Guanacaste, Costa Rica by Joseph Emanuelli

A Reality Check on Real Estate In the US

2013-05-15T16:24:00Z

I was searching the Net today and came across this article that I thought I would share with those that read my blog. I have been asked many times in the last 6 months or so “has the market improved in Costa Rica and specifically in the Guanacaste area” Well the answer is Yes and No.

We have seen more buyers coming and we have done more deals in the first quarter of this year than we did all of last year prices have not yet increased to levels of the past prior to the bust. There are still a lot of good deals in the market and we are actually starting to run out of good product.

Our market, in a roundabout way, Is effected by the US market hence why this article has some importance and understanding as to what is going on down here. With the market improving in the US I am sure that it will also have a positive effect hear as well.

So if you have been on the fence about purchasing that Condo or ocean view lot for the future, or that retirement retreat, don’t wait too long as we may not have what you are looking for.

So here is the link I mentioned above.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/05/06/reality-check-on-real-estate/

The First Real “Measurable” Rain in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste for 2013

2013-05-03T12:53:00Z

Over the past few weeks you could tell the transition from dry to green season was upon us. The humidity was starting to build and the days were getting really hot. I know my plants have all been waiting for a mother nature watering verses what I do for them every week.

Last week while I was enjoying a day on the beach, playing frisbe, and chatting with friends, one lone cloud, although pretty big, started to pass over the south side of Playa Hermosa. My friends and I all said at about the same time “God I hope it rains” and all of sudden we started to fell a few sprinkles fall. It was like a bunch of Indians in the old days looking skyward praying it would really rain. Well we were all disappointed, what fell wasn’t even enough to wet the sand.

This morning about 5:30, while drinking my favorite coffee and watching the birds in the back yard and the dogs playing I could feel the humidity was already pretty high, so I checked it and it sure was, 89%. All of sudden I glanced toward the pool and I could see the droplet holes in the water that rain makes. It started very lightly and my thought was “just another tease”. I was pleasantly surprised to when it really started to rain and maintained the intensity for about 30 minutes.

At the beginning of the dry season, my friends and I always make a bet and prediction as to when will be the first measurable rain in Playa Hermosa. My wonderful wife Pamela keeps the list, so I will have to check with her to see who won the bet for this year.

If you have read my blog before you know I like to measure rain, I won’t go into the story about Just check old blog post from last year and you will find it. So once the rain stopped I checked the rain gauges and it was actually a measurable amount. 1/10 of a inch of rain fell in the short time frame. So for me it was the real official first rain of the season in Playa Hermosa, well at least at my house where the gauges are set up. Now all we need is about two and three quarters inches more rain and POOF everything will be green again. It only takes one really good thunderstorm and the hills will lush and green in about a weeks’ time.

As always, thanks to my steady followers for stopping by my blog. I hope you enjoy some of my rants, craziness and even some good information, if you want to make a comment just send me an email to jaaechef@gmail.com , my personal email address or post it here. If you have an interest in or are just curious about Costa Rica and the possibility of owning your own piece of Paradise just click this link and have a look around.

http://www.costarican-american-connection.com/Featured_Listings/page_2527088.html

I look forward to hearing from you! May the Sun Shine on you no matter where you are!!

“Pura Vida” Pure Life Baby!!

Get 20 points in Traffic Violations and Lose your Costa Rica License for 1 year

2013-05-01T22:05:00Z

A new system of points for wayward motorists went into effect this past Friday, six months after the new and hotly debated traffic law finally went into effect. Now drivers can lose their license with 20 points instead of the 50 that was under the previous version of the law. Can you imagine 50 point before you lose your license? Holy bad drive Batman. However there are fewer violations that cost points.

For example, driving 130 to 150 kph (80.6 mph to 93 mph) will cost a motorist six points when caught, Key point here “WHEN and should be IF CAUGHT”. Failing to have a child 12-years-old or younger in a security seat will cost a motorist four point. Now this is a smart move, but I wonder if a child seat can be set up in the back of a pickup? You know what I am talking about if you have ever been to Costa Rica.

The stiffest penalties are for driving drunk with a blood alcohol reading of from .5 to .75 grams of alcohol per liters of blood. Also facing the fine are those driving with an expired license or passing on a curve, (we all have seen this many times) or at a railroad grade crossing, making a U-turn in a prohibited area also carries this maximum fine. Professional drivers and new drivers, but the law does not state when you are no longer a new drive) face the same penalty with a lower level of alcohol, .2 to .5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood.

