@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

WHAT TO DO IN THE ESCAZU AREA

DAILY ACTIVITIES•SPECIALS!!

(all subject to change without notice so call first!!)

MONDAY

HAPPY HOUR 

TUESDAY

WALKING PROGRAM at the Mall  

HAPPY HOUR 

TACO TUESDAYS!!  

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SUSHI  

WEDNESDAY

ORGANIC FERIA / FARMERS MARKET

½ PRICE MOVIE DAY - JUST 1,300-C (like $2.60!!)

TRIVIA NIGHT 

HAPPY HOUR 

TYPICAL COSTA RICAN DANCE SHOW with a MILLION $$$$VIEW!!!

THURSDAY

WALKING PROGRAM AT MULTIPLAZA MALL

HAPPY HOUR 

USDA PRIME RIB NIGHT - $13!!!

LADIES NIGHT  – 2 for 1 drinks for gals!!

TYPICAL COSTA RICAN DANCE SHOW with a MILLION $$$$VIEW!!!

FRIDAY

HAPPY HOUR

BRITISH-STYLE FISH & CHIPS

FISH & CHIPS 

SATURDAY

Farmers Market/Feria  

WALKING PROGRAM at the Mall

SUNDAY

Unity “church” (followed by lunch [2,500-colones] & some sort of afternoon activity/seminar from 1-3pm [often Love Offering])

ARGENTINIAN NIGHT 

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES•TOURS•HIGHLIGHTS 

IN & AROUND ESCAZU!!

HUGE iMax MOVIE Theatre & 2 VIP Theatres & 3D/Digital Theatres 

PICTURES OF THE ESCAZU AREA

SAN RAFAEL  - http://SarongGoddess.com/Travel/ESCAZU-San-Rafael-COST-RICA/11087706_uEmta

CENTRO / SAN ANTONIO  -  http://SarongGoddess.com/Other/ESCAZU-Centro-Costa-Rica/11087765_5nGEg

BANKS  -  Outside our grounds/quinta we have 10 different banks &/or ATM machines.  

Most give dollars EXCEPT Banco Nactional/Banco Premier & all give Colones.  

7 blocks from our place is Mas x Menos grocery store - home to ServiMas which 

is where we like to turn U.S. dollars into colones!!

BIESANZ WOODWORKS & GARDEN TOUR  -  http://Biesanz.com  -  A MUST SEE!!!

BOOKS  -  The office at the House of CONNECTIONS is home to the SELF EMPOWERMENT LENDING LIBRARY (see below) that guests are welcome to use while visiting us!!!  We’re also a Donation Drop-Off Point for many charities, hence we often have a bunch of real varied books that we store for various groups we share them with when they have Book Sales.  Guests are welcome to borrow from them or bring some to SWAP!!  

ESCAZU CENTRO  -  This is a GREAT area to just wander & people watch for the “real people” of Costa Rica.

ESCAZU  (SAN ANTONIO)  (2 villages up the hill from The Fountains/House of CONNECTIONS) -  MONUMENT TO BOYEROS  - A new MUST SEE in San Antonio de Escazu!  Sculptor Mario Parra has created an AMAZING piece of art - to me one of the MOST AWESOME pieces of art I have EVER seen!! - "A Tribute to Boyeros!"    This SPECTACULAR piece is a 210 foot long rock wall sculpture that overlooks the Central Valley & symbolizes the traditional values & life of the typical Escazu farmer.  A trip to see this monument & the little no stoplight village of San Antonio de Escazu will be WELL worth the trip from anywhere!  The sculpture is located in the plaza across from the entrance to the Church of San Antonio de Escazu. 

