Who is Travel Costa Rica Now ?

Photo Credit: Travel Costa Rica Now

I had to write about these two cool guys from Travel Costa Rica Now. A down to earth sincere touring company in the heart of Costa Rica in La Fortune owned by two Americans, Michael and D'Angelo. 

Experience in Costa Rica Living comes to mind when I watch Michael and D'Angelo showcase their videos mixed with strong advice and a flare of entertainment.

I would classify them as the Truth Serum for those interested in staying in Costa Rica for a long period of time, from a few months to possibly becoming a perpetual tourist. 

They don't sugar-coat their videos giving the frank approach to the ways of Costa Rica, which is really good to hear. But most importantly they offer cool tour packages throughout Costa Rica. 

And, what about their advice on retiring in Costa Rica? 

Photo Credit: Travel Costa Rica Now

About Retirement in Costa Rica

Retirement for baby boomers, like myself, is a big step to consider. First and foremost, can you afford to retire? 

In Canada, it's becoming increasingly more expensive to live on an average expense income around $2500 per month with the understanding YOU are debt free! For those high in debt, working along on society's treadmill, is the only way to survive. 

But let's say you have a firm hand on your finances and are ready to retire.

Heading out to a country like Costa Rica will take a lot of planning, not to mention getting use to the Culture Shock. 
Don't expect things to be the same as in Canada or United States. The process of getting things done in Costa Rica isn't the expectations we are use to in Canada, so don't get discourage if it takes longer. According to Michael, seventy-five percent of those coming to Costa Rica to retire, end up going back home within a couple months to a few years. 

Photo Credit: Tianndra Demers

What have I learned from Michael Alan and D'Angelo ?

So, what I have learned from listening to these two cool guys living in Costa Rica, is this...

There are certain Rules to follow, saving you money and heartache. 

As Michael explains: 

Rule One : Don't listen to websites who's soul purpose is to sell you real estate property in Costa Rica. 

Rule Two : Never ever buy anything in Costa Rica until you have rented for at least one year. 

After all, Michael gives fair warning, you may not like it in Costa Rica. And then what? You're going to have to sell your property for half the price you bought it. 

And who's going to buy it? 

An unexpected Gringo; that's us! English speaking naive western tourists.

Rule Three : How to Rent in Costa Rica. It's not a good idea to rent off the internet. It's best to go down to Costa Rica for a two week holiday . Catch up with Michael and D'Angelo who will give you the best places to rent from and where, including re-location tours along with touring packages to suit your lifestyle.

But there's one exception to the rule here, I noticed on one of his YouTube Videos during his interview with one of his friendly expats.* (check below for the meaning to these terms)

The rental rule is still in place, however you can join a community group who already are set-up in a co-op Eco sustainable resort. There are two of these communities, OSA Mountain Village and their sister community, Serenity Gardens Eco Village, by co-founder Jim Gale.

As their website says," The community is located in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone along the pristine Pacific Coast, where the mountains meet the ocean. "

The above gives you a good rule-of- thumb approach. To me, Travel Costa Rica Now, offers sound advice you can take to the bank. 


Michael and D'Angelo go on giving a ton of valuable information, including the cost of living in Costa Rica for around $970 (US funds)per month. This includes rent, food, internet, phone, cable and electricity. 

This is over half the cost then living in my own country! It means you can live in Costa Rica for a longer period of time with a modest retirement income.

Their interesting blog explains from the Tico* Culture to how to start-up a Bank account. 

All the Travel Costa Rica Now YouTube Videos give valuable inside information for those thinking of living in Costa Rica and fun tour package adventures for the whole family.

In conclusion, it's best to give a quote by Michael and D'Angelo,"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. "

Are you thinking of retiring or vacationing in Costa Rica? Then it's time to check out Travel Costa Rica Now.

By Bari Demers


Bari Demers is not affiliated or related to Travel  Costa Rica Now. He writes only about the good things in life.

If you have something good you would like to write about in regards to traveling or experience of living in another country, ask me to do a small write-up about it for a nominal fee. Included are links to your website and Facebook page. 

A Canadian freelance writer/screenwriter who is also considered a Vegas Lover with his very own Facebook page : Vegas Reviews - If he experiences a great time or adventure, expect to hear about the fun he and his wife had,"Going to Vegas since 1989..."

Bari has worked on several screenplays, such as Agent Sky, Black Angels and Missing through James Montana Scripts.

He is presently looking into doing his own short film or collaborating with film makers for his screenplays. Check out his blogs on Vegas  and more on his Travel Blog.

