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Le Grand Cirque Comes to Costa Rica
February 25th, 2009
I am always a bit suspicious of publicity that compares its product to some world renowned version of that same product. In this case, Le Grand Cirque has been billed as “The Next Generation of Cirque du Soleil”, the world famous circus from Montreal Canada. To be fair, the actual phrase came from some magazine or newspaper, Southern Times, and it appears that Le Grand Cirque is not trying at all to feed off the fame of their Canadian counterpart.
If this topic interests you, read on and be sure to see the videos at the end of the Post.
Filed under Cost of Living, Costa Rica, Culture, Entertainment, Expatriate Life, Life in Costa Rica, Living in Costa Rica | Comments (6)This is Really Irritating!
February 23rd, 2009
I get a lot of email as you might imagine. The vast majority (well over 99%) of the comments are positive and pleasant.
On occasion though, I get a comment that really frosts my Twinkie. This happened last night and I responded… but then I stewed about it all night! The comment and my reply appear below. I guess what really bothers me is that I spent a huge amount of time writing The REAL Costa Rica and then more time keeping things current both there and here on this Blog. I then get an email from someone who implies that I whitewash Costa Rica. I know, of course that there are people who do not agree either with my opinion or my rather blunt style of writing. Others love it as they really want to KNOW about this country, and they are concerned (rightfully) that they are not getting the facts from other sites that really do nothing but promote Costa Rica. I love living here but as I have written about 20 zillon times, this country is not for everyone. It is right for ME, but only you can decide if it is right for YOU. Anyway, if you wanna listen to me rant a bit, read on. Her quote is exact. No corrections or changes.
Filed under Costa Rica, Crime in Costa Rica, Culture Shock, Life in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica, Real Estate | Comments (59)The New Driving Laws in Costa Rica
February 13th, 2009
A lot of people are surprised to learn that it is perfectly legal to drink and drive in Costa Rica. It’s true! However, the law also states that you cannot drive while drunk. That means that means that you as a driver are depending on the guy who is drinking to know when he is drunk. File that under things that make you go… “Hmmmmm”.
The government, getting fed up with the huge number of alcohol related traffic accidents and the resultant deaths, passed last December La Ley de Tránsito or simply new driving laws.
Although signed into law and effective last December 2008, I did not blog about it because there were sure to be a ton of appeals to the Costa Rica Supreme Courts, called Salas, regarding the legality of the new laws and the associated punishments which are truly severe. Sala IV has upheld some and is still considering others, but it is time to talk about these new laws. In this post, I will provide my thoughts and more important, a shortened list of the new laws and the associated fines and/or imprisonment. If this topic is of interest, read on! Continue reading »
Filed under Costa Rica, Costa Rica Law, Driving in Costa Rica, Hmmm!, Life in Costa Rica, Living in Costa Rica | Comments (9)The Costa Rica Blues Fest
February 8th, 2009
When I left Chicago almost a decade ago, I knew the stuff that I would not miss (snow, cold, weeks with no sunshine, snow, cold, snow, etc.) and the things I would miss (grand kids, children, friends, Fall, Chicago Fest, Spring, the Blues and the Chicago Blues Fest, etc.). Well strike the Blues off the list as of last night for that was evening of the Second Annual Costa Rica Blues Fest.
Coming to Costa Rica? Do You Like Cheap Fares?
February 2nd, 2009
I realize the audience for this post may be a bit smaller, but here it is anyway.
Did you see it?
Frontier Airlines ran an ad during the Superbowl that may interest you if you live near or can get to, Denver, Colorado (all flights specials originate there).
Price Denver to San Jose, Costa Rica is $139.00 (each way) and that ain’t bad… BUT you have to book and pay TODAY by 9 PM MST.
Rules:
* Purchase by February 2, 2009
* Complete travel by June 10, 2009
* 14 day advance purchase required
* Choose off-peak travel days
o Tuesday – Wednesday for US
o Monday – Thursday for Costa Rica
Can you do it? If so, come on down to Costa Rica! The weather is fine… though I DID see a cloud the other day!
Oh… and the temperature here this morning (in San Jose): 72 F
How is YOUR weather?
Filed under Costa Rica, Tourism, Travel, Travel to Costa Rica | Comments (8)A Nasty Little Parasite – Parents Take Care!
February 1st, 2009
I did a fair amount of work a couple of years ago when researching the various illnesses and health issues common to Costa Rica. I thought I had a pretty good handle on it… then some nice lady sent me an email about Chagas Disease… so I checked that out and added it. Well I guess Chagas was not the end because today, I will introduce you to Angiostrongylus costaricensis, a nasty little parasite that has made sick and sadly killed some very young children. Of the 42 cases treated since 2003, 16 were girls and 26 were boys under the age of 14 years. At serious risk are the youngest… under nine years old.
