Bienvenidos/Welcome to Quepolandia! We are happy that you have come to visit. We have a wonderful community – an exotic combination of x-pats and locals, who with our visitors, gives us a very international atmosphere. On a bus ride to the beach or out to dinner you could possibly hear 5 or 6 different languages and we all try to live with the Pura Vida attitude that is Costa Rica. Here it is May and as usual with the passing of Samana Santa (Easter) our rains have come back…..the beginning of “Green Season”..sounds so much nicer than “rainy season” right? We are happy to be greening up and cooling off….there won’t be enough rain to dampen your spirits or plans for your vacation so get out there and have some FUN!..try a few tours………explore our beautiful Paradise and have a great time…..when visiting our advertisers please let them know you found them in Quepolandia because without them we are “nada”… we would like to welcome Dra. Candy back to Quepos…with her is Linea Vital DE C.R. Emergency Medical – open 24/7 to help with your medical needs …call: 2777-6868….. we would like to thank our friend Myla for our beautiful cover shot & wish she hadn’t moved “up North”….we would like to welcome 2 new guest writers…Anita Kiesel of Indiana & David Seyhun of LA..check out their stories later in the month…..…please enjoy yourselves have a super time at our beach but remember the ocean is powerful & we want you safe – so take care and pay attention to the riptide—if you are here on the 31st – Memorial Day – don’t miss Papa & Harry’s 8th Annual Memorial Day Pig Roast at Pueblo Real – Damas – starts about 1pm with music by Robbie & Live Wire ……..so that’s about it…..caio for now…………………P
Filed under: Pat Cheek, Qué Pasa en Quepos on May 2nd, 2010
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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.

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Filed under: Guest Writer, Uncategorized on May 2nd, 2010
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By Jack Ewing
Back in the 1970s Diane and the kids and I lived in the casona, the old Hacienda Baru home. We didn’t get around to digging a well until the early 1980s, and every year, the spring that supplied our water would dry up in mid February. To deal with the situation we carried drinking water in 5 gallon plastic containers from another spring two kilometers away and water for washing dishes and flushing toilets in 55 gallon drums. The girl who worked for us went to the Barú River to do laundry, and every afternoon around 4:00 PM everyone went to the river to bathe in the crystal clear water. The village of Dominical was out of water too, so most of the town – about 8 people at that time — met us there, and the afternoon bath became as much a social event as one of personal hygiene.

River Otter eating fish
Another daily visitor to the bathing ritual was the Neotropical River Otter (Lutra longicaudis.) No sooner did we started splashing around than a couple of otters would appear from down river, swimming toward our location at the “Paso del Guanacaste.” They would swim directly at us at high speed, and about four meters short of our location they would dive. Sometimes they stayed underwater only a few seconds and sometimes longer than a minute. When they resurfaced it could be anywhere, but it would definitely be at least four meters (13 feet) from the nearest person. It was like they were playing a game with us, but only to a certain point.

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Filed under: Jack Ewing, Nature Stories on May 1st, 2010
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By Adriana Quesada, KSTR Manager & Monkey Bridge Program Director

Titi on a Monkey Bridge
KSTR has a program dedicated to help the Titi Monkeys (squirrel monkeys), as well as the other species of monkeys that live in the Manuel Antonio Area.
The leading causes of death for this endangered species are electrocution by electrical wires while crossing roads and being hit by cars. That’s why, as part of our plan to help the Titi monkeys, we have placed monkey bridges that cross above the roads of Manuel Antonio and surrounding areas to give these adorable creatures a safer way to travel in the rainforest, to get food, shelter and to be in good physical condition; yeah that’s right, Titi monkeys need to travel 17 km a day to be in good shape.

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Filed under: Kids Saving the Rainforest on May 1st, 2010
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By Jerry Glover
Welcome and bienvenidos to Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Fishing continues to be very good in our area. A few Marlin, and Sailfish are being released daily,with Mahi Mahi still being boated, some in the 40 lb range. A few boats have reported Wahoo being boated, some in the 50 lbs range. Rooster fish action is good, with 2 to 3 fish being released on our half day charters. Several have been 35# to 40# . Fishing in Quepos is always good year round. It’s always an adventure to spend the day enjoying the ocean and the many species of marine life in our area. Don’t delay! For your fishing adventure contact Luna Tours Sport fishing, our office is located in the Hotel Best Western Kamuk lobby, downtown Quepos central. We own and operate 4 Sport Fishing boats (27 ft to 33 ft) and can also arrange other boats for charter up to 46 ft for half day or full day charters. Contact us at 2777-0725 (office), 8869-4808 (24 hour cell), visit our web site at www.lunatours.net, or stop by the office for a fishing report, and talk some fishing.

Filed under: Fishing Report, Jerry Glover, Luna Tours on May 1st, 2010
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By Victoria
Yumeiho Massage is an oriental massage technique that strives to achieve and maintain the balance and harmony of the body. The father of the method is professor Masayuki Kotsuban.
Yumeiho is a complex method to reestablish and maintain bodily symmetry and harmony by applying pressing and kneading techniques, as well as joint-stimulating energetic elements all over the body. (more…)
Filed under: Uncategorized on April 29th, 2010
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This recipe is very versatile. Add your favorite ingredients such as fresh basil, sun dried tomato, diced tomato, onion or pepper. Or use shrimp instead of chicken. Easily double or triple and have friends over for dinner. Enjoy!
Chicken & Mushrooms with White Wine & Cream over Pasta
Ingredients
2 Tbs butter
1 Tbs olive oil
1 chicken breast; cut into cubes
1 clove minced garlic
5 sliced mushrooms
¼ C white wine
¼ C cream
Salt & Pepper to taste
Colored Bowtie Pasta, cooked
Recipe
Melt butter & olive oil in pan over medium heat.
Add chicken, cook. Add garlic & mushrooms, sauté five minutes.
Add wine & simmer until almost gone.
Stir in cream and cook until thick.
Toss with pasta & serve with Parmesan.
Filed under: Guest Chef on April 29th, 2010
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