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.

New Off Road Project

"The Real Costa Rica" 

I am working on an exciting new CR off road project which is a joint venture for a series that I am co-producing. I don't have a release date yet, but as soon we complete it and my partner gives me the "OK" we will have it available to share. 

Lots of interviews, videos and helpful info 

So Stay Tuned. 

I think you will enjoy it

Blooms at Barons - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #3

On Tuesday we had our monthly womens meeting in Atenas at the beautiful Barons Resort. 

Atenas is the capital city of the canton of Atenas in the province of Alajuela in Costa Rica. 

I think in miles Atenas is only about 12 miles from Grecia but as is quite the norm in Costa Rica you follow a rather circuitous route to get there which doubles the mileage. A beautiful drive nonetheless. 

I have some video and more info to share with you re the resort.

It wins my stamp of approval!!!

I highly recommend it for folks looking for a beautiful place to stay in the Central Valley!!

If you have questions you can contact them directly at +506 7202 7156 and 

from the US 213-973-1173 

You can check out the resort below

Another Beautiful Resort in the CR Central Valley 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

From the Atlantic to the Pacific - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #3

wall mural @ Playa Jaco

Since our trip to the Caribbean was canceled unexpectedly due to weather, we decided to make a trip to the Pacific Coast instead. Playa Jaco is only about 1 1/2 hours from Grecia and can easily be done as a day trip.

We left at 8:30 am and were home by 5:30.

Two of the couples were celebrating their anniversaries and we could not let them leave Costa Rica without seeing at least one beach!

We walked around a bit in Jaco and then spent several hours relaxing on the beach

We had a very nice lunch at one of my favorite spots, The Green Room.

We stopped in at my friend Craig's shop, Jaco Fine Meats. I bought some smoked bacon and Charles's bought some ribs (cooked and ready to eat) 

Craig

Then we loaded ourselves back in the van and headed home.

Our Plans to Attend the Calypso Festival (Update) - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #3

We love the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, and we try to get over there as often as we can - which usually turns out to be -- once a year. This year we planned to attend the 5th Annual International Calypso Festival. 

La Terraza Travel put together an exciting 2 day, 2 night package which was to begin this past Saturday. 

We awoke on Saturday morning to a light rain in Grecia, but it had rained very heavily the night before. The weather alerts called it a tropical storm front. At any rate, all 14 of the participants arrived at our pick up point in Grecia, on time - bright and early - at 7:00am.

We enjoy meeting new people and we were looking forward to hanging out with some of the new folks (we had not met at least 6 of the people going). Once we arrived we heard the news about the flooding that had occurred on the Caribbean.

Ruta 32 between San Jose and Limon is closed after heavy rains battered the area on Friday night.

Once we came to terms with the fact that we wouldn't be going anywhere close to the festival that day, we regrouped and made a new plan. Our van transportation was already paid for so we would reschedule the trip. The hotel agreed to honor our reservations and allow us to change our date to 8/4.

With the new trip plans in place, several in the group decided to meet at our house for margaritas in the afternoon and later in the evening have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, La Casa de Miguel. This trip was also a special occasion for Ernest & Elise who were visiting from North Carolina and were married in Costa Rica last year.

They had returned to celebrate their One Year Anniversary!!

Here's a little bit of our day in video

International Calypso Festival - First Try from Devon on Vimeo.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Check traffic congestion before you head to the airport or make a trip to the beach.

There are some stretches on a number of Costa Rican roads that have no cell service which means they are effectively invisible to WAZE traffic updates.

There could be 500 cars sitting perfectly still on the Guapiles Highway in the mountains of Braulio Carrillo and WAZE would show no problem because none of the phones have signal to update WAZE. 

Get off the bus and walk - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

This is just a quick update to last week's post about meeting up with some expat friends in San Jose for a noon time lunch date at Cafe Mundo.

We took the bus from Grecia with another new expat friend, Curtis. We arrived in San Jose an hour early for our scheduled lunch, so we decided to hop off the bus and walk, choosing to rely on our trusty GPS to guide us to the restaurant.

We had never ventured walking too far in the city so this was a treat (and a little hilly in places).

Cafe Mundo is an original family-run restaurant in a sprawling converted turn of the century home. Located on a corner in a residential nook of San Jose, Cafe Mundo is popular with locals, who have no trouble finding it (but we did) behind the massive gate that obscures most of the facade from the road. 

