New Gringo Central website

New Gringo Central website!

For all you wonderful Followers, who don't receive emails from Gringo Central, please note we have a new website.

Please feel free to become a Member.

We'll run both websites alongside each other... only for a short while.

Pura vida!

http://gringocentral.webs.com/

Pet Castration Clinic in Palmares (Fri, Feb 17)

Cat & Dog Castration Clinic in Palmares at Campo Ferial.

Friday, February 17
9am-Noon

Note: Remember to check on what after-care service there is.

To give you a better idea, the circle within the marked area is the Bull Ring (Toro Rodundel)... near Pizza Hut.

Mercadito Amanecer / Tiny Market (Sat, Feb 11)

Mercadito Amanecer (Tiny Market)

When: 10am-4pm Saturday, February 11

Where: Mercadito Amanecer (tiny market) in San Juan, San Ramón, 1.5 kilometers from the church of San Juan, towards Concepción.

Casa Amanancer B&B will be featuring their first Mercadito Amanecer (tiny market) selling high quality, locally produced food items. Please spread the word!

Following are some items that we are offering:

• Fresh goat milk products from local producer Mario Rojas*
- Milk, 900 grams at 1,100 colones
- Yogurt, 1 liter at 1,700 colones
- Fresh cheese, 1/2 kilo at 4,000 colones
• Organic coffee from our farm, freshly roasted and packaged (finely ground, medium roast)
- Whole bean, 250 g at 2,000 colones
- Ground, 250 g at 2,000 colones

• Fresh passion fruit (granadilla) (price TBD)
• Loaves of sourdough bread and cookies (prices TBD)

They'll be serving up bocadillos (medium-sized portions) of:

• Papas a la Huancaina (Peruvian dish consisting of sliced potatoes covered with a mildly spicy hot sauce) 2,500 colones
• Lentil vegetable soup with slice of sourdough bread 2,500 colones
• Fresh coffee or herbal tea 500 colones

Our intention is to do this small market every Saturday, depending on turnout, even expanding and offering more locally-produced products down the road, maybe even with local live musicians and artists.

*Note: Regarding the goat products, please get in touch with us and put in your order by the end of the day Wednesday.

Christopher and Luisa Panzer Valdivia

Casa Amanecer B&B
San Ramón, Costa Rica
2445 2100
8306 3159
www.casa-amanecer-cr.com

Tortuga Island Day Trip (Feb 12 & Mar 3)

RSVP Event: Day Trip to Tortuga Island! Snorkeling! Beach!

2 more dates!

If you've always wanted to take the Calypso Tour to Tortuga and thought it was too pricey, we have a super alternative -- a Great Yeatman Tour! Paul and Gloria have arranged for you:

When:
Sunday, February 12, 2012 (plenty of space)
Saturday, March 3, 2012 (plenty of space)

Time: 8am-4.30pm

Note: Transportation to Puntarenas not included.

Description: Tortuga Island is a hidden tropical island just waiting for you off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. On the way, we will stop to look for dolphins and turtles, then go snorkeling to discover the hidden treasures of the deep. When we reach the Island, you will enjoy the white sand beach and beautiful aqua blue waters. You can swim, walk the beach, explore the island, or just plain relax. You will also enjoy tropical fruit, beverages, and a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach.

Cost: $54 pp (compare to a similar tour priced at $110-$120 per person). Price includes round trip boat ride (about 80 minutes each way), English speaking guide, fresh fruit, water, iced tea, lunch, snorkel gear, and a safe place to store your belonging. Bring your own alcoholic beverages, if desired. Reservations and payment in advance are required.

RSVP or questions: please contact Paul or Gloria Yeatman at 8919 2710 or email gmyeatman@gmail.com

You know you've wanted to do this! Snorkeling not required! Just enjoy the beach!

"Getting Published" writing seminar (Wed, Feb 15)

"Getting Published" writing seminar in Escazu

When: Wednesday, February 15

Where: Universal Baptist Church in Escazu

Cost: RSVP 5,000 Colones or at the door 7,500 Colones. Coffee and light pastries will be available.

