Archive for the ‘Shopping’ Category
Father’s Day in Costa Rica
Posted on: June 17, 2012
Met up with Pat and John this morning to go to a craft show in San Antonio de Escazu. What a bust! No more than 6 – 7 vendors and nothing out of the ordinary….disappointing to say the least. But it was up HIGH in the mountains. It’s always interesting to drive through different neighborhoods and see “how they live”.
Heading home, Pat thought we should go to this Mexican restaurant; but it wasn’t open yet….as we went past Multi Plaza, John made reference to buying a gun; we all agreed that he should turn around and go gun shopping! I guess you could say this was a “virgin shopping excursion” for me. I have never been in a gun store! It was pretty interesting!!! And the back wall was full of automatic weapons and short shotguns, all different sizes! And before we left the store, someone was looking at one of these! I’m not sure these are legal in the U.S.
John found his “gun of the day” and made a purchase. However, he did not buy the Magnum pellets and I told him that he should always buy anything that has Magnum in the name!!! He assured me he would go to Vargas, the local hardware store, and see if they had them! I certainly hope they do. Not sure what he’s going to shoot, but I know it won’t be Pat! She’s too good of a cook and he likes to eat.
Pat decided the Mexican restaurant would be open now, so that was the next stop. However, I cannot remember the name of it, I hope she’ll post the name. But, I know the way to get to it! It was so neat looking inside!!! Yep, I should have taken some pictures. Baskets wired together with lightbulbs in them for lights! Really clever! We will not be strangers at this restaurant!
Arrived home before the rains this afternoon.
The neighbor girls, Dylana and Nazareth came to see Mark and wish him Feliz Dias del Padre! Maricela had made some Picadilla and chicken for Mark. Picadilla is a potato-type hash that is so darn delish! It’s nice to have Tico neighbors!
Pura Vida!
A few little tidbits
Posted on: June 3, 2012
Dropped the dogs, Sofi and Derby, off at the groomers. They needed to get beautiful for Amy and April’s visit this week!
Since they were occupied for a few hours, we decided to head to Alajuela to PriceSmart. And of course, we didn’t have the GPS with us; thought I might remember how to get there but after arriving in downtown Alajuela, we knew we were lost. So we called Pat, our personal, live GPS. She got us there in no time! LOL
Not sure I’ll head to that PriceSmart again….didn’t have the dog food we could get at the PriceSmart in Escazu, they had no, none, nada bleach….which is a staple in Costa Rica! But Mark did get a weed-whacker.
Friday, I headed to Grecia with Shirley because she said it was easier for her to show me where a reasonable framer had a shop then to try and give me directions. Directions here are almost an impossibility! No street names, no numbers, it’s just kinda hard to figure them out unless you have coordinates to put in the GPS.
It’s a joke around here because everything will be done or ready in “ocho dias”. (8 days) – Am having the burlap coffee bag framed and guess what, it will be ready in “ocho dias”. Intended to have a mat around it, but once I saw what it would look like with a double wooden frame, I readily chose that. The interior frame has a little burlap on it, so it “just goes together”. And in “ocho dias”, I will post a picture of it!
Then we went to the Farmer’s Market in Grecia, which starts at 2 p.m. WOW!!! Some super good stuff! Bought some fresh brussel sprouts and were they ever delish. Wish I had gotten more!
Saturday was just a day at home doing odd things.
We have these cute little birds with white chests that love using Sedona’s hair for nest building. They are hanging around the yard constantly. Looked out at the clothesline one time and there were 3 birds in Mark’s shorts. Yelled at them to go find someplace else to play, and the next thing I know, 2 birds popped out of his underwear! Really quite funny!
Into town this morning for a breakfast buffet at Kay’s. It’s always yummy.
Amy and April arrive on Thursday…..have some “adventures” planned while they are here.
Caio for now!
Now that we’ve been living in Costa Rica for almost a year, unbelievable that it’s been almost a year, I can say there are some things I miss from the old country. We’ve decided to refer to the U.S. as the old country.
