Tourism – Page 4 – Happier Than A Billionaire

ISLAND HOPPING IN COSTA RICA

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:26-04:00 May 14th, 2013|Categories: Cost of Living, Tourism|Tags: kayaking|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: 2 used kayaks— $65 each

Living at the beach has its advantages; there are a lot of fun activities, one of which is kayaking out to the small islands that speckle the horizon. Some are as close as 600 feet from shore. There you will find great places to snorkel and excellent spots for relaxing while you toss your fishing line into the ocean.

Renting a kayak ranges from $10-$20 an hour, so we’ve been keeping an eye out for an affordable used pair. And boy did we score. A dive shop was selling a fleet of nine, which of course makes my husband consider his next business venture: Rob’s Kayaking Tours. Because on vacation, who wouldn’t want a guy originally from Brooklyn touring them around an estuary saying phrases like, “You want to see a howler monkey? Fuh-ged-about-it.” Or my favorite, “Don’t be a doo-ta-doo and paddle into a crocodile.”

Luckily, he only bought two and neither were the inflatable kind. They are made of hard plastic and from what I can see they look fine… except for that fact that they didn’t come with seats or oars.

This hasn’t discouraged Rob since he insists a good sturdy stick will push us through the mangroves while doubling as a crocodile whacking device. I can only imagine how we would sell this to potential clients:

Welcome to Rob’s Kayaking Tours: Come out on one of our fifteen-year-old seatless, oarless kayaks and push yourself through the mangroves. Enjoy the close-up view of a crocodile’s mouth before beating him off with one of Rob’s hand crafted sticks! Prosciutto and fresh mozzarella sandwiches included. Fug-ged-about-it.

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A BOOM IN TOURISM

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:27-04:00 January 18th, 2013|Categories: Cost of Living, Tourism|Tags: real estate, tourism|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Neutering cat, antibiotics, parasitic medication, dewormer for two cats, protective collar– $48

It’s that time of year again. Tamarindo is bustling with tourists and the beaches are packed with eager participants learning to surf. I’m always amazed at how quickly the high season sneaks up on us, transforming this area into one of the top destinations in all of Central America.

This is a double-edged sword for me. The grocery stores run out of the products I use and parking can be difficult. I have friends who want to visit and many of the condos are already rented out for the season. It appears that this year is already busier than the last.

But for all the small inconveniences that a resident deals with, I can’t help but get excited. Everywhere you look people are smiling and discussing the excursions they have booked. “Have you seen the monkeys?” I overhear one tourist say. “Did you book the estuary tour?” another says to his wife. It’s fun to see people visiting Costa Rica and doing more than just lying on the beach. They are thrilled by all the wonderful things this country has to offer. Hammocks and palm trees are great, but flying through the air on a zip-line or watching baby monkeys jump from branch to branch is exhilarating. (more…)

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UPSIDE DOWN VIEW

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:31-04:00 August 26th, 2012|Categories: Tourism|Tags: canopy tour, excursions, zip line, zip lining|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: 10.9 ounces of cottage cheese— $5

When people visit Costa Rica, they immediately plan on zip-lining. My sister and her family are here for a couple weeks and this excursion is first on their list. My nieces can’t stop talking about it.

Zip-lining should be the country’s designated excursion. I’ll go as far as to say it should be printed on all Costa Rican flags and possibly their currency as well. When I sit and have coffee in Tamarindo, inevitably someone at a neighboring table is discussing all the fun they had while flying through the air on a cable. (more…)

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I WANT A JOB IN TOURISM

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:31-04:00 July 17th, 2012|Categories: Tourism|Tags: charity, opening minds, teaching English|

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: A Quart of Motor Oil— $15.18

As I look over the children’s’ assignments that are taped to the wall, one stands out. A ship drawn on the ocean with a bright orange sun shining in the corner. “I want to get a job in tourism,” it reads, signed by a boy named Justin. At such a young age, Justin already knows there are more opportunities available to him if he can learn computer skills and conversational English. He will raise himself out of poverty by going to his weekly classes at Opening Minds (Abriendo Mentes). Justin’s future will look different than his parents.

Drew Ragland had an idea three years ago. He noticed that many people in Potrero, Costa Rica were not getting the better paying jobs at nearby hotels and resorts. Since the local work force here was lacking in computer and English skills, hotels were hiring people from outside the area to fill the positions. Knowing that he had the ability to teach English, Drew set up a simple whiteboard in a small open air restaurant. He started writing English words on the board and people came to learn. Soon, he was teaching not only the adults but the children as well. (more…)

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FAMILY & FRIENDS IN COSTA RICA

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:32-04:00 March 22nd, 2012|Categories: Tourism|Tags: Osa Peninsula, Playa Negra, punta uva|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Yogurt—$1.25

I never knew how popular I was until I moved to Costa Rica. My friends and family were concerned about the move at first. Like most, they wondered if it was safe to live in Central America. But after a few years, they all eventually get the bug to visit. I suppose I sent too many pictures of spectacular wildlife and one too many pictures of me having fun in the surf. Who can blame them? If I wasn’t living here, I would want to visit as well.

When catering to guests, it’s always good to know what they like to do. Are they adventurous or do they just like to lounge at the beach? Do they want to hike a volcano or snorkel in the Caribbean Sea? I sound much like a travel agent, planning excursions and orchestrating flights. However, I love to share this country with my friends the way the Ticos have shared it with me. (more…)

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ISLAND HOPPING IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: 2 used kayaks— $65 each

A BOOM IN TOURISM

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Neutering cat, antibiotics, parasitic medication, dewormer for two cats, protective collar– $48

UPSIDE DOWN VIEW

I WANT A JOB IN TOURISM

FAMILY & FRIENDS IN COSTA RICA

Join us in Costa Rica