RSVP:
L Michael Rusin: crcaseyboy@gmail.com
Allen Dickinson: allen@humphree.net

Getting something formally published isn’t difficult; if you have the money there are many tools available to the modern writer. Opportunities for self-publishing abound via the many companies (vanity presses) who will print and bind just about anything one wishes to pay for. But it’s not cheap and rip-offs are plentiful.

Now, the new age of e-Publishing is providing a different opportunity for writers to reach an audience, but that too can become pricey. And, as in hard cover publishing, e-Publishing leaves it up to the author to find a market to which they can distribute their works.

Presenters will be L. Michael Rusin, author of the novel Avalon, George Farrell, author, and Allen Dickinson, a contributor to the Tico Times and other local outlets. The 4-hour session will consist of three short presentations, each followed by a Q&A, where the audience can ask questions and address their own particular concerns.

Expats Financial Seminar (Fri, Feb 17)

Expats Finanical Seminar - Friday, February 17, 2012

"It's Your Money Honey" Expat Financial Seminar: Changes in Taxes, Banking, & Investing

Given the changes in tax codes (both in Costa Rica and the US), filings required by the IRS, banking restrictions, etc. the Community Action Alliance has scheduled a seminar titled It's Your Money Honey: Changes in Taxes, Banking, & Investing to help clarify financial and legal obligations relating to these and other areas of importance to all of us.

Financial adviser and accounting specialist Randall Zamora, President/CEO of Costa Rica Accounting and Business Center will be the presenter.

DATE: Friday, February 17, 2012

TIME: 10am

PLACE: COOPENAE, San Ramón de Alajuela

DIRECTIONS: North side of the church on the block in between the Central Park and PeriMercado

ADMISSION: This will be a free event for Action Alliance members. Anyone is welcome however a 2,000 colones fee will be charged for non-members.

RSVP: RSVP to mike@styles.com

Monthly CRAFT Group (Tue, Feb 14)

Tuesday, February 14

10am-2pm

This meeting will be a Pot-Luck... so bring something to share... your favorite cookies, bread or whatever.

Deanne will provide coffee, soft drinks and plates, etc.

Please bring pen and paper to take notes.

Please email Deanne at ticadea@hotmail.com

Directions:

Take the Palmares exit off the main Pista and follow that street into town to the point you have to turn right or left. Turn RIGHT.

About 200 mts you will have to choose right or left again. Turn LEFT.

Turn RIGHT on the first street on your right. [Note it is a little hidden but as you turn on to it.] You should see a large ICE building on the left side of the street but, if you see the fire department (Bomberos), on your left, you missed the turn.

Stay on that street until you see a sign on the right that says:
Residencial Palma Real 300 mts. There you will want to IMMEDIATELY turn LEFT.

Cross over a small bridge.

About 100 mts you will be turning RIGHT into the entrance of Palma Real (it is a divided entrance with palm trees).

Turn RIGHT at the 2nd street. [Note the 1st street to the right is a dead end and has no houses.]

Cross over a speed bump.

House is on the RIGHT not numbered but has 4 palm trees in front
(3rd house in a row of 4 that touch walls).

House phone # is 2453 6064

Pet Castration Clinic (Sun, Feb 5)

There's a Castration Clinic taking place in Sarchi on Sunday, February 5, from 8am to 2pm at the Agricultural Centre in Sarchi North. Cost is only Colones 8,000.

Note: There are 2 Sarchi numbers at the bottom of the poster. 2454 4067 and 2454 1171 . It's probably a good idea to call first to find out what the next step would be if your cat/dog became unwell post-op.

Directions (with Naranjo behind you): As you come into Sarchi you'll see the only gas station (on your left). Turn left just after the gas station. If you see Banco Nacional (BNCR) you'll be 1 block too far so turn around.

