by Anne Watcher on Sunday February 3rd, 2008 at 10:22pm
What an awesome game! Rick, Norma and the gang here had everyone over to the new bar area to watch the game. They had beer and pop, hot dogs, Rick's famous Costa Rican salsa and chips, Norma's homemade potato and pasta salad and wings. What a feast!!
Most were cheering for the Giants except Rob (but he enjoyed the game anyway). Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a true CFL fan - but I must admit this was one of the best football games I've ever seen. However there is some small part of me that feels sorry for the Patroits - just kidding!!
by Anne Watcher on Sunday February 3rd, 2008 at 3:24pm
It is amazing the differences in the kitchen. I went to get dish soap but it is dish paste here and you use a sponge to put it on. Also a lot of the cans have a pull off lid-handy as I don't have a can opener. The local pop is called Tika-orange is very yummy.
The most different thing so far is the salamander that came out of the cupboard. I really don't know who startled who worse. I must have looked pretty bad because I haven't seen him again.
Oh yes and I only have hot water in the shower!!! heated on demand with what they call the "widow maker". I'll have to keep Rob's insurance paid up!!!
One more food tip. Britt Dark Roast Coffee is the best. Rich and smooth according to Steve.
www.cafebritt.com
by Anne Watcher on Sunday February 3rd, 2008 at 3:19pm
It's another sunny warm day in La Garita. Rob was having his siesta so I went for a walk and picked up a lot of good tips from the others who are staying here.
The couple in Villa 1 are from London Ontario, and she is a bird watcher. We saw blue tanangers and a blue-crowned motmot. She told me a real good butcher shop is just up the road, excellent chicken apparently and he sells eggs by the pound and packs them in a bag so it will be a careful trip home. Her husband said that down the other way there is a winery and restaurant. Excellent food and you can purchase wine there also.
Our neighbours in villa 4 (we're in 3) are from Calgary and they told us that the co-op market in Atenas - 5 kms. away - is a good place to grocery shop. The town also is very cute she said with fruit and veggie vendors everywhere.
Of real interest to me, I also found out that the quilt shop I found on the internet is just across the street and down, near the winery. Can you imagine that, my two most favorite things (next to Rob) right down the road. Oh well at least Rob will know where to find me!!! If I'm not in the pool.
by Anne Watcher on Saturday February 2nd, 2008 at 8:23am
A friend got us set up with "video" Skype just days before heading down to Costa Rica, and it has been wonderful and useful already.
First thing Friday morning we were able to have lengthy conversations with our children and show them our home and surroundings live as Rob walked around the property. Later in the day we did the same with some of our friends. We felt at home having their company, and they got to get a view of what we are enjoying down here.
Hooray for the internet and all the nice features it gives us access to.
by Anne Watcher on Saturday February 2nd, 2008 at 7:55am
Went to local store and got coffee!!! Very good, needed it badly. Got a few groceries but will have to find a larger one soon. Prices are fine, some more than home, some less. Very friendly staff at store, speak English thank goodness for the first day.
Took a taxi into Alajuela and went to downtown market. Very busy but lots to see, eat and buy. First time we just looked around although I did buy a hat to keep off the sun.
Occupying an entire city block and always packed with locals, this indoor central market offers everything from fresh produce and cheeses to butcher shops and shoe vendors.
We brought the bus home and some friendly people helped us get the right bus and get off at the right stop. A not so nice person got $30 from my pocket. But a lesson learned, and not much loss.
Bus stop in front of Alajuela Cemetery
POINT OF INTEREST:
Taxi for two cost c3300 (about $6US), bus cost c320 (about .80cents)
Alajuela lies in the Valle Central at an elevation of 3,141 feet (957 meters) above sea level