Glossary Terms:

Expats - An expatriate is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country * http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expatriate

Gringo - A Spanish term used to categorize foreigner visitors.


Tico - A term used for native people of Costa Rica

Perpetual Tourist - are referred to as travelers living in another country unterthered to any restrictions as say a resident would.  Overall freedom of enjoying the same as any other tourist but live in the country more than 90 days.  The only draw back, they must head across the border before their 90 days are up to be reinstated into the country again for another 90 days.

Explore Southern Saskatchewan

Photo Credits: Tenho Tuomi Observatory

For those who haven't been to Saskatchewan you will still appreciate this film  by TSN.

Our family had the opportunity to live in Southern Saskatchewan for one year in Frontier, just a hop skip and jump to the Montana Border.

At the time we moved from Vernon, British Columbia for work as my trade back then was a draftsman.

My job consisted of producing mechanical plans for farm implements, such as cultivators for the Friggstad company.
The Honeybees now own this massive 100,000 sq ft industrial warehouse. Honey Bee Manufacturing Ltd. is a family owned business that was incorporated in 1979 by brothers Greg and Glenn Honey and their wives.

Back then I had the opportunity to be able to sit in the prototype Honey Bee Tractor. This massive friendly beast of a machine was like climbing 3 stories of a building. Inside it had all the luxuries you could think of including air-conditioning. We were one of the few to sign their log book.

Our family Jim & Pearl McILveen lived on a large farm just east of Frontier.

Coming from B.C. living in Saskatchewan really opened my eyes to what is actually out on the prairies.

I was surprised to see the abundance of wildlife with herds of deer and antelope with a count of over 75 to just one herd. It was a normal occurrence to come up on the back-roads to see the dirt road filled with wildlife. You had no choice but to stop and admire the view. Of course we didn't mind relishing the time and count how many in each herd.

Photo Credits: Tenho Tuomi Observatory

For stargazers Saskatchewan is a cosmic paradise with the only light of night being the stars and the full moon. The milky way would stretch across the open sky as crisp and clear as any 3D Movie.
You have first class seats to experience natures wonderment including the Northern Lights where they even have summer Star Parties in Cypress Hills.

The next impressive spot to visit in Southern Saskatchewan is the Cypress Hills Inter-provincial Park along with Fort Walsh. A lush green mountainous forest in the middle of nowhere.  A geological phenomenon stretching an area of 965 sq miles with the highest point at 1468 m above sea level (4816 ft) in comparison to the Rocky Mountains of 4401 m.
Cypress Hills is an isolated gem of mountainous region soaring a good 2000 ft above the surrounding area.

Photo Credits Courtesy of  Maximilian - future Canadian Paleontologist

If you haven't heard anything at all about Saskatchewan you would be hard press not to have heard of the prehistoric archaeological discoveries of dinosaurs species dominating in southern region filling over into Montana.

Saskatchewan is a vast ancient sea bed offering exploring travelers more than they would ever expect.

We were enlighten by the province of Saskatchewan and you will be too.

Written by Bari Demers

About Bari :

Bari is a screenwriter for Black Angels of Sirus 5 - a science fiction horror thriller based on intelligent ancient aliens visitors over 100,000 years ago.
Here are an example of  Science fiction stories and documentaries by Bari Demers:

• Dr. Who Meets Black Angels
• Alien Abduction Report 
• Robotics on Mars - Chapter One
• Robotics on Mars - Chapter Three
• The Power of Star Trek
• The Great Wizard of Titan - a children's story

He is also administration manager of these Facebook Pages:

• Explore Canadian Outdoors
• Vegas Reviews
• Christmas Cookbook
• Black Angels of Sirus 5

Check out more about Bari on LinkedIn

Photo Credit: Bari Demers

Extreme Hiking - Traveling Blog by J. Robb Montana

All rights reserved. No part of this manuscript may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical,photocopy, recording or otherwise without the written prior permission by J. Robb Montana.

One of the most rewarding opportunities is climbing to the top of mountain range in Alberta, Canada. Looking over the vast rugged country side leaves you content with satisfaction. Here you are at the top of the world walking along the ridge of Starlite Mountain range, precarious peaks within Willmore Wilderness. Willmore Wilderness is the best kept secret, traveling into the provincial park is only by foot, bike or horse. All motorized vehicles are prohibited in order to preserve the raw-land.

The one question that you must ask yourself before you walk into wild country - Are you ready?

Walking into the wilderness with a heavy backpack is in itself an accomplishment; your pack must be carefully planned in advance with the right supplies ready for your trip.

