ART GALLERY IN ALAJUELA

ART GALLERY IN ALAJUELA

Xinia and I visited an art gallery in Alajuela  Sr Y Sra Ese  Here you can see works of art made of exotic woods, such as jewelry, vases, boxes, and many other gift items.  The most famous is the  beautiful hand crafted wooden jewelry.  The gallery offers a factory tour

[caption id="attachment_5077" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="arturo solano exotic wooden vase The Root Gallery"][/caption]

which takes around  45 minutes and we learned how these unique works of art  are made from 6 different kinds  of exotic wood, all grown in Costa Rica.  Examples of the wood include  Cocobolo-Rosewood and Nazarene-Purple heart
The rich colors of these woods are  amazing, ranging from dark browns to deep purples and yellows.
The gift shop is located on the grounds and is open to the public. Displayed here are the hundreds of varieties of objects made from these tropical woods, and the prices are very reasonable.

Our guide explained that this factory employs one hundred and ten people and the wood art work is sold all over Costa Rica and also exported abroad.

Next door is another art gallery  called The Root Gallery, a  gallery displaying the work of Arturo Solano. From the roots of fallen trees he creates the most beautiful vases in many shapes, sizes, and colors.  Mr. Solano’s work has been sold in Brazil, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

The gift shop and gallery Sr Y SRA Ese is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5:30 pm
and The Root Gallery is open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm

If you would like to visit these two galleries please contact anncreed23@gmail.com
www.costaricalearn.com
Ann and Xinia  (Xinia’s Costa Rica Vacation  HomeStay) can make the arrangements for you.

From Ann:  I highly recommend this tour.  The prices are very reasonable and the variety of art work made from exotic wood is the most extensive I have seen in Costa Rica

click here to read more:  http://www.srysraese.com/

http://www.rootgallery.com/

Contact Ann, The Costa Rica Expert- to help plan your vacation to Costa Rica . She has 12 years of experience and can individualize your vacation plans to meet your needs and your budget.   contact her   anncreed23@gmail.com  She will answer you questions with no obligations.  Read all about her and her travel company  www.costaricalearn.com

COSTA BALLENA COSTA RICA'S SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST

COSTA BALLENA -on Costa Rica’ Southern Pacific, stretches thirty miles along the Pacific ocean from Dominical and south to Ojochal.
Ballena in Spanish means whale.  This is the area of Costa Rica to see whales in certain months of the year.  August and September are good month as well as January and February to take a boat out and you have a very chance of seeing them.

The access to the area by road is good..so if you are renting a car getting there is pretty easy.

There are mountains, unspoiled rivers, dense jungle and the Pacific Ocean.  You will see monkeys, sloths, so many species of tropical birds, hundreds of varieties  of flowering plants and hugh old growth trees.

You will not see high rise hotels and hoards of tourists.  The beaches offer great surfing
with waves for beginners as well as advanced.  For beginners go just south of Dominical  to Dominicalito .  There you can get lessons and also rent a surf board.

There are hotels and eco lodges for all price ranges.

SWIM UNDER A WATERFALL  The mountain range seems to drop right into the ocean and there are many gorgeous waterfalls in the region.

FISHING-Outdoor activities offered are deep sea fishing and fishing close to shore.

SURFING  for all levels.

HORSEBACK RIDING in the jungle or on the beach

HIKING into the jungle and rain forest to see monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and of course the rain forest trees, many of which are old growth with meter wide buttresses and seem to reach the sky.

SNORKELING- take a boat out to Cano Island where snorkeling is fantastic.

SCUBA-  Cano Island and its off shore waters offer superb Scuba diving opportunities.

MANGROVE SWAMPS--most dense mangroves found in the world.

MILES OF OPEN STRETCH BEACHES AND  gorgeous sunsets.

EAT FRESH SEAFOOD

What months can I see Whales?  Certain months of the year whales can be spotted from your boat.  August and September and January and February.

OR SIMPLY HANG OUT AND ENJOY THE NATURE!

Ballena Marine National Park  is located here.  Miles and miles of beige sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, and the largest coral reef on the Pacific Coastline of Costa Rica.  You will need to hire a guide with a boat to take you snorkeling or scuba.  They are familiar with the best locations.

 

[caption id="attachment_5061" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Humpback Whale"][/caption]

Dolphins can be seen and in season the humpback whales  (August)  which migrate from the cold water of the north to mate here in these warm waters.   Also the green Marine Iguanas perched on the rocks.  They come out of the water to bask in the sun.

