Meet Up Event: Coffee and Book Exchange!

Did Christmas leave you with a few extra books on your shelves? Bring them along and go home with others!

Date: Thursday, December 30, 2010

Time: Meet Up is at 10:00 am, Book Exchange at 10:30 am

Place: Cafe Delicious, San Ramon, at our regular Thursday Morning Coffee

Directions: Main Street In from Mall, through first traffic light, then at first stop sign make a left. Go about six blocks (heading west), past Red Cross on left, then look for green awnings of Cafe D on the far left corner.

Expect: Coffee, pastries and breakfast available. Bring up to five books you don't need returned for exchange and go home with five you haven't read yet!

More Info: No need to RSVP, come if you like, look for all the Gringas! Questions? Email kbellhfpasco@aol.com . All are welcome!

Meet Up Event: Great Food and Shopping in the Big City!

A couple of weeks ago, a few of us had to visit the American Embassy, and did we discover -- quite by accident! -- a wonderful block of shopping and the best Italian Restaurant ever in San Jose! If you are looking for a holiday treat for yourself, come along!

Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Meet Up: 8 am at the Directo Bus Station in San Ramon in time for the 8:30 bus. Buy two bus tickets, one for the trip and one for the return (2,280 c total). This avoids lines in the SJ station.

Agenda: Visit Innovarte Design, a store which features modern wall art and furnishings with good prices; Mata Hari, a purveyor of East Indian and Indonesian furniture, lamps, decorative items; and La Artistica which is, well, just the biggest home furnishing store in Central America! For more info go to:

http://www.laartistica.net/main.php?action=quienes
http://innovartedesign.com/productos.html
http://importadoraisa.com/ (Mata Hari)

Lunch: Il Padrino Restaurante (menu at http://ilpadrinocr.com/ ) where the food was so good we almost cried at lunch, but we were having too much fun. You can have an excellent lunch for less than 10,000 c, but you can spend lots more with appetizers and wine, so be an informed consumer!

Special Note: Gentlemen are welcome, but they must pledge to be good shoppers, NO WHINING! We are going to look and look and look and look and maybe buy something, and look some more...

Expect: A one-hour bus ride to SJ, taxi to Rohrmoser (shared, about 3,000 c), walking in stores and in a five-block area, shared taxi back to Directo Bus Station (about the same cost) and arrive back in San Ramon about 4:30 pm.

More Info: E-mail Kathy Bell at kbellhfpasco@aol.com or call 8307-9059. No RSVP necessary, just Meet Up at the bus station as indicated above.

Meet Up Event: Magallanes Kids' Art Show!

Come out to support the kids in Mike and Earl's art class at the Magallanes Elementary School! There's nothing like the oohs and ahhs of an audience to boost their confidence, and you sure will have a good time with all the smiles! Oh, and Santa will be there too!

Date: Tuesday, December 14, 2010, no need to RSVP, just go!

Time: 12:00 noon, look for Mike and Earl, for info email mikenearl1832@aol.com

Place: Magallanes Elementary School

Directions: Take the autopista west from San Ramon, pass the Windmill Restaurant on your left and keep an eye to the right for the next right-turn on a paved road. There is a soda on the near corner and a house that looks like a castle on the far corner, up high. Continue about 1/2 mile until you see the school on the left.

Expect: Lots of art created by the students on display, cake and fun!!! Come spend an hour -- it's a good and easy way to give back to the local community!

Go On Your Own Event: International Food Festival in Los Angeles Sur!

As a benefit for the computer program at the Felix Angel Salas School in Los Angeles Sur, Joe Anello invites everyone to attend a Christmas International Food Festival! Here are the details:

Date: Sunday, December 12, 2010
Time: 10 am until approximately 2 pm
Place: Salon Comunal, adjacent to the Church in Los Angeles Sur
Directions: From Maxi-Bodega continue north until you see the beige San Juan church in front of you; make a left toward La Fortuna (just in front of the church) and continue approximately six miles until you see the Los Angeles Sur Church on your right.
Expect: Lots of Tico Food prepared by parents, international foods prepared by the Gringo community, music (10 am - Tico band, 12 noon - Joe Anello Jazz Quartet, then the Krazy 8 rock band). You can get food to go if you bring your own tupperware containers.
Auction: 12:30 pm, Dinner at Vista Del Valle, Dinner at Mi Rancho, other items

Come out to support the kids! More info: email Joe Anello at jophoster@gmail.com

Meet Up Event: Potluck at Mary Ellen's Hacienda!

If you have not yet been to Mary Ellen and Fernando Montenegro's house in Los Angeles Sur, it is a real treat! A talented artist with many paintings, ME also has created some whimsical tile art, and they have a fantastic garden and a hacienda-style porch. Bring a dish to share, and come to see!

Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2010, guys and gals invited.

Meet Up: Cafe Delicious at 11:00 am for carpooling and caravan and 11:20 am at Mi Rancho in Los Angeles Sur for anyone who needs to follow us. No need to RSVP, just come to one of the meet up places!

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Expect: A lovely, casual setting; superb bilingual hosts; lots of fun folks and an excellent beginning to the holiday season, potluck lunch.

Bring: A dish to share and something to drink.

Thanks, Mary Ellen and Fernando, for your hospitality!

RSVP Event: Guys and Football!