Directions (with Grecia behind you): You'll have passed many furniture stores and started going through downtown Sarchi. You'll eventually see Banco Nacional (BNCR) on your right. Turn right just after it (BEFORE the gas station).

Everyone: Once you've turned onto the road, you'll see white dotted lines in the road a bit like on a running track (I don't know why they're there). You should see a "SUR" sign up on the left
and you may also see a cute road sign, on the right, "Calle 2".

You'll come to an intersection where the stop "Alto" sign, on the right, seems to appear a little too soon. Cross over and you'll see "Agricola Centro Sarchi" the right behind the tall cylone fence (it's orange and green).

Dog Love Day - Fri, Feb 3

Dog Love Day!

Friday, February 3

Meet at Cafe Delicias 8am

WOOF!

Helene, who runs Dogland, is suggesting (though no obligation - everybody can decide what he/she wants to do and in which way he wants to help) concentration on cleaning the houses, yards, beds and food plates. The workers never have enough time to clean these really well. This will help a lot.

Again, cleaning up the yard, etc., is absolutely not an obligation; the dogs are, of course, more than happy to receive your love, be brushed and ear cleaning is always a job that takes a lot of time.

Over 150 dogs are soooooo looking forward to greeting you.

Tortuga Island Tours - 2 new dates

RSVP Event: Day Trip to Tortuga Island! Snorkeling! Beach!

If you've always wanted to take the Calypso Tour to Tortuga and thought it was too pricey, we have a super alternative -- a Great Yeatman Tour! Paul and Gloria have arranged for you:

When:
Sunday, January 29, 2012 (almost full)
Sunday, February 5, 2012 (plenty of space)

Description: Tortuga Island is a hidden tropical island just waiting for you off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. On the way, we will stop to look for dolphins and turtles, then go snorkeling to discover the hidden treasures of the deep. When we reach the Island, you will enjoy the white sand beach and beautiful aqua blue waters. You can swim, walk the beach, explore the island, or just plain relax. You will also enjoy tropical fruit, beverages, and a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach.

Cost: $54 pp (compare to a similar tour priced at $110-$120 per person) Price includes round trip boat ride (about 80 minutes each way), English speaking guide, fresh fruit, water, iced tea, lunch, snorkel gear, and a safe place to store your belonging. Bring your own alcoholic beverages, if desired. Reservations and payment in advance are required. Transportation to Puntarenas not included.Time: 8am-4:30pm.

RSVP or questions: please contact Paul or Gloria Yeatman at 8919 2710 or email gmyeatman@gmail.com

You know you've wanted to do this! Snorkeling not required! Just enjoy the beach!

5th Annual Atenas Chili Cookoff (Sun, Feb 12)

The 5th Annual Atenas Chili Cookoff is on Sunday, February 12 and is created to help the Hogar de Vida (Homes of Life) for children in Costa Rica.

Where? Quinta Romavista, Barrio Mercedes, Atenas - 2km off the Monte de Aguacate (old Alajuela to Orotina highway.)

You can see more information about the chili event and activities by clicking here and visiting the official website. http://www.atenaschilicookoff.com/

Here is a link to the map of the location: http://www.atenaschilicookoff.com/map.php

Here's an extract from: "I Didn’t Know Beans About Chili" by Patricia Diekroger.

"Since I am on the committee for the 5th Annual Atenas Chili Cook Off (early reminder: please keep the Feb 12, 2012 date open) I decided to do a little research about chili.

I was surprised to learn something any true chili cook already knows: chili doesn’t have beans! I also learned that Chili peppers were native to the New World and were used centuries ago by the Indians of Central and South America.

Some people claim that chili, as we know it, originated in Mexico. That is possible, however, to Mexicans chili refers only to the spicy vegetable not to any particular dish. In 1737 an immigrant in Arizona first described a stew made with chili peppers, lard, and meat. Though it wasn’t until the mid 1800′s, when a San Antonio settler ground some dried spices and chili peppers, that a blended chili powder was created. This led to the spread of chili stew recipes across the southwest United States and onward.

