23
Nov 18
0

Thanksgiving Costa Rica Style

Tags : Costa Rica costa rica living Holidays Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Costa Rica Style

Sometimes, especially during the holidays, I miss my traditional food from back home. Thanksgiving is no exception - well, perhaps, especially Thanksgiving since catching up with loved ones around a large meal is what Thanksgiving has meant to me for years. This year was our first Thanksgiving Costa Rica Style.

Living here in the southern zone of Costa Rica was our choice. As we've mentioned before, we like the cost of living, more socializing with the Ticos than other areas, and the slower pace of life is what drew us here to San Buenas, between Chontales and Ojochal. That being said,,,,trying to find traditional style Thanksgiving day food is almost impossible!

Staple foods found back home, are not surprisingly difficult to find here in Costa Rica (flip the idea around: how many traditional Costa Rica foods does a typically grocery store carry in the USA?).

Lisa and I made our shopping list and then went out to find the ingredients for our typically Thanksgiving meal. We went shopping for cream of mushroom soup for my green bean casserole, any type of Stovetop stuffing, and a spiral sliced ham...we went 0-for-3.

We did find a Butterball Turkey at the BM in Palmar Norte. They were all huge and only one price ….19,000 colones (~US$31). The decision was easy not to spend over $30 on turkey since it was just going to be Lisa and our neighbor Derrick to eat. So we went home with our normal weekly groceries, and some of the side fixings that we could find, and decided to plan for a Thanksgiving Costa Rica style instead.

On our new list we only had one destination on it: there is a local butcher just down the road from us in a town called Coronado and we were going meat shopping! Woo-hoo! Meat shopping! For those who remember watching the TV Show Home Improvement, I let out a Tim Allen-inspired-male-grunt-of-excitement and we dashed to the SUV.

The butcher cuts the meat "made to order" and we asked for a slab of ribs. He brought out this HUGE chunk of meat from the storage locker (it had to be at least 2.5 feet long!) and asked us how much we wanted. Using my hand signals, and over-dramatic facial expressions (I'm still working on my Spanish) we got exactly the amount we wanted. Next we ordered a kilo of ground beef - that was easier to order. Finally, we ordered six pork chops, each about 1.5 inches thick, which he cut to order. The entire bill was the same as the single BM turkey: 19,000 colones.

Supporting the local families here, and getting away from the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving was a wonderful, albeit initially unplanned, idea.

We got back home to the condo we are renting, fired up the grill and got to 'work'! Is grilling considered work? Look at how hard I'm working and how stressed out I look in the photo below.

So we should have enough food to carry us over until the end of the month, just without the turkey dressing and all of the casseroles of years past. I realize that for Costa Ricans it is just another Thursday, but with all of the turkeys and chickens running around the rural areas, I would strongly encourage them to celebrate Thanksgiving Costa Rica style with us next year. I suppose if we had lived next to a Walmart, Pricemart, or other big chain store, this blog would not exist. We count our blessings and give thanks everyday that we live where we do, and for our wonderful opportunity to live here with amazing people and amazing wildlife.

Let us know if you'd like to join us next year for a Thanksgiving Costa Rica style. We will find you a place to stay and show you around our piece of paradise here in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica.

Pura Vida and Happy Thanksgiving!

Scott Norman

Happy Thanksgiving Costa Rica style

21
Nov 18
0

Getting My Costa Rica Drivers License

Tags : Costa Rica costa rica living Drivers License ex-pat retirement

Costa Rica Drivers License

For those who have been following our blogs, you must know by now that my Spanish is very limited. When there is anything that involves the government of Costa Rica, it pays huge dividends to do your due diligence ahead of time. That way, one will be prepared for most anything without any hiccups along the way. This is true for obtaining a Costa Rica drivers license also.

Getting back to my story, you just don't walk in and get a drivers license like you might in the USA. In fact, there are quite a few steps along the way that are different, and dare I say, smart.

The first requirement, which needs to be done several days in advance of going to the license bureau, is to find a government approved translator whose job is to translate your current (in this case from the USA) driver's license into Spanish. Keep in mind, although there are a lot of self-proclaimed translators that are available for most everyday help, when it comes to government documents it is necessary to use an "official" one. Contact us and we can recommend one for you, or you can do what I did, which was use social media to find one.

This means that whatever classifications you had on your state-side drivers license is the classification you would get here in Costa Rica. Since we live in the southern zone of Costa Rica in San Buenaventura, the closest office is in San Isidro de El General (or simply 'San Isidro' as the locals call it), located approximately 75 minutes away. We first spoke by phone and we were told what was needed.