It's time for the guys to get together! George Hudson is hoping the guys will meet en MASSe (Men's Athletic and Sports Society) for guy stuff: football, snacks and libations.

Date: Sunday, December 5, 2010 and Thursday, December 9, 2010

Time: 7:00 pm Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens, 7:20 pm CST kickoff (12/5)
7:00 pm Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans, 7:20 pm CST kickoff (12/9)

Place: Tio Charley's Sports Bar...a HUGE WIDESCREEN TV, great bocas and drinks

Directions: Autopista west from San Ramon about 1 km, you will see a gas station on the left. Tio Charley's is the very next parking lot on the left.

RSVP: Email George Hudson, hudsongeorge47@gmail.com (Telephones are still not working at the cabinas!) Pass this on to all the football lovin' guys you know! George is hoping the guys getting together will become a regular event!

RSVP Event: Thanksgiving Alternative!

There are many events going on for Thanksgiving, but if you haven't made plans yet, consider the casual Thanksgiving Alternative at The Cabinas! All reports from last year indicate that it was lots of fun, and although turkey is not a guarantee, it just might appear on the pot luck table! Thanks to Karen Brown and Randi Killian for coordinating this, and to Cesar for allowing us to use the rancho at The Cabinas for this festive event! Everyone is invited!

Date: Thursday, November 25, 2010
Time: Noon until 3 p.m.
Place: El Castillo de Relajamiento (The Cabinas)
Directions: Drive west from San Ramon on the autopista about three miles, passing El Jardin on left, then Las Tinajitas Restaurant on right, then look for the next bus stop shelter on left. Just past that on the left will be a wide place to pull over to the left and a sign for cabina rental. Drive to the top of the hill, and the rancho is on the left.
Cost: None, but please bring the following for each person: plate, napkin, knife, fork, spoon, beverage of choice. Per single or couple, please bring a dish to share. If you have extra chairs, it would be great if you would bring them, though some tables and chairs are available.
Expect: Outdoor buffet dining in a lovely setting (click on http://www.cabinasofcostarica.com/ for more info about the venue), twenty or thirty of your closest friends, good conversation and if we are lucky, a tv with football....!!!!!
RSVP: Very important! Email Karen Brown at waterfall_brown@yahoo.com to let her know you are attending and what dish you will be bringing!

RSVP Event: Learn About Red Cross Services!

Do you know how to call an ambulance and access emergency services here in Costa Rica? Want to learn more about the response of the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) to natural disasters? Our friends at Community Action Alliance have invited us to attend this month's mixer which will feature a presentation by Cruz Roja. This is important information for ex-pats -- don't miss it!

Date: Friday, November 19, 2010
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Place: Cruz Roja - Main Office
Directions: Main Street In from Mall until you see Perimercado. Make a right at the Perimercado and continue two blocks east until you see the Red Cross/Cruz Roja on the right. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so that the meeting can start on time.
Agenda:

1. Community Action Alliance Updates
2. Committee Reports
3. Featured Business Presentation: Cruz Roja
4. Short presentation by local orphanage representative
5. Introductions and networking

RSVP: Call Mike Styles at 8333-8750 or email mike@styles.com .

Meet Up Event: Let's Eat Out!

Let's Go to The Columbiano Restaurant!

We have a lovely new restaurant in El Empalme, and English-speaking owner Alan Santamaria says, "Come try us out!" We've been there several times, and it was terrific...who knew we would enjoy Columbian food so much! For those less adventurous, Chef Diego makes an excellent personal pan pizza, the best we've had in San Ramon. This is a family-owned endeavor, and most entrees are under 5,000 c...pizza is only 2,000 c. Alan said he will include rice pudding or a fig dessert -- your choice!

Date: This Friday, November 12, 2010

Meet Up: 4 pm at The Columbiano Restaurant, on the autopista at El Empalme

Expect: A casual indoor/outdoor type restaurant, no liquor license yet

Directions: Drive west on the autopista from San Ramon. Pass El Jardin on left, Las Tinajitas Restaurant on right, entrance to The Cabinas on left, 500 meters more and The Columbiano Restaurant is on the right, big parking lot, look for the palm trees and yellow boulders that line the parking area. We will be in the private dining area on the far left.

More info: This is a Meet Up Event...no RSVP necessary, just come! Look for Kathy and Alan.
Questions, email kbellhfpasco@aol.com .

Meet Up Event: Escazu -- "Shop Till You Drop!"

Okay, Ladies, here we go! So many stores, so little time!

Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Meet Up: 8:45 am, Cafe Delicious, SR, for carpool and caravan, give driver 2,000 c for gas.

The Agenda:

• Pequeno Mundo, Escazu (CR's Best Junk Store!)
• Bagelmen's for fresh bagels
• Don Fernando's for the best beef in CR
• Auto Mercado for American groceries you really miss
• The Italian Deli ('nuf said!)
• A quick lunch along the way, group decision!

Expect: About 1 hour and 15 minute drive to Escazu, lots of driving, some walking, bring your cooler or share one with a friend. We should have about 90 minutes in Pequeno Mundo, quick stops at the other places.

More Info: Guys are welcome if they are good shoppers and do not whine! This is being coordinated by Lisa Gellock, 8387-6925, and Joanna Marsh, 8994-5924. NO RSVP IS NECESSARY, JUST MEET UP! We should be back in San Ramon between 3 and 4 pm.

