Doin' Costa Rica

Containers as Homes Businesses in Costa Rica the BASICS- VIDEO

2016-11-13T10:47:00.001-08:00

Container homes are getting BIG pretty much worldwide and container homes in Costa Rica are no exception. Containers are used for a variety of reasons- homes, restaurants, hotels, shelters, storage, businesses etc. If you can think it, you could probably make it with containers. LEGOS have nothing on containers. lol. Here in La Fortuna we have quite a few container homes/businesses. But if you know nothing of containers, we did a video just for you. Below are the 'container' basics. We are talking to James, who owns a container business, business meaning he sells them. So if you're interested in knowing the basics of containers, prices included, you might want to check this video out. ENjoY.

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La Fortuna Costa Rica GO HERE

2016-10-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

There's no disputing that their is a TON of things to do in La Fortuna- rafting, ziplining, ATV, horseback, bike, rappelling, hiking, lake adventures, you name it, it's probably here for you to do. But prices vary. We found a place where you can get some hiking in, see some animals, waterfall and you're literally right next to the volcano and it's NOT expensive. So we think it's worth mentioning. And we do, in this video. ENjoY!

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info on our website and you know we are a full service travel agency Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: Travel Costa Rica Now ENjoY!

Breastfeeding in Costa Rica

2016-10-01T11:01:00.001-07:00

Breastfeeding ANYWHERE is NEVER wrong.
The United States could learn a thing or two about breastfeeding from Costa Rica. Mainly, it's not bad, a sin, disrespectful, sexual or inappropriate in anyway, anywhere. It is nature. Anyway, I did a little video about it. Hope you agree but if you don't, don't bother emailing me about it because I will turn my f**k to OFF.

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info on our website and you know we are a FULL service travel agency Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: Travel Costa Rica Now ENjoY

Wheelchairs and Old Folks in Costa Rica

2016-09-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not saying you couldn't ENjoY Costa Rica in a wheelchair, but...
...if you're traveling alone or with friends or family in a wheelchair, you better either be on your 'game' like the guy in the pic or really, really do your homework as to where, which tour companies and adventures are wheelchair friendly. Costa Rica is getting better at being more handicap and older folks friendly in the busiest places in Costa Rica but no where near where they need to be. But if you really, really want to visit Costa Rica and you are older, have health issues or handicapped in some way, I would go with a travel company that caters to such. Here's my video about the subject. Check it out or at least watch the ending, kinda funny.

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info on our website and you know we are a full service travel agency Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: Travel Costa Rica Now ENjoY

BEST Travel Tip for Costa Rica and Central America

2016-09-10T14:21:00.001-07:00

We have a TON of Costa Rica travel tips on our YouTube Channel and our website. But this ONE just might be the BIGGEST, the most important travel tip you will need to know when traveling in Costa Rica and really,all of Central America. Just buy me a beer when you see me to show your appreciation because this tip is that BIG...lol.

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info on our website and you know we are a full service travel agency Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: Travel Costa Rica Now ENjoY!

Rent Travel Costa Rica Now's TICO HOUSE

2016-09-06T18:06:00.005-07:00

The Tico House has a full kitchen.
If you're going to be staying in La Fortuna, you might want to stay at Travel Costa Rica Now's, Tico House. Only a 5-minute walk to La Fortuna central. A/C in both bedrooms, WiFi, TV, full kitchen, washer and located in a Tico neighborhood. You get the whole Costa Rica cultural experience. $60 for 2pp per night. Oh hell, just watch the video. If it's something that interests you, email us at info@TravelCostaRicaNow.com ENjoY!-

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info and VIDEOS on our website: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: Travel Costa Rica Now ENjoY!

She Lives a Fairy Tale Life in Costa Rica

2016-09-05T17:09:00.004-07:00

Annika and michael alan from Travel Costa Rica Now.
I think Annika joined D'Angelo and myself and the Travel Costa Rica Now team about 3 years ago- and what a FIND. Since then, she has become a great friend as well as business partner. Clients love her as well for her honesty, flexibility and knowledge of Costa Rica. But enough of the accolades. What I really wanted to talk about is Annika's story of how she came to live in Costa Rica... and trust me, it's the stuff of fairy tale endings and 'chick flicks'. I interviewed her last week. Here is her story-

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info and VIDEOS on our website: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: Travel Costa Rica Now ENjoY!