Other violations that cost four points are failing to have a vehicle inspection sticker, which needs to be done every year, going through a red light and driving with false license plates. The fine for these violations is 189,000 colons or about $393 plus the points on your record.

The one violation that makes no sense to me is 4 points for carrying a child less than five years on a motorcycle. If some idiot has their kid under five on a motorcycle they should lose their license right away. Lesser violations may cost a fine, ranging from 20,000 to 94,000 colons (from $40.50 to $190.50) but no points. The idea is to penalize with points only those violations that jeopardize life.

Anyone who accumulates 12 points loses the right to drive for a year under this system. That could be two drunken driving arrests; of course driving with more blood alcohol in your system then the regulated amount is still a criminal offense.

I believe this is a good thing, but it should go further in my mind, once someone hits 20 point, their car should be impounded for the 1 year period. Trust me on this one, there are a lot of people driving in Costa Rica that do it illegally, so what is the point of the point system anyway? They will still keep driving license or not.

http://www.costarican-american-connection.com/Featured_Listings/page_2527088.html

I look forward to hearing from you! May the Sun Shine on you no matter where you are!!

“Pura Vida” Pure Life Baby!!

Single Story For Sale in Flamingo

2013-04-26T16:38:00Z

Luxury Condo Fully Furnished

• 1,585 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - $399,000 USD - Reduced from $550,000

Flamingo, Guanacaste - Oceanica 816 is a fabulous 4th floor condo with stunning views embodying tropical charm with its beautiful woodwork and spectacular beach and ocean vistas from the bedrooms, dining room, and living room. World-class white sand Flamingo beach is a 2 minute stroll away. Relax on your large ocean view terrace with a cool cocktail, while gazing at the unsurpassed sunsets every night, then open the master suite windows to fall asleep to the rhythmic cadence of the Pacific Ocean. This wonderful ocean view Flamingo condo enjoys a well-appointed floor plan, very spacious and bright, with 3 bedrooms, 2 sleek bathrooms and a gourmet kitchen boasting stainless steel appliances and granite counters. The modern furnishings and chic decor create an ambience of tropical sophistication. The luxurious master suite at Oceanica 816 features a private balcony, king bed, and louvered windows that fold back to reveal the lovely ocean and beach views. The private master ensuite bathroom has a deluxe shower and more louvered windows that also open out to pristine Flamingo Bay. The comfortable second bedroom offers a queen bed, while the third bedroom has two twin beds and its own balcony with excellent views over Flamingo beach. This elegant ocean view Oceanica condo is nestled on the hill of the prestigious Flamingo North Ridge, overlooking the soft white sands of unspoiled Flamingo Beach. The Oceanica development offers a sparkling infinity edge ocean view pool, with BBQ rancho area, elevators, wireless internet, 24 hour security and parking on the grounds. Popular Flamingo restaurants such as Mar Y Sol and Maria's - as well as quaint shops, grocery store and bank - are just steps away. Flamingo is in the heart of Costa Rica's famous North Pacific Gold Coast, with world-class beaches, sport-fishing, signature golf courses, surfing, diving and eco-activities. The new Liberia International Airport is only 45 minutes away, and the best private schools on the coast are under 10 minutes away

Property information

Costa Rica to Offer Cleaner, Cheaper Energy through Private Wind Farms and Hydrolytic Plants

2013-04-25T19:59:00Z

It is no secret that in Costa Rica during the dry season (December through April) there has been a past history of energy shortages do to the majority (95%) of the countries energy coming from wind and hydroelectric sources. Well the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) has finally made an effort to solve this issue with the hope of lowering the prices of electricity during the countries dry season.

"ICE announced in late February 2013 that they will be granting permission to six private companies to generate electricity in Costa Rica through Wind Farms and Hydroelectric projects."

In 2012, 28 companies placed bids on the on the contract and out of those public bids the 6 six were chosen to develop four wind farms and two hydroelectric projects. Predictions are that these six projects will be able to generate up to 137 megawatts of electricity which would be enough to power 225,000 homes.

