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 Beautiful Story - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #3

Worth seeing!! - if you are going to be in Costa Rica in Aug 2019 - add this one to your calendar!!!

On Sunday, August 26, six of us travelled from Grecia to San Jose to attend the 2018 Limon Roots Awards, held at the National Theater.  We also met some fellow US attendees from Michigan. They visited Limon for 5 days with a group of 27 black youths. They were here to honor their hero Dr Quince Duncan (Dr. Quince Duncan is Costa Rica's most important living Afro-Caribbean literary figure)

The Limon Roots Awards - Is part of the month-long celebration of Afrodescendants in Costa Rica, the Limon Roots 2018 Awards festival is the brainchild of Ramiro Crawford.  Being honored this year was Dr Quince Duncan, who celebrated his 50th year of writing, and the Mighty Gabby, master calypsonian from Barbados. 

The show is mostly in Spanish and since ("yo solo hablo un poco de español") when the show was over I relied on my Costa Rica friend Natasha Gordon-Chipembere to help me put some of the loose ends together. However, even with my limited Spanish I was able to get the gist of the stories (NEXT YEAR I plan to be more proficient in my Spanish! promise!)

So, with the help of Natasha - here's an overview of the evening.

The Anansi Stories - Have you ever heard of the Anansi or Anancy stories? I had not. They are famous West African stories that have traveled through the middle passage with enslaved Africans to the new world.  

Quince Duncan rewrote several very famous folkloric stories about Anansi the spider.

The Spider

As a trickster, the main character often deceives and exploits his fellow creatures for his own benefit. 
"Tricksters will themselves be duped and humbled. And however selfish and cruel they are, their antics provoke affectionate laughter, while their quick wits and mystic power inspire awe."

The highlight of the evening was a play, NEGRA SOY, directed by Sharifa Crawford and Erick Rodriguez. This play was a profound, critical meditation, a reclaiming of Blackness but specific to the invisibility of black narratives in Costa Rica and the price of being inside of black skin as a woman of color. Seven women told the story of growing up being taunted because of their curly hair, chocolate skin and rounded noses; of being on the margins in Costa Rica, especially in San Jose, where blackness and womanhood were symbols of vulnerability. Sadly most people came to San Jose to continue in school but many felt the need to straighten their hair in that fragility - these women rose! They, as a collective of beauty, told how they finally came to claim all which once brought them shame - their sensuous curves, the curl of their hair, the sheer melody of their rich brown skin. The voice of Stephannie Davis White shaped the entire production with its power. 

I am telling you - the show was AWESOME!!!!

I created a video highlighting snippets from the show (excuse me as I had to video over the heads of the people in front of me LOL) but I hope you enjoy it!

And MUCHAS GRACIAS 👏👏again to Natasha for her help!! Love You!!!💋

It's a Beautiful Story from Devon on Vimeo.

Caribbean Journey - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Last day in the Caribbean - Video only

Caribbean Journey - Puerto Viejo from Devon on Vimeo.

Take Your Clothes Off - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr#2

This has been a surprising "change of season" - that's all I can say!!

We have seen critters and bugs that we never saw before. 

Believe it -- when they talk about the biodiversity here. 

It is REAL!!

So here's the back story - For the last few weeks I've had an extremely difficult time hanging clothes on the line or even sweeping the back driveway/patio area. Every time I go out, these small little bees swarm around me. They haven't stung me or anything, but they are truly annoying. I've been searching for the hive because in the past bees have made small hives on the eves of the roof over the patio. So far I have only spotted one hive which upon thorough examination, turned out to be a dead hive. However the other day our friend Mauricio was over and he saw a HUGE hive way up in the ficus tree. Mauricio is very familiar with the insects here as he gives hiking tours through the ridges etc.

I sent our landlord, Marcelo a photo of the hive and he said he would come over that day. (I think I've said this before, but we could not ask for a better landlord!) True to his word, with a smile on his face and still dressed in his work attire, he showed up later in the afternoon. (He works in San Jose (about an hr away, and even longer in rush hour) and he drove all the way to Grecia to help us) He took a look up at the hive and told us that although, we might be able to live with the bees, they can become aggressive, so better to get rid of them right away! Looking around for something long enough to use (and finding nothing), he excused himself and went next door to his sister's house and returned with his brother in law, Carlos, a long pole with a hook on it and a can of bug spray.