I miss my magazines! Yep, can buy magazines in Costa Rica that are in Spanish….wonder if the day will ever come that I feel comfortable enough to do this?
I miss being able to shop in a real fabric store with all the necessary items you need to complete a project. There are many fabric stores in Costa Rica, however, they don’t carry thread (except for one in Grecia), and sewing notions. I have yet to find a pattern in Costa Rica and I definitely need a pattern for guidance! It is not fun running from store to store to find these items.
I miss my garbage disposal! Immensely!
I miss being able to go to a clothing store and having a wide variety to choose from. Can’t wait till October when I return to the old country. I’ll be a shopping fool! I’ll be first in the stores when they open, and last to leave when they close.
I miss my knitting group at Panera on Friday! Perhaps the week I’m in the old country, they’ll feel the need to meet more than just on Friday.
I miss that I still have to go on a search mission to find things that I KNOW were packed to be moved here. By the time I find what I’m searching for, the mood has left me to do whatever it is I wanted it for. But then again, somethings never change….I’m constantly searching for where I’ve put my coffee cup down. And this house isn’t that big to have spend time searching for it! LOL
I miss Barnes and Noble! A lot of times when I felt bored (meaning I don’t want to clean the house). I would go to B & N and just wander around amidst the books and magazines. Spent a lot of time doing that back in the old country! LOL
What don’t I miss?
I love that all gas stations in this country charge the same price for gas!
I love the happy, friendly people in this country.
I love the weather, the freakin’ great weather! I don’t ever want to be cold again! Hear that KY, no cold weather the week I’m back there!
I love the fact I wear flip flops EVERY DAY!!! I’ve dubbed the flip flops as the shoe of Costa Rica!
I love hearing the birds singing in the a.m. – however, the parrots could start their chattering a little later in the day. I love hearing the geckos chirp that are now living in the house. They eat bugs, they are our friends.
I love all the new friends we’ve met from all over…it truly is a small world! Met people that now live here from Nashville….how ironic is that?
I love that I have friends that are coming to visit us! I love sharing our new lifestyle with old friends. It’s not for everyone, but it really is a relaxing place.
I love the fresh fruit and veggies available year around. Coffee is pretty darn good here too!
I love the healthcare here! Drs. are willing to work with you and before sending you on to specialists, they make phone calls in your behalf and talk with specialists to how best treat your problem. (ie: thyroid, is now at a “normal” level and I only worked with 1 Dr.m but she called endocrinologists to inquire how best to treat it).
You know, I really feel we made the best move EVER! We have no A/C bills, no heating bills, economical healthcare, lots of friends, (you don’t have to look very hard to find someone to go out to eat with you), no one is in a hurry; everyone smiles. Have many friends that have visited the old country and they all say they couldn’t wait to get back to Costa Rica! They feel the old country is a “rat-race”, everyone is in a hurry.
If you are looking for a place to visit with happy people, check out Costa Rica. No, it’s not perfect, but it beats living in a “rat-race”.
Miguel, my pet Iguana, is sunning himself on the rock outside the bedroom doors. Guess the dogs are getting used to him because they don’t bark at him anymore.
Time to change colors of thread in the embroidery machine…so Adios and Pura Vida from the Happiest Country in the World! (Thanks, Beth, for reminding me of this!)
Do you know the way to San Jose?
Posted on: May 19, 2012
- In: Alajuela | Atenas | Costa Rica | Food | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Retirement | Shopping | Things that make me giggle | Travel | Uncategorized
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Yesterday, Friday, was the “Over 60′s Ladies Day Trip”. We were to take the bus to San Jose, visit the Artisan Market; and do LOTS of shopping! I knew this would be right up my alley!
Six of us met at the bus terminal about 8:40 a.m. We got in line to board the bus to San Jose. The last one of us to board, Rosemary, asked the driver if this was the correct bus to San Jose. Well, error number 1! LOL We were on the bus to Alajuela.
So the “gringo ladies” made their way to the front of the bus and got our refunds and quickly got in line for the correct bus! It was all of 800 colones for the ride to San Jose (about $1.50). Didn’t seem like a long trip at all even with the stops on the way there.