Meet Up Event: Symphony and Lunch in SJ

Our friend Parker Henry is taking a group to the National Symphony this Sunday, and you are invited to go along! This is a Meet Up Event, so no RSVP necessary, so if you are up early Sunday morning and are up for the Symphony, just Meet Up and look for Parker!



DATE: Sunday, October 24, 2010

MEET UP: 8:00 am at the Directo Bus Station, San Ramon for the 8:30 am bus

EVENT: National Symphony's 10:30 am performance at the Teatro National and lunch TBA

EXPECT: 1 hour bus ride to SJ, about 2400 c r/t, shared taxi to Teatro National about 500 c, purchase available symphony ticket, cost varies from 5,000 to 15,000 c, walk to lunch at a yet to be decided restaurant, usually under 10,000 c, taxi back to station in shared cab about 500 c, return to San Ramon about 3:30 pm

MORE INFO: Call Parker at 2447-7658 or email at elnidocrp@yahoo.com .

Meet Up Event: Butterflies Are (Almost) Free!

What do Blue Morphos and Mexican Shoemakers and Postmen have in common? They are all butterflies, and there is a good chance of seeing them this Friday as we go to the local butterfly farm! Since the farm shares a common border with Nectandra, the ecological research center, we will probably see some of the birds that make their home there as they spill over into the Butterfly Farm...apparently this is like Birds Without Borders!

Date: Friday, October 22, 2010
Meet Up: 9:30 a.m. at Cafe Delicious, San Ramon for carpooling/caravaning. Los Angeles Sur Group, meet at Mi Rancho Restaurant by 9:45 a.m. and we will pick you up along the way.
Place: Butterfly Farm near Los Angeles Sur, admission about 1,500 c, for tour and walk
Lunch: Mi Ranco, order from the menu, comida typica, less than 5,000 c
Expect: Drive 20 minutes to Butterfly Farm, spend about 90 minutes for tour and walk, drive ten minutes to Mi Rancho, return to San Ramon about 1 p.m.
More Info: This is a Meet Up Event so no RSVP is necessary. Lisa Gellock is coordinating this event... email lisaincostarica@aol.com or call 8387-6925 ... thanks, Lisa!!!

RESCHEDULED RSVP Event: Peruvian Lunch and Best Kept Secrets!

Enjoy a fantastic Peruvian lunch in an inpiring setting...and special guest Jo Stuart of AM Costa Rica fame (read her weekly column, "Butterfly in the City") will be our dessert speaker. She'll be sharing "The Ten Best Kept Secrets in San Jose" -- sounds like a winner!

Date: Friday, October 29, 2010

Time: Meet Up at 11:15 am at Maxi Bodega Parking Lot. Carpool/Caravan to Casa Amanecer B&B, owned by Chris Panzer and wife Luisa Valdivia. Go to http://www.casa-amanecer-cr.com/ for a look at this lovely setting.

Menu Options:

A. Light Lunch with cerviche 6,250 c
B. Regular Lunch with pescado, includes side of cerviche 9,000 c

Prices are all inclusive with sides, beverage and dessert. A full list of the Peruvian
dishes and their explanations (in English!) will be emailed to you upon request or upon receiving your reservation. Reserve (indicate menu choice) at kbellhfpasco@aol.com by Wednesday, October 27 at 5 pm. Seating is limited and this opportunity will also be offered to Community Action Alliance members, so reserve early!

Expect: Meet at Maxi Bodega, drive 15 minutes to Casa Amanecer, have a delightful Peruvian lunch (Luisa and Chris have catered Peruvian events at Villa Blanca!), listen to Jo Stuart talk about her experiences in discovering gems in San Jose, enjoy the tranquility of the rocking chairs on the porch and then return to the real world when you are ready!

RSVP Event: Community Security Workshop

YOU can be part of San Ramon's safer, more secure future! Due to the positive impact of our friends at the Community Action Alliance, San Ramon is on the radar of some of the most important players in the development of President Laura Chinchilla's commitment to resident and tourist safety. In conjunction with the US Embassy, San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, the County Union, and PROPAZ, the Action Alliance is sponsoring a fully bilingual seminar featuring community policing specialist Arturo Venegas, Jr., retired Sacramento Chief of Police :

DATE: Tuesday, September 21, 2010
TIME: 2:00 - 5:30 pm
PLACE: University of Costa Rica, San Ramon Campus, Salon Rosado

AGENDA:
2:00 Wecome by PROPAZ
2:05 Remarks by Anne Slaughter Andrew, US Ambassador to Costa Rica
2:15 Presentation on Community Safety, Chief Arturo Venegas
3:00 Break
3:20 Community Safety Workshop
5:30 Closing Remarks

COST: Free, donations accepted at sign-in to offset cost of simultaneous translation headsets. Most of the presentation will be in Spanish with translation to English.

RSVP: Required due to limited seating, capacity 120. Respond no later than noon on Friday, September 17. Call Mike Styles at 8333-8750 or email mike@styles.com . You will receive a reservation confirmation number for each person attending. Bring the number with you.

