Our Waves Made it to the NY Times! (Part 2)
A great report was written and experienced in first person for the NY Times surfaced and it is all about a small village in the Pacific coast on the Peninsula de Nicoya.
The whole article, narrated in first person reviews the route the writer took to in order to get to the various points and destinations and in these notes we will be looking at his version and also adding other options for this. In his experience he directly flew into the Liberia International Airport and then took a cab wherein he was chit-chatting with the driver all the way. This visit took place in March just before the rainy season started. He mentions that there is another way to get here too which is by plane from San José and it takes an hour it takes you directly into Samara and there you would need to drive.
Whichever way you decide to land to the nearest spot, you will in the end need a ride whether you decide to rent a car or simply ask for a cab it will be your choice. However there are clear advantages when you rent your own car for you will simply have the liberty to drive to wherever you would like and even drive farther away to choose the best joint for lunch or dinner will be possible.
There are plenty of things to do at Nosara, such as yoga or spiritual retreats and also schools forming holistic practitioners are also found in this area. Besides if you are the type of traveler who simply loves being able to be very near rescued animals, this is the place for at Sibu Monkey Sanctuary you will be able to see and even touch rescued monkeys, there is also a Biological Reserve in Nosara wherein the jungle is so thick that you can do bird-watching and other nature-related activities.
However for the most part Nosara has attracted a whole group of amateur surfers looking to better their skills and simply get lost in the wild. Car rental Costa Rica
Life From a French Perspective (Part 2)
If you are a film lover and you are visiting Costa Rica in the next two weeks, you simply cannot miss the French Film Tour. This “tour” is actually like a marathon where the screenings of these French films make a tour starting from Mexico towards Central America, making a stop at each country.
The whole tour is organized by the French Alliance, the French Embassy, the Club of French Friends and of course Cinepolis which is the owner of the various locations wherein these films will be screened.
With these films there will be short documentaries that were produced in Mexico and will be shown along with the French films. The whole idea of this tour is to promote culture, and of course another way to look at life and the life of those who life in other countries.
Another film from this tour which is simply a jewel is called Gentleness (La delicatesse, 2011) from David and Stéphane Foenkinos, about a woman who was impacted by the death of her husband. The film was nominated in 2012 to the César award for best adaptation.
Besides these offers we also have Metal and bone (De rouille et dós, 2012) by Jacues Audiard, and which is starred by the Oscar winner, Marion Cotillard which many of you might have already been acquainted for she has appeared in quite a lot of Hollywood films. This film was screened at the Cannes Festival and competed for the Golden Palm.
To finish off with such a list of great films and nominations there are even more films from different directors that will certainly be a great option to the normal selection of films available at this moment. They include: And if we lived together? (Et si on vivait tous ensemble, 2011) from Stéphane Robelin; The unfaithful (Les infideles, 2012) and Three worlds (Trois mondes, 2012) from Catherine Corsini. So if you are tired of watching the same films wherever you go, try assisting to one of these screenings and you will not be let down. They promise majestic performances and top direction. Car rental Costa Rica.
Music That Uplifts Costa Rica (Part 2)
There is an amazing quality of the National Symphonic Orchestra and it is that they want to deliver music to uplift the public. For this reason their shows are not only accessible but they serve exactly that purpose, to move the hearts of the public, to share their talent and to give the world some of the beauty and perfection. Although these two presentations will take place at the National Theatre which is an iconic piece of architecture and which its presence calls for formal attire and some respect, this will only be appreciated in San José. Part of what the National Symphony is set out to do is to go on a tour to different provinces and to cities that are far away in order to share their talent and encouragement to other Costa Ricans, especially those who live far from the capital.
Part of the whole tour that the National Symphonic is set out to perform includes places such as Las Juntas de Abangares, Bijagua, Nuevo Arenal, Guatuso y La Fortuna de San Carlos and in these places they will be performing in churches, local gymnasiums and even public saloons. This tour will take place from the October 8 until October 12.
