tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984369615926445292024-03-14T02:20:08.225-06:00Julie And Rick In Costa RicaOur decision to move to Costa Rica - what we worried about, how we decided to do it, and how we are doing it!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-74039012407622895672012-02-25T13:26:00.001-06:002012-02-25T18:13:04.697-06:00End of an EraIt seems that for us, it is the end of one era, and the beginning of a new one. We have spent 6 years enjoying our time, figuring out how to live in Costa Rica. Now, fewer and fewer things are new to us, and so there are fewer things that seem worth blogging about. Some of our earlier observations and experiences are no longer current, and we don't always notice some of the things that we would have, if we had had our old "new" eyes.<br />
<br />
While it was nice for a while to simply live - to be settled - we had gotten used to having challenges! Without those, life became a little stagnant. So, we're shaking things up (again) :-). Last year, we experimented with travel and with contract work. It seems to suit us, so we'll spend more of each year outside of Costa Rica. Costa Rica will still be home, and we'll maintain our residency here, but we'll spend a good amount of time elsewhere.<br />
<br />
We're Vagabonds again!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-64451065060586526372011-08-15T18:33:00.000-06:002011-08-15T18:33:43.248-06:00The Fast LaneWhen things happen, they sure can happen FAST! This time last week, I was thinking through my options for the next few weeks, considering taking another intensive French class, Tango lessons, painting more, and investigating possible contracts. Then, my first-choice activity, a contract to work for a few months, seemed to be more definite. Then, it was! And things started hopping :-)<br />
<br />
August:<br />
<ul><li>10 Wednesday: The contract looked promising; reserved airline ticket, good for 24 hrs (got the last non-red-eye flight)</li>
<li>11 Thursday: We reached an agreement; the new company started the ball rolling; I bought the airline ticket</li>
<li>12 Friday: The contracting agency contacted me and sent forms; I started collecting info</li>
<li>13 Saturday: I filled in and printed forms; went out to dinner to celebrate :-)</li>
<li>14 Sunday: Completed/confirmed forms, faxed to contracting agency (17 pages!)</li>
<li>15 Monday: Confirmed contracting agency received documents; asked follow-up questions, completed application</li>
<li>16 Tuesday: Breathe, pack, take final Tango lesson :-(</li>
<li>17 Wednesday: Fly to California</li>
<li>18 Thursday: Take drug test</li>
<li>19 Friday: Test results known (earliest possible date)</li>
<li>20 Saturday: Visit, pack</li>
<li>21 Sunday through Wednesday: Drive to Iowa (3,000 kilometers)</li>
<li>25 Thursday: Start work</li>
</ul>Yeah, it's a little complicated...Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-21412179181429430222011-08-14T17:10:00.000-06:002011-08-14T17:10:53.663-06:00What Do You Want From Life?Well, ok - that sounds a little more "inspirational" than I expected. But it is a fundamental question.<br />
<br />
When we first decided to move to Costa Rica, we put together a plan for *how* to do it, but for my part, I purposely left the "what" part vague. I knew it would take a few years to figure out life here, and I wanted to give that a chance without being sidetracked by "things I said I gotta do."<br />
<br />
When you are first finding out how something works, even the negatives can be viewed as valuable learning experiences. Take the feria, for example. Your first trips are full of excitement - you see how to get there (follow the empty carts), you watch for cultural norms (everyone calls you "reina"), and you discover pricing and quality differences. You're exhausted because you meander and buy too much, but that is easy to ignore when you think of how to use these newly discovered foods. After a while, you know who to go to for the best broccoli, and you spend more time chit-chatting, and less time comparison shopping.<br />
<br />
But shortly after you become comfortable with something, it's no longer exciting. You know enough about how to do it that you aren't challenged. It can become boring, and even perhaps an irritating chore. If too many of your activities make that turn, your life is in trouble.<br />
<br />
Now, after several years, most of my daily life is in that "comfort zone." I've weeded out a few items that were heading towards the "irritating chore" category, but I find I'm searching for excitement, for a challenge, for a new purpose.<br />
<br />
<br />