ESCAZU CITY TOUR (in the process of being designed)

FOOD - DINING OUT•RESTAURANTS (or have it Delivered!!)  -  Within 15 blocks any direction of us we have 50+++ Restaurants & MANY even deliver (including Goddess forbid – McDonald’s, Bagelman’s, Burger King, Domino’s, Pizza Hut & Papa John’s)!!  CR is not really known as a culinary hot spot but our area has LOTS of variety to choose  from with everything from Vegetarian (with an Asian spin), Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Continental, Americana, Steaks, Sushi, Jewish, Subway, Typico/Tipical CR fare+++!   Request for a copy of Vicki’s new Restaurant Guide  or check out the start of it posted at http://CostaRicaEatsGuide.com  (currently down but email us & we can send you a copy of that guide).  We have a binder of menus under the big cork board (on the right).

MARKETS  -  Just 7 blocks from The Fountains/House of CONNECTIONS Guesthouse, you have Mas X Menos (pronounced Mas PER Menos) – a large market with many gringo products (Goddess forbid it’s owned by WalMart [which owns about 90% of Costa Rica’s markets]).  They’re open from 7am-MIDNIGHT!!  2 blocks up the hill from MXM is Auto Mercado – THE premier Gringo Market (7am-10pm)!  On our corner  to the Left is a little Pulpería (corner store) though it’s REAL limited & has no veges/fruti or alcohol (Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm, Sat. 8am-¿).  On the corner to our Right, in Plaza Country Club is new wonderful semi-liquor store that has some of the best prices around (though their selection is small).  On the street at el Ray Chinese Restaurant is a guy that sells fruits, veges & eggs out of his carport weekdays till around 4pm.  Sarreto’s is about 12 blocks away & it has the best selection around for veges, more gringo things & wine/alcohol.  I like to support him if I haven’t made the Farmer’s Market/Feria.

ORGANIC LOCAL FERIA’S / FARMERS MARKET -  WEDNESDAY

LOCAL FERIA’S / FARMERS MARKET  -  SATURDAY -  Centro Escazu hosts a nice Feria/Farmers Market where you can mingle with the locals, experience/see LOTS of new things (try MY FAV Agua de Pipa – young coconut water – GREAT for high blood pressure & dehydration & the pork on a stick at the booth next to him – my Sat. morning ritual!!) & buy FRESH fruits & veges for WAYYYY CHEAPER than the market!!  This is just a small 2 block Feria so if you’re wanting the REAL experience, the BEST is in Guadalupe (about a 30 min. taxi ride [about 15 on Sat. early morning).  A feria is a MUST SEE EXPERIENCE!!

TYPICAL TICO DINNER (CHEAP!!)  -  Depending on when you arrive, usually the first and/or last night(s) we usually go to dinner at LA CASONA DE LALY  -  Located in a 200 year old pueblo home with a cool open, VERY tipico interior, big aquarium & a bunch of caged birds located in Centro Escazu - the heart of the REAL part of Escazu!!   It is CONSISTANTLY HANDS DOWN THE BEST TICO RESTAURANT I’VE FOUND & BY FAR my FAV spot to go for Tipico Tico food as it’s GOOD & REALLY REALLY CHEAP with food like REALLY TASTY CASADAS like #9 – with fish (Marlin - I LOVE mine La Plancha/grilled with LOTS of Ajo/garlic for ONLY 1,700-c [around $3!!]!!), chicken or beef or pork chops grilled, fried or with garlic – YUMMMMM – & here they’re only 1,300-2,800-c!!  I LOVE their CEVICHE (1,800-c). They have a BIG menu ranging from Bocas/appitizers starting at 900-c to 4,000 (averaging 1100-1500-c).   I’m not a fan of their guacamole (I don’t believe they use Haas which to me makes a good guac but I’ve known others that really like it).  They have the BEST MARGARITAS I have EVER had (& my other business is in Puerto Vallarta, México!!  They’re on the rocks – the proper way to make margaritas!!).  Recently I treated a friend for her birthday (big spender me!!!) & she had one beer, I had a club soda, we split an order of YUMMMM ceviche & one of patagonias, I had the casada with chicken (rice, rice, beans, salad, platano!!) & she had the chile relleno PLUS they gave her a nice size piece of b'day cake!!  $15!   I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!  EVERYTHING I’ve had here was been REALLY TASTY! Check out the fun painted wall in the women’s bathroom (I haven’t checked out the men’s so maybe they have something). HOURS: Tues.-Sat. 11am-11pm., Sun. 11am–6pm