Copy of my passport and all of the stamped pages
Copy of drivers license from the USA
Copy of my cedula (note: a cedula is the official name of proof of residency in Costa Rica)

The total fee for this service was 15,500 Costa Rica colones (or about $25). Keep in mind: This is a necessary part that cannot be skipped!

The translators did their part and it was mailed to the Cosevi (another Costa Rica government agency involved with issuing drivers licenses), who then had it waiting for us at the licensing location. With a tracking number that was provided, I just handed the clerk at the post office the slip and out came a package with my translation.

The next step was to get a physical. That's right...before you get a Costa Rica drivers license you need to have a simple physical. What a great idea! It makes sense that people driving 1/2 ton vehicles should have a minimum level of health. The location was conveniently located across from the drivers license facility. There were several folks outside but they told me to go on in. In broken Spanish, I explained that I needed a doctor's examination "dictamen medico". I paid 20,000 colones (~$33) and was lead to a small adjoining room where I was examined. I had some simple, but important tests done including, vision test, reflex test, blood pressure checked, and listened to my lungs with a stethoscope. In all, it took about 10-15 minutes and after the exam, they said I was good to go.

So, I walked across the street to a guarded entrance. They wanted to see my passport, proof of medical examination, and cedula. This was all while the gate was still shut and passing items back and forth. Once let in, the usual "musical chairs" routine (a Costa Rica tradition!).

After visiting one office, was let out to go next door and pay the actual fee for the driver's license. This fee was 8 mil because there was a motorcycle and car endorsement . Went back to the gate, showed my paid documents and was taken to another room for more questions"are you a organ donor amongst others" and this went fairly well.

Picture time!!! Check out my great photo!

Walked out with a new Costa Rica driver's license and now legal to drive. By the way, they still get "rubber stamp" happy and stamped all kind of documents, some I got back and some they kept. The license is good for three years and there was no drivers test to take. It all very smoothly considering this ol' Gringo's Spanish??!!

Let me know if you want more information on how to attain your Costa Rica drivers license.

Scott Norman

Here's a checklist of things that you need to do to get your Costa Rica drivers license:

Copy of passport and all stamped pages
Copy of current drivers license
Copy of cedula
An official government approved translator
A physical and the subsequent document from the medical facility
A little bit of patience
Around $60 (bring colones)

07
Nov 18
0

New Costa Rica Domestic Airport Terminal

Tags : Airport Costa Rica domestic terminal San Jose Travel

Costa Rica's Domestic Airport terminal received a substantial upgrade in mid-2018. The new modern design is sleek, airy, and bright with improved traveler amenities, including mobile charging stations and a well-provisioned convenience store.

The open, streamlined layout of the new Costa Rica domestic airport terminal is visible before you pass through the doors, and a gorgeous, contemporary bronze sculpture accents the glass-paned entrance.

Once inside, the crisp, minimalist styling is soothing on the traveler's nerves. Everything is well-marked, and signs are bright with large print, making information easy to read and locations easy to find. Airport staff, as always, are cheerful, friendly, and committed to customer service. Domestic flights are available through Sansa Airlines, with service to 14 destinations across Costa Rica, and Carmonair Charters, with service to nearly 40 stops nationwide.

Terra Tica, the shop located beside the gate seating area, offers a wide variety of refreshments, including fresh bakery items, cold drinks, and high-energy snacks. You'll also find an assortment of locally crafted goods and vacation souvenirs.

The gates are well-lit and airy, with accessible seating and charging stations throughout ensuring your mobile device and/or laptop are fully charged prior to boarding. The tarmac is visible through floor-to-ceiling windows which span the length of the building providing natural lighting and great views while waiting to board your flight.

As with the previous Costa Rica domestic airport terminal, travelers walk out to their plane. There are now many safety improvements including well marked walking paths, high-visibility vests worn by employees to guide travelers to the correct plane and easier access, including ramps.

For those returning to San Jose at the end of their trip, enhanced accessibility and clearly-marked points of entrance alleviate passengers' doubts about where they need to go when they deplane.

A roundabout in front of the terminal provides easy access to taxis and shuttles, and San Jose's Juan Santamaria's main terminal is but a short walking distance. Baggage handlers greet travelers at the entrance, and a central information desk is located across from the ticketing counters for travel or locale-related questions.

Updates are being made to regional terminals and airstrips as well, including San Isidro and Palmar Sur. For the most updated information on travel within Costa Rica, please contact us by phone or email, and be sure to check us out on YouTube.