In Tilaran alone there are already five power plants powered by wind turbines, with only one of the five being owned by ICE and the others being owned and operated by private businessmen. The Tilaran area itself is the site of what ICE hopes to be a large expansion of the "Tilawind wind farm" since the environmental impact study has already been completed and approved.

The hope is that this major step forward for ICE will help reduce the use of oil-generated energy, reduce cost and bring Costa Rica one step closer to being the world first true carbon neutral country. This is just one more step in the ever expanding boom in infrastructure that Costa Rica has been undertaking over the last 5 years.

2 Story For Sale in Playa Hermosa

2013-04-24T14:00:00Z

Below Owners Cost!!

• 1,200 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story - $285,000 USD - Priced Right

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste - This beautiful villa casita is centrally located in the beach town Playa Hermosa. The upper level includes 2 bedroom and 2 full baths, large living area with an expanded kitchen that flows naturally out to the wrap around porch with ocean views. The entire upper floor enjoys vaulted ceilings made with local hard wood Teak and Almendro as well as all the cabinetry and doors and you will find granite counter tops throughout the kitchen. The master bedroom features a king size bed and en-suite bath with Jacuzzi tub. The lower level is currently used as the garage and can be easily renovated to be a great game room and office, with another full bath and closet area or could be converted to a full lock out apartment or as a third bedroom and bath to compliment the upstairs. This unit is within a gated guarded community with amenities such as a large swimming pool with dual slides, and swim-up bar, Jacuzzi, BBQ area, lush landscaping and a man-made stream. The Development features a Sports Bar and Tex Mex Restaurant, Spa, Mini Golf, Air Conditioned Movie Theatre, Dental Office and more.
Reasonably and Competitively Priced, Being offered for $285,000

Property information

How to Ship a Car to Costa Rica and what expect

2013-04-21T16:58:00Z

Hello from Playa Hermosa Guanacaste,

Over the past few years a lot of people asked me “Is it worth shipping my car to Costa Rica”? Well the answer is not an easy Yes or No. So I am going to tell you about our experience with shipping a car in to Costa Rica.

It all stated about 3 months ago when Pam’s uncle said she could have his old Nissan pathfinder, a 1997 model to boot. Pam was pretty excited about the idea as she had to give up hers when she sold her business. So she started the long process.

First Pam had to get the cars title in her name. No big deal if we lived in AZ where the car was, but we live in our paradise of Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste. The next step was to find a reliable shipper that could handle the whole process of picking up the car, transporting it to a port for shipping, receiving it here in Costa Rica and then go through all the requirements to get it legal here. I will explain what they all are and I hope I don’t miss a steep or two hear and Pam handled the whole thing.

Once Pam found a company through recommendations of friends and having had to deal with this with some of her past clients she felt it would be no problem, and it was but there were some hiccups along the way. Make sure it is a company that has shipped items to Costa Rica before. And remember you get what you pay for, just because someone might be less expensive, it may end up costing you more in the long haul with actual $$ and frustration.

First the cars title needs to be in the name of the person shipping it. Then you need to supply the exact VIN number so that the customs agents and shipper have full knowledge of the car and can place a value on it for tax purposes. Here in Costa Rica they do a “Blue Book” value on the vehicle. The VIN # also will state ownership as well. Personally we got lucky as I checked on line and this car had a higher Kelly blue book value then what the CR customs guys gave it. This is where things can get crazy. Sometime the value is just a random number they come up with and based on the year and make of the car the import tax can be as high as 70% of the value these clowns put on it. Guess we caught them on a good day.

Next step is getting the car to the shipper. Most of these logistic companies can handle the whole process from picking up the car at your door and taking it from there. Depending on where you live will depend on the port the boat leaves from and arrives at in Costa Rica. If you live on the west coast of North America it could come from lots of places, the same with the east coast. If you live in the middle somewhere most likely it will go out from either ports in Texas or New Orleans. Once the car is on a boat it could take a couple of weeks before it lands in CR and this is when the “FUN” starts, even with a good shipper.

When the boat arrives and the car is taken off it is held by the customs until the shipper supplies all the bill of laden information and legal information as well as payment for the import tax. The legal information is completed by a Costa Rica attorney, and will show who is going to own the vehicle and you need to attest that you are not bringing it in to sell, right away anyway, along with a bunch of other information that the attorney will take care. Yu must be thinking by now “ holy crap, what a process” I need to find a lawyer to help do this as well” Now a good shipping company will have all these professionals lined up and ready so you won’t have to deal with this.