IMPORTANT: This presentation will be repeated in several other communities around Costa Rica; however this is the only presentation at which Ambassador Andrew will speak. Let's keep San Ramon in the forefront in the push for better security for all residents. This event is OPEN TO ALL. Help demonstrate our united commitment to a safer, more secure San Ramon.

Meet Up Event: Coffee and Book Exchange

Well, you've probably read all the books you picked up at Kay's Gringo Postres in Atenas...so come on down to the Thursday Stitch and Bitch at Cafe D. Bring up to five books ypu don't need returned for exchange!! Oh, and a special guest!! Have we missed her!!

Date: Thursday, September 9, 2010
Time: 10-Noon, Meet Up at 10, exchange starts 10:30, draw for numbers to select books
Place: Cafe Delicious, San Ramon, look for the Gringas with the books
Bring: Up to five books for permanent exchange
Enjoy: Coffee, postres and/or breakfast and good company
Special Guest: FRAN BROWNE!!!! All the way from Guanacaste, just for us...oh, and she needs a supply of ham from Cute Pork Boy at the Feria to bring back home...
More Guests: We may have some folks from San Carlos as well, courtesy of Karen Brown, even though she herself is in the US for until October. Would WE travel two hours to see US? Of course we would!
Questions/Info: Kathy Bell, 8307-9059, kbellhfpasco@aol.com

Everyone is welcome!

Volunteer Event: Help for Budding Artists!

Our friends Mike and Earl are volunteer art teachers at the Magellanes School. They are asking for our help for the next two weeks in collecting materials for their students:

1. Empty, clean tin cans...please take the labels off
2. Crepe Paper, any color or type
3. Fabric or material, any size remnants
4. White glue
5. Leftover buttons
6. Colored paper, any type
7. And for the fashionistas among us: Women's or Men's Hats!

Also, if you have a project you would like to do with the students or to make drop off arrangements, just give them a call at 2445-1807/8354-1925. ALTERNATIVE DROP OFF, BRING ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO CAFE DELICOUS FOR THE NEXT TWO THURSDAYS (AUGUST 19 AND 26 BETWEEN 10 AND NOON AND I WILL ARRANGE TO TAKE IT TO MIKE AND EARL FOR YOU. Just look for all the Gringas! Join us for coffee too if you have time!

What a nice way to clean out your casa and recycle items where they will make a difference to a lot of sweet kids!

Meet Up Event: I Can Hear Music....

Yes, there is a national symphony in Costa Rica, and we are going! Come join us to see famed conductor Choei Komatsu and enjoy selections from Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," Elgar's Cello Concert, and Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2.

Oh, and lunch at Asian fusion restaurant, Tin Jo...


Date: Sunday, August 29, 2010, performance 10:30 a.m. - noon

Meet Up: Directo Bus Station, San Ramon, at 8:30 a.m. This is a Meet Up Event, no RSVP necessary. Look for Parker and Kathy. For more info, call Parker at 2447-7658.

Expect: One hour bus to SJ (2200 c r/t), shared taxi to National Theatre (about 1,500), admission to the most beautiful building in San Jose, the National Theatre (less than 5,000 c), walk about six blocks to Tin Jo, with a wide variety of Asian cuisine (5,000 c and up). Go to this review for more info: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sanjosecostarica/D39132.html. Then take a shared taxi to Directo Bus (about 1,500 c) and back to San Ramon between 3 and 4 pm. Casual clothes, walking shoes and umbrella!

Don't let Friday the 13th scare you away, it's time for a road trip! We are going to Atenas for some real American comfort food... biscuits and sausage gravy, blueberry pancakes, hamburgers and fried chicken... and of course, superb sweets!

And as an added bonus, Kay and Tom, North Dakota natives, maintain a large paperback exchange library....so bring a few books you don't need back and exchange for ones that are new to you at no cost!

Date: Friday, August 13, 2010
Meet Up: 9 am SHARP at Cafe Delicious for caravan/carpooling. No RSVP necessary
Expect: One hour traveling to Atenas, brunch at Kay's Gringo Postres from 10-12 noon, less than 5,000 c, exchange your books and return to San Ramon about 1 -1:30 pm. Give driver 1,000 c towards gas.
Bring: Up to five books you don't need returned and your hearty appetite!

Reservation Event: 3 Days in Tortuguero!

Parker Henry has a friend who is a Costa Rica Travel Agent who markets tours in the US...and she has some room on a trip she is doing to Tortuguero on the carribean coast! This is a wondeful way to be able to observe wildlife (including the sea turtles and red-eyed tree frogs, monkeys and birds galore) in a rustic environment!

Total Cost for 3 days (not per day): $129/double occupancy at the Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero, including buffet-style meals at the lodge, bus from San Jose and boat ride up the canal to Tortugero and return transportation. Deposit of 50% will be required by August 18.

Accommodations: Rustic-type room with private bath, ceiling fans, hot water. See info at www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g309268-d310538-r58655644-Laguna_Lodge_Tortuguero-Tortuguero_Province_of_Limon.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT.

Dates: September 18-19-20, 2010

Pick up: Crown Plaza Hotel (near Sabana Park) 6:30 a.m. on the 18th. IF THE TOUR HAS 35 OR MORE PARTICIPANTS, THE BUS WILL COME TO SAN RAMON FOR A LOCAL PICK UP!