Pura Vida!

05
Nov 18
1

Ex-Pat Living with Lisa and Scott Norman on Moving to Costa Rica

Tags : Costa Rica costa rica living ex-pat ex-pat living lisa and scott norman lisa norman retirement scott norman

This is the first of many 'Lisa and Scott Norman Ex-Pat Living' posts. We absolutely love it here in the southern pacific zone of Costa Rica and have been offered a wonderful platform to share our experiences, our learnings and our thoughts with everyone who wants to read our blog.

Trip #1: Guanacaste

We first traveled to Costa Rica in the fall of 2011 with family members. We chose the Guanacaste region because we had a timeshare condo there that we were using. I vividly recall the winding roads being mostly dirt, not maintained, and lots of potholes, which was totally new to us (we lived in Panama City, Florida, at the time). But the change was good. Different culture, exciting lifestyle and spending valuable time with family never gets old.

Total time visiting: ~1 week.

Trip #2: ARCR & Grecia & Atenas

Our next trip to Costa Rica was six years later, March of 2017 to be exact. By then we had decided we may want to retire soon and we had heard that Costa Rica was a popular destination for ex-pats. With that in mind, we scheduled a very busy fact-finding trip.

At the beginning of this trip we attended a two-day retirement seminar put on by ARCR (Association of Residents of Costa Rica) in San Jose. There we learned valuable information about all things to consider when choosing to retire in Costa Rica. After our two days in San Jose we visited the cities of Grecia and Atenas in the central valley, to see if these were areas where we might want to live. These cities were chosen because of our research of having organized ex-pat communities and we wanted to stay somewhat close to the airport in San Jose (SJO - Juan Santamaria International Airport).

Since we were visiting in late March, everything was really dry. As we learned later this was about the end of the Costa Rica summer and not much rain falls during that season. During this time we were staying in a small, country-side, hotel. It was cute and functional and we saw lots of birds and tropical vegetation. We really enjoyed the area, appreciated meeting some ex-pats there but felt something was missing...we just didn't know what exactly.

Total time visiting: ~2 weeks

Trip #3: San Isidro del General

After our second trip to Costa Rica, we knew it was the country we wanted to retire in...the only question was 'WHERE in Costa Rica did we want to live?'. We returned back to Florida and did more research online. It was decided we would head back down in a couple of months and explore the town of San Isidro de el General. San Isidro (as it is often referred to), is located in a valley in the central-south-pacific area of Costa Rica.

They have flights from San Jose to San Isidro (Perez Zeledon airport), but we chose to drive along Ruta 2 of the Pan American Highway to get to San Isidro. This section of road is called the "Cerro del Muerte" (road of death) due to how dangerous it used to be to drive on. Now, there are breathtaking views, but it is important you pay attention when driving as the road climbs to over 11,000 feet in elevation. Although the locals can make the drive in as little as two hours, it took us four hours since we had never driven it before and didn't know the pattern of the turns. That trip seemed like it took forever and we were happy to arrive into San Isidro!

We had arranged to stay in a nice house that we found on Air B&B. It had a view of the city down below and we began our search for a home to rent for our final move the next year. We liked the area, it has plenty of shopping and great energy, but again, something just didn't feel right for us.

After a week in San Isidro we decided to take a different route going back to San Jose. We chose the road that follows the Pacific coastline - called the 'Costanera Highway' (Highway 34 on a map). We saw some spectacular views of the water and finally felt like anywhere along that area would be a place we could finally reside. Having lived near to the ocean our whole lives, we both felt more 'at-home' near the sounds, sights and smells of the ocean.

We stopped for a short while and visited Uvita, Dominical, Quepos, and Jaco on the way back North. We did notice that financially the further North we went, the more expensive everything got. It was quite a education and a lot of on-the-job-training. Our thoughts were, we wanted to end up somewhere along the coastline but further south so we were thinking something south of Dominical (and we had 'beach homesickness'). The southern pacific zone has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica.

Total time visiting: ~2 weeks

San Isidro's most recognizable landmark is the downtown cathedral

The One-Year Plan is Set

At this point, we knew we were making the right life changing decision of moving to Costa Rica. I was close to retirement and put ourselves on a one-year plan. This meant that we had a goal of one year to prepare for the big move. This meant the start of letting subscriptions run out, becoming experts at selling our things on Craigslist, having a several garage sales, and whatever it took to sell all of our belongings except what would fit in a small storage building north of our hometown in Florida.