KNOW Your Community Before Deciding to Live There

2016-09-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

D'Angelo and myself last weekend at the Chili Cook-Off in Nuevo Arenal.

If you're not familiar with Nuevo Arenal it's located on Lake Arenal about an hour from where we live in La Fortuna and continuing on another hour to Tiliran. It's really the only road that connects our region with the Tamarindo (Guanacaste) area in the Northwest of Costa Rica. Not everyone spends a lot of time in Nuevo Arenal but just about everyone travels thru it. It has a fairly extensive expat community but more importantly, an organized expat community. So they often do things together, like the Chili Cook-Off. I would say their were about 150 people there and almost all of which were gringos. Not too many locals at this particular event. You would NEVER see this many expats doing anything in our town of La Fortuna. We are not organized nor do we even really hang-out together. I am not saying we don't have any gringo friends here, we do, we just don't seem to get together the way folks in Nuevo Arenal do and if we do, it's usually just a handful of friends. Probably the biggest reason Nuevo Arenal is organized and La Fortuna isn't is because a large percentage of folks in Nuevo Arenal are retired and older. A lot of gringos who live in La Fortuna, like yours truly, still have to work, so many of us are pretty busy doing are own things. Nuevo Arenal is much more blue-haired with obvious time on their hands and moves at a much slower pace than the more touristy, every gringo out for themselves, La Fortuna. Which brings me to the point of this post.. which isn't Chili.

When and if you ever decide to live in Costa Rica, you really need to consider the community or area you want to live in. Do you want a lot of expats around you for camaraderie and all that comes with it or is that what you basically are trying to avoid altogether. Many expats who come here would rather experience more of the local culture minus the gringos. D'Angelo and myself do a different COMBO. We don't want an over abundance of expats around but we also don't really associate with locals either. We love Costa Rica but basically do our own thing, preferring tourists over residents. Tourists come, we hang-out and have fun for a day or two and then they leave. Not much conflict in that. We have nothing against Nuevo Arenal, obviously many people love it there, cooler, beautiful surroundings etc, but we could never live there. Never, ever and I'm sure most Nuevo Arenal residents would say the same about Fortuna. There's a couple reasons why I say, never, ever. Both relating to the above. One, not much of a nightlife in Nuevo Arenal. Two, way too many gringos there. And although Nuevo Arenal residents are quite organized and do have a sense of community, they also have the bad that comes with it,,, backstabbing, gossip, meanspiritedness, warring cliques- think Hillary supporters living along side Trump supporters with few options to avoid the drama. Unless of course you become a recluse. I would have to become a recluse because I'm definitely not into the drama.

Really, my opinion is not relevant. Obviously it comes down to 'different strokes for different folks', just be damn sure you know WHAT you're moving into before you do it.

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info and VIDEOS on our website: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: Travel Costa Rica Now ENjoY!

michael alan is BACK

2016-08-26T21:28:00.001-07:00

Ok GUYS, it's been much too long. Going on 2 years in fact. But I'm back and ready to write again about living and traveling in Costa Rica. I will be posting editorials, our videos, my opinions and perspective about 'anything' Costa Rica. Hopefully their will be some useful information in there somewhere lol, like the good ol' days. So be on the L@@K-OUT, because I am BACK.

Let's get this PARTY started.

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Costa Rica- Prostitution is LEGAL Get Over It

2015-02-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

Prostitution is legal in Costa Rica. Let me say that again, in Costa Rica, prostitution is legal, so either change the laws or shut the fuck up. *Sorry, just get a little tired of folks emailing us about the 'morality' of it all. Anyway, just did this video out on Lake Arenal, which if you don't know, is in the La Fortuna area of Costa Rica. It's a Bachelor Party we threw, where we brought in some girls to enhance the festivities. And was it a BLAST, even for a couple gay boys. So check it out and see what you think. And if you're in the area and want the same P-A-R-T-Y, hit us up. The second video is one we did about 6 years ago about 'Prostitution in Costa Rica' and is still relevant to this day, so if you're not sure about the laws and such, check it out also. ENjoY!