Here's what happened next -- and BTW - I was told that these bees will get into your hair and as you know I have plenty of hair, so I pretty much stayed inside the whole time. Like a true pioneer -- NOT!!

Take Your Clothes Off from Devon on Vimeo.

THANKS MARCELO!!!👏👏👏

What's Mud Got To Do With It? - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr#2

A few weeks ago, 7 of us took off for a relaxing 3 day weekend trip to the hot springs in Guanacaste. Our plan was 3 days - 3 hot springs.

Believe it or not, this was my FIRST time going to a hot springs.

I had never researched the benefits, but discovered that the springs are excellent for relaxation, health, and more. Hot springs, onsens, mineral baths, spa therapy—or whatever name you want to call them—have a rich history and are cherished in many parts of the world.  

The healing powers of hot springs have been used for thousands of years and are widely accepted in Europe and Japan as natural treatment options for various common ailments. The therapeutic use of water, or balneotherapy, could be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to relieving pain, stress, skin woes and more. Scientists from Japan, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere have long been studying balneology (or balneotherapy), which is the “treatment of disease by bathing” and usually in waters containing minerals. 

And...it has been said that, soaking in hot springs increases your blood flow, circulation, metabolism, and absorption of essential minerals. Plus, their waters could help “treat chronic digestive diseases, constipation, diabetes, gout, and liver complaints.” 

WOW! What took me so long?

Our 1st stop - Las Hornillas Volcano Hot Springs, located at the foot of the Miravalles Volcano. The admission cost was $25 per person for an all day pass. They have several different thermal pools (plus a sauna) with varying temperatures. One pool was so HOT that no human body could possibly stand it! They finally ran some cold water in it to cool it down, but it was never cool enough for me. 

The Miravalles Volcano  -  Guanacaste Costa Rica

Miravalles has been sleeping for centuries, except for a small steam explosion in 1946. It is Costa Rica’s only live volcano where you can walk around a crater, see and feel the smoke rising out from the boiling, muddy caldrons & steam vents. This volcano is known for its sulfur springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pots sits 6.653 feet high and is the highest peak of the Guanacaste mountains.

BENEFITS of Taking a Mud Bath: 

The benefits of bathing in volcanic mud are many and varied. They include beauty benefits such as conditioning of the hair, exfoliation and softening of the skin, an improvement in circulation, and the alleviation of some skin conditions. It’s also very relaxing, resulting in a great feeling of calm. The possible health benefits include reducing inflammation, a balancing of pH levels, and the relief of joint and muscle tension. Source

Don't miss our video below!!!

What's Mud Got To Do With It? from Devon on Vimeo.

BENEFITS of Thermal Hot Springs: 

Boosts Blood Circulation

 Reduces Stress

Promotes Sleep

 Relieves Pain Naturally

 Solves Skin Problems

A Lunch for 12 - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr#2

THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to post a comment/note re the loss of our 2 little Yorkies. I speak for both Lavanson and myself when I say, your words were greatly appreciated!!

As sad as we have been, I think it's time for me to get back to work.

I have a lot of information to pass along. So, let's start with our recent visit to Alajuela for lunch at a Caribbean restaurant.

It's no secret (or at least it's not a secret anymore) that I am not a huge fan of the local food here. It's not that it's bad, it's just that it is a bit bland for my taste. So... I was really excited when Jeanetta Owens of La Terraza invited our group to join her for lunch at a Caribbean restaurant in Alajuela, only 45 minutes away from Grecia.

the photographer could not fit everyone into the photo at once - so he took a series of photos. Please excuse my attempt at pasting them together LOL

At that time we had visitors from the states and Jeanetta had visitors from the states, plus some of us local expats so we all got together for A lunch for 12.