Once the car is released from customs, and this can take up to 3 weeks, the car then needs to be brought to RTVE, this is the national inspection company to make sure the car is in good working order, as in lights, breaks, wipers, seat belts, tire condition, suspension and emissions. Once the car passes the technical inspection, Thank God Pam’s did, then it can be presented to get license plates and Machamo. The Machamo is the yearly circulation tax and basic liability insurance for all vehicles. Again another payment needs to be made to get all these items. The Machamo sticker was not ready, even thou it was paid for, because their system was down and they could not give out the sticker. Typical Costa Rica government run agency, make you jump through hoops only to say NO come back another day as our systems are down. I think it is an excuse not to work that hard.

Now the car is ready for you to either pick it up from the shipper or pay him more money to bring it to you. We chose to go and get it and that was experience all in itself, but that’s for another blog.

So back to the original question, “is it worth it shipping my car to Costa Rica”? All in all it can be a pretty easy experience with the right people working for you. But if not the right people, in all reality it is really a lot less stressful to just purchase a car here and be done with it. Yes it may cost more here, but the stress you may have to deal with is not worth it and not to mention the amount of tax you may have to pay. Besides it is just a car, its main function is to get you from point A to point B safely. Oh and Yes Pam is very happy she has a new but old car to drive that works just great.

http://www.costarican-american-connection.com/Featured_Listings/page_2527088.html

I look forward to hearing from you! May the Sun Shine on you no matter where you are!!

“Pura Vida” Pure Life Baby!!

Price Reduced on 45 Vista Del Pacifico in Playa Panama

2013-04-18T17:49:00Z

Playa Panama, Guanacaste - Announcing a price reduction on 45 Vista Del Pacifico, a 2,700 sq. ft., 3 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story. Now $559,000 USD - Price Reduced by $236K.

Property information

Helping the Beach Dogs of Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Costa Rica

2013-04-15T16:48:00Z

Hello from Playa Hermosa Guanacaste,

About a week ago, Pam and I were sitting on the beach as we like to do on Sunday afternoons and the local partially abandoned beach dogs, Rey, Clifford, Roxie and God only knows the name of the other 3, all came to say hello. They all know us as we feed them, along with other expats in the town. We always bring a bag of food and dog biscuits with us to hand out to the beach children as I call them. We have, in the past gone to the vet supply and purchased deworming pills for all and feed it to them with some liver pate from the Luperon grocery store. This is always a big hit and really helps them as well. When all the kids are around us Pam pulls out of the beach bag a portable water bowl and we empty the melted ice from our coolers and supplement with bottle water, in to the bowl so all of them can have a nice cold drink. Pam said “hey we need to figure out a way that these dogs can have fresh water every day.

This past week we talked about a few time and came up with an idea. We headed off to the Do It Center and purchased a Rubbermaid 2 gallon container with sealble lid and long enough chain and lock. When we got home, I made some small cuts towards the top of the container all around and thredded the chain thru the holes so that the container can be affixted to a tree. I then took the lid to the container and cut it in half so we could cover half of it. Then Pam painted “Agua Para los Peros” on the half lid and off we went.

Now trying to find fresh water on the beach is not all that easy, but we found a hose from the beach front hotel and asked if we could just fill the container. The employee said “Con Much Gusto” (with much pleasure) and handed us the hose. We filled the container and found an old sign post away from the hotel but still within reach of the hose and wrapped the chain around it and called all the dogs over. Actually we had to bribe them with biscuits to get them to where and the water bowl was set.

You would have thought by the reaction of the dogs that it was a gift from heaven. Every one of them stood and waited their turn to get a drink, they emptied it and we refilled and they all went back for more.

This morning Pam and I road our bikes down to the beach, with the half lid, which was modified with the painted sign “Agua Para los Peros” to check to make sure it was still there and refill the bowl. When we got there, we were pleasantly surprised that one of the employees that rakes beach in front of the hotel, had already refilled the bowl. We chatted with him a bit and he said that the dogs had already been by and had a long drink and he refilled it. So Pam attached the half lid, reason for the lid is to keep debris from going in the water, but still allows plenty of room for the dogs to drink. Another reason for the signed lid is to make sure people don’t think of it as a foot bath or another trash can. Now some may be thinking why did you chain it to the post? Hello this is still Costa Rica and there are people that are not as fortunate and you and I, and could possible use this container for other reasons. Hence the chain and lock.