Here is a list of items you should bring with you into the raw wilderness: 

1. Water and water purification
2. First Aid kit with items that you can actually use - Check out your kit before you leave (most injuries are related to sprains, strains, blisters and wounds) And remember to bring some kind of relief medicine, such as Tylenol.
3. High energy bars with nuts and oats - don't be afraid to stick at least 20 of these throughout your backpack
4. A small mirror - used for both signaling if in trouble and start a fire by use of the sun. You can bring along a magnifying glass as back-up.
5. A sharp hunting knife with a secure sheath
6. Water proof matches and preferably small dry kindling (Just in case you aren't experienced to find kindling within the wilderness)
7. Bring along other types of firestarters - such as flint. Check your outdoors shop for more suggestions.
8. Sleeping bag and Tent
9. Proper hiking shoes - make sure they are well worn in before you begin your hiking trip
10. GPS or compass - I prefer a GPS
11. Sunglasses and sunscreen
12. whistle - not to scare the bears - but to use in case of being lost
13. Light source - flashlight with batteries
14. writing source - pencils or even pencil crayons ( Pencils can even be used as kindling source if need be in an emergency)
15. Rope - preferably 20 metres (Use strong rope material, such as: nylon)
16. Emergency blanket
17. A good set of sharp scissors - check them out before you leave
18. Map of the area you are traveling
19. Insect repellant (Anyone in trouble with Bees?)
20. pocket knife with multi- use items; Swiss has always been my favorite
21. Proper Clothing: therma-socks, underwear,hat, t-shirts, long light pants and shorts,windbreaker, warm jacket, sweater. In other words make sure you are ready for any kind of temperature within the mountains - the weather can change from summer to winter within minutes.
22. Fishing gear - like fishing line and hooks
23. Compact cooking equipment
24. Non - perishable food items
25. Outdoor books - such as Canadian Recipes of the Great White North
26. Bear bangers
27. And last but not least - never enter the wilderness by yourself - make sure you bring along a buddy

Are you ready for the great outdoors? Be sure to get the inside information  on the outdoors : Canadian Recipes of the Great White North with more outdoor tips with fun stories, outdoor recipes and fun interactive illustrations the whole family will enjoy 

J. Robb Montana is a freelance writer presently working on a movie script :  Black Angels of Sirus 5 and science-fiction book : Robotics on Mars

Love to Travel to Vegas? Check out my review of The Venetian Las Vegas - one word : Wonderful

The Venetian Las Vegas

If you love to travel to Vegas - check out this hotel review

Travel Alberta - Lake Louise

Enjoy Lake Louise and Beyond  by Bari Demers

Traveling Alberta is a must when visiting Canada. Just last week we decided to stop at Lake Louise in Banff National Park, of course Alberta. After visiting family in British Columbia, our usual route headed directly home due to our schedule, but this time,we had a couple days to explore Lake Louise just a little closer than before.

Canadian Rockies

Lake Louise 

Lake Louise is nestled within a scenic valley of mountainous peaks, showcasing a clear turquoise glacier lake named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta in 1884. Overlooking the emerald Lake Louise is the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, boasting a five-star experience.

We took to the lake shore memorized by the beauty and awe inspiring picturesque glacier in the distance combined with the brilliance of the bluish green waters. It was obvious our next step was to explore Lake Louise itself by paddling along in a canoe, enjoying the peaceful tranquility of nature. 

Pushing off the shoreline, it wasn't hard to observe the depths of the icy crystal clear lake or spotting rainbow trout swimming at their leisure.It didn't matter how icy the water was, the warm summer weather tempted us to dip our feet, feeling this invigorating surge of freshness.

After a long slumbering canoe ride we treated ourselves at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to a fine dining experience at their four diamond Fairview Dining Room offering tantalizing morsels of Yukon Gold Potato wrapped in crispy wild prawns and mouth-watering seared duck breast in a szechaun peppercorn jus. We couldn't resist the warm liquid centered Chocolate Cake with spiced pineapple carpaccio and raspberry puree.

Canadian Outdoor Photo by Bari Demers

The National Parks of Canada offer a wild wilderness setting with outdoor adventures to suit anyone.

 If we had more time, we certainly would have taken a heli-tour over the majestic Lake Louise.

I highly recommend your next stop at Lake Louise with the Banff National Park of Alberta,Canada. Traveling Alberta is a sweet memorable experience you will cherish forever.

-------------------------------------------------------



Vegas Travel by Bari Demers

Travel Blog: Travel Edmonton

Travel Blog: Travel Edmonton: Why Edmonton? Edmonton, Alberta, Canada has always been known as the "Gateway to the North". During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896. A sta...