I absolutely LOVE Caribbean food and "Caribbean's Food Garage" did not disappoint! The food was excellent as was the service. Great options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. We will be going back often!

While we were there we also talked a bit about costs to move to Costa Rica.

Check out the video below

A Lunch for 12 from Devon on Vimeo.

I Would Rather Fight a Grizzly Bear - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

It seems that our biggest battle is against some of God's tiniest creatures...ANTS!!!

It's been like an ongoing battle off and on throughout the year.

We are in the transition between the dry season and the rainy season so I guess all the bugs are re grouping and looking to move to new homes. At least that's the way our landlord describes it.

On Sunday I went outside to find a million ants (with wings) huddled around the post on our patio. Not knowing how else to deal with it, we got out the trusty water hose and drove them into the coffee fields.

On Saturday I was bitten by microscopic ants that got into a pair of shoes that I had sitting by the sofa. When I put them on I felt a little pinch but thought it was just the pinch of the tongue of the shoes being folded back. When I felt it again I immediately took off my shoe and several of the little boogers fell to the floor. Soon after my foot swelled up like I had broken it or something. It hurt like hell too.  I put everything I could think of on it but the pain persisted. Today most of the swelling is down.

I just do not understand how an ant so tiny can pack such a wallop!!

But they do

A bigger version of ants were in the closet, making a home (larvae and all) in Lavanson's flute case and I found them in a drawer making a nest in a toothbrush holder!

They are also back in our refrigerator again. The refrigerator man has been contacted but seems he is very busy and so has not come by as of yet. If you do not remember that whole issue here is the video

(In all honesty, I must admit, this is really partly our fault - we have not had any extermination in the 2 yrs we have been here due to the cat who lives outside and the 2 dogs we have inside.  I am sure things would be much better if we did. Still trying to get an organic exterminator to come out. No luck so far)

It is estimated that there are about 20,000 different species of ants. So I guess we still have a long way to go if we're going to meet them all!

I'd Rather Fight A Grizzly Bear! from Devon on Vimeo.

New B&B in Grecia - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Hi folks - Posting video of a new B&B project in Grecia that I visited the other day. Marta Mata has a beautiful property in Grecia Central. She has been renting out space for events but has decided to open her home and share her lovely space with visitors.

In case you missed my Facebook post - here it is below

A new family has ESCAPED from the states and landed in Grecia last week! Congrats!! As they were getting all settled in, they were told of a new B&B which is just getting started in Grecia Central. As a matter of fact, they are the 1st guests. Big welcome to Fran and family!!!
The B&B is a new project Marta is adding as it is already available for social events. Marta is a joy to be around. The property is gorgeous with very nice views (remember views are something you don't usually see in town) Prices are very good as well. The rooms are being refurbished. If you are interested in hosting an event or reserving a room.

please contact Marta at

marta1506@gmail.com

or call (506) 8833-1488

Here is the video

Casa Nostra from Devon on Vimeo.

Give More Power To The People - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

As some of you may know, Dr Angela Davis was in Costa Rica on Tuesday. She was here to deliver the inaugural lecture for the 2018 school year for the University of Costa Rica.

And the memories came flooding back!

Founded in October of 1966 in Oakland, California at Merritt College, by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, the Black Panther Party for Self Defense (BPP) became the most famous black power organization of the late 1960s. It has become a model for other exploited and oppressed people within a government.

"Free Huey" was our battle cry!

I began college in the the fall of 1968 and I was deeply affected by the Black Panther Party. Like many other young black people, I wanted very much to join.  I saw the civil rights demonstrators, the freedom fighters, and I was very impressed. I wanted to spread consciousness about black oppression and exploitation. This was the start of my social activism. Not an easy thing to do on a college campus in Colorado (located in the middle of cattle country) where there were barely 100 black students.  But, we tried. We started the Black Student Union and staged sit ins at our administration office to obtain classes which were relevant to black people.  I still remember how terrified I was that that we were going to be arrested and of course my parents knew nothing about what I was doing. I ended up with a minor in Black Studies. 

Eventually, in 1974, I left Colorado and moved to Oakland California. I lived in California until our move to Costa Rica in 2016. 