These areas which have been mentioned above are quite far from the Capital and are places which do not have an easy access to music or even higher education in many cases. For this reason the whole idea of a tour around the country is important, it allows great music to reach every corner of Costa Rica and uplift and inspire and touch the hearts of each person who surrenders to their spell. Car rental Costa Rica.
It is especially impressive when kids and teenagers from these zones attend one of these shows for they can be so inspired by the performance of the musicians that they can aspire to be a professional performer themselves and also to give the best of their talent and creativity in order to become a musician.
Music makes our world better, as if all the worldly events which are no harmonic at all would for a couple of hours, fall apart giving way to the harmonic, perfect tones of these performances. Sometimes that is all that is needed to attain peace.
A Great Day for National Music (Part 2)
If you like many do not have an idea of what Costa Rican music is all about do not be ashamed, after all it is impossible not to relate any Latin music to pop diva Jennifer Lopez and any mix with Pitbull in it which is a combination of a couple of phrases in English and then a sticky chorus of something you might not even understand. To tell the truth, sometimes even we need to listen twice to pop Latin music to actually understand what all the blur and accent is all about.
However the two Costa Rican nominees for the Latin Grammys is a different type of genre and I would definitely encourage you to give it a try. Their rhythms are simply a pleasure and the whole group will pick up your mood. Also Tamela Hedstrom who was nominated for the best single and who collaborated with the nominated group offers a free sample of her work at her website. Just a few clicks and you will certainly be able to listen and admire the work of our artists.
But what is tropical music anyways? Tropical music is a very broad term used to describe vocal and instrumental music with some “tropical” flavor to it, it is usually associated with the Afro-Caribbean music and it forms part of a broader category of Latin music. Usually this type of music is very upbeat but it also includes ballads. The sounds are based on traditional percussion and string musical instruments which might feature timbales, congas, bongos, synthesizers and drums. However each country has their own version of tropical music and in different countries different instruments are used. Amongst the most popular styles include salsa, meringue, cumbia and bachata and there are styles proper from every country. Take for example Colombia they have a style which is very much their own called “vallenato” and it is a popular folk music of Colombia. The name literally means “born from the valley” and this has become a whole category in the Latin Grammy Awards since 2006. Car rental Costa Rica.
Summer is All About Fun and Treats (Part 2)
The weekend is coming and it promises to be a hot and very cheery weekend, perfect for going out and about and go chasing after waves!
When it gets this hot it is simply normal that people will want to chill and the best way to do so is to have a summery treat. Usually these treats are cold and delicious so if you were on a bad mood because of a hot and busy day, having an ice-creams can simply make your day. Car rental Costa Rica.
Costa Rica produces delicious ice-creams and what is more, they do not need to be either elaborate or expensive, in fact there is a type of ice-creams which is still very popular which is attached to a stick and they used to be made at home and sold to others. There are also the established ice-cream shops such as Pops which has a history of over 40 years making Ticos enjoy good times and an incredible creamy ice-creams and innovative milk shakes.
Lately in Costa Rica as a trend that comes from other countries we have seen a couple of frozen yogurt establishments such as the chain Moyo, they offer frozen yogurt with a variety of toppings and the taste of their yogurt is simply refreshing. This establishment is located in the major shopping malls and it offers two very exotic Asian flavors one is called Taro and the other is Lychee. Taro is like a sweet potato and it´s products usually come in purple, so do not be frighted with the purple yogurt, it actually tastes delicious. Lychee is a delicious fruit which China produces in big quantities followed by Thailand amongst others, it is a small fruit with lots of chewy flesh and the flavor is infused with flowery notes and a type of sweetness which can be intoxicating. Two exotic flavors and two conventional flavors such as vanilla and berry alongside with various toppings have made this place a great favorite for Ticos on a hot summer day, besides it is fat free.