Exploring Tortilla Flat, Arizona

Discovery of Tortilla Flat

While in Las Vegas we love to take tours within Nevada and Arizona. The most interesting discovery is
Tortilla Flat of Arizona.

Tortilla Flat

We rented a car and headed to Mesa, Arizona to visit my family. From there we went along the highway to US 60 East( also known as Superstition Freeway) and along Apache Junction and State Route 88 for 18 miles. Tortilla Flat is just 2 miles past Canyon Lake.

Did you know that Tortilla Flat is noted for the smallest friendliest town in Arizona? It also boasts for having a U.S.Post Office for a such a small population of only 6 people.

The Little Settlement of Torilla Flat

We knew we reached our destination as soon as we noticed the little quaint settlement with its own Superstition Saloon; a real treat to visit. The most interesting attraction was the funny wallpaper pasted with really dollar bills from visitors across the world. And when was the last time your bar seats happen to be horse saddles?

Of course we had to visit the restaurant serving Old West Breakfasts, the hottest Chilis known as the
"Killer Chili", Grande Na-Chos, the famous Chimichanga and the fun Cackleberries Mexicanna Mornin Chow.
Tortilla Flat is like taking a little trip back into the western frontier of the old west. After our rip-torting taste of the "Killer Chili" we mosey on down to the the creaky boardwalk to a stonewall Gift Shop full of nik naks related to the southwest. I'm always picking up a cookbook or two and today was no exception. To me, a cookbook is like a souvenir, just like Canadian Recipes of the Great White North. My eyes quickly zero in on a Southwestern Indian Cookbook that would add to my souvenir collection. They also add quick bites of hot salsa's; of course I had to buy one.

The History of Tortilla Flat

It goes way back with the Indians crossing its most valuable resource - water. It was the prefect place to set-up camp with a small trickling creek known as the Tonto Trail.
It wasn't long before a Spanish explorer named Cabeza de Vaca found his way to the Southwest Superstition Mountain where he met up with the Pueblo Indians who told him of the Seven Cities of Cibola or known as the Cities of Gold. Superstition Mountain has since been rumors of gold. It was believed that the Jesuit Priests of Spain had found a a pocket of gold and didn't have any intention of sharing it with their
Spanish King. The King ordered the Jesuits to be executed, but before they could follow out their plans the Jesuit Priests hide the gold in the Superstition Mountains and throughout the southwestern desert.
Apparently, it is told, in 1847 to 1848 a group of Mexicans under Don Miquel Peralta had found the treasure of gold but were met with Apaches who killed all but one.
To this day, the legend is alive with reports of gold within the Superstition Mountain.

But the real truth of the matter of Tortilla Flat is when a group of cowboys were stranded due to a flash flood, their only staples at the time was flour. They made tortillas and christened the flat, Tortilla

Flat.

And today, Flash flood is still a very real part of the southwestern desert. We couldn't adventure any
further along the road due to a flash-flood just two days before. Tortilla Flat is a true gem to explore
when in Arizona.
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Caesars Palace Review

Caesars Palace Review by Vegas Reviews

Our recent stay at Caesars Palace started with the check-in of our room. Our accommodation was booked as a five day stay with three days complimentary of Caesars Palace due to our Rewards Card membership.

(Note: Check out recent reviews for 2014/2015 )

After twenty minute wait within the streamline of customers patiently waiting for their check-in, we were comforted with a friendly staff member. Due to our 31st anniversary we inquired about an upgrade from our complimentary room. She introduced us to an upgrade room of over 2000 sq ft room offering a dining room, three bathrooms, a guest’s entertainment bar, living room and a grand master bedroom. First she offered the room for $100 per night, but her duty manager refused such an offer. She came back to us sheepish, quickly apologizing letting us know that her boss wouldn't allow such a price. We asked if he would accept $150 per night in which he  stated he could get a much better price per night. With that, embarrassed by the situation the girl attending to us, asked if we would accept $200 per night. We hummed and hawed over this price, as it was just too much, as I already knew that that our last night, Thursday night, would end up costing us the $170 plus $200 and an additional tax charge. Our Thursday night would cost $500 alone.
 My wife voiced her opinion and asked me to go for the upgrade, as it is our 31st anniversary. I decided to please my wives wishes, but still felt it was a little high, but I'm thinking, let the "fun" begin. 

From past experiences with complimentary rooms, they usually have offered us a deluxe upgrade at no charge.