If you happen to be an avid animal lover, like me and have been to this area of Costa Rica, Consider contacting C.A.R.E. (Coco Animal Rescue and Education) this is a great group of expats that do all sorts of great things for the dogs and cats and other animals in the area. They can always use some help whether making a monetary donation or being willing to be a “mule” to bring items to CR when you come next time, or just offering your support in some way. Check out the web site and help out. http://www.coco-care.org/Care/C.A.R.E_Welcome.html

http://www.costarican-american-connection.com/Featured_Listings/page_2527088.html

I look forward to hearing from you! May the Sun Shine on you no matter where you are!!

“Pura Vida” Pure Life Baby!!

Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa Guanacaste. Taking Care of your Pets when Living In Costa Rica

2013-04-05T18:47:00Z

Hello from Playa Hermosa Guanacaste,

Yesterday was a day dedicated to my four loving and wild and crazy kids. Well if you asked them they would have said “Oh no we have to go to the Vet, Run hide don’t let mom and dad catch you” You know kids are kids, except these type just tend to be a little hairier than most. So Pam and I get the dogs all excited about going for a car ride, you know dogs love to ride in the car. All four jump in pretty easily, well except for Lucy; she had to be picked up and put in the car as she is the older street dog we adopted and has the shortest legs.

Vet care is just as important as your health car. The tropics can be hard on dogs, with the heat and the numerous bugs that abound. Tick fever is a real deadly killer of dogs, it comes on pretty slow and by the time you realize there is a problem, your dog will need major help. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you utilize a flea and tick drop every 3 weeks. I use front line and it works well. Also Distemper can be a big problem and it is advisable to keep all the annual vaccinations up to date.

Once all loaded an almost settled in we head off. Now most people would think that a ride to the vet is a pretty easy thing windows partially open heads hanging out, ears and tongues flapping in the wind and just a short drive. For most people with pets this is pretty true. For me it is a whole other experience as all of them want to ride shotgun. Here in Playa Hermosa we do not have a vet and can just go over to Playa Del Coco, a short 15 minute drive. But we don’t. See the vet in Coco, although good to a certain point has the strangest hours and when I called to make an appointment it was not that convenient for the vet, I had to work around the Vets days in the office and time frames this vet likes to work. So I said Thanks but no thanks. Besides, I feel this vet has the worst bed side manor that I have even seen in any doctor; I wonder why she even became a care giver.

So I decided to give the vet I prefer to use anyway a call and see if he was available. Well of course he called me right back as when I called he was with a patient. He said Just come in tomorrow morning at 9 and we will check out all the dogs and make sure all are doing well.

You are probably asking yourself at this point “why the hell didn’t he just call the vet he prefers”? Well I will tell you it was just for basic checkups and that Ve is over a hours drive just to get there.

Over a year ago, my black lab named Lipton that moved here with us, was stricken with tick fever. The vet we went to properly diagnosed it and gave us antibiotics and vitamins to deal with this fever. Well after the month of drugs was completed, he started to act like he had the fever again. This time I asked around about some vets as a wanted another opinion. I was informed about a very good doctor in Nicoya, about an hour and a half drive from Playa Hermosa depending on traffic. So I called and made an appointment with Dr. Delgado, by the way he speaks great English and takes the time to explain everything. Best of all he also work 5 days a week and if needed on weekends he will come in and meet you. Long story short Lipton had come down with the tick fever again and was close to dying. It turned out that the meds the previous vet had given us actually counter acted each other and just masked the problem. Dr. Delgado basically said “My friend, we can try a lot of different things and Lipton needs to stay here for as long as it takes or he will not make it and there is really no guarantee that he will but I will do everything I know to help this poor boy, he is old for his breed and it is going to be a tough fight”. Lipton lived at the Vets office for well over a week and a half, he actually got much worse before he got better. With the loving dedication, compassion and skills, Dr. Delgado was able to save Lipton’s life and bring him back to good health. He did the same thing with one of my other adopted dogs Jazz, who likes to pick up everything in creation and try to eat it. She ended up having major surgery for a perforated stomach and came out with flying colors but that is another story for another time.

