by Anne Watcher on Monday March 3rd, 2008 at 8:13pm
Who doesn't like to stop for a coffee, sweet or beverage while out exploring the city or shopping. The first day Rob and I went into Alajuela we took a taxi instead of the bus. We asked him to let us off at the Mercado Central or Central Market which he did but we didn't have a clue where we were. We were actually kind of lost that first day and thanks to a friendly tica we got on the right bus home.
After a few more trips into Alajuela, this time on the bus, we got our bearings. It really is an easy city to navigate and is very squarely laid out. That first day in town we were so close to these two little shops that now we shake our heads and wonder how we missed them.
One is an ice cream shop which serves everything from fruit salad to slushies to ice cream to jello and every combination of the above. We have sat there time and time again watching the girls make all these different combinations, some in cups, some in dishes, some with straws and some with spoons. Every one looks delicious but so far we have only had a single scoop cone - partly because we are slowing interpreting the menu. I'm having "gelatina con helado" next time.
The other shop is a coffee shop serving sweets, cookies, cafe con leche, te negro and a variety of juices. I have tried a couple of things, all good as usual and Rob really likes their coconut tarts, more like a coconut macaroon in a shell. They also provide cakes decorated for any occasion.
These two shops can be found on the corner of Avenida Central and Calle Ocho or Central Avenue and Street 8. This is in the same block as the main bus terminal. So if you are ever in Alajuela, Costa Rica and find yourself feeling a little drained and need a boost to keep going, you will know where to go!
Coffee Shop
Ice Cream Shop
by Anne Watcher on Monday March 3rd, 2008 at 2:22pm
One of the first birds Rob and I noticed when we arrived here at Norma's is pictured below. We commented how much it looked like our robins back home, but different in colour. Upon a little research we discovered why. It is a common bird in Central America and belongs to the same thrush family as does our robins. Main difference is the colour. This robin is brownish in colour, lighter on the breast area with a greenish-yellow bill and faintly streaked throat. It may be slightly smaller than our robin and the ones found in more humid climates tend to be darker in appearance.
The Clay-coloured Robin feeds on fruits and bugs and flocks have been known to invade a fruit tree or two. Sound familiar! It builds it's sturdy nest above ground and lays between 2-4 pale blue eggs with red-brown and gray markings during the months of March to July. Occasionally they double brood and as always are fierce protectors of their young.
In 1977 the Costa Ricans chose the clay-coloured robin also known as "yiguirro" to be their national bird. This was a tribute to it's melodious and strong song that signals the beginning of the rainy season.
Clay-coloured Robin
Breast colour in this picture is enhanced by the reflection of the watermelon it was eating.
by Anne Watcher on Saturday March 1st, 2008 at 8:36am
I really wasn't expecting to find squirrels in Costa Rica and it wouldn't have bothered me at all if I hadn't seen one as they are definitely not one of my "favourite things". I do have to admit however after seeing these guys scampering up and down a tree in Parque Central in Alajuela yesterday, they are kind of cute. They almost blended in with the bark on the tree.
The Variegated Tropical Squirrel is native to southern Mexico down to Panama. They are known for their long soft fur with grey tail and body with patches of black or coffee colour. In spanish they are called "chiza" or "ardilla tricolour". They are only about a pound in weight, measuring around 20" in length with half of that being tail.
As common to most squirrels they nest high in the branches of trees, giving birth on average to four young per year. While our squirrels perfer nuts and seeds (and my flower boxes) these guys like softer fruit, tender leaves, pod fruit, insects and bird's eggs. They love the fruit of the rubber plant dropping the seeds to the ground and only eating the pulp. Here in Costa Rica they have been known to battle capuchin monkeys for cacao beans.
The ones pictured below were certainly entertaining the children who were spending a warm sunny afternoon in the park.
by Anne Watcher on Thursday February 28th, 2008 at 5:45pm
Dogs, dogs, dogs! They seem to be everywhere but belong to no one, all thought I'm sure they do, they look too well fed. We noticed very soon after our arrival that dogs do tend to roam free - with the exception of a few guard dogs. The other thing we noticed was that they all seem to be good natured and calm. Maybe it's the warm weather, maybe it's the fact that they aren't tied or confined. I know here at Norma's a little one has adopted us all here. (Not sure who is feeding her).
The only thing that I don't like about it is that they tend to wander into restaurants due to the fact that they are all pretty much of the open air variety. No one seems to care or even ask them to leave. The other night one joined Rob and I at the table and I'm sure would of pulled up a chair if I had offered!!!
This one is always at the bus stop - reminds me of Lucy, Daisy and Shelby
Maybe they are dogs of the universe because any passerby can tell them what to do and they obey!
by Anne Watcher on Thursday February 28th, 2008 at 5:41pm
Even here in Alajuela malls have made there entrance. Mall International is right along the Autopista and quite close to the airport. It is not large by our standards but as soon as you enter through the doors, that "mall" atmosphere is evident. Most of the stores are of the usual fare, shoes, clothes and gifts and most don't have international names on the door - except Pay Less Shoes and Levis. The food court however does feel like home as Taco Bell, KFC, Subway, Quiznos and Burger King are all there vying for your food dollars.
Scotiabank - which is one of the largest banks in Costa Rica - also has a prominent position. All banks here have guards at the doors. Rob was even asked to remove his hat when we entered, I guess they wanted his pretty face on the security camera! Any place where there may be large sums of money you will find an armed guard.
The large grocery store at the mall is also international as it is owned by Walmart although the name is not on the store outside. Inside however the staff's name tags have the Walmart logo and Exquate brand is everywhere.
There are other and larger malls in Costa Rica mainly in the San Jose - Heredia - Cartago area.
Mall International
"Walmart" entrance
Inside
One of the entances
Friendly Taco Bell Staff
-----------