GAMES  -  The House of CONNECTIONS Guesthouse has LOTS of GAMES for you to play like Monopoly, Twister, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Backgammon, Trivial Pursuit, a few decks of Cards, Pictionary Junior, Scrupples, Uno, Think Blot, Who Want's to Be A Millionaire & Outburst!!!  We have LOTS of old classic videos & new/newer dvd's!!!!

GETTING AROUND  -  You will not find a more CONVENIENT LOCATION than the House of CONNECTIONS guest house in Escazu!!   

TAXI’s –  There’s NO WAY you’ll get me driving a car in Costa Rica!!  I drive like Mario Andretti & if I had a car, within the first week I’d most likely get an ulcer &/or kill someone!!  MANY people here (gringos as well as locals) do NOT know how to drive based on MY comfort level!!  I’ve started a list of predominately English-Speaking Taxi Drivers at http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2010/03/taxi-drivers-english-speaking-costa.html

BUSES  -  Just outside our grounds is the blue Santa Ana-Calle Vieja bus that runs between Piedades de Santa Ana (via Santa Ana) & the Coca-Cola Bus Terminal in Downtown San Jose which is THE MAIN bus arterie for most of Costa Rica!  We have various resources for bus schedules & are happy to help you with that!!

WALKING  -  This is a GREAT / “easy” area to walk around & so far, we feel quite safe!!  I say “easy” because MOST sidewalks/streets/roads in/around Costa Rica are not that good – filled with LOTS of holes, uneven, things sticking up, manhole covers missing, etc.  Costa Rica is a GREAT “Gift” in that it WILL help you learn to be “Conscious” 24/7!!!

GYMS  -  We have 2 main gyms within walking distance plus a Pilates Studio 3 blocks away (as well as another one further) & a gym where you can hire a Private Trainer just 9 blocks away. We can usually (though not always) get you some sort of a discount.

MASSAGE THERAPISTS  -  We have numerous WONDERFUL Massage Therapists that see their clients here &/or that we can hook you up with – check out http://CostaRicaMassageTherapistGuide.com 

MEDICAL - Medical/Dental Work & Tests – both Western & HOLISTIC / ALTERNATIVE is WAYYYYY CHEAPER in Costa Rica – on average 40-60%!!!  For a few years we've been doing LOTS of research on Medical Tourism - getting feedback from REAL people that have ACTUALLY experienced various doctors, dentists, etc. & I KNOW how to ask questions to get DETAILED/HONEST answers/feedback that we share with you!!  We can connect you to try to fix whatever ails you!!  Medical tests – everything from the basic cholesterol screens to MRIs – we can connect you!!  CR even has Stem Cell treatments which many have had BIG success with everything from curing diabetes, cancer, HIV+++!!!   I’ve JUST started a list of Alternative Healing modalities - http://CostaRicaAlternativeHealing.blogspot.com   One of the MAIN people our guests go to is Gene McDonald for Auriculotherapy  (like Acupuncture but without needles – it’s an electric stim or just point thing that he often gets AMAZING results from.  See my blurb at http://CostaRicaAlternativeHealing.blogspot.com/2008/05/alternative-healing-health-in-costa.html  / http://www.AcupunctureCostaRica.com 

MOVIES  -  CR now has a NEW HUGE iMax Theatre & 2 VIP Theatres along with 3D/Digital Theatres & regular 35mm located about 8 minutes from us in the new Avenida Escazu.  Details at: http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-imax-theatre-in-escazu-san-jose.html 

Multiplaza  Escazu – Cinemark Movie Theatre - near the Food Court – on the South Side of the mall (2-201-5050 /  http://cinemark.com.sv/cartelera/index.php [for movies & times - go here & towards the top right corner under Cartelera/Horarios – go to Costa Rica & which theatre) - 8 theatres.  Movies don’t start till around 2pm weekdays & noon-ish on weekends.   Wednesday is 1/2 PRICE DAY!!! 