So if you love your pets, and if you have pets you better love them, I highly recommend Dr. Delgado. Here is his email address if you need a great, compassionate, and caring vet for your fur children if you live in Guanacaste or if you travel to Costa Rica with you beloved companions, Dr. Enrique Dalay Delgado clinicadermapet@yahoo.com

Trust me on this one, It is well worth the drive to Nicoya!!! Here is a link to Pam’s face book page with a picture of us coming back from the vet yesterday, Jazz is the white one, Lipton the black Lab, and Bella, surfing from the back seat, unfortunately Lucy was sitting on the floor hiding.

http://www.facebook.com/Pamrica

http://www.costarican-american-connection.com/Featured_Listings/page_2527088.html

I look forward to hearing from you! May the Sun Shine on you no matter where you are!!

“Pura Vida” Pure Life Baby!!

Lot / Land For Sale in Playas Del Coco

2013-03-28T18:13:00Z

Large Building Site

• lot / land - $169,000 USD - Negotiable

Playas Del Coco, Guanacaste - What a great opportunity to own in Paradise. This property is located in a very quiet section of Playa Del Coco, tucked away on the hill side. The lot is far enough away from all the activities of down to have a tranquil and peaceful retreat but just minutes by car to town to experience all the amenities Coco has to offer. This lot measures over 4100 sq. meters, making it over a care in size. There is already a very large building pad that can easily accommodate a 3000 square foot single floor plan home. The property has legal water and electricity to it already. There will never be a roof line right in front as the property boarders a public road. There is enough room to build a grand home and a guest home. The development feature paved roads within and home have already been built.
Originally priced at $250,000.
Now being offered for $169,000
Seller will entertain and consider all reasonable offers

Property information

Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa Guanacaste. At least We have Paved Roads In Playa Hermosa!!!

2013-03-26T15:49:00Z

Hello from Playa Hermosa Guanacaste,

It is just another beautiful day in paradise, it is the beginning of Semana Santa, Easter Holy Week and that is a whole other topic to write about.

I was reading some of the local online English newspapers this morning and came upon this article below. All I could do was shake my head and give thanks to the fact in the Playa Hermosa, Coco, Ocotal and Playa Panama areas, we have paved roads.

Pacific coast residents ready to set up blockade over road dust

As the dry season approaches its end, the roads have more dust and the smoke from the sugar cane fires lingers in the air and reddens the eyes and throats. Out in Tamarindo, the dust is about the last straw after the Municipalidad de Santa Cruz has promised for many years to put asphalt on the 28 de Abril road, according to residents. That is why they are planning a blockade for 7 a.m. this Thursday. Email messages said that the residents are trying to apply pressure on municipal officials in Santa Cruz. The blockade will be at the Villareal intersection, a resident said. The protest will be multi-national, they added. "The municipality of Santa Cruz has been promising for years to asphalt the road," said another resident. "Not only do they not asphalt it. But, the grading of the road is so sporadic, we constantly have to repair our vehicles, the dust is doing great damage to our cars, and the residence and homeowners along the road are constantly sick." This is not the only spot in Costa Rica where residents are irked by the dusty condition of the roads.

I know exactly where this is just outside of Tamarindo on the way to Hacienda Pinilla and the ultra-fancy JW Marriott Hotel. I have driven this road many times and I can tell you first hand it is the pits, I think I rather have a fork stuck in my hand than endure the 6 miles of this road. The pot holes can be the size of the Grand Canyon and the dust is so bad that it reminds me of white out conditions of a New England Blizzard. People that actually live in Tamarindo will say” Oh it is not that bad” “It is only during the dry season”. Well Hello! That is 6 months long!!! You get that response especially if they have a business or if they are trying to sell you a condo or something because they depend on vacationers to keep cash rolling in. Well, have you ever been to down town Tamarindo? There is one paved road right thru the center of town along the beach, turn off the pavement and you have the same exact thing, dirt and dust. And when the rains start, then it all turns to a muddy mess. Anyone for Mud wrestling? You could make a fortune setting up a ring and charging admission, I know the crazy 20 something’s would go to it, especially if you are selling booze and those funny looking and smelling cigarettes.

