by Anne Watcher on Tuesday February 19th, 2008 at 6:28am
Rancho Mirian is a local soda just before Zoo Avenue on the way into Alajuela. After being here for a couple of weeks Rob and I were getting a little more confident in reading the menu. I was using my phrase book to figure out one of the items and the staff was very helpful. So we waited to see how we had done. The drinks came first, cafe con leche (coffee with warmed milk) for me and a fresca for Rob. Simple enough and then they brought out the soup, sopa negro, which I though was black bean soup. I was close but not totally correct. It is a dark bean soup, lots of cilantro and an egg poached in the broth. At first appearance Rob thought it was something out of Fear Factor but actually was quite good, added spice as to the advice of others. The only thing we didn't care for was that the yolk although cooked was still runny, fine in an egg cup with toast fingers but not in my soup.
Main meals were excellent. Rob had steak and onions served with fries, refried beans and a nice salad. I went safe again had my casado con pesado and once again did not disappoint. Fish was slightly different again, flakier texture with a slight garlic flavour. Dessert was rice pudding, our first time having it here and NO RAISINS!!!! It was very delightful, sweet with a definite citrus flavour.
Total cost: c8100-$16.20 including taxes and tips
The cooks busy at work
Sopa Negro
Lomito con papas, frijoles and ensalada
Casado con Pescado
Rice Pudding
by Anne Watcher on Sunday February 17th, 2008 at 3:49pm
A popular question that is asked is "Is it cheaper to live there then home?" Well that is kind of tricky question. It really comes down to how you want to live. The average income for a Tico I believe is around $8000-9000 USD. so not a lot. It is no longer considered a third world country and we have found the infrastructure and services to be quite good. Everyone basically has hydro and access to clean drinking water. Education is highly stressed and the health care system, public and private is excellent. Even when paying your own bill dental care here is top notch and "cheap". Ex: dental implants: Canada about $3500.00 Costa Rica about $800.00 A lot of the doctor s and dentists are US educated and equipment is just as advanced as home.
Housing ranges all over too. You can buy property from $35,000 to in the millions. Location, location, location is a key factor. Waterfront property as always fetches a good dollar. Not sure what a car costs but gas and insurances are high. On the other hand public buses are very inexpensive but figuring out the routes is complicated. They go everywhere, the challenge is finding out what bus goes where and when. We have found that locals at the bus stops are very helpful even if language is a barrier, they sure try to help. It is doable and we are slowly figuring it out. Taxis also are plentiful and very cost effective and will take you just about anywhere.
When it comes to food it depends how you want to eat but I think all in all it is about 30 percent less here. We have been going to the market for our meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. Quality is excellent, prices can't be beat and variety plentiful. Ex: 2 fish fillets: c795-$1.60 1 pineapple, 1 watermelon, 1 cantelope: c1400-$2.80 When it comes to canned goods and packaged items, if you buy local brands they are comparable to home, if you want our brands then you pay more. Ex: Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup: c980-$1.95
We have found the dairy products to be some of the best we've tasted and less expensive than home. Alcoholic products are about 50 percent less with the exception of beer, it's just plain cheap whether in a restaurant or buying at the store.!!
I know there is more to the cost of living then the above but hope this gives you a small glimpse. As I learn more I'll add to this subject but the best way is to come and check it out for yourself!!!
by Anne Watcher on Saturday February 16th, 2008 at 10:45am
This is our view of Poas from home and as we drive into Alajuela. It is about 8200' at it's peak with one of the craters 1.5 km across. Clouds move in from the Carribean usually after 10:00 am. so if you want to see the crater you have to arrive early. The park has many hiking trails, four distinct vegetation zones and home to endless wildlife including the Quetzal. We are going there next week so will post some close up pictures.
by Anne Watcher on Saturday February 16th, 2008 at 5:14am
La Casita del Cafe, a little roadside restaurant between Atenas and Orotina, can certainly make the above claim. It is high up in the mountains and you could see the Pacific Ocean. Cattle grazed far below us and coffee plants and banana palms dotted the slopes. It certainly was a restaurant with a view like no other I've ever seen.
The food was a mix of traditional fare as well as "Canadian" fast food. Rob decided he needed a little taste of home and ordered the nachos with chicken. They were very good except he wasn't quite sure about the pinkish sauce that was on top. I tried it first and I think it was a mayo-ketchup combination. Not bad actually. Rob however skipped those nachos and went for the ones below loaded with cheese, beans, chicken and sauce.
I once again went for the casado con pescado-rice, beans and fish. The fish was not battered but grilled and was a dense, not sure what kind but very tasty. It was served with the usual but the salad was a pasta salad and the vegetables were a nice mix of green beans, cauliflower and carrots. Even the plantain is definitely growing on me. All in all when you add an Imperial with it and look over the mountains, how can it be any better!
by Anne Watcher on Saturday February 16th, 2008 at 4:57am
Costa Rica is not a huge producer of handicrafts. Items made of wood-furniture, bowls, boxes and the traditional ox cart are some of the biggest. The ox cart once used as mode of transportation and in farming, is now a more decorative item. The factory in Sarchi - Joaquin Chevarri Factory - is located just south of the town square.
They are now made in all sizes and are a popular souvenir. The decorative painting used to be all quite tradition, bright colours and geometric patterns. Lately butterflies, birds, and flowers as well as more natural colours have been integrated into the designs.