I was quite proud of the fact that when we were in San Jose, I recognized the corner where Mark and I caught the taxi to sign up for CAJA – it’s just a few blocks from ARCR.
Arrived at the bus station and the adventure began. Walked a block or so and then turned left and then we hiked down the pedestrian mall. The Artisan Market is at the “end” of the pedestrian mall. Shopping heaven! I cannot wait to go back!!! Terri, be prepared, we’re heading there when you come.
It reminded me of the old market place in downtown Cancun. Vendors greeting and asking you to come in with the line “for you today, 30% off”. I had a newly charged battery in my camera and was amazed at all the things to see, I didn’t take pictures! Saw lots of different things and some really unusually jewelry.
After we moseyed through the market, we then headed back down the pedestrian mall; stopping in various stores, etc. It was hot shopping in the stores and many times I just walked out to the “mall” area to partake of the wonderful breeze!
Headed to San Jose’s Central Market lunch. Ate at a small place with wonderful food! You know you are going to get great food when you are the only gringos in the place! It was fun!!!
Then back to a couple of other shops and on to the bus station for our return trip home.
Lots of fabric stores – Gayla, are you reading this?
On the trip home Mary and I sat in the front seat of the bus! This is not a seat for the faint of heart! The way those drivers maneuver those huge buses through the narrow city streets is amazing. At one point there were two lanes of traffic….we were passing a semi with the huge lug nuts that stick out of the wheel hub and I swear we were close enough to shear them off!!!
Arrived safe and sound back in Atenas!
No one bought a lot but everyone kept saying “I’m going to come back here”.
Got home around 3:30 p.m. and Pat had called and wanted us to go to Alida’s. We are not fond of their “regular food” but the pizza is pretty good. Arrived at Alida’s and they were closed for “remodeling”. This is the second time we’ve tried to meet people there and they have been unexpectedly closed. You know what they say “3 strikes and you’re out!”
So we drove down the road and ate at Bar Ril – home of the $6 lobster!
Fell into bed when we got home….exhausted, but what a great adventure.
I am beginning to feel more comfortable riding the buses here. In fact, Jonny and I are going to Orotina on Monday on the bus.
Life is good in Costa Rica!
Pura Vida!
What a Wednesday! Great adventure…
Posted on: May 10, 2012
- In: Atenas | Costa Rica | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Retirement | Sewing | Shopping | Things that make me giggle | Tips | Travel | Uncategorized
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Frances called and wanted me to go to Grecia to some fabric shops on Wednesday. Key words: go, fabric!
Little did I/we know that we would be without water sometime during Monday night; and this “water outtage” lasted 36 freakin’ hours.
I waited till Wednesday morning to call her; I asked if we could wait and go Thursday because we’ve been without water and I was quite aromatic! She said, “well, just come here and take a shower”. I knew I would feel better after taking a shower, so I took her up on it!
I didn’t want to put on clean clothes to go over there so I threw on a light zip-up sweatshirt over my nightgown, baseball cap on my head, and away I went. As I drove off Mark yells, “I hope you don’t have car trouble”. (I guess he didn’t approve of my get-up!)
Blasted the a/c on high and while driving into town, I realized I needed gas. There was a line-up at the gas station and while waiting, I remembered, they can never figure out how to open the “gas door” and I always hop out of the car (Oh, I was driving Ms. Smartie) and just push it up, and the guys at the gas station get all embarrassed. They stand around and wait for someone that’s not pumped gas for me to get a “newbie”, I think! Then they all laugh at him – yep, in Costa Rica, your gas is pumped for you!
So I backed out of line, thank heavens for the small car, and drove on. Frances was taking her car to get a muffler fixed and originally planned to ride to her house with me. However, they fixed it immediately! Try getting that done in the states like that!
Then she wanted to know if I wanted to go to Kay’s and get a cup of coffee…I politely declined and said, “I’m going no where till I get a shower.”
Drove out to her house, and when I got out of the car, she laughed! “Oh, I’ve got to get a picture of you!”
