Tourism – Page 3 – Happier Than A Billionaire

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP — PART VI

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:19-04:00 September 6th, 2014|Categories: Nature, Tourism, Uncategorized|Tags: aqua dulce, birds, crabs, kayking, mangrove, Osa Peninsula, scarlet macaws|

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 15 eggs — $2.66

After visiting the animal sanctuary, Rob and I decide to drive farther south… all the way down to the Osa Peninsula. We’ve been there before and are excited to return to the place where we first saw Scarlet Macaws flying overhead: Agua Dulce Beach Resort. It’s just a five-minute drive from Puerto Jiménez, which borders the Gulfo Dulce: the bay that separates the peninsula from the mainland. It is the only resort on the beach in this area that offers air-conditioning. We book an oceanfront bungalow that includes a wooden porch. Out front are two rocking chairs, perfect for relaxing, watching the sunrise.

I slop on a ton of sunscreen and immediately head out to the beach. The sand is soft, it feels like New Year’s Eve confetti underneath my feet. Mother Nature must have known I was coming and arranged for two macaws to fly overhead. This is exactly how I remember it, and precisely why the Osa Peninsula is so magical.

The two birds vocalize back and forth with each other, using sounds that are not unlike a tarot card reader after her fifth Camel cigarette. I sit on a piece of driftwood and notice a pile of shells. Some are brown, shiny and look like tiny Godiva chocolates. Others are cracked open resembling angel wings. This country is always reminding me to revere the small as much as the big.

“I’ve scheduled a mangrove tour,” Rob says while taking a seat next to me.

“I don’t have to swim there, right?” Whenever my husband plans excursions, it’s important to inquire whether I’ll need my floaty wings to survive it.

“No, it’s just kayaking. We’ll have to leave soon so let’s get our stuff together and head out.” (more…)

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HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART IV

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:20-04:00 August 15th, 2014|Categories: Nature, Tourism|Tags: finca dos rios, horseback riding, jorge, sphere|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Package of 2 Gillette Razors— $4.30

Have you been thinking about writing a novel but never seem to be in the right frame of mind? Look no further; I believe I’ve found the perfect place to get started.

Finca Dos Rios is a lovely, rustic farmhouse located just outside of a small town called Balsar. My friend Anne, the owner, invites us down for a couple of days.

“Jorge, the caretaker, will give you a tour of the property. Are you up for getting on a horse?” The answer is no. I do not want to horseback ride again considering every time I do, I find I’m myself racing up a steep mountain or at the edge of a cliff. I can never seem to find flat ground while riding a horse.

“I’ll pass on that Anne.”

“Ok, but don’t you want to see the ancient sphere?” she asks.

“Wait, you have a sphere on your property?”

“Yes.”

“A real one?”

“Yes, but the best way to see it is by horse.”

Oh boy, this is a game changer. Spheres are one of the biggest archeological mysteries in Costa Rica. They date back to at least a thousand years, and no one is certain how they were carved. They’re usually found by workers clearing fields, and now I have a chance to see one not in a museum, but right where it has been sitting for eons. I’ll certainly get on a horse for this. (more…)

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HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART III

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:20-04:00 August 8th, 2014|Categories: Nature, Tourism|Tags: Dominical, playa dominical, solar panels, villa pacifica|

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 2.2 pounds of imported ravioli — $10.80

Our stay at Canto del Mar was amazing. We are ready to explore further down the coast when Kelley tells us about a place with an even bigger “wow” factor. She describes it with such passion and one thing that sticks out is that this big, beautiful house runs on solar power. It is one of the first houses in the country powered by alternative energy, and the president of ICE (the electric company) was there for its inauguration. This is a home I have to see so we move down the block to Villa Pacifica.

I know these type of homes exist but never had a chance to stay in one. Villa Pacifica has six bedrooms, an outdoor kitchen, and a tower of towels positioned near the most amazing infinity pool. I stare out over the pool for what seems like hours while Rob runs around the house in disbelief. This place is perfect for family reunions, weddings, or just large groups of friends who love spending time together in a beautiful place. And if you don’t want to spend time together with your friends or family, three of the six bedrooms are tucked away around the side of the house. Kelley has recently completed an extensive renovation on them, and they are a perfect hide-a-way for when your drunk Uncle Benny starts his impromptu Karaoke with an empty wine bottle. (more…)

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HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 – PART II

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:21-04:00 August 1st, 2014|Categories: Nature, Tourism|Tags: canto del mar, Dominical, dominicalito, playa dominical|

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 4.5 lbs of White Rice— $2

Dominical: The place to get a good night’s sleep

Approximately forty-five minutes from Manuel Antonio is Playa Dominical. If you are a surfer, you probably already know that this tiny, beach town is popular for its dependable waves. It’s also a place where you can see the same animals that are up north, but with a twist. Red iguanas lounge on sunny branches overhead and Fiery-billed Toucans dine on palm fruit all along the coastline. It’s as if Dominical was sprinkled with paprika; every animal a little jazzier than it’s counterpart found in other parts of the country. Every time I’m in Dominical, I’m amazed at what I’ll see just by looking up.

The town is made up of only a couple unpaved streets, lined with restaurants and shops. I’ve never seen anyone rushing here. And why would they? This town is designed for relaxation and surfing. (more…)

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HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:21-04:00 July 23rd, 2014|Categories: Cost of Living, Nature, Tourism|Tags: darlene, grecia, poas, road trip|

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 1 Medium to Large Zucchini— $1.00

Rob and I just got back from a ridiculously fun road trip. We traveled the country taking pictures, and meeting interesting people. Every year we try to rent a house for a month and explore a different part of the country. But this trip was different. So many of you have reached out offering to share your homes, farms, or resorts with us. It made this journey even more special.

Traveling with Rob is always an adventure, even if it’s just to the grocery store. One of the things that make me crazy is that he will bring a cup of hot coffee with him into the car. Not a travel mug, but a Winnie-the-Pooh cup. Folks, if you’ve never had the luxury of driving on a Costa Rican dirt road, imagine your brain as a maraca. Then take that maraca and toss it off a cliff. It’s not the type of thoroughfare you want when your driver is balancing a hot cup of coffee on his lap.

Inevitably, we hit the first bump and Rob’s coffee flies out of his mug, ricochets off the dashboard, and into my lap. This leaves me in a superb mood and I can’t wait for my “I’m not talking to you” silence to begin. Giving long periods of quiet resentment is a superpower I have perfected over the years. Remarkably, this power has no effect on my husband.

(more…)

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HAPPIER ROAD TRIP — PART VI

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 15 eggs — $2.66

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART IV

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Package of 2 Gillette Razors— $4.30

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 — PART III

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 2.2 pounds of imported ravioli — $10.80

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014 – PART II

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 4.5 lbs of White Rice— $2

HAPPIER ROAD TRIP 2014

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 1 Medium to Large Zucchini— $1.00

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