Now please don’t get me totally wrong, Tamarindo has a lot of things going for it, if you want to surf, there is a surf shop it seems every 20 yards, or hang out and get drunk as there are a lot of good bars on the beach and restaurants in town. But really is that all you want to do? There is even a casino just across the only paved street from the beach. The town draws a lot of younger tourist that want to have fun in the sun and surf. So if you don’t like hanging out with 20 something’s, don’t waste your time.

On the other hand, the area I live, Playa Hermosa has paved roads all the way from the airport, and 90% of all the roads are paved, yes we still have 3 streets in town that are dirt. But this was one of the last areas developed, so I am grateful for what we have. When you head over to Playa del Coco, you will find that the main road and the beach road are nicely paved as well as in 99% of the condo developments and all home developments. Even the road over to Ocotal is completely paved. If you get off the beaten track you will find dirt roads. Even though there are dirt roads here, we are lucky that the municipality grades them 3-4 times a year, but during the dry season it is dusty on these roads as well, I have to be honest. Just this week, the government is actually tearing up parts of the main road in Playa Del Coco in preparation of re-paving the boulevard, so while this is going on as any construction site, it is a mess, but they are moving along quite fast. The main road that leads in to Playa Hermosa from the cross section towards Coco and Sardinal is getting major work as well. MOPT, the Costa Rica authority over roads, are putting in rain gutters along the side of the road coming down the PAVED road in to Playa Hermosa.

So if you are thinking of coming here for the first time I recommend coming to Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco, you won’t get all dusty and dirty or Muddy!

http://www.costarican-american-connection.com/Featured_Listings/page_2527088.html

I look forward to hearing from you! May the Sun Shine on you no matter where you are!!

“Pura Vida” Pure Life Baby!!

Lot / Land For Sale in Playa Hermosa

2013-03-23T18:49:00Z

Great Development Flat Lot

• lot / land - $94,500 USD - Under Market Value

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste - Are you tired of the stress and hassles of a “Modern Society”? If you are thinking so, it is time to change your ways and start really living your dreams. Just imagine waking up to the cool tropical morning breezes flowing through your new home in paradise, while the aroma of freshly brewed locally grown Costa Rica Mountain coffee catches your fancy as you get ready for your morning walk or jog with the dogs on the paved sidewalks in your new neighborhood. Los Altos De Cacique is well developed with over 30 homes already built. This easy to build on elevated will capture all the natural breezes as it sits on a ridge top. The Lot measure over 870 square meters, and all utilities are available to build right away. Conveniently located to all the amenities and shopping of Playas Del Coco and only 20 minutes from the Liberia International Airport. This lot is properly priced compared to other properties that have sold. The owner is willing to listen to all offers.
Being offered for sale at
$94,500.00
Start living the dream instead of just dreaming of a new life!

Property information

Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa Guanacaste. Costa Rica Summer Coming to an end, Winter starting in April

2013-03-22T13:00:00Z

Hello from Playa Hermosa,

The Costa Rican summer is coming to an end, as indicated by the first big storm of the season Thursday afternoon in the Central Valley. Residents can expect the rainy season to officially begin next month in the Pacific regions. The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is predicting that the rainy season will come to south Pacifico Sur during the first week of April, then the rains will come to the central Pacifico between April 21st to April 25th. The Central Valley will see the start of the rainy season May 1 to 5 and the north Pacifico will start getting rain May 6 to 10. All the areas are expected to have rain 20 percent above average. Well as you know I like to watch weather patterns as I have written about it many times in the past/ I always say that it is a crap shoot trying to predict what Mother Natuer is going to throw at us. Same for the experts, how can they even try to predict the days when it will happen? But that’s OK it give me something the think about.

The Caribbean coast and the northern zone are always out of step with the rest of the country and generally have rain when the rest of Costa Rica experiences a dry season.

This 2013 predictions are a sign of hopefully better things to come then what happened last year. In 2012, overall we had a rain deficit that ranged from 31 to 70 percent, the highest being in the north Pacific where there was drought. But by the beaches and In playa Hermosa specifically we were right on our average. Although most it came in the month of October

Here are the estimates of the beginning of the rainy season from the real weather guys:

South Pacific: April 1 to 5

Central Pacific: April 21 to 25

Central Valley: May 1 to 5

North Pacific: May 6 to 10

*Source: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional

There is also a god chance that neither the phenomenon called El Niño or La Niña ( the warming or cooling of the Pacific Ocean) will happen this year. I just hope we get enough rain to keep the farmers happy, the trees growing and my gardens green and flourishing. Although I really enjoy the mindless task of watering my gardens, and get to have some quiet time with nature, after 4 months of doing this twice a week, I would rather be doing some other mindless task, like sitting on the beach watching the sun set and having a cold beer.

http://www.costarican-american-connection.com/Featured_Listings/page_2527088.html

I look forward to hearing from you! May the Sun Shine on you no matter where you are!!

