Tourism – Page 6 – Happier Than A Billionaire

LIFE WITH A VIEW

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:34-04:00 January 13th, 2012|Categories: Tourism|Tags: hotels, potereo, views|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: One 14 ounce can of Roma tomatoes—$1.25

My husband always finds the best views. He will drive the scooter up any road, knock on any door, and ask to go inside to take a picture. It’s amazing how many people let him in.

We took a chance driving up a steep road in Potrero and found this beautiful place. Palacio Del Sol used to be a hotel and restaurant, but now it is up for sale. The owner happily walked us around. “It was my dream but now I have to move back to the states,” he said.

I suppose one could buy it as a business, or even just as their personal residence. I know I could get used to swimming around in that infinity pool. For now, I am just grateful I got the chance to stand up here with Rob. And thankful he has the guts to go knocking on people’s doors.

Don’t forget to check out ocean view Saturdays on my facebook page: www.facebook.com/happierthanabillionaire

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OFF LINE IN COSTA RICA

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:35-04:00 November 12th, 2011|Categories: Tourism|Tags: canopy tour, ziip line|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Cartagena Canopy Tour- $35/person (negotiated for a party of three)

My phone and internet line are still down. So I’m finding lots of things to do…fun things.

I’ve been zip-lining a few times in Costa Rica, and each ride feels thrilling. I believe these adventures help me stay out of a rut, and flying through the air attached to a cable is a great way to get out of your comfort zone. And don’t we all need those moments when we challenge ourselves and do something adventurous?

So it turns out being off-line is the best excuse to get on-line and zip through the jungle. Just make sure you don’t look down.

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COFFEE IN SUITCASES

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:36-04:00 October 6th, 2011|Categories: Tourism|Tags: coffee, tourists|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: One pound of REALLY good Costa Rican coffee- $5

Last Thursday was International Coffee Day. I’ve never heard of his holiday and can’t remember ever getting a day off from school to celebrate. However, with such a global love for this product it would seem reasonable to have a day set aside to reflect on this incredible bean. Since I live in Costa Rica, I don’t have to go far to appreciate it.

Costa Rica is known for harvesting some of the finest coffee in the world. Many of the beans are grown at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 1700 meters, the perfect conditions for a good product. Everyone who visits the country falls in love with it. In fact, your flight back from Costa Rica will most likely smell like Starbucks since most tourists cram a few pounds of packaged coffee into their carry-on bags. With this kind of love affair, the Costa Rican tourism board should consider new ads like, “come for the wildlife, stay for the coffee” or “our monkeys are not caffeinated but you will be”. But one that I believe best describes the experience is, “drink a cup and keep it simple”. (more…)

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BEACHES, FRIENDS, & PIRATE CAVES

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:36-04:00 October 1st, 2011|Categories: Tourism|Tags: dogs, friends, Pirates, Playa Grande|

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pafAT26ABK4&feature=player_embedded
Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: Large lobster and shrimp platter served at a restaurant right on the beach-$30

Road trips are one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. It’s inevitable you will find something out of the ordinary, whether it be finding an artist’s pottery store on the side of the road, or just finding yourself stuck in the mud on the side of the road. Nevertheless, it always ends with a great story at the end of the day.

Today, we decide to check out some of the beaches in Guanacaste. We drive towards Playa Grande where we see a sign for Pirate’s Bay. (more…)

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MOJITOS IN THE SUN

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:38-04:00 July 21st, 2011|Categories: Tourism|Tags: hacienda pinilla, mojitos|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Daypass to Hacienda Pinilla’s fancy shmancy beach club- $20

Yesterday we decided to get out of the house to celebrate the book launch and my new occult following. I wanted to live it up and go somewhere super snazzy. A place with jasmine scented soap in the ladies room and cool travertine under my feet. A place with the best chance of making an idiot out of myself.

The Beach Club at Hacienda Pinilla fit the bill. Situated right on the sand, you can swim in their infinity pool while watching the surfers ride the waves. Another incentive was that the $20 fee was credited towards your food and drink. And since I was celebrating, I ordered a Mojito—Ernest Hemingway’s favorite beverage.

I have since learned that I can’t drink in the heat. I know this because I started reenacting Spanish infomercials in the pool with mint leaves stuck to my front teeth. It wasn’t my proudest moment. Especially after all the adults and children ran out faster than a scene from Jaws.

Next time I will stick to iced tea.

A man’s got to take a lot of punishment to write a really funny book~Ernest Hemingway

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LIFE WITH A VIEW

OFF LINE IN COSTA RICA

COFFEE IN SUITCASES

BEACHES, FRIENDS, & PIRATE CAVES

MOJITOS IN THE SUN

Join us in Costa Rica