NIGHTLIFE  -  

BARS  -  Just 3 1/2 blocks from us is Henry’s Bar/Restaurant – basically TGIFridays for Ticos (hence TOTALLY generic, nothing fabulous food & drinks at high prices).  Want a GOOD Margarita (make sure Wilbur is making it for you & tell him you want it Vicki’s FAVORITE Fresco way!!) – Antojitos Mexican Restaurant & bar is just out our grounds & 1-/2 blocks down!!   5 blocks up the hill we have Time Out Tavern – a TASTY (though not cheap) Gringo Sports Bar with the most screens we’ve found so far.  Across the street at Café Torino (only till 7pm) they have a nice little bar in their back left area with tasty pastries & gelato!  Café Te Con Te across the street also has a small selection of coffee drinks (no alcohol.  Both in Plaza del Rio ain’t cheap because you’re paying for the ambiance/high rent district).  In a strip mall by the Pista are a few dance clubs & bars. Plus we have a TGIF’s.

Café Torino across the street has wine/beer but they close at 7pm.  Both directions we have restaurants that serve alcohol (though some just wine & beer)

JAZZ CAFÉ-Escazu is just 5 minutes by taxi from us  -  Each night the music is different – jazz, salsa, Latin, pop, blues, fusion, world beat, rock, reggae.  Entrance is typically 3,000-c ($5.50ish).  Most shows don’t start till 10pm (ish).  SCHEDULE: http://JazzCafeCostaRica.com/agenda.php?id_local=2

Fandango’s  -  Live Music Fri. & Sat.  Dancing.

CASINOS  -  They’re mainly in the City (NOT a good area so make sure you take a taxi you know!!  For details on that go to: http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/04/gaming-casinos-in-costa-rica.html

PAMPERING  -   Facials, Pedicures, Manicures, Massage, good Hair stylists – whatever you need, we can help coordinate it & some will even come here or are VERY nearby!!   I REALLY LOVE my 2 hair stylists.  My FAV is not that cheap – I think about 11,000 for a cut/wash/style) &  & she’s just 7,000+-colones (around $13!!) for wash hair, cut & blow dry!!  Pedicures – 5,000-c.  I have a gal that does a REALLY DETAILED Pedicure & comes here for 7,000-c/about $13 & she often spends 1-1/2 hours on your feet!!!  We also have people that can come to you here (or nearby) for waxing, facials++!!  The BEST TREAT – get a MASSAGE!!  For a list of our Massage Therapists go to my site - http://CostaRicaMassageTherapistGuide.com 

SELF EMPOWERMENT LENDING LIBRARY - http://SelfEmpowermentLendingLibrary.com  -  The House of CONNECTIONS has a REALLY NICE Self Empowerment Membership Lending Library with over 3,000 books, cds, cassettes, videos, dvd’s (including Spiritual Cinemas)++ that you’re welcome to use (for FREE!!) while staying with us!!!  Please make sure to write down on our Check Out List (a yellow paper on a clipboard that hangs from the shelf where the Costa Rica Books are.

SHOPPING – GENERAL  -  There are LOTS of little shops/strip malls in this area!!  Pretty much whatever you need – just ask & I’ll share!!!!

SHOPPING MALL  -  

In the area we have LOTS of little strip malls to shop in or need a typical Americana big mall gringo fix?  Multiplaza-Escazu is 5 minutes by taxi (they have an 8-screen movie theatre).

SPIRITUALITY  -  I’ve found ESCAZU to be one of the hubs of Self Empowerment related Spirituality in Costa Rica.  There is often some sort of class/workshop going on each week at the House of SELF Empowerment & other places around town.  See also “Unity” below.  