There are many stories of how and why “chili con carne” became popular, but almost all agree Texas was the place of origin. There are stories of “chili queens” in San Antonio. These Mexican women were first hired to feed the military in San Antonio. Later, they became street vendors who arrived in the plazas in the evening with aromatic caldrons of chili to dish out.

Many stews like chili became the food of choice among the poor: they could stretch a small piece of meat with lots of chili peppers and disguise any bad taste or odor with the spicy seasonings.

There are theories that chili was served to jail inmates for the same reasons. There are records of chili con carne pemmican, in which meat, lard, and seasonings were pounded together into a concentrated food that could be taken on trail journeys.

By 1890 chili was being served in cafes in Texas. By 1893 chili made its big debut at the Chicago World’s Fair at the “San Antonio Chile Stand”. And the rest is history. Until… somewhere down that spicy road someone decided their chili was the best chili ever. And the chili wars began, but that’s another story."

RSVP: US Embassy Workshops - Fri, Jan 20 (for both Gringos/Ticos)

US Embassy Workshops - Friday, January 20

Both Workshops (1 in English relating to US Citizens and the other in Spanish relating to Costa Ricans) will take place at the Jose Figueres Cultural Center. The US Citizen Workshop will be from 10-11am. The Costa Rican Citizen Workshop will be from 11am to Noon.

10-11am: US Citizen Services Workshop (in English)
"Reaching Out to Build Community"

This workshop will focus on services offered by the U.S. Citizen Services Department in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. Services that will be covered AND PROVIDED include Voter Registration, Passport Renewal and Notary Services. For more information on what you must bring with you if you wish to take advantage of any of these services please visit the Action Alliance website: www.actionalliancecr.com). In addition recent changes regarding the Embassy appointment system, new passport usage and other updates will be covered. The new American Citizen Services Newsletter will also be introduced. Note that there will be some time for questions however the focus should be on U.S. Citizen Services. http://www.actionalliancecr.com/seminars.html


11am-Noon: Costa Rican Citizen Workshop (in Spanish)
"Demystifying the US Visa Application Process"

This will be an informational workshop the objective being to demystify the Visa application process. The workshop will provide an overview of Work and Tourism Visas as well as the underlying law. Frequently Asked Questions will be covered along with several case studies. For Costa Rican Citizens interested in applying for a U.S. Visa this will provide you direct access to U.S. Embassy representatives and will help answer any questions you may have about the application process. As a courtesy to others in attendance we ask that questions not be personal in nature, i.e., please focus on questions of interest to the audience at large.

http://www.actionalliancecr.com/seminars.html

An evening with The Dog Whisperer! (Sat, Jan 28)

Cesar Millan - The Dog Whisperer

Saturday, January 28 at 8pm

This will be his first appearance in Latin America... at the Estadio Nacional in San José. Cesar is a world-renowned dog behavior specialist and co-creator and star of the popular television show “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan,” which is aired in over 80 countries around the world. Note that Cesar’s performance will be in Spanish!

As soon as Action Alliance heard about his visit, it immediately negotiated an agreement with the promoter. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit local spay and neuter programs and dog rescue facilities such as Helene Wirt’s Dogland here in San Ramón. In addition, Action Alliance negotiated the right for Dogland and other groups around the country to be given the opportunity to sell tickets and retain a significant portion of the proceeds to support spay and neuter programs.

So…here’s what you can do to help locally:

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, go to COOPENAE during operating hours, between now and close of business this coming Monday, January 23 and pay for your ticket. Here's the Seating Chart and COOPENAE have hard copies:





















Tickets will then be available for pick-up beginning Thursday, January 26 and must be picked up by close of business on Friday, January 27. Note that each ticket you purchase will cover the cost to spay or neuter one dog!!!