So, in the fall before the big move, we started looking for homes for rent and we picked an area between Uvita and Palmar Norte. It was a little further south then most people look, but still close to the beaches. We had scheduled our move for March of 2018 and wanted plenty of time to search for just the right spot.

We found osapropertymanagement.com through a Google search and spoke to the owner Nick. He had some home for rent exactly where we wanted to be, between Uvita and Palmar Norte in a small community called San Buenaventura. I thought it was smart to chose a property manager who knew the area and was someone who we could ask questions about where to shop, where to find a veterinarian for our English Springer Spaniel, and where the nearest banks were located. It was important for us to find someone who actually had hands-on experience.

Trip #4: We found it! San Buenaventura & the Southern Pacific Zone

After taking several trips, and spending almost six weeks living and visiting several different areas of Costa Rica we were confident of our decision.

We made the move to Costa Rica in March of 2018 and have not regretted it one bit! Nick and his company have been more than helpful, and we consider him much more than just another property manager. His staff live in this area full time, are bi-lingual, and have been known to bring over some local cuisine for us to try after a Sunday family get together. Now how can you beat that, there are such wonderful people down here.

nick halverson abigail vargas scott and lisa norman

Stay tuned for more information about our ex-pat living and all of the fun, adventures and challenges, we have in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica!

Pura Vida!

Lisa and Scott Norman

26
Oct 18
0

Palmar Sur Airport Remodel Update October 2018

Tags : Airport Costa Rica Ojochal Osa Palmar Sur Southern Pacific Travel

Palmar Sur Airport Remodel Update

We recently visited the Palmar Sur Airport Remodel project currently taking place at this popular airport for travelers vising the Osa Peninsula and nearby towns of Sierpe, Chontales, San Buenas, Ojochal, Uvita and Dominical. The following video provides an update and some great information about the Palmar Sur Airport remodel.

Click on the photo below to watch or view it on our YouTube Channel.

As mentioned in the video, everyone here at Osa Property Management is hoping that the airport is completed with the remodel by the end of calendar year 2018.

We are recommending to our scheduled guests to have a back-up plan in place if their plans include arriving into San Jose's Juan Santamaria's airport first, and planning on flying down to Palmar Sur. We can help with securing a car rental in San Jose, or hiring a private shuttle for you and your travel companions.

Once the Palmar Sur Airport Remodel is completed, this regional airport will be one of the nicest in the country. Palmar Sur serves travelers from Sierpe, Rio Claro, Chontales, San Buenas, Ojochal, Uvita and Dominical.

12
Sep 18
0

How to Eat Rambutan Fruit or Mamones Chinos

Tags : Costa Rica fruit healthy living how-to mamon mamones chinos rambutan

Rambutan Fruit (Mamones chinos)

The following video shows the proper way to eat rambutan fruit. In Costa Rica, rambutan fruit is also known as mamones chinos. I use the term mamones chinos in the video. However, both names are used.

Tip: Make sure you have a napkin nearby when eating them!

I've spoken with friends of mine throughout the world, and Costa Rica is one of the few places were the term 'mamones chinos' is used. Rambutan fruit is much more popular and even used in the United States of America and Canada.

Regardless if you call it mamones chinos or rambutan fruit, what is important and recommend is that during your next trip to Costa Rica, please make sure you take time to try this amazing fruit. It is in-season from approximately July through September each year. I've seen them as late as November, but the rambutan fruit doesn't generally taste as good when it is harvested so late in the harvesting season.

As with all fruits, there are those that claim it helps with great health and can even help prevent or treat certain kinds of cancer. We do not attest to that or that rambutan fruit will cure anything. However, eating fruits is almost always beneficial to one's health and for that reason, we would recommend eating them while in Costa Rica.

The Osa region of Costa Rica is home to some of the largest mamones/rambutan farms or orchards in Costa Rica. They are almost all owned by local, individual farmers (or family farms) and the buyers come all over Central America to purchase them. In fact, in San Buenas (located between Chontales and Tres Rios), every season a semi-truck arrives from El Salvador, along with a crew of three, who purchased over 50% of the town's rambutan fruit and haul it back to El Salvador to sell there.

12
Sep 18
0

Golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort

Tags : Costa Rica costa rica golf Golf Golfing Osa Property Management San Buenas Golf Resort

Golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort

Below is a video that we recently took of Nick Halverson and Abigail Vargas golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort with some clients of ours. Golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort is a great activity to enjoy regardless of skill level.