Her husband was in the garage and when he turned around he had put a clothespin on his nose. LOL
I immediately headed to the shower! It felt so good! Till I got ready to get dressed and realized I forgot to bring a bra! So as I’m gathering up my things, to head home, Frances says, “Let’s go to Grecia” – and I said I can’t go to Grecia, I forgot my bra, which was your fault because as I was going to get it to put in my bag, she called me and I laid it down and promptly forgot about it!
She convinced me it would be alright, so off we went!
Hit a couple of fabric shops and stopped to get something to drink. As we were finishing up, she says, “Let’s find the bedspread factory”. So we went next door to the fabric shop and inquired if they knew where it was. They just sent us to a “bed store”.
Then she says “Let’s go to Sarchi and find it.” Off we went…
I love Costa Rican adventures!!!
As we were heading into town, a guy was standing in front of his furniture store and she whipped the car in to see if he knew where it was….luck was with us, not only did he know where it was, he spoke English!
After making a wrong turn, we were on the right track again. This factory is located on some really gorgeous property along a rushing river.
A woman met us at the door and said she had received a phone call that we were coming. It truly is a small world! She took us in to see all the bedspreads they make and then took us back into the factory. WOW! All I could think of was “Gayla should see this!” They were making sheets, mattresses, etc. It was really quite interesting…..
Then Frances says “have you seen the huge oxcart in front of the church”, which I had. Then she said, have you been to the oxcart factory? So off we went to see that. Another WOW factor! They are using machinery from the early 1900′s to make these! And the machine is moved by a huge water wheel!!! There were signs above the pieces of machinery with what they were used for and the year – some of these machines were from the early 1900′s and are still in use! Then we traveled upstairs where they make smaller items. It was so cool!!! This will definitely be on my tour of things to take visitors to see. And a “to die” souvenir place and a restaurant. What more could you want….a little bit of education, shopping and eating. Can’t wait to go back!
Headed home after that.
Mark said the water came back on around 11:00 a.m. – this is the first time we’ve had this happen for the water to be out for so long….but you know what, we live here, we’ll deal with it!
Pura Vida……
Just looked out the window and Miguel, my new pet Iguana, is sunning himself on the rock again.
Successful shopping!
Posted on: April 27, 2012
Yesterday, Jonny’s husband, Warren, headed back to Phoenix, via Charlotte. Gotta love those flights that go whichever direction is opposite of where you actually want to be! LOL
Jonny is staying for another month, WOO HOO!
Then we went shopping. Stopped at the new Wal-Mart near the airport – I am not a real fan of Wal-Mart because they prefer to purchase their goods out of the good ole USA! I’m becoming more selective in my old age of what I buy and where they are made. However, I did purchase 2 “camping type” chairs because we’re tired of standing and waiting on parades to start, etc. Now we can sit and watch!
Then we headed to Cemaco – I so love that store! And if we had a big house, I could buy something from every aisle in that store!!! I bought Mark a pineapple corer, thoughtful, aren’t I?
Then we decided it was time to eat lunch so we went to La Garita and I can’t remember the name of the restaurant! However, I’ve eaten there before with Pat. I like this restaurant because it’s huge – lots of places to sit, big take-out counter, and most of all — you must go past a little souvenir store to sit down and eat. Look what I immediately saw on the counter as we walked by…..
I’m sure I read a sign attached that said “Nancy, please take me home!” Well, I bought that darling little giraffe before I ever sat down and ordered lunch. No way, was someone else going home with it.
Then we stopped at the large nursery and I bought 2 Irwin Mango trees for $3 each and a pretty draping flowering plant to put in the “toucan tire”.
Headed to take Jonny home and their driveway in a short word is a “bitch” to back out of – and lucky me, knocked over one of the pretty lamp posts that line the drive way! Owner said it’s the second time that lamp post has been knocked over! Still made me feel bad….if I had been in Ms. Smartie instead of Old Bessie, it wouldn’t have happened. But then Warren would have had to ride to the airport in the back with his luggage!
Was a fun day till I hit the lamp post and then realized I hadn’t stopped at the drug store to get meds so I had to go back into town.