Anyway, all of this came back to me as I sat among today's young college students and listened to Angela Davis deliver her powerful speech on Tuesday. With 1,000 in attendance, Dr Davis received a much deserved standing ovation at the end of her lecture.

BTW- Getting to an event or just about anywhere, for us, is part of the adventure. We left our home on the ridges of San Luis at approx 2:00pm for a 6:00pm event, held in San Jose, a mere 27 miles away. We arrived home around 10pm. 

Angela Davis in Costa Rica from Devon on Vimeo.

We were seated in "piso tres" ( 3rd floor)  I did not take my "real" camera with the perfect zoom. 

This video was shot with my iPhone. 

If you would like to view the entire lecture you can see it here 

Music Credit

(For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People is the third studio album by American soul group The Chi-Lites, produced and largely written by lead singer Eugene Record. The album was released in 1971 on the Brunswick label

Rentals on The Ridges of Grecia - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

In an effort to help new folks with relocation or vacation lodging in Grecia, I have been out scouting properties.

Last week I went to see some available rentals on this beautiful finca (farm).

You know in Grecia we are all about the views and this one has a SPECTACULAR view.

Breakdown -

There are 5 very nice units on this beautiful (and quiet) property perched on the ridge in San Isidro de Grecia.

There are 3 rooms you can rent nightly (all are a little different inside) B&B style

There is 1 apt available for short term and long term rental
1 Awesome stand alone Glass Tree House - long term preferred.
Bus accessible. 

And just in case you aren't following me on Facebook, I am sharing the video again here

You can find the properties online or if you prefer you can contact me and I will put you in touch with the owners.

Grecia Apt Rentals from Devon on Vimeo.

The BIG Event - Dîner en Blanc Costa Rica 2018

Well folks, it's done and here it is!

I won't bother to tell you how DIFFICULT it is to edit 52 videos and 225 photos into a 7mins 27sec video!! Suffice it to say, I am happy this event is only once a year! 😊

Here's a little more about the event:

 “The best way to be invited is to know a member (somebody who has been a guest) of the "Secret" Dinner in White, and to benefit from their sponsorship.

Once you participate in one, you'll be invited to the next one. “On the other hand," the rules warn, "if you withdraw at the last minute, you will be permanently blacklisted.”

For those without a sponsor, there's always the possibility of signing up on the official website. But not all cities offer that alternative, and generally the number of places is limited, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Celebrating it's 30th anniversary in June (expecting 20,000 attendees), the idea, created in 1988 by Frenchman François Pasquier, who wanted to have a dinner with friends around the idea of "Bring a meal, and bring a new friend," at the Bois de Boulogne in Paris and he asked them to dress in white to identify themselves. The Diner en Blanc is now a patented concept held in 30 countries and 80 cities -- including Montreal and other cities in Canada, Bombay, Panama City, San Jose Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, Jamaica, Zagreb, Kuala Lumpur, Kenya, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Seoul and Bangkok (to name a few). 

There are approximately 30 cities holding events in the US.

In my opinion, this event is definitely not for everyone. You'll need a bit of "e-n-e-r-g-y". The length of time was increased this year in Costa Rica (event time 3:30pm - 11pm) adding an additional hour to the party time. 

There are a lot of younger people there (in some other cities the crowds include a more mixed age group ) however, in Costa Rica, the event is still in its infancy -- and let's face it, sometimes it takes us older (wiser/and more mature) crowd a little longer to catch on. 

The cost of the event is $39/person (which includes round trip transportation to and from the event site) .

We have always found the people to be very friendly and welcoming and you really don't need a partner to join in the dancing. I am very happy to have celebrated the Dîner en Blanc experience with the people of Costa Rica! We even made some new friends. 

Besides your white clothing, picnic basket, tablecloth and table accessories you need only bring that "young at heart" spirit"

We had a great time and look forward to 2019!

Let the Music Play, And Dance the Night Away

(pt 2 video below)
All music from the event playlist

Let The Music Play from Devon on Vimeo.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Dinner - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

We are back from another AMAZING Dîner en Blanc Costa Rica!!!