Hurry and Take the City Tour
There is nothing more fun than taking a city tour, specially when during the tour you will see a whole vision of San José. But what makes this tour so special?
The Art City Tour is a program which will promise to give you a glimpse to San José under a whole different set of light. For starters it is a tour which is done during the evening and it features various points of interest which you can go and peruse at your own pace. The whole concept revolves around a circuit which includes key places such as the Museums at the Central Bank.
These tours are guided, however if you would simply like to go at your own pace and choosing the places which you like most you can surely do that for in this circuit it is all about enjoying a night out in the evening while having a look at San José and seeping in art and culture through your every pore.
There will be only one more Art City Tour after this one so do not let the chance go just like that, specially if you are in town. There will be buses waiting for you to take you from one point to the other and the key points for buses are at the Museum of Art and Contemporary Design, the second will be at the National Museum, the third is at the Central Bank Museums and fourth will be the Jade Museum at the National Institute of Insurance. Car rental Costa Rica.
If you would not like to take the bus there are other options, the same circuit can be done by bike and there is a group which is organized by Chepecletas and also you can simply walk from one point to the other either by yourself or in organized groups which in this instance is organized by a local magazine called Su Casa. The visits to the points in this City Tour visit start around 5:30pm the whole tour is completely free of charge.
Besides visiting points of interest you will be accompanied by other tourists and Ticos, a great way to mingle and to get to know our city.
Let´s Get Patriotic – Why Lanterns? (Part 2)
This Friday 14th of September at around 6pm there will be lanterns hitting the streets in most streets of Costa Rica, children and adults will be carrying out an activity which is very rich in meaning and dates back to the first time when the voice of Liberty was set on fire in Central America.
Back in 1821 when there was no electricity and the only way that the word of liberation and liberty could be spread was by word of mouth or an official document delivered by horse and other means, Costa Rica new nothing about liberty. In fact the news that we were liberated reached our country a month after the actual declaration of liberty of Central America.
However to commemorate the actual date which Independence marked our region Costa Rica decided to honor the woman in Guatemala who spread the word and called everyone out to become a witness and celebrate a new era.
After 1821 citizens in Guatemala would usually light lanterns outside their houses on the 14 of September at 6 pm to remember the event that changed the history of Central American countries. However these marches became popular until a century afterwards as a means to honor and value our history. Car rental Costa Rica.
Nowadays lanterns no longer feature candles but led lights, and they are made with materials that range from plastic, card-board and other creative materials. They are no longer subject to simple lights but can also feature lights with colors and patterns, usually there is also a lantern contest wherein the best lantern receives a prize.
In the end, its a tradition that even nowadays we value, a tradition which transmits warmth and liberty, which reminds us that the best communication is that when it is delivered with sincerity and with the wish to ignite the passion which fuels the heart and soul of others. That is what our country is about, there would be no Costa Rica without the yearning of something more, of values which stand the test of time, of love for nature and liberty and peace and equality. Those are the cornerstones of our country and we are proud of it.
White, Blue and Red – How Costa Rica was Discovered (Part 2)
Costa Rica was in a complete state of “Pura Vida” when the first recorded white man stepped on our shores, Christopher Columbus. According to the European perception we were far from having culture and education but they marveled at our weather, at the richness of our land. When they saw our local Indians wearing gold and also offering cocoa beans as a barter of exchange they saw gold signs in their eyes and might have said “jackpot”. This would be a land wherein they could also make commerce and if Spain had not succeeded to get to the West Indies they had an even better discovery – America.
The first expeditions by Columbus were financed by the Spanish throne but in all expeditions there were various failed attempts, in fact Columbus had already failed three times before discovering Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panamá. On his earlier expeditions he had reached Jamaica and had also touched Dominican Republic and had also discovered Venezuela without even knowing it. Part of the many reasons why the former expeditions were not successful was the Caribbean weather, something the Spaniards could not deal with. We must remember that back in those days sailors would be on ships for months and they were the times wherein there were no fridges nor electricity so they could not keep food and fresh water effectively on board. By the time they set foot in America sailors were already in a state of detriment health and they were against local Indians who were much stronger and knew their landscape very well.