For more info: Call Parker Henry at 2447-7658. Parker is tentatively reserving five rooms for San Ramon Gringos, so let her know by early next week if you want to take advantage of this special opportunity.

Meet Up Event: Upscale Dining at The Park Cafe!

Oh, how elegant dining can be...yes, right here in Costa Rica! Yes, it is pricey, but aren't you due a real treat now and again? Join us as we go to the #1 rated restaurant in San Jose...For those of you who have been with us at the #2 rated Hotel Grano de Oro Restaurant, you know how special this will be!
Date: Friday, July 30, 2010
Time: Meet Up 9 a.m. at the Directo Bus Station in San Ramon for an excursion to San Jose.
Place: The Park Cafe in La Sabana Park http://www.parkcafecostarica.blogspot.com/ Take a look at the ambiance and a sample menu. This is definitely an experience to tell your stateside friends about!
Agenda: Arrive La Sabana about 10:30 a.m. Take a walk in the park, and visit the antique shop adjacent to the restaurant. At noon get ready for a fantastic dining experience! Then take a shared cab back to the bus depot and board for San Ramon, returning about 3:30 p.m.
Expect: Roundtrip bus about 2,000 c, lunch 20,000 - 35,000 c, shared taxi about 1,000 c.
Questions: Call Parker Henry at 2447-7658. No need to RSVP, just meet up at bus station.
Directions: For Directo Bus, take Main Street In past mall, through first traffic light, to SECOND stop sign. Make a left, and drive four blocks or so. Directo Bus Station is on your right. Park on street.

GO-ON-YOUR-OWN EVENT: Nole Doug's Garage Sale!

You don't need to live in the US to downsize...Doug Busch is moving into his new San Ramon home and doesn't need some of the great stuff he brought with him from Florida, and we know that Gringos and Gringas really miss garage sales, so..........

Date: Friday, July 23, 9 a.m. until all is sold

Place: Doug's house in San Pedro. Call Doug at 8964-2655, NoleDoug@aol.com

Directions: From UCR continue up road the feria is on into San Pedro section of SR about 1 km. Pass Charlie's Bar on left and immediately turn right towards Las Musas. Quick right down the hill, 7th house on right, two story green house.

For Sale:

• Showtime Rotisserie/Grill $70
• Cuisinart Food Processor $50
• Osterizer 10-speed blender $30
• Cooler -- 48 qt Colman Polylite $50
• Igloo Plentikool -- Car Battery and 120 Operated $20
• Bolt Cutters Capacity 10mm - 3/8", 24" long, $25
• Shovel $5
• Black & Decker Circular Saw $35
• Recliner, burgundy, good condition $125
• Harper Heavy Duty Hand Truck, like new, $100
• Miscellaneous Tables (coffee, side, end, buffet) $40 each
• Antique Clothes Closet, fair condition, $20
• Two 8-ft artificial trees w/pots $15 each
• Sheet Sets full size $20
• Adult VCR tapes $2, 3/$5
• Framed pictures, all under $20
• Miscellaneous kitchen goods, glasses, decorations and lots more
• Antique China (1940's), service for 12 including crystal glassware, $500

Doug is ready to make a deal, so don't miss this big sale!

Volunteer Event: Recycling Center Cleanup -- We Need You!

Many of you may know about the recycling center in San Juan operated by the women’s cooperative, COFERENE. Thanks to the efforts of Joe Brown and others from the community a major effort is under way to organize, clean up and paint the center.

Show your support for recycling and COFERENE by joining us this Saturday for a clean up effort. The work day will be organized as follows: remove garbage for hauling to dump, clean up (sweeping and mopping), and then painting if time permits.

Following are the details:

Day/Date: Saturday, July 10
Shifts: 8:00 am to 11:00 am (bring a snack)
11:00 am to 2:00 pm (bring a bag lunch)

Things to Bring: Gloves
Mops and brooms
Paint trays and brushes
Snack or Lunch

Note that in addition to helping the center operate more safely and efficiently we will be helping COFERENE prepare for an Environmental Fair (Feria Ambiental) they are hosting on Friday, July 16 to celebrate their 15th year of operation.

If you’re able to volunteer your time please email mike@styles.com and indicate which shift you can work. Your help will be greatly appreciated!

Meet Up Event: Iguanas for Brunch?

Iguana is not on the menu, of course, but they will be your dining companions in our next adventure...a true photo op to let your friends back in Los Estados Unidos know what you've been up to! Shop at The American Store and spend some time in a hot spring! What a day!

Date: Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Meet Up: 7:45 a.m. at Cafe Delicious, San Ramon for carpooling/caravaning. Departure at 8:00 a.m. SHARP for two hour ride to San Carlos. No RSVP necessary. Look for Karen and Joe Brown.

First Stop: The American Store -- kind of like Big Lots, scratch and dent goods (foods, tools, general stuff) at good prices. Double check with driver to make sure there is room in the car for that new patio set or welding equipment before buying.

Second Stop: The Iguana Restaurant -- good comida typica (about 3,000 c), and the iguanas love to be fed (not your lunch!), dozens of them on the porch, in the trees, in the sun, in the shade...

Third Stop: Termales de Bosque -- two hours in a refreshing hot spring (7,000 c admission) with all the amenities including changing rooms, rest rooms, refreshments (extra).

http://www.termalesdelbosque.com/english/presentation.htm

Return: About 3 pm leave for San Ramon, arriving about 5 pm. Give driver 2,000 c toward gas.