In my search for "different," I don't want to lose sight of our original purpose - find a way to spend more time together. Secondarily, we wanted to give ourselves the opportunity to experience... whatever strikes us! To find out what else might interest us, and delve in! What I *have* discovered is that I enjoy so many things, and each new activity builds a skill. There are also aspects that are just plain hard and frustrating, but ultimately rewarding. I am finding out more about myself. One thing that I pretty much knew, but which was made obvious to me is that I very much enjoy engineering - the work, the problem-solving, the pure focus, the geek-jokes, and the community.<br />
<br />
I thought about working here in Costa Rica, and maybe that will be something in my future. But I know that if I did that, a lot of things would have to change. It would impact my life here, and not all for the better. When I pick up a painting from the framers, and it takes me an entire hour to do so, I have to wonder how in the world working Ticos survive! I see the long line of people waiting for the bus to work at 4:30 in the morning, and I don't even have to wonder for a second if I would want to do that (that would be "no!"). It simply takes a lot longer to do anything here. When you aren't working full-time, you can usually deal with that. So, if I did work here, it would have to be part-time. The intriguing aspect of working here would be that I would see a whole different side of the culture. I got a hint of that by taking classes, and it would be interesting to experience more. So, for now, I won't toss the idea completely aside.<br />
<br />
What I have decided to do is to keep Costa Rica as a home base, mix in some travel to explore more of the world, but take contracts for software engineering elsewhere. I think this will keep my Costa Rica life pleasant and relaxing, with plenty of time to explore the "other" life, and still provide the excitement and challenge (in manageable bursts) of work. No one can predict the future, but this is a plan I can enjoy following :-)Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-33816271137660843842011-08-13T22:55:00.000-06:002011-08-13T22:55:12.601-06:00Back to Painting :-)I finally finished a couple more paintings, and got them back from the framers - I've branched out to abstracts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqYApPuWepI/TkdU09ywJcI/AAAAAAAABco/-067hBGA1X8/s1600/abstract+4227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqYApPuWepI/TkdU09ywJcI/AAAAAAAABco/-067hBGA1X8/s320/abstract+4227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and non-tropical flowers<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFdiAbvahYk/TkdUybv1J-I/AAAAAAAABck/oldXRRMULqc/s1600/lupines+4241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFdiAbvahYk/TkdUybv1J-I/AAAAAAAABck/oldXRRMULqc/s320/lupines+4241.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-40616476103514870672011-08-13T22:33:00.000-06:002011-08-13T22:33:36.879-06:00Tango Lessons!We finally did it! After nearly 20 years of thinking about, wishing for, and putting off taking tango lessons together, we finally went! <br />
<br />
Last Tuesday evening, Rick and I learned the "basic 8" along with a little variation. Class was at the Alliance Française (French), in San José, Costa Rica (Tico Spanish), taught by Oscar Lopez Salaberry (Argentina). We did all right, and had fun! Even if we didn't have the right shoes...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKiLtkCi-Lw/TkdPObR4d0I/AAAAAAAABcE/sgiVl8PHPz8/s1600/DSCN4223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKiLtkCi-Lw/TkdPObR4d0I/AAAAAAAABcE/sgiVl8PHPz8/s320/DSCN4223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>To see what we danced like, click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vm4TYFzUH0&feature=related">here</a> :-)Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-88715901269815807762011-08-11T10:58:00.089-06:002011-08-13T23:38:50.928-06:00Art City TourSan Jose has an ART blow-out every couple of months, called the Art City Tour - on a Wednesday evening, from 5 to 9, museums and art galleries are open to the public (free entry!). In addition, the <a href="http://www.gamcultural.com/art-city-tour">GAM</a> puts together several routes that folks can follow. They organize tours by bus, by bicycles, or on foot, with helpful people on hand to answer questions and relieve anxiety :-).<br />
<br />