SPORTS BAR  -  Time Out Taven - 5 blocks up the hill on Calle Country Club (more of a nice gringo hang-out with GOOD quality gringo food & the most tv’s).  Henry’s - 3 blocks to our left & across the street (like TGIF for Tico’s – processed drinks & expensive generic food.  I’ve had MANY guys tell me that they’re not overly gringo male friendly – especially if you bring a Tica in with you or pick one up).  Cassava – the most upscale “Sports Bar” I’ve seen in this country – up in Centro Escazu (a taxi ride)

TANNING BOOTH  -  Nearby & I believe they still have the spray-on tan so you can go back & tell your family/friends you were in Costa Rica – even if you didn’t get much sun!!!

TOURS - LOCAL -  1/2 Day Charm of San Antonio de Escazu Tour  -  Visit Don Torino’s traditional sugar mill learning about the traditional production of sugar sweets, then to Gerardo Montoya’s colorful masquerade work shop & learn how he makes the masks.  Finish with a typical lunch will listening to an original Marimbero & learn more about CODECE’s efforts to protect nature.  Duration:  3 1/2 hours.  Difficulty Level:  0

Full Day of Adventure & Living Culture starting with a beautiful hike along the Escazu Mountains (3.5 hours) where a local guide will share about the way of life in Escazu & a few local legends while enjoying the nature & landscapes along with some refreshments.  You’ll even take a ride in a REAL ox-cart before visiting Gerardo Montoya’s colorful masquerade workshop & learn how he makes the masks.  Next, La Cuevita de Zarate for a typical lunch & learn more about CODECE’s efforts to protect nature. End at Don Torino’s traditional sugar mill learning about the traditional production of sugar sweets.   Duration:  6 hours.  Difficulty Level:  Medium

Agro-Ecotourism in San Antonio – Visit an organic farm & family where host Don Victorino Fernández will share his experience farming without agrochemicals.

A Magical Night in Escazu  -  In a beautiful typical location we will watch colorful traditional dances.  Afterwards, enjoy a delicious homemade dinner while listening to Marimba music & finish with some interesting legends about the Zarate witch & learn about CODECE’s efforts to protect the Escazu Hills!

UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER  -  Unity Costa Rica is in Piedades – Sun. 11am-noon-ish.  Lunch (2,500-colones but first timers are FREE!! [though please donate something to the service]).  & they usually have a class afterwards from 1-3pm.  Piedades is 2 cities West of us – about a 5,500-colon (about $11) taxi ride or we might be able to find you a ride so you can contribute towards gas or for 240-colones you can take a bus there & walk up the hill 3 1/2 blocks. Usually it’s pretty easy to catch a ride back if you ask! http://SarongGoddess.com/gallery/5552336_D64kv 

VEGE OUT & WATCH•RENT VIDEOS•DVD’s  -  We’ve had some people donate some oldies (including LOTS of Barbra Streisand ones!), some modern, some Spiritual Cinema+!  MANY video stores in CR pirate movies hence often carry things before they hit the stores.  We have a few in the area or have it delivered!

WALKING  -  Escazu is a pretty good area to walk – lots of flat land, hills, etc. - BUT - pretty much throughout MOST of the Costa Rica I've seen, sidewalks OFTEN have holes, things sticking out of nowhere, I personally feel safe but safe is as safe as a person is!  Some people are going to be “victims” wherever they go!!  DON’T BE STUPID!!  BE AWARE at ALL times!!  BRING A FLASHLIGHT if you're going to be wandering around at night!!

YOGA & PILATES -  We have quite a few options for yoga – 2 of the biggies just 2-3 blocks from us – 

Kapoli - http://Kapoli.net  & 

Janine Fafard's http://Turya.info/ScheduleandRates.htm    

Also Nearby (at quick taxi ride): http://KramaYoga.com/IntroEng.htm  

Pilates Center 2-289-7411 / 8-373-1892 (just 4 blocks from us)

Pilates Fitness Studio http://PilatesFitnesStudio.com (a 3 minute taxi ride) 

All these perks translate into

SAVING YOU MONEY & TIME!!!

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@