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Driving Costa Rica the Essentials

2014-12-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

Driving Costa Rica is probably the BEST way to see Costa Rica in our opinion. Probably the best reason to rent a car is because everything can be done on your own schedule in your own time. BUT, if you're going to rent a car, their are some things you really need to know. These 3 videos pretty much cover all the information you'll need in order to 'drive Costa Rica'. The first video is one of the first videos we ever made and it scared many people out of renting a car. WHOOPS! That was not our intent as we were merely trying to show the possibilities. The second was a response to the first because we got so much grief about the first one. The third video, we just made and it's only about 'road signs' you need to know. So, if you're planning on renting a car (we also have videos on who, how and the problems with renting a car in Costa Rica, so don't miss those), you're going to want to CHECK OUT these videos. ENjoY!

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

La Fortuna Costa Rica Things to Do on Lake Arenal

2014-11-30T08:36:00.001-08:00

TRUTH is, LOTS of things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica. Here's a few things- Canyoneering, Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, Volcano hike, horseback riding, ATV's, night hikes, rafting etc, and those things don't even account for the activities available on Lake Arenal. Well, there's a NEW player in town and it's Flyboarding, which I'm attempting to do in this pic. Have you heard of it? Well, anyway, CHECK out the video to get the gist of flyboards and if you're ever in the La Fortuna area and want to try something different, give us a shoutOUT and we'll hook you up. *And yes, just about anyone can do it.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

The Police in Costa Rica Won't Do SHIT

2014-11-21T10:36:00.003-08:00

Fact is, the police in Costa Rica aren't going to do shit to help you if their has been a crime perpetrated against you. I'm talking mostly about the sort of crime that you have the best odds of being the victim of- robbery, theft, breaking and entering, simple assault etc. Yes, they can be friendly and nice, yes they will fill out all the appropriate paperwork, but unfortunately, that's where it STOPS. There's many reasons for their lack of any concrete follow-thru but that's for another video and another post. So, whether you want to travel to Costa Rica or live in Costa Rica, it's all about taking personal responsibility. Here's our perspective on the effectiveness of the police in Costa Rica.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Robber and Thief Juan Carlos Salazar Mena Caught on Tape AGAIN

2014-11-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

Robber and Thief, Juan Carlos Salazar Mena, has been a busy Criminal. From Pital, Costa Rica, Juan Carlos Salazar Mena robbed us about 10 days ago and after we posted the video of him breaking into our apartment, people have come out of the woodwork to email us and let us know they too were victims of Juan Carlos Salazar Mena's handiwork. We even got sent a video (poor quality but definitely Juan Carlos Mena) of him breaking into a business. He was caught, but Costa Rica being Costa Rica, nothing was done, so the owner was hoping to join forces with us and help put a stop to Juan Carlos Mena.

This picture is of Juan Carlos Mena Salazar and if you live in either Pital, Aguas Zarcas or La Fortuna, you might want to watch your back and your stuff, when he is around. He is very unassuming, skinny as fuck, kinda cute in a punk-kid kinda way but don't be FOOLED, he will seek out an opportunity. Check out the video below to see Juan Carlos Salazar Mena up to his old tricks.

If you have any information on Juan Carlos Salazar Mena, please email us. We'd appreciate it.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Pital Costa Rica Thief and Robber Juan Carlos Salazar Mena

2014-11-07T16:15:00.001-08:00

This is what a thief looks like and Juan Carlos Salazar Mena is a THIEF. Juan Carlos Salazar Mena is originally from Pital Costa Rica but spends time in Aguas Zarcas and La Fortuna.

After videotaping Juan Carlos Salazar Mena breaking into our apartment in La Fortuna, the emails started pouring in. Apparently, Juan Carlos Salazar Mena has robbed many other folks and businesses. Juan Carlos Mena doesn't just focus on Gringos, a Tico man reached out to us in hopes of helping us put Juan Carlos Mena behind bars because he had broken into his business as well, also videotaped and CAUGHT. But Costa Rica being Costa Rica, absolutely NOTHING was done.(We will be posting that video on our YouTube Channel as well, so L@@L for it).

The first video below is actually the second video we did in regards to Juan Carlos Salazar Mena and is an update 4 days after the initial break-in with the bottom video being the break-in caught on tape.

