Costa Rica

Have you heard? Costa Rica's Hidden Jungle Beach House -
Cheap:$15.00 per night!
Quiet: Only 4 rooms, hidden in the jungle
Convenient: 3 minutes to the beach / 5 minutes to town
Comfortable: clean, 2 shared bathrooms, one hot shower
Cooking: in the spacious community kitchen
http://bit.ly/CostaRicaHostel

NOW is the Time to Visit the Caribbean

What many people do not realize is that the weather on Costa Rica’s Caribbean side is quite different from the rest of the country. When it is rainy season on the Pacific side it’s dry and sunny here in the Caribbean, where I live. Yet the temperatures are milder than mid summer. Ask anyone else who lives here, September is the most beautiful month of the year.
In September and often into mid October, the skies are bright and sunny and the water is calm and clear. Yesterday I was at everybody’s favorite beach in Punta Uva and it was like a HUGE swimming pool. There were families out for a Sunday picnic; there was a beach wedding held in the afternoon, yet the beach was not too crowded for a lovely swim. And there’s river there that flows into the ocean - with a rope swing - the kid’s favorite.

Ok, my new blog may not change your life, but it's open for discussion. The world is changing rapidly, confounding and confusing people. Many are looking to make their own changes. Often the first place we look is for a change in location, hence the massive move of North Americans to Costa Rica. But real change first begins in your head, with your thoughts and feelings. My new blog is a place to talk about it. http://yourlifecostarica.blogspot.com/

”One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.” Malcom S. Forbes

While working as a guide for individuals interested in Costa Rica, I learned that many people who come here are looking for more than just a vacation. They are looking for a way to renew and revitalize their lives. A change in location – leaving behind the stress of noise, crowds, traffic and pollution – can be a good start. The relaxed, natural setting of Costa Rica provides the ideal alternative.
A better location is a good beginning but remember: wherever you go, there you are. Change begins on the inside, in your own mind. You need to clear your head to create some open space for new thoughts and ideas.

This is not a subject the travel agents or tour operators like to discuss, but I feel it is necessary. If you are traveling to a country where there is poverty, there is theft. This is not limited to any particular country, it can happen anywhere. Travelers who are informed and aware can make wiser choices.

I live on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Robberies have increased so we have formed citizens groups who work with the police and the public for prevention of crime and help for the victims. Private guards have been hired to patrol the beaches and the streets. Fortunately physical harm is rare, but often valued possessions left vulnerable are nabbed. There are things you can do to protect yourself:

RULES FOR DAY OUTINGS:

1. DO NOT CARRY ANYTHING YOU DO NOT IMMEDIATELY NEED!
I cannot emphasize this enough. When you are on an outing, whether it be the beach or a bike ride:
a. Take only the money you may need to spend - no more.

Did you know there are dangerous plants out there in the jungle? I learned the hard way and also learned about a strange home remedy that really works! check it out here: http://www.travelexperiencecostarica.com/2011/03/04/costa-rica-plant-att...

Hola from the sweet little town of Puerto Viejo. I am making movies these days! I am proud to present my first video in a series called “Hometown Puerto Viejo: Just Like You Were Here.” For a taste of life in my Caribbean hometown, check it out: http://www.travelexperiencecostarica.com/puerto-viejo-videos/