Mark’s first words were “Oh, I thought you’d bring home something for dinner!” Not exactly what I wanted to hear.
Big Oxcart parade in town on Sunday – can’t wait!!!
Adios!
Check out Villa Rita’s Quilt Shop
Posted on: April 25, 2012
- In: Costa Rica | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Quilting | Retirement | Sewing | Shopping
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Gave Deloris a call and said “road trip” – her response, how much time do I have time to get ready? LOL
When we first were thinking about visiting Costa Rica, Mark found this place; we almost stayed there till we found Animal Lighthouse Rescue.
Check out http://www.costaricaquilts.com/villa.html; she has people come from all over to take classes – and I don’t just mean from Costa Rica! There are places to stay right on the grounds and it’s close to everything; restaurants, ZooAve, a winery, etc.
Since arriving here, I’ve noticed shopping for fabric in Costa Rica is frankly “a pain in the ass”. No patterns (except for some quilt patterns at Villa Rita’s); thread in different stores (altho’ there’s one fabric store in Grecia that does carry some notions); in other words, it’s not like saying “Hmmmm, I think I’ll sew today and you head to Joann’s, Hancocks, Hobby Lobby, etc.; you will head to many stores to collect everything you need to complete a project.
Villa Rita’s is not far at all from our house! If you get my drift, it could be a problem?! Gorgeous fabrics to choose from, gorgeous quilts already made up, etc. Rita even has her 6 year old granddaughter designing and making quilts!!!
Need to think about taking a class.
She had the neatest wall hanging in her home of a Costa Rican lady in a colorful costume; she made up the design from a wall hanging out of wood and silver! How cool is that!!! There are so many clever people in the world…..this was also entered in a quilt show that was in the U.S.
The creative juices are beginning to flow…..life is good!
- In: Costa Rica | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Quilting | Retirement | Sewing | Shopping | Uncategorized
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As we were paying at a restaurant that we ate at earlier this week, La Trocha, the chef insisted we come back on Thursday a.m. at 9:30 for breakfast. When you are retired, you NEVER, EVER, turn down food! LOL
So we met Thursday morning for a most delicious breakfast! Tortillas, made in a Nicaragua style, had more flavor and were very good. I’m don’t care much for Costa Rican tortillas because they are way too thick for me! Then of course the ever delish Gallo Pinto, and then an omelet, not folded over, with everything you can imagine on it. I had mine on top of the tortilla – so good!!!
Then the women had an excursion planned. I wanted to go back to the quilt shop between Grecia and Sarchi and watch them put in grommets, it’s not the way I want them put in, but I guess that’s what I’ll have to do!
Then Delores says “would you be interested in going to a place that “makes souvenirs and is off the beaten path”. Well, duh, Yes I want to go there! And will return there too. Saw LOTS of wooden things I’ve seen in souvenir shops and this were just too good to pass up price-wise. Keep in mind it’s a woodworking shop and get this; the dust is free!
Heading back into Grecia I had found a fabric store that I hadn’t been in yet. So we stopped…..fabric stores here are just so different!!! Takes me forever to make up my mind, etc.; however, I did buy Gayla some fabric for a quilt back – and if she doesn’t like it, I’ll keep it!!!
There is a quilt retreat place not too far from our house and I finally contacted the woman and she said she’d love to have me come visit. That will be on next week’s agenda!!!
Friday was the first day that the “over 60 group of ladies” took an adventure. There were 7 of us. We took the bus from Atenas to Orotina. It was great! Can’t wait to take the bus again!!! However, I can assure you that the bus driver drove a lot faster than I would on that road! LOL
I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant we ate lunch at….but the important thing, is I can get to it. Told Mark that some day we should take the bus there for lunch. And just think, after my birthday this year, I can ride the bus FREE – altho’ it’s super cheap to ride it!
I think when Terri comes to visit, we just might take a day and do that.
Anxious to see the Central Market in San Jose too; altho’, we’ve been warned that we cannot stop and “window shop” on the way to the market; because we’ll do that on the way back! LOL
Lots of new experiences this week; love this country!