We kept missing these tours, until (yay!) this last one - we met some friends downtown, and we all trooped around gawking at art and museum exhibits. We signed up in advance for one of the bus tours - SIX stops in FOUR hours! It turned out that it is much looser than I expected - people were changing routes, bus-hopping, and generally playing everything by ear. The buses leave each venue every 10 minutes, and are easy to find. You can stay on the bus if you want to skip a gallery, and you can walk between different places, change the order, go to a museum that is not on your original route... It's a free-for-all! And a lot of fun! (and exhausting!)<br />
<br />
We ended up walking between a couple of places, then skipping a couple. We'll definitely go back for a longer look at the National Museum. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We saw a fun dance exhibit at the Alliance Française - especially interesting was the one man dancing with two women - one woman was blindfolded. It was a very interesting way to tell a story, as well as exciting to watch as a dance.<br />
<br />
As we walked between a few other venues, we overlapped the bike route - there were probably two dozen bicyclists, and they just took over Avenida 7. It reminded me a bit of the <a href="http://www.sfcriticalmass.org/">Critical Mass</a> rides in San Francisco.<br />
<br />
When we go again (and we will), here's what I would do:<br />
- still sign up for a bus route, but just not worry about sticking to it. I think signing up in advance helps the organizers, but it's not critical to follow it to the letter.<br />
- bring snacks (and not just candy) and water<br />
- expect to drop out here and there, and take a load off; "museum strolling" is hard on your feet and back! <br />
- don't worry about seeing *everything* in the museum; expect to return another time <br />
- leave behind any anxiety about following a plan, and just go with the flow!<br />
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-91681770662888363602011-08-08T12:38:00.000-06:002011-08-08T12:38:16.419-06:00Changes at the ClinicOne thing about living here, you come to expect changes. And sure enough, the procedures at the clinic (EBAIS) have changed again :-). <br />
<br />
I had gone to my clinic in May for my regular blood tests, and had been putting off going back to find out the results. Mainly, because I am (still) not a morning person, and any trip to the EBAIS means leaving the house by about 6 a.m. Honestly, who can even think that early in the day?!? Well, I made it this morning (sorta - I didn't actually leave the house until quarter after 6). I got there after the crowd had already gotten their numbers (they open the doors at 6:30), but they hadn't run out of spaces.<br />
<br />
About a year ago, they shut down a neighboring clinic, and so my clinic absorbed all those patients. They modified the procedures then to have two sets of numbers - when you first came into the clinic, you would grab a number (from the right stack), then wait for them to call it. Then you showed your carnet (like an insurance card) and ID, and got an assigned time for your appointment later in the morning. This was sometimes enough time to go back home, go get some breakfast, or just sit there and read or chat with your neighbors. When it was time for your appointment, the nurse would call your name, take down your information, take your weight, blood pressure, etc., then send you to the doctor. On your way out, you dropped off your records, got any prescription slips or follow-up appointments, and you were done!<br />
<br />
Now (don't ask me why), the procedures have changed again. You no longer get an appointment time - everyone gets "7:00 a.m." (even if your number comes up after 7). And, everyone first sees the nurse, then goes back out and waits for another call to see the doctor. The effect of this is (1) a lot of confusion (2) irritable clinic office workers and (3) missed reading opportunities (the latter is especially tragic!).<br />
<br />
My first hint of confusion was when people kept going back to the office window. Then, when it was my turn, I fully expected "the usual" - I would present my carnet, and get an appointment. But the clerk asked if I *had* an appointment for 7 a.m. I thought "huh? it's after 7, and I'm here to *get* an appointment!" And, of course, I had no clue what to actually say to her. Finally, people took pity on me - another patient explained, and another clerk made my appointment (for 7 - LOL). Everyone kept saying they would call me soon (and they did, but I suspect they were awfully tired of saying that to everyone). Several of the times that I was waiting to be called, I sat next to a lovely lady who was a retired English teacher. She said that *everyone* is confused by the new system. And proof came soon enough - she didn't hear her number called, and so missed her place in line, and had to get a new number, waiting even longer. There was not a single time while waiting that you could relax and simply wait without listening with great anxiety for either your number or your name.<br />