This particular afternoon, the group made a last-minute decision to go golfing late in the afternoon. They quickly gathered up their clubs, headed down to pick up the cart, and jumped on the links at about 4 pm. One advantage of golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort is that with their membership program, and for those renters who rent the condominium we manage, clients can enjoy unlimited free golf. That's correct - unlimited FREE GOLF during your vacation in Costa Rica.

San Buenas Golf Resort is the only golf course in Costa Rica's Osa region. In fact, it is the only golf course between the country of Panama and Jaco. Here is more information about the golf course at San Buenas Golf Resort. Don't worry about packing your golf clubs, they have plenty of sets for rent. Guests don't need to pack any special gear as golf balls, golf tees and other supplies are readily available for purchase. Additionally, electric golf carts are available for rent.

We recommend during the summer months of Costa Rica (December - March) to golf at first daybreak or at the end of the day. Golfing in Costa Rica during mid-day can be very hot, as the sun will be directly above the earth. However, if one is used to weather in Florida during the day, then golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort will be just like golfing at home.

Contact us below if you would like more information about golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort, a Costa Rica vacation rental in Ojochal, Uvita or San Buenas, or if you would like a no-cost, no-obligation, bid to manage your property in the Osa region.

04
Sep 18
0

Palmar Sur Airport Update

Tags : Airport Costa Rica Ojochal Palmar Sur Southern Zone Airport Travel

Palmar Sur Airport Update

In August 28, 2018, we visited Palmar Sur regional airport to get an update on the construction project there. The following is our Palmar Sur Airport Update.

In early August 2018, we had a client who had a scheduled flight from San Jose to Palmar Sur, via Sansa airlines. They were planning on a weeklong vacation at Casa Lapas. Approximately 24 hours prior to the clients' departure, they were notified that the Palmar Sur airport was close and no other information was available. After scrambling to get the clients rescheduled to Perez Zeledon's regional airport, we decided to investigate what was going on.

Below are a couple of videos that provide how the Palmar Sur Airport Update will improve traveling to the southern pacific zone of Costa Rica in the not-to-distant future.

Here is a list of the changes taking place at Palmar Sur airport. All of these changes are scheduled to be completed in four months - with a goal of being completed by January 2019.

Existing terminal is going to be increased in size from 750 square feet to over 5,000 square feet. It is still unclear whether or not the existing terminal structure will be kept or if it will be torn down.
Rental car kiosks and other kiosks will be built
The width of the runway is being widened

One of the goals of the increased width of the runway is to allow more models of aircrafts to be able to make emergency landings if necessary. Palmar Sur is relatively safe compared to other airports in the area due to the flat topography and ease of landing for planes coming in from the west/Pacific Ocean side.

Sansa airplane at Palmar Sur airport (when the airport was operating). The Palmar Sur airport is scheduled to reopen in early 2019.

24
May 18
0

Favorite Costa Rica Restaurants

Tags : Costa Rica Costa Rica dining cuisine restaurants

My husband and I have taken several vacations to Costa Rica. Before our first trip together, I'd been warned that Costa Rica 'was not known for its cuisine'. Simple meals, prepared with seasoning - such as rice and beans, chicken or fish - are common throughout the country. I figured I'd find it boring, but I was in for a huge surprise. The food was so fresh and flavorful everywhere we went. Seafood, fish, fruit, and vegetables...harvested at just the right time (quite possibly that same day). Pineapples were sweeter, juicier...better than anything I could buy at home in the US.

While there may not be much in the way of fancy Tico food, there are still a lot of restaurants in Costa Rica. Many restaurants are run by ex-pats who wanted to bring flavors of home with them. This makes it possible to sample menus from all over the world. And sample, we did... and developed a few favorites.

We have many more places to try, so it's possible new favorites await us. Until then, here's our Top Five favorite Costa Rica restaurants. (I've noted price range by each name).

Citrus ($$$)

Curried Shrimp at Citrus

My absolute favorite, Citrus is perfect for a romantic dinner or a get-together with friends. The open-air restaurant located in Ojochal is nestled in rain-forest and bathed in soft indoor and outdoor light. The ambiance is dreamy and inviting, and the menu boasts flavors from around the globe, served with a distinctly French flair. Citrus' offerings include several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, ranging from appetizers to desserts.

Citrus is open for dinner and serves wine, beer, and spirits. I strongly recommend making reservations: the restaurant is popular with vacationers and ex-pats alike, and fills up quickly.

