 1/2 years here, it's pretty possible that these are papayas. 

Our 2nd tree shows no signs of fruit."Papayas express three different sexual forms: hermaphroditic, female and male. Female and hermaphroditic papayas are capable of bearing fruit, while male plants cannot. The flowers indicate which sex the plant is, although the differences are often subtle."

Planting Peace! - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

In this post we are not at the beach, a fancy hotel or walking across a hanging bridge...but I hope that you will take the time to read this anyway. In the end, I think what I am describing is an excellent example of the way we want our world to be. Let me know if you agree!

Visions & Values
Visions and values are two of the most important tools used by leaders or anyone involved in transforming a culture -- or the world for that matter! Visions and values provide us with a clear focus. Values provide the trust and appropriate behaviors needed for group success.

We are all truly digging the vibe, the visions and the values at EARTH University. We traveled by van with a group of expats and spent the day there last Wednesday. The university is fully self sustainable. NOTHING goes to waste. Pretty amazing!

It did not disappoint!

EARTH University is located off the beaten path (near Guácimo) and is not on the "must see" list of tourist destinations for the vast majority of travelers to Costa Rica (although 2017 is the year of Sustainable Tourism). EARTH University is a place I highly recommend!  First of all -- the grounds are GORGEOUS and secondly, visiting Earth University will give you a better understanding of the culture of the Costa Rican people. 

Their students say "First, we learn not only to have an understanding of technical knowledge but also to be understanding of people, how to get closer to others and put all we've learned into practice for those who need it. "

For a Better Tomorrow!
The students come from countries all over the world to learn conventional, as well as sustainable farming. Most of the students will return to their home countries to put what they have learned into practice. 

At EARTH University, students learn the importance of growing food locally, making use of urban greenspaces and creative farming techniques. Urban agriculture helps reduce the carbon footprint tied to food transportation and improves access to fresh fruits and vegetables. 

 Mission:

Prepare leaders with ethical values to contribute to sustainable development and to construct a prosperous and just society.

Vision:

Our actions are mission-driven to alleviate poverty, promote social justice and build a future where our communities achieve sustainable and shared prosperity

 Values:

Human development, Academic excellence, Ethical behavior, Sustainable development, Social consciousness, The Search for knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation.

Since the beginning, EARTH’s primary focus has been on sustainable agriculture. A few people, however, saw an opportunity to take that model to the next level and create a completely auto-sustainable farm that was exclusively organic. The idea was to use integrated family farms, essentially how people have been farming for centuries. This is exactly what we came to see!

Just another reason I ♡ Costa Rica!!

Take a look at our day

Field Trip to EARTH University from Devon on Vimeo.

Alternative Health Forum - Grecia Costa Rica

Sunday July 23 marked the 1st alternative health forum held in San Roque de Grecia and hosted by Jeanetta Owens.

In general, the term “alternative therapy” refers to any health treatment not standard in Western medical practice.

Technically, “alternative” treatments are used in place of conventional medicine; when used alongside standard medical practices, alternative approaches are referred to as “complementary” medicine.

The field of alternative therapies is diverse: It encompasses practices spanning diet and exercise changes, hypnosis, chiropractic adjustment, and acupuncture.

For more alternative health info you can also follow my page Awakening to Wellness on Facebook

Grecia Alternative Health Forum

Purpose - The forum (which will be held on a monthly basis  - subject to change based on participation) is an opportunity for expats and the local community to connect with others and share knowledge, experience and products to help improve overall health through alternative practices. As we get older we instinctively begin to pay more attention to our health, but why put it off ?

Begin today no matter what your age and live a healthy happy life -- 40, 50, 60, 70 and beyond!

July 23 - Invited speakers

Dr. Lazaro Gonzales - Ozone Therapy San Roque Abajo

Gil Monge - Owner Ruta Sana Natural Market  (Organic fruits, vegetable, products)

Ser La Luz Retreat Center - Owners Michael & Ed 

Lavanson Coffey - Applied Kinesiology 

Melaney Phillips - Earth Matters - Owners Melaney & Catharine Phillips (natural predominantly organic wonderful goodies for the body and home)

Don Baker - Anti Aging

Logan Thompson - Holistic Solutions ( Consultations, Alternative Therapies, Seminars, Training, High Potency Supplements, Chemical Free Beauty Products)

Lucy Watler - Attorney at Law

Johnny Walker - Liposomal Vitamin C
Dr Sherman Thomas - Forum Interpreter - a graduate of the University of Costa Rica, PhD in the Philosophy of Chemistry 

If you are interested in attending one of our forums or would like to be a speaker or have products, services or advice to share please leave me a comment or email me at urbandoggs@ gmail.com or for questions and/or reservations please call Jeanetta at 506 2494 0970 CR or 786 363 9036 US.