This event keeps getting better and better! This is only the 4th year for the event here in Costa Rica, so kudos to the team- they did a FABULOUS job!! 

In between events, I keep my eyes open for all things white. Some items for the table and some for myself to wear and to accessorize with. Since I actually like white clothing, I have built up quite a little wardrobe of white clothing pieces.  And...now that this year is a wrap, I have begun my search for next year. Yesterday, Verdette picked up some tree branches that we will paint and decorate for use as a centerpiece for next year. 

Another very important component of this fun event, besides the planning, is the packing up and the bus trip to the undisclosed location. While on the bus you can see everyone with eyes glued to the windows trying to guess where we are going. Of course for the locals it is much easier--- For us...not so much!!

This year, as the bus climbed higher and higher, I think a lot of people were still wondering where we were right up until we stepped off the bus!

Instructions & Location for 2018

• Remember: Le Dîner en Blanc is all about making friends! While you wait, interact with the other guests to see who will be sitting next to you. It’ll be easier for you to get settled once you reach the event location. 

• The chosen Dîner en Blanc location will be one of the most amazing spaces in the city, so we should all be dressed elegantly! Adding a hat, a mask, or a fascinator to your ensemble is not mandatory, but is highly recommended.

• Please make sure you bring layers of clothes because temperatures will drop at night! Be prepared - but always in white! 

***

Once we returned from the event, I discovered that I have a ton of photos and videos -- so, as not to

turn this video into a full length feature film, I am splitting it into 2 videos 

Please enjoy part one and see you tomorrow (or the next day for the 2nd part)

BTW - The DJ was fantastic and we loved the music 

All the music for both videos comes from the event playlist 

Where Are We? from Devon on Vimeo.

Need a Cute Temporary Rental in Grecia? - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr#2

Seems like everyone is coming to Costa Rica in April!

I've had many, many people contacting me about visiting in April and most of them are undecided about where exactly to stay. Finding a rental can be tricky, especially if you have never been here before. So, if you are considering the Grecia area, I am here to help you as much as I can.

I've been looking at different housing options in Grecia and I have researched 3 that I am going to post (hopefully) over the next week. I am posting only lodging that I have personally seen, or in a pinch, I will take the word of a reliable source.

For anyone coming to visit us. 

Today's video features a very nice studio apartment (with the best views ever!) and it is right up the road from us -- and next to the bus stop we use. It can't get any better than that!!

The home is owned by expats Ron & Sandra Gandy from FL. We walked up there yesterday and met them. They are very nice. Their home is beautiful!! The furnished studio apt (with it's own private entrance) is situated on the top floor with a balcony overlooking one of the best views I've seen on this ridge. The furnishings are very tastefully done and the apt is decorated to US sensibilities (this can be important - especially to 1st time visitors)

The studio rents for less than $50/night in the HIGH season!

Here's our video.

BTW - if you are walking - the hill is sort of steep but not as bad as it looks and not as bad as the hill we walk to get to the bus stop- Just Sayin! LOL The bus stop is right at the foot of their hill. The only thing about the hill, is that it is sort of slippery due to gravel. Other than that, not that bad.

Hidden Gem in San Luis de Grecia from Devon on Vimeo.

Light up My Life - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

We spent a fun filled Saturday at our friends, Toni & Steve's home in Naranjo, Costa Rica. I wrote about Toni last year. We met at a monthly Blooms meeting. Blooms is a women's networking (and charitable) group here in the Central Valley where we expat ladies meet (the location changes each month) to network, gab and break bread together.  Meeting are held on the last Tuesday of the month.

(Oh and Toni was one of our group at the Bruno Mars concert)

We don't get a chance to see each other half as often as I would like because she lives a ways from us (perfect example of distance and time in Costa Rica). Their house is approx 16 miles from Grecia but takes 30-40 mins by car) and it is very difficult to get to her place by bus, so unless they drive to Grecia to pick us up, the easiest mode of transport for us is by taxi (cost about $32 roundtrip using an unofficial taxi).