[If you cannot attend, consider purchasing a ticket or group of tickets for people in the community who are not able to afford them. This is a fabulous way to further animal care education efforts. You may specify the distribution or we will distribute tickets appropriately and let you know who your beneficiary is.]

http://www.actionalliancecr.com/seminars.html

Food day out in Atenas (Fri, Jan 27)

A YUMMY FOOD DAY OUT!

Breakfast event at Kay´s Postres in Atenas.

Visit to a German sausage maker and buy authentic German sausages. Visit to a nut dealer - all kinds of nuts cheaper than Pricemart!

When: Friday, January 27. Meet at Cafe Delicias at 8.30am for the 40 minute drive to Atenas.

What: We will stop at the Nut House (pardon the expression) on the way to Kay's.

Then a great breakfast, or an equally great very early lunch off the menu, at Kay's. The lending library will be available for browsing and borrowing

Later, we will drive to the German sausage vendor... this is the same company that had the German restaurant in Atenas (sadly, now closed!), so a great opportunity to buy those wursts, brots, and perros caliente, etc., that we have all missed! The guys who Louise has told about this are already droolling over the thoughts of sausages!

Please RSVP to Louise Wittman in San Ramon reesemickie@gmail.com or 8997 9903. Email is probably most reliable. Let her know how many people are coming, whether you will drive and if you can take passengers, or if you need a ride.

Thanks to Terry Sechler for setting this event in motion!

1920s Jazz this Sun, Jan 15

THE ROARING 20s ARE BACK!
Sunday, January 15th at 2pm

Enjoy a house concert of Jazz from the 20s. Song, dance and solo piano. Featuring Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin.

Rough directions are: Casa Holanda B&B is in the community of San Pablo, on southeast corner of the city of Heredia, going towards Santo Domingo and San Jose. Quiet and gentile, there are stunning views of the Central Valley. (Note: I will publish the exact directions when they reply to my email.) Telephone: 2238 3241

Tickets: $6 each. Kids free.

Here´s a link to the venue: http://www.casaholanda.com/

Tope Fiesta in Palmares (Thu, 12 Jan)

Palmares Tope!

This Thursday, January 12 from Noon.

What's a "Tope"? It's a yearly horse parade.

Parking will be difficult to, if you'd like to go, let's jump in a taxi or 2 at Cafe Delicious after Coffee Morning. Meet up in Palmares at Point #4 (see map below).

Here's a link to their website (in Spanish): http://www.fiestaspalmares.com/actividades_detalle.php?id=80

Here's the route map (also attached in the email):

RSVP event: Tortuga Island day trip (Sun, Jan 15)

RSVP Event: Day Trip to Tortuga Island! Snorkeling! Beach!

If you've always wanted to take the Calypso Tour to Tortuga and thought it was too pricey, we have a super alternative... a Great Yeatman Tour! Paul and Gloria have arranged for you:

Tortuga Island Tour!

Sunday, January 15, 2012 (8am-5pm)

Description: Tortuga Island is a hidden tropical island just waiting for you off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. On the way, we will stop to look for dolphins and turtles, then go snorkeling to discover the hidden treasures of the deep. When we reach the Island, you will enjoy the white sand beach and beautiful aqua blue waters. You can swim, walk the beach, explore the island, or just plain relax. You will also enjoy tropical fruit, beverages, and a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach.

Cost: $54 pp (compare to a similar tour priced at $110-$120 per person) Price includes round trip boat ride (about 80 minutes each way), English speaking guide, fresh fruit, water, iced tea, lunch, snorkel gear, and a safe place to store your belonging. Bring your own alcoholic beverages, if desired. Reservations and payment in advance are required. Time: 8am-5:00pm

RSVP or questions: please contact Paul or Gloria Yeatman at 8919-2710 or email gmyeatman@gmail.com

You know you've wanted to do this! Snorkeling not required! Just enjoy the beach!

Book Swap (Thu, Jan 19)

We haven't book-swapped for a while so why not have another soon?

Thursday, January 19 at Coffee Morning, Cafe Delicias.

Best time will be between 10 and 11am.