Bring: Camera, swimsuit, towel, lettuce/fruit for the iguanas!

More Info: Karen and Joe at waterfall_brown@yahoo.com

Tell me this will not be one incredible experience!

Meet Up Event: USA 4th of July Picnic!

Yes, Uncle Sam will be walking around the picnic grounds, and the University of Costa Rica band will play John Phillip Sousa marches with a latin beat...how could you miss it? Join 3,000 other American ex-pats from all over Costa Rica on this special day!

Date: Sunday, July 4, 2010, 8 am to 1 pm. We will arrive about 9 am and stay till about noon.

Meet Up: 7:45 a.m. at Cafe Delicious for carpooling/caravaning. Look for Kathy and Alan.

Place: Cerverceria Picnic Grounds, west of San Jose, near the Intel Bridge east of the airport, just off the autopista.

Cost: $5 US or 2,500 c ... Exact Change is best! MUST SHOW COPY US PASSPORT (or ID for non-US citizen immediate family members), plus pay for parking/shuttle bus (about $4 per car). Parking is run by an independent organization.

Expect: Free with admission -- hot dogs, beer, soda, water, bagels, coffee, US Flag Raising Ceremony at 10 am, US Embassy/Ambassador Welcome Speech, not-for-profit groups displaying info, US absentee voter registration, go to http://www.americancolonycr.com/ for more info. Lots of shady areas, nice grounds.

Meet Up Event: More World Cup Soccer!

Sharon and Rick said they had so much fun last time, that they'll be doing it again Saturday, and you are welcome to come and watch the game!

Date: This Saturday, June 26, 2010
Place: Bocadito's Bar and Restaurant, San Ramon
Meet Up: 12 noon, World Cup game starts at 12:30 pm, does it really matter who is playing?
Expect: Lots of cheering, bocas about 2500 c, beer about 900 c
Look for: Sharon and Rick Rochester, 8706-5708, no RSVP necessary
Directions: Main Street in to end, make left, pass Emergency Room at SR Hospital, look for liquor store on the next corner on right, park on street, Bocadito's is on Emergency Room Street right next to corner liquor store.
Questions: mingo425@yahoo.com

RSVP Event: Horseback Riding to the Waterfall!

Ok, horse lovers, we have a ride for you! We'll go out to Bajo LaPaz for a four-hour adventure: 1-1/2 hour ride to the waterfall, 1 hour for a snack and exploring, 1-1/2 hour ride back. Here are the details:

Date: Friday, June 25, 2010

Time: Meet for carpooling at Cafe Delicious at 8 am, drive to Bajo LaPaz, ride 9 am-1 pm, back to Cafe D by 2 pm.

Place: Nacho's Ranch, Bajo LaPaz

Cost: 10,000 c

Bring: Your own water and snack, light jacket/poncho, wear boots or tennis shoes, long pants, a towel if you plan to get up close and personal with the waterfall, camera

Expect: Gentle horses and a good guide

RSVP: A MUST, no later than Monday, June 21, 5 pm so we can let Nacho know. If you RSVP to this event, please do not disappoint, as your horse will be saddled and waiting for you! RSVP kbellhfpasco@aol.com

RSVP Event: Citizen Security, Part II

Those of us who attended the first meeting about Expat Security in Costa Rica know that it set the stage for some good changes...now meet some folks who are already working on making expats safer in other communities here. Be on hand when representatives from Escazu and Dominical share their info. An Embassy rep will also be with us. Thanks to Mike Styles and the SBA for doing this follow up so promptly!

Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010
Time: 2 pm
Place: Jose Figueres Cultural Center, San Ramon
Program: Representatives from Escazu, Dominical and US Embassy, Info and Q&A
Cost: Free
RSVP: mike@styles.com RSVP IS IMPORTANT FOR ROOM SET UP.
Directions: Main Street In from the mall, continue until you see Perimercado on the far right-hand corner. Park on the street, walk left, Church on your left-hand side. Cultural center is on your right.

Meet Up Event: Walkabout Alajuela!

Ready for some great Tex-Mex food and shopping? It's time for a run to Alajuela, a city that has some very interesting sights and stores!

Date: Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Meet Up: 8 am SHARP at Cafe Delicious, San Ramon, for carpooling (please give driver 1,500 c for gas and parking fee). No need to RSVP. Look for Kathy Bell.
Expect: Free time for shopping in small groups from 9 am to 11:30 am, meet back at Jalapeno's Tex-Mex for lunch (ususally under 5,000 c), then walk around the corner to the Good Light Used Books; leave for San Ramon around 1:30 pm, arrive about 2:30 pm. You'll even get a copy of a map so you don't get lost!!!!

Meet Up Event: Stitch, B*tch and Books!

Hey there, readers! How about a book exchange at our regular Thursday Morning S&B group? You don't need to be an S&Ber to attend -- in fact, we'd be glad to see your smiling face! Just bring five books you don't want back, and go home with five others....

Date: Thursday, June 17, 2010
Time: 10:00 am
Place: Cafe Delicious, San Ramon
Look For: All the Gringas in the middle of the room! No RSVP necessary.
Expect: Coffee, breakfast and/or pastries if you like, or just come to exchange books....
Bring: Five good books you don't mind putting into permanent circulation (hopefully not all by James Patterson or it will be a very curious book exchange!)
Directions: Main Street In past mall to the first stop sign, go left about six blocks, Cafe Delicious is on the corner on the left.