Toni & Steve have a really cool house! Recently they added a bunch of lights around the outside perimeter of their home (it seemed like there were lights in every tree and every bush!). They invited expats and local friends over to see the light show on Saturday.

Toni called her event, the Festival de Las Luces (or Festival of the Lights). Not to be confused with the official Festival of Lights celebration.

The party started at 3pm and went on into the early evening. It was quite a magical show!! We made sure to take copious notes and are planning to incorporate similar lighting in our yard.

Thanks 👏 Toni & Steve for
the invite,
the fun,
the food,
the lights
 and the company!!!

Take a peek at the party!

Festival de Las Luces from Devon on Vimeo.

Life's A Beach - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Back from the 7th Annual Blues Festival in Playa Potrero Costa Rica!
Company is all gone and I am back in my office, so time to catch you all up.

arriving at the condo

We attended the blues festival event for the 2nd year in a row. This time we traveled with a group of 7 people. We rented a 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Playa Potrero, right on the beach (and it was only a short 10 minute walk up the beach to the Costa Rica Sailing Center - where the festival was held). We rented the condo through VRBO (it was also listed on AirBnb). I spoke directly with the owners, who just happen to live in Pleasanton CA - very close to an old apt that I once rented. The owners were very nice and the condo sounded like the perfect choice for us.  The condo cost us about $900 for the 3 days, so we divided the cost up per bedroom. (if you want to stay there - which we may do again - the price is MUCH cheaper when there isn't a big event going on). We also hired a driver, Adrian, who we have traveled with before. He charged us $248 each way (which we divided equally among the 7 of us). The drive takes about 3 hours.

Speaking of beaches....

along the beach outside of our condo

Just about EVERYONE that I speak with wants to live on the beach in Costa Rica! The beaches here are very beautiful and there are about 300 of them along 800 miles of Costa Rica coastline. The country is surrounded by water on both sides.

This is our 5th beach excursion. Playa Potrero is nestled next to Playa Flamingo in the quiet fishing village of Potrero. Playa Potrero is tranquil and serene. This beach is located along the northwest Pacific coast of Guanacaste, surrounded by rolling hills, tropical vegetation and a diverse wildlife. There are gorgeous turquoise waters that stretch over the white sand beaches. This beach community is ideal for watching the sun set in all its glory. If you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of modern life, Playa Potrero is the the perfect destination!

located on the beach near our condo. we had dinner here the 1st night we arrived. 
they also had live entertainment

I like the Potrero area a lot. The weather in Playa Potrero is pretty comfortable -- for a beach town (i.e a bit on the warm side for me but tolerable). The temperatures stay around the 80's and 90's during the day (cooler breezes in the evening). You will probably still need air conditioning (our condo came with air). If you want to consider living in the area (as with the other beach towns) be sure to factor in the cost of air conditioning -- Cha Ching! Generally speaking, beach towns are more expensive. The Guanacaste region also receives less rain than other parts of Costa Rica, which makes the scenery a bit dry, dusty and desert like and IMO not as pretty as it is here in the lush, green Central Valley -- but the beaches are gorgeous. Their dry season spans from November to April. It was much cooler in Potrero than it was in one of my other favorite nearby popular beach towns of Playas del Coco (about 45 minutes away by car). Coco is a more "happening" and touristy and has just about everything you can think of - even a Hard Rock Cafe - so that tells you something! 

And...We were not alone on this trip. We enjoyed the company of about 35+ other retired expats who drove up from our little town of Grecia for the blues festival. We met up for dinner on Friday at Perla's. 

During the blues festival the little town of Playa Potrero is totally packed. No vacant rooms available and the restaurants are so full that they often run out of certain foods due to the huge crowds! 

our group from Grecia @ Perlas

I have included a video below with more pictures of our stay @ Playa Potrero, the blues festival and music from the festival.  Annika Chambers, an award winning blues singer from Houston was the headliner of the show and came on stage about 10pm. The festival goes from 11am to 11pm so it is a very long day. I have also used some of the music from the festival as background music on the video. Hope you enjoy it!

But before I sign off...

Is there a DOCTOR in the house?