During the Fourth expedition of Columbus he was already counting on three ships when in earlier expeditions he would have double of ships and practically a whole crew of men which would help him not only to sail through the rough seas but also tame whoever they would find in their way. Car rental Costa Rica.
The discovery of this land was almost by mistake, Christopher Columbus wanted to find a way to get to the West Indies a term which included India, China, Japan and the sector of Southeast Asia with no avail. But his name would be remembered by a whole new continent. And in fact it is a very new continent and Costa Rica is a very new country if we come to think of it.
It has only been 510 years after our discovery, a couple of generations only but the world has changed so much since then.
Let´s Spice Things Up With Caribbean Fun – Right Here Right Now
Limón is a province which for the rest of the country is practically unknown, not because it is less important than other provinces but because historically it has been that way. And history somehow marks our present, a present which we can change.
Although this province is very important in terms of agriculture for there is a great variety of fruits that can only be grown in the Caribbean and it is also a very important port zone, Limón has been historically secluded from the rest of the country. It might be because they were the ones to rebel against invasion and later that was somehow retaliated, maybe it was their rebellion which kept them away from the rest of the country the truth is that is what makes this province special.
It took Limón many centuries before they had equal rights and had electricity and water, in fact before 1948 people from this province had to ask for a permit in order to travel out of the province. Much of the Costa Rican culture has changed since then, right now people born in this province can not only travel freely across the country but they have also provided the country with representatives in the government, sports and many other important fields. They comprise of a very important work force wherein English is spoken too.
However when we look back at history we also have a glimpse of what makes this population tick, their love towards nature, their rebellious heart which no one is to conquer, their zest for life and also to enjoy most of it if possible and of course the extra punch in their dialect, food and way of being which could light up the darkest of days. It is the legacy of history and a legacy that is transmitted from generation to generation and which they can be proud of. Car rental Costa Rica.
Now this province is open to the public and receives everyone with a zest for life and a quest for the unknown to be drawn to the many beaches and secret spots which many Ticos do not even know of. In this province lies the heart of Costa Rica, the indigenous people who would not subject themselves to conquerors. Here lies a connection to our true identity, albeit popular conception. And the best part is that all roads are open for you to visit, enjoy and experience.
September Awaits For You With Open Arms (Part 2)
September is a very special month for us and there will be a lot going on practically in every province as part of our celebration of the Independence. Car rental Costa Rica.
There is something that you should need to know and which definitely concerns you though. As I have explained before, we Ticos love to go on vacations and we plan to do so every time that we can. For this reason there are a couple of days to watch out which are very popular for locals to flood to the beaches and hotels and one of those days is this September 15th.
If you are planning to come over and spend some time walking while the sand melts upon your feet and the sunset lures your mind and senses during that weekend there are a couple of notes to take. Please do reserve your hotel and car rentals with due anticipation and also do know that during this weekend some prices might go up a bit due to the high demand of a specific service.
Also for those of you who have been following our notes and do know that there are a couple of websites in Costa Rica which will not only help you out to plan your vacations better but will also stretch your dollar to the most. These sites offer amazing promotions and if by any chance you have bought the promotions they offer and were planning to use them specifically for this weekend please do look twice and check it over with the hotel, hotels usually might not include this special day in the promotion. The reason is simple, they are expecting a high occupancy rate for that specific date.
What else might you expect during such an important weekend for us, Ticos? Well a lot of traffic for during our Independence Day we have a lot of presentations by schools who usually make their marches in different points of the cities on the streets. We will be informing you about upcoming public celebrations too. Many times there is a firework display in the Metropolitan area too.