Hey V’stars,
An announcement for you that I’ll be doing my Vanae.com show and blogging/coaching from Costa Rica! I’ve never been to Central or South America, so I’m really thrilled. If you’ve been to Costa Rica, what are spots that I must visit? Would love your suggestions. and if you live there and wanna meet up, let me know!
Can’t wait to show you Costa Rica!
Thank you for the talk at Berkeley.
It was awesome!
thanks dear.
were you one of the organizers? or attendees?
ROCK ON IN COSTA RIIIIIICAAA!!!!
imma rock it for yah
Vanae!! I’m originally from Costa Rica, but residing in Australia presently. What a shame indeed, as it would have been nice to meet up with you.
BTW, I’m a big fan of your site, videos and great advice. If you need any assistance with Spanish or anything to do with Costa Rica let me know. Happy To Be Of Assistance!!!
Be sure to visit Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo which is a “Must See” when visiting there.
Have Fun and Take Care…
Armando
hey sweetie,
actually, i would love to see v’star videos of the most common spanish phrases!! so i can learn.
that will be the game for wednesdae!
V
Hey Vanae, that sounds like a great idea. I’m keen to hear how you sound in Spanish…
Firstly, you must start rehearsing for your video Intros in Spanish:
Que pasa V-Star’s? Como an estado?
I’m looking forward to hearing this very much!!!
Armando
Hi Vanae, hope you have a great trip there/here.
Correcting Armando’s typo “Como Han estado?”
(even H is silent in Spanish)
Back to the trip to Costa Rica:
Costa Rican people are genuinely nice to foreigners and tourists even with a underlying xenophobic culture. (one example is based on the law that prohibited black people to travel into San Jose-capital, this law was eliminated around 50 yrs ago.)
There will be pick-packets on streets, make sure whatever u carry is in front of you and within your care. After 8pm, walking alone is not best choice, it doesn’t mean that there’s no robbery b4 8pm on streets (by motorcycles or car pulling over n sticking out a gun at you). If u r getting robbed on streets (I’m knocking on wood 4 u…), NO ONE would alert you or help you! (I’d say 4 of 4 times that I’ve seen, all 4 happened during afternoon surrounded by “Ticos”/Costa Rican)
Check you change in restaurant/bars, if u use credit card, cross out the space for tip, so u wouldn’t give 50+ usd tip for 10usd burger. In CR waiters’/service tip is enforced by law and included in listed price (10% of purchase)
I used to recommend to others keep you passport in Hotel room’s safe, but it’s not practical nor a guarantee. (When u pass by Costa Rican migration check point, they’d give you some flyers of how to be safer with ur documents).
There is NO address here, the way they describe the address is like “From the supermarket 100meters north then from the green tree to the right 50meters…” (even when “the green tree” is not there anymore)
So, u may want keep ur hotel’s address and emergency phone numbers handy. Taxies use taximeter within San Jose area, some may run faster; rural area u may have to negotiate the price, a Tico or experienced friend could be helpful.
If u rent a car within CR, car rentals they’d advise u with other security issues. Main point is that “don’t ever accept help for changing flat tire on the road.” (I rented a car last week from company Mapache car rental, just FYI)
If travel by bus, be aware of anyone goes close to you things, couple of months ago, a Belgium friend lost everything on bus from Quepos to San Jose (backpack, passport, money for Latin America tour) and had his embassy to buy a ticket then fly straight back home.
Nice places there are many and u can find them through the tour guide books, above are some realities that may be ur concern.
Happy trip.
Some places I’d mention (there are many, many beautiful natural scenes here in CR)
Rincon de la vieja (camping)
Rio celeste (outdoor adventure)
Aerial tram (naturalist tour)
Villa Caleta (for romantic sunset)
Manuel Antonio (national park and nice beach)
Arenal Volcano (is currently closed…as News reports)
Poas and Irazu Volcano (are still open I think)
Climb Chirripo Peak (tallest point of CR that u may see Pacific and Carribean Ocean at same spot)
just name few here…
Do you surf at all? If so, I can give you the names of some breaks.
Hey Vanae! I noticed you like mangoes, so make sure to taste the real tropical mangoes in Costa Rica. Actually, there is a diverse range of delicious tropical fruit you must try while you are there.
The volcanic soil is the secret to great produce there, and I must say the local beer is great too.
Good Eating!!!
Report on the party scene for us. ‘Wild On’ style lol
Hey Vanae! Its soo awesome to hear youre coming to CR.. I live in a district of the capital so if there is anything I can help you with I would be more than happy to help out! Im sure youre going to have a wonderful time here! So let me know if anything comes up, enjoy!
Hello vanae!! i live in downtown costa rica!! i saw your website and i would like to know if you need anything, feel free to contact me through my email or on facebook! i provided u with the link and hope to hear from you soon!!
cheers!