Juan Carlos Salazar Mena is a skinny little punk, unassuming but extremely sneaky and conniving, so if he's around your area, you're going to either want to beat the fuck out of him or at least keep a watchful eye on his every move. And if you do happen to cross paths with Juan Carlos Salazar Mena, please contact us, we'd love to chat with him **just to ask him why he chose a life of crime, nothing more**Swear, nothing bad.

We're not going to let this go until justice comes to Juan Carlos Salazar Mena, he's hurt WAY too many people- hard working people trying to make their way in life. Motherfucker needs a life lesson.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Juan Carlos Salazar Mena from Pital Costa Rica is a THIEF

2014-11-05T07:28:00.001-08:00

Juan Carlos Salazar Mena from Pital Costa Rica is a THIEF. Juan Carlos Salazar Mena lives in La Fortuna Costa Rica at the moment but also spends time in Pital, Aguas Zarcas and Manuel Antonio. Juan Carlos Salazar Mena is not just a one-time thief, he's more of the 'career' variety. And like all thieves, Juan Carlos Salazar Mena is a shifty, sneaky, sketchy, scumbag.

Juan Carlos Salazar Mena lived next door to us with his girlfriend. Juan Carlos Salazar Mena from Pital broke into our apartment months back and stole a laptop. We knew it was him but couldn't prove anything. We knew he'd be back as that's what scumbag thieves like Juan Carlos Salazar Mena do. We were ready. And the below video is the result. If there's any doubt in your mind just watch the video until the tattoo of the 'star' above his left breast shows up.

The police in La Fortuna are very familiar with Juan Carlos Salazar Mena. He gets busted a LOT. Unfortunately, nothing happens except maybe a night at the police station. Totally worth something like a laptop. The police saw the video, knew right away who it was. The OIJ (the FBI of Costa Rica)also saw the video. They did NOTHING. Juan Carlos Salazar Mena spent 24 hours at the police station while the police and the OIJ twiddled their thumbs. *We are not surprised by the lack of follow-up by the police and OIJ by any means. They're in name only, real police work is foreign to Costa Rica and is well documented. We will be documenting the same.

This isn't over. We will be documenting what happens AND we will get a lawyer. And no, we are not disillusioned by Costa Rica. We still love it here, so don't go there. The video of the break in is below. Check it out. Share it, pass it on. God forbid some unexpected business hires Juan Carlos Salazar Mena.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Barbed Wire in Costa Rica- the Hypocrisy

2014-11-04T10:00:00.001-08:00

San Jose Costa Rica is a city of barbed wire, much of it, of the razor variety. Iron bars on windows and doors are pretty much the fashion sense for every house and business in the area as well. A practical people, looks don't count for much here, as long as it functions properly, aesthetics be damned. Bottom line- razor wire and iron bars provide security. Seems obvious right? Protecting ones personal property and such. Obviously it's not.

This video was made after receiving the 215th email on the subject of how much barbed wire is used and seen in Costa Rica and how as a tourist, many were APPALLED.

This video has nothing to do with Costa Rica per se and shouldn't be viewed as a knock on this beautiful country.

This video is somewhat of a sarcastic slap in the face, to the many times, ignorant and arrogant thinking of North American tourists. Hypocrisy at its finest. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Life in Costa Rica the Lair Davis Videos

2014-10-20T11:21:00.001-07:00

Lair Davis loved Costa Rica and Costa Rica loved Lair Davis. Unfortunately, Lair passed away some months ago. Lair was a friend of mine and I enjoyed talking about 'anything' Costa Rica with him because he had such an interesting and unique perspective. I knew I had to do some videos with him to get the 'Lair Davis' perspective out.

So here they are. *They have been uploaded to our YouTube Channel before so you may have seen them but wanted to get them all in one place.