<br />
All told, people now "wait" 5 times:<br />
- wait in line for the door to open (the only time it is safe to read)<br />
- wait for your number to be called <br />
- wait for your name to be called to see the nurse<br />
- wait to see the doctor<br />
- wait to get your prescription slip or follow-up appointment<br />
<br />
Ultimately, I was done by 8 a.m., so I really don't know if this new system is faster per patient, or if I just got lucky. <br />
<br />
But the good news? All my test results are *great!*<br />
<br />
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-3028773470224875722011-08-01T19:29:00.000-06:002011-08-01T19:29:30.080-06:00Blackened Tilapia and Zucchini with Coconut Onion Garlic RiceRick had a nice idea for dinner tonight! I have a long-standing favorite recipe for Spiced Zucchini that I like for a side dish (especially good with an all-out baked chicken dinner), and I had mentioned that a friend had recently cooked blackened Tilapia. He put the two together, and said "how 'bout Blackened Tilapia with your zucchini spices?" <br />
<br />
And a star was born...<br />
<br />
<b>Spiced Zucchini<br />
</b>Slice (and optionally lightly salt) 3-4 zucchini – set aside<br />
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat<br />
Sprinkle over the hot oil (each should bubble slightly when added):<br />
- ground coriander / cumin<br />
- ground cloves<br />
- cinnamon<br />
- ginger<br />
- nutmeg<br />
Add the zucchini.<br />
Sprinkle with cayenne, stir to coat the zucchini with oil, and cover.<br />
Let the bottom zucchini brown, then turn. Cook until almost soft.<br />
Serve immediately.<br />
<br />
<b>Blackened Tilapia</b><br />
Follow the recipe for Spiced Zucchini above, but add one filet of Tilapia at the same time as the zucchini (I also reduced the amount of zucchini by 1/2).<br />
<br />
<b>Coconut Onion Garlic Rice</b><br />
- slice one large onion into half-moons<br />
- roughly chop 3 cloves of garlic<br />
- toss in a small pan with 2 Tablespoons of butter and cook on high, with the lid on (stirring occasionally) until the onion is transparent and a little browned.<br />
- turn down to medium/low heat and add 1 cup of leftover coconut rice<br />
- stir occasionally until warmed through<br />
<br />
<b>Coconut Rice</b><br />
In a covered pot, mix:<br />
- 1 part dry rice<br />
- 1 part coconut milk<br />
- 1 part water<br />
- 1 stick cinnamon<br />
- salt and oil to taste<br />
Bring to a boil, stir, then turn heat to almost off. Cook with the lid on for 20 minutes, then turn off heat. Stir before serving.<br />
<br />
The above combination made a very nice dinner for two :-)Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-65661796461449053792011-07-25T20:31:00.000-06:002011-07-25T20:31:37.366-06:00Mini-Tour of San JoséSometimes, you can go years knowing people electronically, and never meet them in person. Well, this morning, I met an e-friend in downtown San José - in person! She was on her way through town, so we met at one bus station, and ended at another. In between, we meandered around downtown, and ended up seeing a number of parks - and closed museums :-(. Holidays are usually fun in Costa Rica, but a drawback is that a lot of places are closed (and buses often run on a Sunday schedule). Today, Guanacaste Day, was a holiday. And a Monday. And San José was *quiet!*<br />
<br />
I was amazed at how much I had forgotten! What was the history of the metal school? Who is that and what represents which country on the national monument? sigh. Fortunately, detailed information is available with a click of the mouse.<br />
<br />
I've been having fun with Google maps lately, so you can see where we walked :-)<br />
<br />
<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=201551500116611878385.0004a8ef0607a7279a4ba&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=16&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=201551500116611878385.0004a8ef0607a7279a4ba&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=16&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Mini-Park-Tour San Jose Costa Rica</a> in a larger map</small>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-72520298071913346352011-07-16T20:49:00.000-06:002011-07-16T20:49:13.573-06:00Home Cookin'Unbelievable! We've been home from <a href="http://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/search/label/France">France</a> for 4 weeks, and we finally went out to lunch! I don't think I've had so many meals in a row at home in... well, ever!<br />