Meet Up Event: England vs. USA World Cup

Be ye Brit or be ye Yank? Whatever ye be, come on down to watch the World Cup Game!

Date: This Saturday, June 12, 2010

Place: Bocadito's Bar and Restaurant, San Ramon

Meet Up: 12 noon, England vs. USA World Cup game starts at 12:30 pm

Expect: Lots of cheering, bocas about 2500 c, beer about 900 c

Look for: Sharon and Rick Rochester, 8706-5708, no RSVP necessary

Directions: Main Street in to end, make left, pass Emergency Room at SR Hospital, look for liquor store on the next corner on right, park on street, Bocadito's is on Emergency Room Street right next to corner liquor store.

Meet Up Event: Walkabout San Jose

I need to go to San Jose to have a CAJA paper stamped near the National Theatre, so I thought we might make it an outing....If you have wanted to take the bus to San Jose, but did not want to do it by yourself, you may want to take a quick trip with us this Friday...read on!

Event: San Jose Walkabout
Date: Friday, June 4
Meet Up: 8 am SHARP at the Directo Bus Station in San Ramon
Expect: One hour bus ride to SJ (r/t less than 2,000 c), 500 c for shared cab to National Theatre area, explore this area of San Jose including craft market and possibly Asian food market or central market, lunch at a soda long the way, cab back to bus station at 1 pm (500 c for shared cab unless you have walked all the way to Escazu!) and take the next bus back to SR, arriving between 2 and 3 pm. Depending on the number of people, we may split into small groups.
Directions: Main Street past the San Ramon Mall to the second stop sign. Make a left and go up four blocks or so; the Directo bus station is on the right. If you see Kuko's Bar you have gone too far. Park on the street near the bus station.
IMPORTANT: Buy two tickets to SJ when you arrive at the Bus Station in San Ramon so you do not have to wait on line to buy a return ticket in SJ. DO NOT WEAR LOTS OF JEWELRY, no need to take chances. Don't forget comfortable shoes and an umbrella!
No need to RSVP but if you have any questions, please email me at kbellhfpasco@aol.com .

RSVP Event: Horsing Around!

How about a "get acquainted" ride for those who want to try out this activity? Have we got an event for you! Oh, and there's an interesting lunch too...

Date: Friday, May 14, 2010
Where: Nacho's Finca, Bajo LaPaz, about 40 minutes from SR
Meet Up: 8 am SHARP at Cafe Delicious, San Ramon, for carpool/caravan
Expect: One and one-half hour horseback ride on gentle horse with guide beginning at 9 am, early lunch around 11 am at local tilapia farm/soda (Catch your own, or order from the menu, other lunch choices available), return to San Ramon, arriving about 1:30 pm.
Cost: 5,000 c for horseback riding, up to 5,000 c for lunch
RSVP: Required for your horse to be saddled and ready! Limited number of horses available. Email RSVP to Kathy Bell at kbellhfpasco@aol.com by Wednesday, May 12.

RSVP Event: US Embassy Rep in San Ramon!

Ever wonder who's in charge of things at the US Embassy or what is their responsibility to American Ex-Pats here? Courtesy of our friends at the Small Business Alliance, we have a great opportunity to meet the US Ambassador's Representative right here in San Ramon!

Program: Meet Paul Birdsall, Consul General (The consular section is that department responsible for visitors and ex-pats)
Website: http://usembassy.or.cr/embinfo.html for embassy info
Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Jose Figueres Cultural Center, San Ramon
Directions: Main Street In from the Mall, when you see the back of the church, park anywhere on the street and walk toward Perimercado. Make a left at the Perimercado block and it is the second building on the right, Jose Figueres Cultural Center (just reopened after renovations).
Cost: Free
Expect: Town Hall Meeting with an overview of embassy services and Q/A
RSVP or More Info: Mike Styles, mike@styles.com

If this meeting is helpful to the embassy and to ex-pats, it is likely to be replicated in other areas of Costa Rica...so San Ramon is #1!

Meet Up Event: Searching for Quetzals!

Have you always wanted to see the elusive Quetzal in the wild? Here is your chance!

Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Meet Up: 8 am SHARP at Cafe Delicious, SR, for carpooling.

Look For: Parker Henry, Kathy Bell

Event: Travel to Bajo LaPaz (about 30 minutes) to enter a private property and be guided by the owner to see nesting Quetzals (no absolute guarantees, but this is their nesting season and our guide is an expert!)

Cost: 6,000 c (Exact change, please) per person

Expect: Drive 30 minutes to Bajo LaPaz, walk about 1 mile from parking area (this is for individuals with intermediate level hiking skill, some grade to property), spend time birding (1-2 hours) and return back to San Ramon.

Bring/Wear: Comfortable/sturdy walking shoes, jacket/shirt/poncho, camera, binnoculars, water, and your quiet voice as Quetzals are nesting!

Meet Up Event: Does the Irish in You Miss Corned Beef?

Another talent uncovered! Karen Brown actually brines her own corned beef (much to the delight of Belfast-born husband Joe), and she is willing to share some!

