Guest Writer | Quepolandia in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Quepos’ Finest Bounty

By Ollie Bass

Much has been said about the beauty of Manuel Antonio and our little corner of paradise. From the mountains to the beaches, the sunset views, the rivers and waterfalls, the selva with all the varieties of flora and fauna what more could you ask for. This article is not about that.

We all know about the multitude of activities available here in Quepolandia. Surfing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, canopy tours, world class sport fishing, yoga, ocean kayaking, scuba diving……. This article is not about that either.

What I want to write about is available every day, and often overlooked. We have in Quepolandia some of the finest bounty, the most delicious food available anywhere. The intersection of fine ingredients and culinary artistry that exists here is exceptional.

Think about it, tropical fruits and fresh vegetables: mango, avocado, tomatoes, strawberries, bananas, pineapples, lettuces. Seafood: snapper, wahoo, shrimp, river prawns, lobster, mahi mahi, tuna, robalo, calimari, mussels from New Zealand, fresh and smoked trout. Meats – pork, chicken, now even beef, imported lamb. Fresh baked breads. Dairy and cheese products. Fine wine. Gourmet coffee. All here in fresh abundance.

Prepare any of the above with the creativity brought to Quepolandia by chefs from all corners of the world: Italian, French, Indonesian, Thai, German, Polish, Mexican, Californian, Japanese and you end up with exquisite dishes. Now fuse this. Morph it. Imagine the possibilities of tropical ingredients and knowledgeable traveled experienced imaginative innovation. We have that here.

Think of this as an invitation or maybe a reminder. We have some of the best cuisine available in the world. Get out and try some at our wonderful restaurants.

Filed under: Guest Writer on July 5th, 2010
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La Pura Vida de Costa Rica

By David Gee, El señor del norte

The sun played well its roll today. It changed a cold desert into a less cold but glowing desert at sunrise. It back-lit the Organ Mountains. Then it warmed the desert floor and inched it’s way into dark corners and brightened them and warmed them. The day grew warmer and brighter with each passing hour.

At mid day it was a delight to have lunch at a sidewalk cafe. Alone, yet not really alone, lunch was leisurely and interesting. People came and went. Some spoke, others not. Some looked terribly busy. I wondered how their day was going.

Rush hour ushered in what could tentatively be called a hot afternoon.

By sundown all was warm. The white patches of cloud which drifted into the valley late in the afternoon were being underscored with heavy dark rain clouds. I doubt there was water in them. They just looked threatening.

Shadows grew long and stretched endlessly up the gentle slopes away from the Casitas and towards the Organs. Suddenly a puff of air. . . . and it was cool. How fickle the sun made the breeze. I made some hot tea and sat in my chair on the porch to watch the Organs change colors. I drifted off…..

Filed under: Guest Writer on June 7th, 2010
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Costa Rican Dog Days

By David Seyhun

So about three month’s ago, I decided I’m going to Quepos for a nice extended stay. There’s nothing going on in the states and some years before I had visited the area and told myself I’d be back to do more exploring. So here I am, with my dog Apollo.

Filed under: Guest Writer on May 21st, 2010
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A Sunday Morning with the Kiesels

By Anita Kiesel

I awaken early and head for the kitchen. My plans are to fix a delicious gourmet breakfast for me and my husband Hank. We will dine leisurely, enjoy the Sunday paper and watch our many feathered friends as they visit the two bird feeders we have in our yard. It’s lovely entertainment.

My husband Hank wanders into the kitchen, walks to the window for a closer look at the birds. He says, “Oh look, our first robin! Spring is on its way!” We both note that the robin seems extremely happy as it munches on a juicy worm. We are happy. Everything is right with the world. We sit down for breakfast. And then the drama begins.

Filed under: Guest Writer on May 18th, 2010
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Adaptation

By Solar Costa Rica

As a solar energy company, we hear from a lot of people who want to reduce their energy bills. Some, like us, want to “save the world” by using renewable energy, others want solar or battery backup because of blackouts and excessive power bills. Either way, the first step is to look at how much energy is being consumed in the first place.

Solar energy does not reduce your power consumption. It simply supplies electricity from a different source. The equipment for capturing solar energy is expensive, which means that the first step is to reduce your need for energy, thereby reducing the size—and cost—of the system.

Even if you don’t plan to invest in a solar or battery backup system, taking stock of the construction of your home or business and your energy use patterns is a great idea that may allow you to dramatically reduce your bills and increase your comfort! Humans are very adaptable animals; some simple adaptations to your home and habits could significantly improve your day-to-day experience.