A Great Bed & Breakfast in Poas: Highly Recommended

One of my absolute favorite places to go to in Costa Rica is the mountains of Poas. It is so beautiful there. You can see clouds, (not fog), but clouds, sweeping through the streets. That’s how far up you are.  And if you go to Poas, you simply must stay at the Poas Lodge. It is run by an incredible couple by the names of Mark & Oliver and they are originally from South Africa. They both have tremendous backgrounds in hospitality and it shows. Now, if you have any problem with being at a high elevation, be sure to take precautions and remember to bring your medicines.  Definitely make arrangements for the suite, which is plush, roomy and well-decorated. The establishment has top-notch service and food, and an incredibly friendly staff who will even...

The Best Movie Theater for English Language Films in San Jose

By far, the best place to see an English language movie in San Jose is at Multiplaza Escazu. The establishment resembles a typical mall in the United States. It’s clean and they have huge theaters, but what I especially love about going to the movies in Costa Rica is that it is extremely cheap; about half the price of seeing a film in the U.S. The price of popcorn and confectionery is also much less expensive.   This movie theater will make you feel right at home. Before you order popcorn, be sure to ask them if they have butter flavor ahead of time, as some theaters do not offer it: (Don’t ask me why, that’s just the way it is). What’s also great is that they serve caramel popcorn as well, and you can have a box of half-regular and...

Before You Come to Costa Rica: Bring Duplicates of Your Credit Cards

Costa Rican ATMs or “cajeros” as we call them are notorious for eating up foreigners’ credit cards and ATM cards or “tarjetas” as we call them.  Try to use a machine that allows you to swipe the card, instead of inserting them.   For example, in downtown San Jose, there is a Scotia Bank ATM machine that is upstairs at a building near their food court.  There is also one in Multiplaza Escazu Mall.   The other alternative is to go into a bank and use their ATM machines because at least if the machine eats your card, you’ll be able to go right inside address the issue.   Be sure that that particular machine accepts both Visa and Mastercard. Some bank machines only accept one or the other. (Don’t ask me why,...