Event: Potluck Dinner
Date: Tuesday, May 4
Time: 3:30-5:50 pm
Place: El Castillo (aka The Cabinas)
Expect: Outdoor dining in the rancho in a lovely setting, see website: http://www.cabinasofcostarica.com/, no cost
Bring: A dish to share and your beverage of choice
RSVP: Not mandatory, but if you know you are coming and what dish you will be making, email info to Karen and Joe at waterfall_brown@yahoo.com; otherwise we will find out what "potluck" really means!
Directions: From San Ramon, autopista west, past El Jardin, past Tinajitas Restaurant, follow around road curves, look to left for bus stop, next left up a steep hill, cabina sign at bottom of hill. If you get to the El Empalme Road, turn around because you have passed it! The rancho is at the top of the hill.

RSVP Event: Costa RicaTax Facts Seminar

And here we thought Tax Season was over! Costa Rica taxes are more than a bit mysterious, and we need an expert to explain them...and our friends at the Small Business Alliance have found one to discuss property, corporate, income, sales, luxury and other taxes. The seminar is designed for business operators, retirees, and all members of the community and will be hosted by one of the foremost bi-lingual experts on taxes in Costa Rica!

Presenter: Randall Zamora Hidalgo, President/CEO of Costa Rica ABC Former CFO, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica; Local Partner of The World Bank; Active member of the Interamerican Accounting Association; International Consultant for FogLamp.org; Tax Writer with more than 15 years of experience in Costa Rica taxes. Randall is also very familiar with the IRS and US Tax Code.
Day/Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Location: Chiropractic Office, San Ramon. Main Street In, through traffic light at Chury Gas, make a right at the second block past traffic light. Chiropractic Office on left, well marked.
Cost: Free of charge
RSVP: Mike Styles – mike@styles.com or 8.333.8750

Meet Up Event: Meet The New US Ambassador

Yes, the new US Ambassador to Costa Rica has arrived! Anne Slaughter Andrew will be speaking at the next Democrats Abroad meeting in San Jose and everyone is invited!

Event: Democrats Abroad
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2010, 9:30 am to noon
Place: Aurolo Holiday Inn, San Jose.
Meet Up: 7:30 am at the Directo Bus Station in San Ramon, buy a roundtrip bus ticket to San Jose for the approximately 8 am bus. Look for Mike Styles, Alan Merson and Paul Yeatman.
Expect: One hour on the directo bus to SJ (about 2,000 c r/t), cab to the Aurola Holiday Inn (about 2,000 c shared), 5,000 c for meeting/lots of refreshments, return cab to directo bus (about 2,000 c shared), one hour back. Return to SR about 1:30 pm
Directions: Main Street In to second stop sign, make left, go four blocks and Directo Bus Station is on the right. Park on the street anywhere near the bus station.

TO ATTEND YOU MUST RSVP: Email to cr.democratsabroad@yahoo.com or call Nelleke at 2279-3553 or Bill at 2220-3007.

Meet Up Event: Recycling -- From Trash to Treasure!

Ever wondered what recycling in San Ramon is all about? The folks at the San Ramon Small Business Alliance (SBA) have a unique opportunity which just came their way and they want to share it with everyone who is interested in recycling:

Event: An Introduction to Recycling here in San Ramon
Date: This Wednesday, March 17, 2009 at 2 pm at the Recycling Center in San Juan, Upstairs Meeting Room.
Meet Up: For those who don't know where it is, meet Kathy at the Maxi Bodega parking lot at 1:40 pm and caravan from there. It's around the corner.
What to Expect: We understand that an English speaking volunteer will talk with us, answer questions and show us the facility. This should take about 45 minutes. The San Ramon facility has been cited as one of the best grass roots recycling efforts in Costa Rica. It is a project of the women of the local area. In addition to the recycling itself, they have a school-based educational program to introduce children to the benefits of recycling.
What to Bring: Your recycling if you have it ready! They will take any aluminum, plastic, glass, paper, batteries and many other things you will learn about on Wednesday.

RSVP (just so he can have a idea of how many are attending) to Mike Styles:

mike@styles.com

Meet Up Event: No Sex Please, We're British!

Yes, back to San Jose to the Little Theatre, for those of us who miss the ocassional trip to the big city!

Event: Lunch and the comical farce, "No Sex Please, We're British!" IN ENGLISH
When: Sunday, March 14, 2010
Meet Up: 10:10 am at the Directo Bus in San Ramon, look for Kathy, Alan, and Barb the Brit. Don't Be late or you may not get a seat on the bus!
Directions: Main Street In to the second Stop Sign, make left, Directo Bus Station is about four blocks up on right, park on street.
Expect: Bus leaves about 10:30 am (cost <2,000> , walk about six blocks to hotel for lunch (about 10,000 c), walk two blocks to theatre (admission 4,500 c), walk two blocks to taxi back to Directo bus station (about 500 c each), leave about 5 pm for arrival back in San Ramon about 6 pm.

Make your own reservation, VERY IMPORTANT! Bring a copy of the confirmation with you!

http://littletheatregroup.org/reservations_folder/reservation_form.php?play_number=1

Want to see the hotel we'll be going to for lunch?

http://www.hotelgranodeoro.com/

Questions? Email kbellhfpasco@aol.com. See you there!