The first two are interviews I did with him and if you're planning on relocating to Costa Rica you definitely don't want to miss them. The second two are parables about living here in Costa Rica. The last two were going to be used differently but time just wasn't on our side but they still work and are worth viewing.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

TRUTH Costa Rica a Relocation Tour is NOW Available

2014-10-04T11:05:00.001-07:00

michael alan & D'Angelo's TRUTH Costa Rica Tour is NOW here. Don't know what Truth Costa Rica is? michael alan & D'Angelo's Truth Costa Rica tour is a relocation tour for folks thinking about living in Costa Rica. Check out the video.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Relocation Tour in Costa Rica by michael alan & D'Angelo

2014-09-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Thinking about moving to Costa Rica? Relocating to Costa Rica? Retiring to Costa Rica? Well, before you do, you need to do your homework- BIG TIME! Part of that homework should be to visit here and get a little perspective from some folks who actually live here and don't have an agenda to sell you something. Because when someone has an agenda, it obviously skews the information, which makes it difficult to make an informed decision. That's where we come in.

We've been doing 'living here in Costa Rica' videos for quite awhile now along with our 'traveling to Costa Rica' videos and the former have become somewhat popular based on the comments and emails we've received in the last few years. So, we've decided to conduct our own tours, which we call, 'michael alan & D'Angelo's Truth Costa Rica Tour'. The good the bad and the ugly of living in Costa Rica with no agenda to sell you anything. Our goal is to offer our perspective, experience and expertise of living in Costa Rica so the folks who go on our tour, by the end, will know whether relocating to Costa Rica is a good idea for them or not. That's it. Check out our initial video launching our new idea- michael alan & D'Angelo's Truth Costa Rica Tour. ENjoY!

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Finding a Reputable Lawyer in Costa Rica

2014-09-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Finding a lawyer in Costa Rica is a daunting task to say the least, although I'm sure finding a good lawyer ANYWHERE, considering the reputations of lawyers in general, is just as daunting. But finding a good attorney in a foreign land has other issues to consider. Like for us, they need to speak perfect English. Anyway, check out our video to see what happened after nearly 7 years.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Happier Than a Billionaire in Costa Rica MY ASS

2014-07-22T16:40:00.003-07:00

Happier Than a Billionaire in Costa Rica, a video featuring Nadine and Rob Pisani, is a total FLUFF piece- pure and simple. The much watched YouTube video, 'Happier Than a Billionaire in Costa Rica' is nothing more than a propaganda piece, a 28-minute infomercial geared to folks thinking about relocating to Costa Rica.

But before you get your panties in a twist, my rebuttal has nothing to do with Nadine and Rob personally. As a matter of fact they seem like great people and I know they had nothing to do with the editing, although they probably should have. Anyway, don't take my word for it, watch it for yourself. Can you spot all the fluff and sugar-coating.... I hope so. And after, watch my rebuttal to see why I have such a problem with it. ENjoY!

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Costa Rica WHIPS Greece Ass

2014-06-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica WHIPS some Greece ASS! Yeah, I got it bad- World Cup fever and there's no place better to have it than in Costa Rica. Watching Tico's watch the World Cup reminds me of why I love it here so much. They are so proud of their country and their team and watching them watch the game is truly inspiring. Words can't really describe what I'm trying to say but think of a time in your life when you were most 'proud', that's every Tico's face here as they watch and root on their team. One BIG, happy, loving family....unified with unconditional love for their country. The US could learn a thing or two.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica START HERE

2014-06-14T08:34:00.002-07:00

Everybody sells real estate in Costa Rica. This makes it difficult to get truthful, honest answers to your real estate questions. Took us 4 years to find someone who knew the biz but didn't have an agenda when answering my questions. So the video was never made. At least until now. Guys, these are the basics, real estate 101 for the folks just beginning their research. Trust me, we will be talking to Wendy again and asking even more detailed, specific questions. But this is a great place to start. ENjoY!

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

Power Wheels ATV Tour La Fortuna Costa Rica

2014-05-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Power Wheels in La Fortuna is the BEST ATV tour in the area, maybe in all Costa Rica (we'll have to get back to you on that one). We take the places we recommend very seriously since it's pretty much our reputation on the line so we take great care in regards to what we say about who. Fact is, we've been on the other ATV tours in the area and Power Wheels is the best, simple as that. The biggest reason Power Wheels is the best is probably because of the area they use do run their tours- it's simply BEAUTIFUL.

I could write or you could just CHECK OUT the video we did....and I'm sure you'll get the picture.

TONS of Costa Rica Tavel Info and VIDEOS on our websitc: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!