<br />
I think part of it is that we were on the road so much for so long - four weeks of travel, and I only cooked twice. We were constantly on the move (for us, that is - I know plenty of folks who stay one short night in each place and move on early). When we finally got home, we sort of dug in :-).<br />
<br />
Another part is that it is rainy season, perfect bundle-up-and-stay-at-home weather.<br />
<br />
The other part is that I don't have very much pulling me away from home. I don't have French or Spanish class this session, and I work from home. I did go for art day (yay!), but that doesn't involve restaurants at all. My only reason I absolutely have for leaving the house is to get groceries. <br />
<br />
Time to get back into my walking routine - go out for a walk, then decide where to go :-D.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-19125113833305361572011-07-04T17:02:00.000-06:002018-04-14T08:49:51.359-06:00Strawberry Chicken<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Strawberry Chicken and Green Beans<br />
<br />
In a medium-high hot pan, add<br />
oil<br />
minced garlic<br />
minced ginger<br />
Stir and cook a few seconds, then add<br />
cubed chicken breast<br />
Let brown, then<br />
Stir in chopped grean beans, cover and cook till done, ~10 minutes<br />
Deglaze with white wine and orange juice<br />
Add chopped strawberries<br />
Warm through, then serve over rice with soy sauce<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<ol>
</ol>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-47247723027045177412011-06-27T12:40:00.000-06:002011-06-27T12:40:30.291-06:00Creamy Orange TilapiaI felt a little inspired by my <a href="http://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/search/label/France">trip to France</a>, and really missed being able to cook!<br />
<br />
<b>Creamy Orange Tilapia</b><br />
<br />
In a pan (with a lid), cook a few minutes on high heat, stirring occasionally:<br />
- soy oil<br />
- butter<br />
- one onion, chopped<br />
- one zucchini, chopped<br />
- ginger<br />
- basil<br />
- cayenne pepper<br />
- nutmeg<br />
<br />
When onions are transparent, reduce heat and add<br />
- one filet of Tilapia<br />
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Marmalade<br />
<br />
Cook approximately 7 minutes, flipping Tilapia part way through.<br />
<br />
Stir in 1-2 Tablespoons heavy cream, and serve over rice.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-89410950968360287582011-06-22T12:11:00.002-06:002011-06-27T04:36:54.737-06:00'Cause That's My BagI had been using an old "swag" bag more and more here. The bag was the perfect size and weight for all sorts of things: it fit my school books, I could easily add some shopping to the end of my day, it was a great over-night bag, and it even fit my art supplies without crumpling them! But, it wasn't the prettiest thing :-) and one of the straps was safety-pinned on.<br />
<br />
So, I decided the time had come to replace it. I got a half meter of heavy drape material at Yamuni, and started sewing. I ended up adding a few frills - now I just have to get used to the idea that I can abuse this bag too, even though it is quite a bit prettier :-D.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPz3btoc7HY/TeE8nusqjVI/AAAAAAAAAu4/lPp2wZTFxzw/s1600/DSCN3310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPz3btoc7HY/TeE8nusqjVI/AAAAAAAAAu4/lPp2wZTFxzw/s400/DSCN3310.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>This version has a button-down flap (adjustable to a second button you can't see at the top), an umbrella-holder on the right side (also handy for other items I want to keep separate and easy to access), two inside pockets, and adjustable straps with quick-release clips. I used nearly every bit of the 1/2 meter of cloth.<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<ol><li>Straighten and fold the material, making the fold become the bottom of the bag. </li>
<ol><li>cut the main bag piece 24" long x 17 3/4" wide.</li>
<li>cut 2 straps 4" x 32"</li>
<li>cut 1 flap 5" x 10 1/2"</li>
<li>cut 1 pocket 5" x 10 1/2"</li>
</ol><li>Overcast all edges</li>
<li>Sew the sides of the bag, leaving gaps for the umbrella-holder: </li>
<ol><li>5 inches from the top, stitch around a sturdy elastic hairband</li>
<li>5 inches below that, stitch around 2 gaps, leaving space for a long shoelace</li>
<li>Note: use a satin stitch around the gaps for strength</li>
</ol><li>Form the bottom of the bag: fold the bottom of the side seam into a triangle, so that the end of the seam forms the tip. Each side is 2 3/4" - Stitch perpendicular* to the side-seam. Repeat on the other side.</li>