Diqui's ($)

Mother's Day at Diquis

Diqui's is a great casual restaurant situated on the edge of Palmar Norte, a short drive from Las Villas de San Buenas. The open-air restaurant is also a heladeria (ice cream parlor) and offers cones, smoothies, naturales, and frappés. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Diqui's menu includes both Tico and 'Western' favorites.

Free wifi and friendly service.

Fusion ($$)

Pollo Tropical at Fusion

Fusion, located in Ojochal, just 5 minutes from Playa Ventanas, is a fantastic restaurant with an array of delicious offerings, including a full sushi menu. Decadent dishes like the Pollo Tropical pictured above boast unusual combinations of flavor that strike a savory balance. Here, strawberries are paired with basil pesto, wrapped in a seasoned chicken breast, and grilled to perfection. Served over a strawberry-balsamic reduction with salad and fried plantains.

Fusion serves alcohol and is open for Lunch and Dinner; it's an excellent place for families and groups.

Restaurant Terraba ($$)

Restaurant Costa Rica

Authentic, bold dishes are hallmarks of this unassuming roadside restaurant. Enjoy the relaxing, casual environment, generous portions, and friendly service. Terraba's moderately priced menu offers Tico and ex-pat favorites. Enjoy a casado for lunch, and pasta carbonara for dinner!

Villa Leonor ($$)

Curried Shrimp at Villa Leonor

Villa Leonor offers delicious, authentic cuisine in a fun, casual atmosphere. Access the beach just beyond the restaurant to catch a phenomenal sunset before dinner. Or enjoy a dip in the restaurant-adjacent pool, and swim up to the bar.

The Sunday BBQ menu is especially delightful. If you dined at Leonor during the week, it's worth the additional trip. So flavorful! I recommend the Pollo (BBQ chicken) and the Pinchos Camarones (pictured above).

21
May 18
0

Morning Coffee in Costa Rica Paradise

Tags : blog Brad Gudim Costa Rica Travel

While sitting here in my home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I was thinking back to my recent trip and my experience in Costa Rica.

My favorite time of the day, has always been, and especially in Costa Rica, the morning. I enjoy having a cup of coffee and relaxing as I plan my daily activities. What I really enjoyed about my morning coffee while in Costa Rica, was the ability to open the doors in the Villa and let the breeze flow through, while sitting on the patio near the pool listening to the tropical birds and the jungle animals.

Scarlet macaws flying in San Buenas, Costa Rica (c) Nick Halverson

The plethora of colorful birds in Costa Rica was very impressive. In Minnesota we have robins, blackbirds, blue jays, cardinals and sparrows primarily. Although these birds are beautiful, and mildly colorful, they are not near as colorful and vibrant as the birds of Costa Rica. The Scarlet macaw or Lapas as it is called in Costa Rica, is amazingly beautiful.

On my recent trip, we did make a few trips to the beaches, however on my next trip I think I will make more trips to the beach. I have never seen a whale in its natural habitat, so this is on my checklist of things to do. I have also wanted to go deep sea fishing, and this is another item on my bucket list.

I appreciated the fact that the villas are well-equipped with washer and dryer and microwave and for kitchen, however I did not need to take advantage of those amenities. Personally, I enjoy dining out for most of my meals, so that is what I did on this first trip. Similarly, the swimming pool was available, however I did not take advantage of that either. The pool is however, a wonderful place to sit and enjoy nature.

Most people go to Northern Costa Rica because it is familiar to them with the capital of San Jose being there. Fewer people come down to visit in the Osa Peninsula area, only because they are not aware of how easy it is to access. There is a small airport at Palmar Sur that is very close by, and also a hospital, small city and only minutes from the beach.

I encourage you to inquire about the multiple properties, amenities, tours and opportunities provided by Osa Property Management.

BRAD MagicBrad GUDIM

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Tag Archives: Costa Rica

Nov 18

Thanksgiving Costa Rica Style

Nov 18

Costa Rica Drivers License

Nov 18

Nov 18

Trip #1: Guanacaste

Trip #2: ARCR & Grecia & Atenas

Trip #3: San Isidro del General

The One-Year Plan is Set

Trip #4: We found it! San Buenaventura & the Southern Pacific Zone

Oct 18

Palmar Sur Airport Remodel Update

Sep 18

Rambutan Fruit (Mamones chinos)

Sep 18

Golfing at San Buenas Golf Resort

Sep 18

Palmar Sur Airport Update

May 18

Citrus ($$$)

Diqui's ($)

Fusion ($$)

Restaurant Terraba ($$)

Villa Leonor ($$)

May 18

Experience in the Area

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