From May thru November you may see the Oliver Ridley and Hawksbill turtles lay their eggs on the beaches at night.  September is best month is see them.  Go when the moon is waning and the night is dark.

Vacationing to Costa Ballena?  Contact “The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company
anncreed23@gmail.com   Ann-the Costa Rica Expert-  is a vacation planner for Costa Rica with 12 years experience.           www.costaricalearn.com

TRAVEL ADVICE AND TIPS-COSTA RICA VACATION

Vacationing in Costa Rica-    Travel Tips and Travel Advice

Passport must be good for 90 days past the date you enter Costa Rica

If renting a vehicle either take your GPS or rent one there (very useful since roads are not always named.)

Pack Light- Casual Dress-Cottons are best,  swim wear,  water sandals --water-proof light weight  rain jacket,  small folding umbrellas --very good walking shoes or hiking boots..best take a good pair of tennis shoes.
Small backpack to put bottle water , camera, sun screen, and mosquito repellent.

ALSO TAKE A  small flashlight    2 flashlights if you are staying in different rooms.

In case of earthquake exit the building to the outside.

Mosquito repellent -I like skin so soft --cream from Avon for mosquito repellent--you can get it on their web site.

Drink bottle water only

Take Pepto Bismol Tablets  for possible stomach upsets

Keep valuables locked in safety box in your hotel room.  Do not leave anything valuable in the room that is not locked up in the safety box    If you have a rental car do not leave anything inside the vehicle- unless you can see the car from where you are sitting in a restaurant.  Don’t park your vehicle  with your  suitcases inside at a National park and  enter the National park.   Even if the vehicle is locked.

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a different place.  Also a copy of your credit card.
US dollars--do not take any that are torn or written on-the CR banks will not accept them.
CAN I USE US DOLLARS IN COSTA RICA OR DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY MONEY INTO COLONES (the CR currency) ?
Yes you can use US dollars however: it is best if you take them in small bills-$5  $10  $20  and take 20 $1 bills.  You will receive change in colones so get familiar with the exchange rate.

American Express is not widely accepted in CR.  Visa and Master Charge are widely accepted.  Some places--but not all--will accept Discovery Card.

Travelers checks--some places accept and some places do not.  Better to check ahead of time.....
I keep my money, passport, and credit cards, in a money belt  under my blouse--but not everyone likes a money belt.   A fanny pack (around your waist) is better than carrying valuables in a  purse.  But -still- I think a money belt is better.
You can use  US dollars in CR but will be given change in colones.  So memorize the exchange rate.    Exchange rate around 500 colones to one dollar.

Do not exchange money at the airport--the exchange rate is very bad.

Electricity  in CR is same as in US.

Petty theft is COMMON -pick pockets are common.  Be careful not to leave cameras etc unattended.

At Manuel Antonio Beach- leave your valuables in the safety box at the hotel.  Take only money to pay the entrance to the park and tip the guide.  And to pay lunch  if you want to eat outside the park.
Monkeys  have been know to run off with your backpack if you leave it on the beach to go swimming.
Also leaving cameras, etc on the beach and going into the water is not a good idea.  Can be stolen by monkeys or people.

Restaurants already have a 10% tip added to the bill.  If you get very good service you could give a  extra tip.

Can  Drink the Water?--I recommend that you drink bottle water.  You can buy it everywhere and it is not expensive.

Guides and driver do expect tips.  Drivers for a long distance around $10  and guides--use your discretion            $1  per suit case  for bell boys

Take all your medication with you--in your carry on-backpack--etc   Dont check them in your suitcase.

Pharmacies  have someone to help you if you need a medication--often the Pharmacist is available for consultation.  However, antibiotics  cannot be sold without  a doctors prescription.

Lock suitcases before checking them in at the airport and good idea to tie a colorful ribbon on them.  Label each one with a luggage tag.  (all the suitcases coming off the luggage ramp tend to be black and all look alike.

If you rent a vehicle keep it locked at all times.  Dont leave visible valuables in the car when it is unattended.  Try not to drive at night.  Park is designated parking lot only.

Departure tax is $27 per person which is paid upon departure at the airport.    Paid in dollars, colones, or Master Card or Visa--American Express is not accepted.

Be at the airport 2 hours before departure time.