One of our friends, Steve, was sitting in a chair minding his own business, enjoying the music and drinking a bottle of beer, when all of a sudden...the leg broke on the chair! He went down backwards hitting his head pretty hard on the corner of the table. OUCH! After investigation by the doc, it was determined that he needed a couple of stitches. No worries though. There was a medical tent set up right behind us. Stitches were administered by the light of a few cell phones! He is fine now. 

video here

Life is a Beach! from Devon on Vimeo.

Slow Your Roll - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

I find that my life is extremely calm and peaceful these days. And for that, I am grateful!

I'm sure part of it has to do with my retirement, but an even BIGGER part of it is...the laid-back, relaxed lifestyle of Costa Rica. I have almost forgotten about the "hurry up, let's get it done" energy of my old life back in the states. I only think about it once in a while now.

Sometimes when I am in the midst of the beauty and tranquility of the moment, my old life will flash before my eyes. Thank goodness it is only a fleeting thought! However, we will be going back to the states on Thursday to shop for odds and ends, so I will be thrust right back into the hustle and bustle. It's interesting because, the shift happens very quickly--as soon as we off board the plane. It hits you. The American lifestyle!! People scurrying, LOUD voices, lots of cars jammed onto freeways, fast food restaurants everywhere, high rise buildings, neon signs, parking lots and shopping malls! HaHa

OK - Get ready cuz here we come!!!

But before we go, here's a video of how I spent my Sunday afternoon.

Take Some time to Smell the Roses!!


Take Some Time To Smell The Roses from Devon on Vimeo.

And So It Bees - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Update:

What's been going on??

Sunday morning relaxing while waiting for the electricity to come back on

We had some pretty funky weather over the last week. High winds mostly and some rain and lower temps. The weather was a result of the Arctic cold front that hit the US and made it's way down through the NE and into the Gulf of Mexico and then to the shores of Costa Rica.  Some of the hardest hit were -- of course -- "those living at higher elevations in the Central Valley" which is us! Once again the trees and plants took a beating (my poor garden!). We lost power for several hours on Sunday but it was restored in time for us to watch the NFL playoffs!

short video of the wind

Stormy Weather from Devon on Vimeo.

We discovered some bees flying around the side of the house. There are so many types of bees here and some are dangerous, so I mentioned it to Erla, our housekeeper.  She didn't say anything to me about it, but later that day, we saw this box she had put up on the wall. (this has got to be the most resourceful woman I have ever met! No kidding!!!) 

When our landlord came by in the afternoon he noticed the bees and the box and told us they are a species of medicinal Costa Rica bees. That's why she put up the box as a makeshift hive for them. Who knew? 

These stingless bees are called Tetragonisca angustula, one of the approximately 60 species of stingless bees that live in Costa Rica. The particular species is known locally as “Mariola,” and it creates a honey of uncommon flavor and strong antibiotic ability.  The honey is also known as “little angel honey,” as these tiny creatures shine in the sunlight and work tirelessly to create sweetness and health for the rainforest.

While stingless, they are not defenseless. The hive has a small population of soldier bees, and when the hive is invaded the soldiers will latch onto the invader’s body and beat their wings. As their metabolic rates go up, the soldiers generate enough heat to immobilize the invader. You can see these soldier bees hovering near the entrance to the hive. Fear not: they can’t hurt you.

Lastly, we found a new vet clinic at the Grecia Mall and decided to take Lily & Lola there for grooming. Cost was $20 each for bath and grooming (includes hair cut).

Lily (a couple of days after her grooming)

Lola - well, she would rather have a tummy rub than a photo. Can you blame her?

In the next few weeks we will be heading back to the states for our 90 day Visa run. Decided to use our Houston return ticket and stock up on some things we need. I still haven't received the lights I ordered from Amazon back on Dec 1st. Still stuck here in customs, so for now I will not be shipping anything else to Costa Rica! 

Oops here's another short video I forgot to post. 

We invited an expat family over for lunch and Erla fixed empanadas for us

Cooking with Erla from Devon on Vimeo.

Now... 
all caught up!