It's also a favorite of celebrities, who turn up for the famously amazing cuisine.

click below for video

Get off the bus and walk from Devon on Vimeo.

Tale of 2 Volcanoes and 2 Expats - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

We contacted The Bold Nomads (Tassie, Kevin and their 4 children) when they moved here back in September and our plan was to visit, however they live in Turrialba which is about 2.5 hours away by car. 

It just so happened that they were going to be in San Jose yesterday so we decided to catch the bus and meet them for lunch.

Earlier that morning we noticed that Volcan Turrialba (one of Costa Rica's largest volcanoes) was erupting as well as Volcan Poás (which is the volcano about 9 miles from us.

We can see them both from our house (not to be confused with "seeing Russia from my house" 😎)

We will definitely be getting together with them again soon. 

 from our house 

Lunch @ Café Mundo in San Jose, Costa Rica

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.

Riviera Maya Update - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Do you happen to remember one of my main goals for our trip to Mexico (other than border run and the wedding of course)?

Well, just by chance, I actually found a Sephora in Playa del Carmen. I had planned to go into Cancun to shop, but when we inquired at the concierge about transportation, we were told that the cost would be $60 EACH way! OUCH!!! The concierge suggested we might try shopping in the smaller, closer little town of Playa del Carmen for about $25/ea way.

So we went for it.

The last time we were in Cancun was about 20 yrs ago and boy how things have changed! On our 1st trip we had to catch a "chicken bus" to our resort (the Copacabana). I remember thinking that I wasn't much interested in visiting again. This time -- it was a whole new ball game! The highway was nice and wide and speed limits were up to 100 km/h in some areas. There were also many beautiful resorts lining the road. So I guess it comes as no surprise that the sleepy, almost non existent, town of Playa del Carmen has really grown as well.

Oh and BTW - coming through immigration in Mexico (no hassles and with a smile even) we were given 180 days compared to the 90 day max in Costa Rica.

"Mexico you are looking pretty good!"👍👍

We shopped on 5th Ave at a beautiful multi level mall and I found a Sephora. Yep, went in and they had the entire line of Fenty Beauty by Rihanna -- Black Girls Rock!!

I had the beauty consultant match my color for me. He also did my makeup and I bought several items. I am still not convinced that I have the correct shade so I ordered what "I" think I should be and a friend is going to "mule" it back from the the states when she returns from California on Dec 4th. (muling is a term used when you have a product(s) delivered to you -- that you probably cannot get on your own -- by shipping or having someone pick up the product for you elsewhere and bring it back to you via airplane)

we bought the hanging mobile -- bottom right

**Note**
Once I get my Fenty products I am going to record

 my very 1st video makeup review!!

It is very rare to find any type of makeup tutorial on youtube featuring women over 50 (and especially black women) and in my case, well...we know that I am quite a bit past 50 -- so I think a video review is in order!

In the meantime, my makeup consult @ Sephora is below.

My trip to Sephora in Playa del Carmen from Devon on Vimeo.

Life on the Ridge in San Luis - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr#2

 Life is Good!

A few photos from Friday around 4:30pm  - San Luis de Grecia

Happy Hour @ Isabel's

A beautiful, peaceful evening

My Jaco Review - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

As you know,  a couple of weeks ago we went to Jaco for a few days. Although we had driven through (or near Jaco) on several occasions, we had never spent any time there.

This time we took our newbie friends (they arrived in Grecia on 8/9 with their 2 young children) and headed to Jaco for a 3 day visit. We hired a driver with an SUV to take us (the cost was $125 for all 6 of us). Pick up time was 7:30am. We hired the driver mostly because we didn't want the hassle of all of us getting our local bus to the bus station in Grecia and then riding to San Jose and transferring in San Jose to the Jaco bus, so early in the morning. We took a scenic route and stopped in Tarcoles at the crocodile bridge so that they could see the crocs and we could take a little stretch. We arrived in Jaco around 10:00am. Jaco is located on the Pacific Coast about 1 1/2 hrs from San Jose  -- and we are about 1hr and 15 mins from San Jose. It is the closest beach to us. We took the bus back (cost just under $5 each and takes about 2 hrs). The bus ride was pleasant and on time - I would have no complaints taking the bus again.