“Pura Vida” Pure Life Baby!!

Guanacaste Costa Rica,One way to get real U.S. television in Costa Rica, But why would you?

2013-03-21T19:35:00Z

Are you living in Costa Rica like me or considering it? But don’t want to miss your favorite shows or news broadcasts from the U.S.? Well, here is one possible solution I found and it doesn’t involve Amnet, Cabletica, or SKY TV. All you’ll need is an internet connection.

A little-known company called US TV Now provides a great service – US television for US expats, beamed right to your home.

If you are content simply watching on your computer, just head over to their web site and sign up for an account. The service costs about $20 per month, and in return you will be able to watch live broadcasts of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, A&E, Animal Planet, CNN (the US version, not international!), Discovery Channel, FOX News, National Geographic, History, and a ton of other channels that you’d expect on a basic cable package if you were back in the US. For quite a bit more money, they offer an ‘HD’ plan of 200 channels + HBO and Showtime.

So, you’re happy now because you can now get real, live US TV. But, if you’re like me, a small computer screen doesn’t cut it – I like my 42 inch flat screen TV and like to watch TV on a TV. So, on to the next step. Note that you’ll need your internet connection connected to a Wifi router for this to work. And I have to be honest with you, if you are not techy it can be frustrating as it is for me. Hell I had problems just setting up the DVD player

You will need a Roku Player. Ok so you are think what the heck is a ROKU and where do I get one. Well stop you complaining, you sound like the little brother I never had, here is the link. http://www.roku.com/roku-products

When you order a Roku player, just get the cheap ‘LT’ model for $49 – due to the internet speeds in Costa Rica you won’t be able to stream in high definition 1080p so the other models have no advantage over the LT and why spend more than you have to. By the way, don’t worry about Roku’s “channel” lineup, which sucks in my opinion– the important thing is you are going to be connecting this little box to your US TV. I know what you’re thinking “Well I live here in Costa Rica how am I supposed to get it here?

OH come on you never had a friend be a mule for you, just buy it and send it to a friend to bring down when they come or check with some of your friends here that may have someone coming. I do it all the time.

Now if you are just getting ready to make the move to CR or already have a place in paradise you can just bring it the next time you come down.

Once you have your Roku player in hand connect it to your TV and follow the easy instructions for connecting the player to your Wifi network and activating it for the first time. Once your Roku is up and running, select the ‘Channel Store’ from the main menu and find (it’s in there somewhere) the US TV NOW icon, select it, and choose ‘install channel.’ You should now have US TV NOW on your Roku home screen. Select it, put in your username and password for your US TV NOW account that you created earlier, ( Remember first part of this article) and get ready to get live US cable TV here in Costa Rica!

Now that you have everything you need for your viewing pleasure, you may be considering cutting the cord to Amnet or Cabletica – but perhaps you think you need them for your internet connection. Wrong. DSL service is available from ICE, the government run phone company, in most areas of the country, and if it isn’t, you can also go completely wireless by getting a 3G ‘data card’ from ICE that gives you a 2mb (good enough for the setup above under most circumstances) internet connection anywhere there is cellular service. The data card can then be inserted in a 3G router (ask your local computer guy because this is way beyond me) to produce a Wifi signal that will power all of your internet and television-viewing needs.

So if this is too complicated you as it was for me (I had to hire someone to set it up for me) Then the reality is you don’t need TV, the basic cable package here is really enough you get about 12 US speaking channels and let’s face it, the main reason why so many people come to Costa Rica is to get away from the over saturation of media and are looking for a calmer life style so how really needs 200 channels. I bet you spend more time channel surfing than watching, so just go sit outside and watch all the wonders that Mother Nature has given us.

http://www.costarican-american-connection.com/Featured_Listings/page_2527088.html

I look forward to hearing from you! May the Sun Shine on you no matter where you are!!

“Pura Vida” Pure Life Baby!!