Hope to see you at the next forum!

Below is a video of the 1st forum

Alternative Health Forum from Devon on Vimeo.

Looking for organic fruits and veggies in Grecia? - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

If so, sorry -- you will find it very difficult to do.

The local feria has 2 stalls that sell organic but not quite the array you might expect coming from the states. Contrary to popular belief, Costa Rica doesn't have as many organic fruits and vegetables as you might think. The country is GMO free ( más o menos - more or less) but the use of pesticides such as Round Up is very high. (we will discuss this more in detail in our upcoming video)

So, we have been on a quest to find an organic farmers market to supply us with the foods and other items we need to live a truly healthy lifestyle. 

Our New Find!

Totally DE-Lighted to find this ORGANIC Farmers Market last Saturday in San Jose.
Three of us took the bus from Grecia at 6:00 am (feria hours are 7-noon)

It did not disappoint. Lots of yummy, healthy cooked food available to eat -- plus veggies, fruits, herbs, plants, cacao, bread, rice, household products, make up, jewelry and more. There are quite a few stalls there. 

We also bought some very tasty pesto sauces and cheese made from cashew nuts.

It's our new favorite spot!

If any of you are planning to move/or visit long term in Grecia and are interested in eating organic, we plan to make a trip at least once a month. Just let me know and we can add you to the list (and hire a driver to take us there probably cost us about $10/ea)

It is a beautiful setting. They even had a yoga class going on.

An Organic Farm On Our Ridge - Our Life in Costa Rica

We are extremely lucky to have an organic farm (finca) on the ridge where we live.

Below are some of the local school children learning about organic farming. I think the children here are much more knowledgeable about where their food comes from than our kids back in the states. Many children also live in homes surrounded by lots of land where there are farms and gardens and where they grow fruits and vegetables. 

I previously posted that I've been growing my own herb garden for the past several months.  I have sage, basil, rue, linden, rosemary, and tarragon. The garden is looking really good! 

Recently I added a lime tree, some lemongrass and an aloe vera plant. All of them purchased from the finca. Each one costs about $2. 

Finca Organica San Luis de Grecia

The Essence of Costa Rica - Our Life in Costa Rica

I'll start by saying this, we absolutely love the view at our house. I think it is safe to say "it is beyond amazing!" I've spent most of my time getting our patio set up, and now that we have visited with many of the other expats in the area, we see what can also be done with the garden. 

There are some yards around here that will knock you out! I am not kidding. And that's not to say that we don't have a nice yard, because we do, but...after all, our house is a rental and there is so much more that can be done with it. 

The entrance to one of our friend's homes down the hill from us

So I spoke with the owner of our house (Marcelo) and he agreed to buy some plants (and have them planted) in the yard.

First up -- A trip to the local nursery. 

I asked Marcelo where to go to find the plants/flowers.

His answer "I'll take you there" 

Marcelo explained that there is no such word for "plant nursery" in Spanish  - they are called viveros.

You can find many fine greenhouses and viveros all around the country with a terrific selection of plants for decorating in and around your house.  According to Marcelo, Ticos know that the greatest concentration of these nurseries are on “Gardeners Row” in the pretty little western Central Valley town of La Garita  -- 36 kilometers west of San José, and 13 kilometers west of Alajuela. La Garita is the name of the city but the nurseries are located on a 9 kilometer stretch of road and includes some 20 nurseries. 

Our visit was to the Vivero Central La Garita

A portion of our neighbor's garden patio

You can buy retail or wholesale there and it can be very helpful if you need to buy in bulk as there are good bargains to be found.

Among the gazillion plants, wonderful blooms abound including the striking bird of paradise, begonias, anthuriums, gaudy bougainvillea, hibiscus, Christmas poinsettias, roses, and sunflowers. 

Lush foliage can be found in bamboo, variagated dieffenbachias, leafy ferns, dracaena, and palms. For the kitchen you will find basil, chile peppers, coriander, dill, ginger, lemon grass, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme. The list stops when you do.

And if fruit is your thing, you will find avocados, bananas, oranges, tangerines, limes and sweet lemons, guavas, mangoes, papaya or starfruit and … 

OMG don’t forget the passion fruit!

Below is the video of my trip to the vivero. 

It is the biggest and most beautiful nursery I have ever seen!

Take a look 

Vivero from Devon on Vimeo.

Friday! - Our Life in Costa Rica

We love going to the feria and we really enjoy having our Spanish lesson once a week.
Our teacher, Shirley, comes to our house and we sit out on the patio for the lesson

however.....

This week we took the show on the road!