Lavanson's brother is now back from the US and living in Jaco so we were able to see his new apartment (very nice!). He has 2 bedrooms and has offered for us to stay with him on subsequent visits - which we will take him up on! He was also our guide during our stay.

We met some new friends too, David Paskowitz and his wife. They are from Oakland and have been living in Jaco for about 15 yrs. He is a musician and runs a surf school.  We have a mutual friend in the Bay Area who got us together. We were also fortunate that David's group, HotWax Alien Approved, was playing locally in town and we got a chance to see the show.

us with David and his wife, Nancy

I was not too sure about Jaco before we went, but all in all, I really liked it. I did not witness any of the crime or prostitution - which is what a lot of people think of when you mention Jaco. I am sure it is there, but just like anywhere else you go, you take precaution and stay aware of your surroundings. I found Jaco to be a very pleasant place. The food was good, people were friendly, the hotel was very nice and affordable ($120/night breakfast included - I will post the hotel video separately for those interested) oh and the shopping was plentiful (all signs that make a good place to me!) It was also easier to get US brand food in the grocery stores and also in the restaurants (which was nice for a change for us).

I give Jaco an A and would definitely go back again.

You can check out more of Jaco and my review below.

 

Jaco, Costa Rica Review from Devon on Vimeo.

Panama Jammin 6 - Bocas del Toro

We Made It!

Our final stop on the Panama Jammin tour included 2 nights in Bocas del Toro, which is just enough time to get the feel of the place but nowhere near long enough to explore all that Bocas offers. 

Bocas del Toro is located on the northern Caribbean coast of Panama. It is a magical destination! Extending from the mainland cloud forest mountains to the tropical island chains, Bocas del Toro is considered Panama's top travel destination. 

The archipelago has 9 main islands, 52 cays, and thousands of islets. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Panama's first National Marine Park, Bocas del Toro has also become one of Panama's most visited eco-tourism destinations. Considered the 'Galapagos of the Caribbean' Bocas del Toro is also one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Water taxis are available to take you from island to island but we were not there long enough to do much island hopping. One of the islands I really wanted to visit was Bastimentos (Often considered the more relaxed alternative to the busy streets and bars of Bocas del Toro and only 10 minutes away by water taxi) 

Next time!!

Our hotel (pretty self contained) was conveniently located for water taxi service but a bit far from town for walking.

The beautiful, clear water of the Caribbean!
You can rent these cabinas

 You could see the bottom which makes it an excellent location for snorkeling.
Nothing more beautiful than the beautiful turquoise water of the Caribbean
why is that?

We will be making a return to Bocas del Toro!!

Lots of shops and restaurants

As usual I was out scouting the town (aka shopping) for art and locally made crafts. I purchased the painting above (to date, still unframed) from one of the Bocas street artists. We were in such a rush that I forgot to take her photo. When we return I plan to look her up and get some information about her work along with a photo.

Our day in Bocas - Video Below

Panama Jammin 6 - Bocas del Toro from Devon on Vimeo.

As you will see in the video, we decided on a dolphin watching excursion.

In Bocas del Toro, there is a resident population of bottlenose dolphins estimated between 100 to 150 animals. Half of these animals are believed to be year-round residents. Many of the dolphins are in Bocastorito Bay also known as Dolphin Bay. This is where most of the dolphin-watching activities concentrate. The bay is an important nursing ground for mothers and their calves. It is also a important habitat for feeding and social activities.

Panama Jammin 4 - Boquete Real Estate Tour

This video is primarily for those people interested in possible relocation to Boquete, Panama.
So if that isn't your interest you are welcome to skip this one.

We contacted a realtor while in Boquete and she gave us some information about housing prices and rental prices in the area. She also took us to see some homes for sale.

Although I really enjoyed Boquete, once I had a chance to sit down and analyze and compare the prices there against the prices here, I think that Costa Rica is less expensive (even though we hear everywhere that Panama is cheaper).