<li>Sew the straps: </li>
<ol><li>fold one long edge 1/2 inch and stitch</li>
<li>add batting if desired, but only to the center section of the strap (not the ends, since this will make them too thick)</li>
<li>fold the other long edge to abut the first edge and stitch</li>
<li>fold the long edges together and stitch </li>
</ol><li>Form the top of the bag and attach straps: </li>
<ol><li>place the straps 5 inches in from the sides </li>
<li>fold the top edge of the bag under and stitch, securing the straps in place*</li>
<li>fold the top edge of the bag 1 inch and stitch</li>
<li>topstitch along the top edge, again including the straps</li>
<li>stitch an "X" at each strap to further secure it to the top of the bag</li>
</ol><li>Add the pockets</li>
<ol><li>fold under all edges of the pocket material and stitch.</li>
<li>determine where you want them - I put mine at the top edge, mostly along the back of the bag, but also opposite the umbrella holder, straddling the side seam a bit. I wanted easy access for my phone and change purse, and that is the side that will be handiest for me.</li>
<li>topstitch pocket to the bag around 3 sides (leaving top open, of course). </li>
<li>stitch a separator up the middle to form two pockets - you can vary the size</li>
</ol><li>Add the flap</li>
<ol><li>fold under all edges of the flap material and stitch - at one end, form a clipped-triangle</li>
<li>make a button hole at the triangle end</li>
<li>center the other end of the flap at the top of the bag (this is now the "back" of the bag) and stitch</li>
<li>sew one button at the fully-closed position, and another at the top of the bag (for when the bag is very full)</li>
</ol><li>Add the clips to the straps (this is why you don't want batting at the ends - the straps will be too thick to fit through the clips)</li>
<ol><li>determine where you want your clips, and cut the straps</li>
<li>overcast each end</li>
<li>pull the strap through the non-adjustable end of the clip and stitch</li>
<li>pull the other end of the strap through the adjustable end of the clip</li>
</ol></ol>* Caution - this is a tricky step, so double-check your placement and orientation before stitchingJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-51365404602303588272011-06-10T18:16:00.007-06:002011-06-10T18:16:00.552-06:00USA Embassy to National Theatre by BusI've had a "bus" request! Someone asked me how to get from the USA Embassy to the National Theatre (and environs), so... here goes!<br />
<br />
Across the street from the Embassy, catch the Pavas bus towards downtown San José. Get off on Paseo Colón at the first opportunity. Catch either: <br />
- the Sabana Cementerio (Ruta 1) bus and take it all the way to the Caja, or<br />
- the Sabana Estadio bus and take it to the terminus at the Banco Popular (one block West of the Caja).<br />
Either way, you will be across Avenida 2 (South) from the National Theatre.<br />
<br />
If you miss the Paseo Colón stop, and end up at the terminus of the Pavas bus, then simply walk South a block or two to the Paseo Colón and catch the next Sabana bus there. You will be in front of the San Juan de Dios hospital.<br />
<br />
Once you are near the National Theatre, you can walk South 3 or 4 blocks to the Super Sony (Asian food store). A block or two on your way, you will pass Casa Alfi on the right.<br />
<br />
You can also go West from the National Theatre along the pedestrian walkway to Lehmann's, Universal, and a wide variety of shops and street vendors. There are quite a few places to buy sewing material on the West end of the pedestrian walkway.<br />
<br />
If you go East from the National Theatre about 3 blocks, you will see the terminus for the San Pedro buses. North from here is the Parque España, Morazan, and CENAC, as well as the Alliance Français (behind the Holiday Inn). On the street beside the Holiday Inn is Mora's used books.<br />
<br />
To return to the Embassy, catch the Sabana Estadio from the Banco Popular. Get off at Parque La Sabana, in front of the ICE office, and switch to the Pavas bus. Make sure to ask the driver if it is in fact going to the USA Embassy (remember, there are a ton of embassies in San José, so make sure you ask for the *USA* embassy :-) ).Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-25787359136043525522011-05-30T21:27:00.000-06:002011-05-30T21:27:30.075-06:00Costa Rica Census!We've been counted!<br />
<br />
The 2011 Census started this week in Costa Rica - it will be going on all week. We had a lovely young woman come to our place and ask us all sorts of questions :-)<br />
<br />