Shirley accompanied us to the feria to help us make some sense out of the "strange/unusual" fruits and vegetables we have been seeing each week.

Here is part 1 (not sure how many parts there will end up being but probably 3)

Enjoy

Friday from Devon on Vimeo.
(email subscribers click the link above or view directly on the website)

Coffee Grounds - I'll take you there - Our Life in Costa Rica

Marcelo took us on a tour of the coffee farm that is behind our house (Casa de Coffey) and down a steep hill. To be honest, I always thought we were living on the edge of a cliff, and if we went out too far, we would go tumbling down the hillside, crashing through the trees and coffee plants right into the river (which of course would contain wild animals and snakes). Truth! (smile) Really though, all I can see from our patio is coffee and trees for miles (and of course the rose garden).

I had no idea!

We were both pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it is out there. There are paths and trees and flowers and lots and lots of coffee! No wild animals only the neighbors friendly Schnauzer.

I am so happy we had a chance to see it and Marcelo was so nice to answer the 1001 questions we had.

Come along with us and see for yourself.

Today's video is about 12 minutes long, so grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (depending on what time you are reading this)get comfy, sit back and enjoy. (Excuse the audio in portions it is a little low - just turn up the volume a little)

Coffee Grounds - Exploring the farm from Devon on Vimeo.

 email subscribers click the link above

(If any of you come to visit us "I'll take you there" 
out behind our house and we'll walk along the beautiful paths leading to the river
you will love it!)



Ain't no smilin' faces (I'll take you there)
Uh-uh (Lyin' to the races) (I'll take you there)

Name that fruit! - Our life in Costa Rica

We've been taking Spanish lessons since August. One class per week on Thursday for 2 hours. We are coming along nicely. I took French in high school which helps me a little. Lavanson already knew some Spanish before we moved here, so of course he is doing much better than I am. Even so, we still find it extremely helpful to practice with someone who speaks the language fluently, (whenever we have the opportunity). Marcelo our landlord, has been learning English (as are many of the Costa Ricans) so we have all found it very beneficial to practice with/on each other.

We have also been very curious about the wide array of fruits and vegetables which are available here and many growing in our yard. (and many just lying around on the ground)

Today Marcelo came over to the house and showed us several of the fruits that grow in our yard.

Name that fruit! from Devon on Vimeo.

link for email subscribers

We have so much to learn

Please join us on Saturday when Marcelo takes us down in the valley behind our house. It was nothing like we thought it would be!!

If it's Friday...then this must be the feria! - Our life in Costa Rica

Our weekly shopping for fruits and veggies is done at the feria (farmer's market) in Grecia.

Grecia has a very large open air market. It is open on Friday from noon - 9pm and Sat from 9-12.

In addition to a vast assortment of fruit and produce, the feria also has meat and fish, bread, delicious desserts, fresh juices, sodas (small eating establishments), plants, an aisle where you can buy shoes, clothing, household items and a cotton candy booth (algodón de azúcar) which I have tried a time or 2 (thumbs up).

After living here for 4 months, we have gotten much better at budgeting for food and estimating how much we need to buy. Our refrigerator is usually (over) stuffed with produce and fruit. Our biggest issue is that the fruit and produce doesn't last very long. We have thrown away a lot because we didn't eat it soon enough. 

We've been told that this is because of the different growing methods here in Costa Rica and the reduced use of pesticides. Also because all fruit is grown locally (it's in season) so it is ripe or very close to it when it is picked, unlike the US where it is picked long before it gets ripe and shipped in from other countries. That produce/fruit must be treated to last and also chemicals are applied to make it look pretty for resale.

We accept the trade off and are learning to buy less each week and we have also learned several methods on how to make the food we buy last longer once we get it home.

Growers in North America have responded to decades of pressure to grow bigger, heavier fruits and vegetables that are uniform in appearance. Customers want their produce all-year-round, even if it’s out of season, and they want to pay minimal price.

delicious Costa Rica tomatoes

Take tomatoes for example: Industrial tomatoes have been bred for yield, production, disease resistance. The growers are not paid for flavor — they are paid for yield. So the breeders have given them a lot of fruit but that doesn’t have any flavor.

Most supermarket tomatoes sold in North America share a genetic mutation that makes them all round, smooth, and deep scarlet red when ripe. 

Lavanson & Charles absolutely love this vendor. Sometimes they end up buying out all of her brownies!

There are 2 organic booths

there are about 4 aisles this size - it's huge!!!

We look forward to shopping each Friday. Tasting and learning about different fruits and veggies. You get a lot for your money!

It's also a good place for social gatherings.

We see a lot of expats there each week. Then we meet up @ Isabel's for "happy hour".

Have I told you lately....I LOVE my life!!!

