Daily Basketball Games

Every weekday around 4:30 at the basketball court across from the bus stop in Puerto Viejo there are pick up games.  Bring your shoes and a ball, if its sunny and the court is dry. We’re playing.

Contact Tom at Bread & Chocolate for BB tournaments.

Costa Rica has been one of the most popular retirement destinations for Americans abroad, and it has boomed as a choice for second homes. No country is as hot for part-timers as Costa Rica and the Carribbean Coast is gaining popularity every year. Since my initial investment here in the Carribean over 4 years ago,I’ve not only seen more and more 2nd home owners living here part time, but the businesses and services that this market require to live here part time, have also began showing up in the area.
“Costa Rica’s appeal as a second-home destination is even greater today: For the first time since real estate began skyrocketing five or six years ago, prices have softened,” says Barry Golson, author of Retirement Without Borders: How to Retire Abroad. “With gorgeous jungle, mountain and beach landscapes, Costa Rica continues to set the tourism pace in Central America.”
Costa Rica put eco- and adventure tourism on the map, and Costa Rica is home to 98% of the world’s rare dry tropical forest. It sits in the hurricane-free zone, and has mostly dry, sunny days from November to April…

www.puertoviejogroup.com

5 Days in May

Wow, what a week is all I can say as I sit here with a Mango Batido overlooking the bay here in Puerto.  Usually the weather in May is rainy with turbulent water here in the Caribbean Sea.  Why then is the prettiest, most calm weak I can remember here in the area taking place as we speak?  Could it really be global warming causing these drastic weather changes here in my little paradise?  Well, I’m riding my motorcycle to lower my carbon footprint rain or shine so I guess I’m doing my part(at least in my mind).  Kraig Henry(yes, he’s a Buttian) says the snorkeling has just been phenomenal with Barracuda and all sorts of colorful creatures out and about the corral.  I’m sure the Scuba couldn’t be better either.   I hope to see another 5 days equal to the last.  As the band Blue Rodeo sings, Those 5 days in May.  What a place!

Hurricane Season in Costa Rica

According to news sources, Puerto Viejo might be in store for a pro-longed summer season this year .  With the Hurricane season in the Gulf headed the way it is, some believe that means longer summer for the Caribbean and more rain for the Pacific.

Leatherback Turtles are in Gandoca

Junior, a Gondoca Tour Guide from Puerto Viejo Tours reported that he and a van full of clients got to see the Leatherback Turtles laying eggs this week in Gandoca, a small village just an hour south of Puerto Viejo.  If your in the area, call Ivette(011) 506 -2750-0440) for more information of times and availablility .

Timeout Tavern Escazu

I’ve heard this week that my friends sports bar in Escazu, the Timeout Tavern caught on fire and will be closed for a couple weeks until repairs can be made.

Limon to receive facelift

The World Bank agreed to extend a $72.5 million loan in late 2007. This will be used to revitalize Limon. The government plans a $600 million modernization of the ports of Moin and Limon. Moin is a stopping point for cruise ships. By 2013, the government expects 500 cruise ships per year. Moin currently gets 250 cruise ships per year.

Moin has a Caribbean charm, but not much in the way of amenities. The $40 million marina development of Moin includes a 500-slip marina, two breakwaters, a shopping center, 800 homes, a yacht repair area, and a luxury hotel. 

The marina will change this sleepy Caribbean outpost. How much? Consider Los Suenos on the Pacific side of the country. This was Costa Rica’s only private marina. When it was developed, the area boomed. That will happen on the Caribbean side. Expect to see cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques springing up in Moin and its surrounding areas. Expect to see prices rise, reflecting the pricing of the marina residences.  This all according to the website, www.Internationalliving.com

Chamber of Commerce to be formed for the Southern Caribbean

Business owners should know that there is a group now formed to represent the southern Caribbean as the local Chamber of Commerce.  Gregory Petin of Sunrise Coast Realty is heading up the group that will act as a liaison between the community business owners and the local municipality.  The Chamber will be actively addressing current issues in the area and actively pursuing government  issued money and or loans for improving the Southern Caribbean.  Any one wishing to join or volunteer is encouraged to do so.

Puerto from a birds eye view

Restaraunts taking a break for the off-season

Both Loco Natural and Chili Rojo are closed for a few weeks. I believe they are re-opening in mid-may. Not sure but if anyone can confirm the dates.

2 bedroom house for rent in San Jose, nightly rental

Why rent a hotel room when you can rent my 2 bed/2 bath home in the Gated Community Los Arcos, only 10 minutes to the international airport.. Car also available for rent, use my place the night you arrive and the night you leave wonderful Costa Rica.  

Hot water, secure two parking spaces, garden area, internet, coffee maker, washer/dryer.  up to 6 persons

100 night, includes weekly cleaning.  Discount for weekly rates.