Adios for now!
Thursday we went with Pat and John to check out the central market in downtown Alajuela. It’s certainly something to see!!!
I’ve fallen down on taking pictures – I promise next time there will be pictures! Yes, oh yes, there will be a next time! Mark and I marveled at how many meat markets are in this place! Can’t figure out how any of them make any money? LOL Pat said that people go to the various meat markets because they like the butcher and his cuts of meat. Lots of fruit stands and shops that sell pretty much anything you want!
Children’s things! O.M.G. Shopping for small children there would be a dream. So many adorable dresses, headbands to match, and shoes…..
John bought a spiffy looking Panama hat! He’s a man that looks good, really good in hats!
Then we saw a HUGE, HUGE, department store, you know sort of like the “Macy’s of Alajuela”, only it’s called llobet. Will be going back there also to check out ALL the departments. Huge fabric department.
Then they suggested going to Norman’s (Jalepenos) in Alajuela. It’s a too-die for Mexican restaurant! Yep, we’ll be back there sometime also.
Heading for home we stopped at a tile place because Pat wanted to put different tile marking the doorways in their new, yet to be completed home. At first I wasn’t going to go in….you know it’s like going to Lowe’s in the old country, “oh, Mark, can’t we do this here and maybe change this in the house to this”, etc. She found some good looking stuff and I think the floor will get done next week. Or possibly in “ocho dias”, which was the pat answer from our construction crew.
And we stopped at another place with fabric, notions and get this, soles of shoes so you make your own shoes! I’m sure Gayla will want to try this when she comes again! LOL
Home mid-afternoon to some doggies with bladders that needed emptying!
A very good and productive, fun day! And we were so smart to take the GPS to mark all these various places. WOO HOO for Garmin….and Mrs. Garmin (Gayla)
Thanks Pat and John!!!
Adios for now.
ZooAve was today’s first stop…..
Posted on: March 21, 2012
- In: Atenas | Costa Rica | Food | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Quilting | Sewing | Shopping | Tips | Travel
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Abby, Gayla and I left the house about 8:45 a.m. and didn’t return until 7:00 p.m.! WHEW! What a fun day we had.
Started out the day with going to ZooAve. As soon as we entered two beautiful peacocks spread their tail feathers! What a site! Abby, 8 years old, was impressed. Saw lots of animals….she was most impressed with fawn that was in an enclosure with a huge turtle and an iguana! LOL, you know the animal she can see in Tennessee!
Saw lots of monkeys, emus, various sizes and kinds of turtles, crocodiles, you know lots of Central American animals.
Left the zoo about 11:30 a.m. and coming home we decided to take a detour to Grecia and Sarchi.
Had lunch in Grecia and then Gayla wanted to hit some fabric shops! And hit them, she did! As we would leave a shop, her words were, “we can come back, right?” Went to 2 fabric shops and then back to the car and we were on our way to Sarchi.
Let’s just say, Abby made out like a bandit today! She got some cute things, including a leather purse with a brightly colored parrot painted on it. She’s so proud of it!
On the drive back to Grecia, we stopped at a little quilt shop! Gayla got more fabric! And wanted to know if we could go back there too, because she couldn’t make up her mind about a bag!
Started to rain a little, which actually felt good!
We drove “on the good road from La Garita to Grecia” so of course, coming home we came the narrow, twisty road over the horrible bridge because I thought they should experience it. LOL
Abby kept insisting we were lost! Finally, I said “Abby, you might be lost, but I’m not!”
We went to a few shops in Atenas, again, Abby made out like a bandit….but I will say the shoes she got were so cute! If they had had them a little bigger, I would have gotten some too!!! Tomorrow, I’ll get a picture of them and put it on Facebook!
Hit Atenas and I knew there was no way I was cooking dinner tonight after the day we had had; called Mark and asked him if he wanted to come in to town and eat with us. Gayla felt like having some “good rice” so we went to La Troilla and had some “muy bueno” rice!
Adios for now……really tired!
Yep, going to bed and yes, it’s 7:35 p.m.
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