Update/Revision - Is there a cure for cancer growing in my backyard? - the healing plants of Costa Rica

***Update for email subscribers***

The link may have been left out for the video - Our 1st Guanabana

please find the video here.

Thank you

Is there a cure for cancer growing in my backyard? - The healing plants of Costa Rica

This is a post from my blog I'm Just Sayin dated May 7, 2013, on our stop in Antigua. It's interesting to look back because soursop aka guanábana is not allowed in the U.S but is very prevalent in the Caribbean. It grows here in Costa Rica and is available at the local feria. Most Costa Ricans are very aware of its healing powers.

Thought it made sense to re post here

So looking back...Here's the post

Is Soursop a cure for cancer?

Instead of swimming or snorkeling at one of Antigua's 366 beaches, we decided to take a tour that would give us a taste of the culture of the island.

One of the stops on the tour was to Rosemac's Herb Garden, located in the coastal village of Johnson's Point. The garden belongs to Rosalyn Simon. She lead us through her herb garden and shared her wealth of knowledge of each plant. We found her talk to be very informative. We learned about many herbal remedies (both culinary and medicinal) that have been used by the people of Antigua for centuries. From these herbs in her garden she creates her natural products to soothe and heal the body. We also had a chance to sample some of the fruits and teas. One such remedy which was discussed was soursop.

Soursop -- what's soursop? 

Soursop (Annona muricata) is a fruit mainly grown in tropical climates. It has many other names, including guanábana, graviola, anona, and sirsak. As a member of the Annona genus of flowering plants, its most recognizable relative for Americans is the pawpaw.

Soursop is a strange-looking fruit; imagine a Granny Smith apple crossed with a pineapple... on steroids. This should give you a mental image of the spiky fruit, which can weigh up to 15 pounds. Cutting open the green rind reveals a white pulp with a consistency similar to that of cooked fish, and rows of dark seeds.

we sampled the soursop

Soursop has been linked as a possible cure for cancer (and a way to prevent cancer) but it is not acknowledged as such here in the U.S. I won't go in to why I think this is being done, but suffice it to say, if you decide you want to use soursop you will not be able to walk into your local Whole Foods and ask for it. It is very difficult to get, however it grows wild in Antigua.

I am in no way endorsing soursop as a "cure" for cancer. If you are interested in learning more please listen to the video below. Then research and draw your own conclusions.

Rosemac's Herb Garden - Antigua West Indies from Devon on Vimeo.

Fast forward 3 years to 2016. We now live in Costa Rica where guanábana is quite common. As a matter of fact I think there is a tree right in our backyard.

We bought our 1st guanábana last week at the feria (the ones in our yard are not ripe). It was pretty big and cost $8.

The fruit, roots, leaves and bark are all used in natural treatments, however, the active ingredient, Acetogenin, is most concentrated in the leaves of the plant. (As I understand it, the fruit is for prevention and the leaves made into a tea are for treatment.)

Below is our video

 
Our 1st Guanabana from Devon on Vimeo

Exotic Fruits & Veggies for Life - Costa Rica

The foods of Costa Rica are intoxicating with the vast array of vibrant colors and textures. They are inexpensive to buy and good for your health. A certain gal pal has lost quite a bit of weight since arriving and I've heard the same from others who move to Costa Rica.

The interesting thing about shopping in Costa Rica is that to get the best food and for the best prices you probably need to shop at several different places i.e fruits/veggies/meat/seafood. Of course there are regular grocery stores where you can go and buy all your food -- one-stop  shopping -- but what is the fun in that?

Below are some of what they purchased this past weekend. Sorry I can't give you the names of everything but they look good!

a sweet potato in a different color - lightly sweet

cross between a squash and a potato?
These are called Pejibaye which are a palm tree fruit. While they are a fruit they taste more like a cross between a squash and a walnut. They are often sold already cooked and are excellent to peel and eat with mayonnaise -- the tico way... they just eat them plain.

mangosteen

dragon fruit (made into a smoothie)

All that fruit and veggies... Plus a huge thing of agua de pipa, fresh and fresh OJ... $8 worth of avocados (expensive due to a stoppage of imports)...$46

above a type of cilantro that only grows in Costa Rica

the strange looking green veggie (below) is called chayote and it is a member of the gourd/squash family. Chayote is very popular in Central America and is often lightly cooked or served raw with salads. While it does not have much flavor, it is a very good source of amino acids and vitamin C. 

followed by a trip to purchase seafood which they bought 2 lbs of Mahi Mahi cut into pieces for tacos, ceviche, etc. 2 lbs of Red Snapper fillets.... And 2 lbs of shrimp. $32

Shopping should be a lot of fun. Can't wait!!