When we were in Panama City the costs were less than what we pay here but not so for Boquete (i.e Bernie's 2 bedroom home is $1,800/mo and includes utilities). Our 3 bdrm home in Costa Rica is only $800/mo (we pay electric and cable). Which doesn't add up to $1,000/mo. Also the town of Boquete is quite a bit smaller than Grecia and the entire Boquete/David area are the only places to go without getting on the road and making a long trip. I love our easy access to San Jose, Escazu and many other cities close by. Also it seemed that all 3,000 expats live together in one area. I love our nice buses over their chicken buses and I did not see much inter mingling between locals and expats (although I was only there for 2 days so may have been too soon to make that judgment but was the impression I got)

In the end, I will stick with my choice of Costa Rica!!!

Would definitely go back to visit though. And BTW Boquete has excellent restaurants and wins hands down over Grecia IMO!! (the prices in the nice restaurants were about the same as you would pay in the US -- so no savings there)

Click the link below for real estate discussion and home tour. 

Panama Jammin 4 - Real Estate Tour Boquete, Panama from Devon on Vimeo.

Panama Jammin 2 - Manuel Antonio

Panama Jammin Continued - Day #1

We last left you in the early afternoon of day 1. We were waiting along the roadside for a taxi to transport us to our hotel.

Within 15 minutes a red taxi van arrived, we loaded everything inside and headed up the narrow hillside to the Hotel California, Manuel Antonio. If you come to Costa Rica you will not want to miss seeing Manuel Antonio with it's national park, wildlife, beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, restaurants and fabulous hotels!

Pink Champagne on Ice!

It was just about check in time when we arrived and we were all very happy that our rooms were ready for us. The hotel was very nice, perched on the beautiful jungle hillside with a super spectacular ocean view!! 

We had just enough time to drop off our luggage and rest a few minutes before we headed off again to meet our friend Vernita for a sunset dinner at Barba Rojas. The restaurant is the best around for sunsets, offers a 2 for 1 hamburger special for expats (in by 6pm) and has LIVE music! 

We made it just in time for happy hour! The food was good and we enjoyed meeting Vernita (who came over earlier to lend-a-hand as we were waiting on the side of the road for our taxi and who also suggested the restaurant). The music was rockin and also the highlight of our day!! (the band was composed of several US expats). 

What an enjoyable evening!

Thank you Vernita!! BTW if you have not yet seen the story of her journey to Costa Rica - click the link - it is well worth watching!).

Tired from many hours on the road, we spent a peaceful night at the hotel, hopped up early the next morning for food (breakfast was included) and headed for the border - but not before a quick stop at the beach!

Check out our day in the video below and come back for our next stop  --  

Boquete Panama!!

Panama Jammin - Manuel Antonio from Devon on Vimeo.

A Shopper's Gonna Shop - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

The gals and I went shopping in Escazu yesterday!

I found some women who like to shop! Yep, finally! Mostly everyone I know here "hates" to shop and they are pretty vocal about it. My theory is -- we are who we are. I liked to shop in the states (right?) so WHY would I stop liking to shop just because I am in Costa Rica?  Makes no sense. If you are a person who dislikes shopping -- so be it! Do something else (I ain't mad at ya!) LOL We are all pretty diverse human beings with a myriad of interests.
One of mine....Shopping!!
And now I have some shopping buddies!!!

Found 3 really cool furniture stores in Escazu too. A bit pricey but very nice just the same. After all, we were in ESCAZU!!

Loved the restaurant.  Great sangria. We were pretty hungry after shopping all morning. 

Saul Bistro - Escazu, Costa Rica

(This is not a photo of the store - this is near the restaurant)

but...

My new favorite store is Polita!!!

Store Information

• Azul by Palme S.L., Calle Colegiata, 6 28012 Madrid España

We are attending a wedding in Cancun in Nov. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what to wear. Here's a sneak peek of 2 of my choices which I purchased yesterday in Escazu (I am purposely not posting this to Facebook -- so hopefully it will be a surprise when I wear it/them in Cancun).  Please excuse the wrinkles, they were all together in a bag.

I am leaning toward the green one. The garments are made in Italy although it looks like the store is located in Madrid (if we get to Portugal and Madrid in the spring I WILL find the store!!
Trust me on that one!

This is the back of the blouse. I put it on with the embroidery side in the front when I tried it on and the sales lady kept saying "atrás, atrás" 

I finally figured it out!

Aren't these pieces, "so me"? 😀

I also bought 2 more blouses and some sandals. 

I'm good now Got My Shopping Fix!