We were here to enjoy ourselves, so we left it at that, even though I knew our overall costs would be $1800 for just the room for five days. What really caught me off guard were the taxes with each night costing a whopping $100. Our room was enormous and apparently the original cost per night was $3600 per night. Mind you, we really didn't have any use for three bathrooms or a large dining room table.
Originally we were going to use the spa, fitness center and go to three different shows, but after our upgraded costs of our room, we could not afford any of these luxuries.

 The next morning we did indulge in the featured Buffet of Buffets at a cost of $34.99 per person for reward card members and $39.99 for non-members. Knowingly we paced ourselves in order to go to all three buffets with Harrah’s Properties. Lago Buffet at Caesars Palace was our breakfast choice and was pleasantly surprised by great friendly service and inviting food for any foodies. You had a choice of freshly-made omelettes, baked ham, turkey or pork bacon, wide range of sausages, assorted seafood & potatoes and a fine selection of pastries.
[Note: Lago since 2012 has been upgraded to BACCHANAL Buffet]

 Our luncheon choice was going to be at the Paris hotel, but after seeing the overwhelming line-up we jetted over to Planet Hollywood and were glad we did. The Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood featured Mexican, American, Italian and Middle Eastern food items.

 I stuck with the American food choices while my wife found fresh hot asparagus in the Italian section. Of course we shared the tasty asparagus while enjoying the beef and chicken dishes. We were seated in front of the Middle Eastern section and if only had room, I would have indulged in the pork kabobs cooking on the bbq. But I did leave room for the tantalizing desserts, like chocolate éclairs.

 After a long walk throughout the Vegas Strip we headed to our last buffet of the day, back to the Lago Buffet at Caesars Palace. Our choice of prime rib, crab and peel and eat shrimp, we barely made a dent. Needless to say we were FULL!

Next morning we headed to the pool and found we were lucky to be poolside just before 9:00 am, as it quickly filled up. We decided to indulge into one of the bar drinks at a gasping price of $20 per drink, not including tip; needless to say, we had very few drinks at the pool. We quickly learned that any charges to our room would be topped off by a heavy tax. Mind you, poolside was complete luxury and worth the time taking in the sun rays. Throughout our days at Caesars Palace we took in the pool daily.

Of course we took our turn in the casinos and knowingly spent our budget, but with a couple of noticeable wins. Smartly we re-invested our winnings back into the cost of our room. 

On Wednesday, we headed over to our reserved dining experience at the famous Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris Hotel. Within minutes we were seated at our window seat over-looking the Bellagio with its fountain display featuring a beautiful view. Our selection of entrees envisioned a freshly cooked beef wellington with potato gratinee and hot asparagus. Unfortunately our entrees were cold with my beef wellington under-cooked.  I summoned our waiter, his eye brows raised as he looked at the raw beef within the pastry. He quickly took it away, with me thinking that I would receive a new freshly baked beef wellington. Astonished by the quick comeback of my dish, I noticed it was placed under a salamander to finish cooking. Oh well, I'm here to have "fun", so I just left it alone and  decided to enjoy the chocolate soufflé, which was wonderful.

BACCHANAL Buffet 2012

The rest of our stay at Caesars Palace was uneventful with good service from the casino to our room maid.
In conclusion I would recommend Caesars Palace but be careful with their suggestion on any upgrades. Let the hotel make a choice of upgrading for you at no additional charge. 

The food at Caesars Palace is acceptable with friendly service. Be aware that anything that you want to do will cost you extra, including the internet service of $14.95 per day, fitness center at $25 per day and the spa service starting at $45 per person. Just something to keep in mind. 

Our time at Caesars Palace was overall a "fun" place to stay. I would recommend the 27th Floor for an awesome view!

It is to your advantage to become a Rewards Card member to entitle you to frequent offers either to your door or e-mail address. Join in on the "fun" 

Check out our most recent Vegas Review at The Venetian Las Vegas ( August 2013)

The Venetian Las Vegas


About Vegas Reviews:

Vegas Reviews is not associated with any Vegas Hotels or paid by it's own personal reviews of hotels in Vegas.
We're just simply a fun host Facebook page featuring only about the fun in Vegas.
When we find a wonderful stay in Vegas, I like to write about the fun we had at the Vegas Hotel.

In this case we had fun at this hotel. I don't give reviews very often, so when treated wonderful - I write about it.

Also - Vegas Reviews is not a company. Just a fun social Facebook Page having fun in Vegas. It would be nice to be paid for reviews, but this is just not the case here. So - if you enjoy all the fun in Vegas and would like to join our fun social page - please come on by : Vegas Reviews

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