Years from now, people will be able to look us up and see what sort of house we lived in, what our education was, and what we did for work. An interesting thing (to me) is that there was no question about nationality. Yes, we said where we were born, but there is no way (from this questionnaire) for people to determine whether someone is a citizen, a resident, or a tourist.<br />
<br />
It was an interesting experience; I hadn't participated in a one-on-one census before, not even in the states. It feels a little odd somehow.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-17817085608363807472011-05-30T20:22:00.000-06:002011-05-30T20:22:21.733-06:00Hail!We had HAIL this afternoon! In a tropical paradise! In May! What else is there to say, but "weird"...Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-70752491193900834052011-05-15T22:18:00.000-06:002011-05-15T22:18:45.499-06:00My Just-Sew StoryI've decided to get back into sewing a bit - I have my sewing machine here after all! I used to do quite a bit, including prom dresses, and my wedding dress. But all that was in the states, where the art of sewing is managed a bit differently. There, you walk into a store armed with your measurements and some idea of what you want to make. You pour over the pattern catalogs, collect your chosen pattern from the many drawers full, and read the "ingredients" list. Then you browse for the perfect material, and swing by the notions section for matching thread, zippers, lace, and all the trimmings. You take your pile to the counter, they measure out the amount of material stated on your pattern, give you a smidgen extra (although I saw less and less of this as time went on), and you're on your way!<br />
<br />
Here, just to get off to a good start, there are no patterns. Already you know it's going to be tough. So, you start with some piece of clothing you have, but would like to change somewhat. I chose a pair of shorts - I wear these almost constantly at home, and they're wearing out here and there. I decided to make a pattern from the "sample" so I would have it for another time - I also think it is easier to modify and double-check measurements with a paper pattern. I found that the paper the grocery store uses to wrap glass wine bottles works pretty well - especially if you've just opened that bottle, and have a glass of it handy. I drew out my pattern, but forgot a seam allowance. I discovered this in time, and so was able to tape an extension on :-). I also discovered that I did *not* in fact have my french curve with me. So I just winged it.<br />
<br />
Next, I needed material! I went to my neighborhood Yamuni - a department store that has a nice selection of material. They had a large selection of curtain/drape material, some fleece and toweling, some suiting, and some basic blends. It is very difficult to find cotton or silk, and wool is just not to be dreamt of. Not that I *want* wool in the tropics, but these are things you need to be aware of. Since I have no handy-dandy pattern telling me how much material to get, I'm back to winging it - I get a meter. Turns out it was on sale, so that it cost me all of $1.25...<br />
<br />
However! Yamuni has no notions! Here in Costa Rica, they have a type of store called a "pasamanería" - *this* is where you go for all your sewing notions! Not knowing (yet!) where one of these is, and knowing that I have some basic notions in my kit, I feel like I'm in good shape. Can you say "famous last words?" <br />
<br />
I got my material washed and straightened, lined up and cut out. Remember those nice instructions included in a pattern? Sew this part first, line up these notches, start in the center, etc. Hah! Fortunately, I remembered a lot. I sewed a few seams, then pinned up the sides, and tried on my pseudo-shorts. Looked good, but I want to adjust a thing or two. In the end, they do the job, but there is an entire list of "oopses:"<br />
- I wanted to use the selvage, but after adjusting the seam allowance, the selvage shows.<br />
- When I clipped the excess material from the inseam, I snagged the leg. Sigh. Now it's patched and zigzagged; doesn't show :-) but I know it's there.<br />
- I added enough to the pockets to account for the waist, but not enough for the stitching - Pockets are now definitely just for looks, since my hand won't quite fit.<br />
- I was careful to keep the embellishment on one side from flipping, but the other side... bent.<br />
- When I measured the sample, the back curved up at the waist. When I put the new shorts together, it didn't really work that way. An easy adjustment to make :-)<br />
- At the leg, the two halves *almost* line up at the hem. Also easy to fix.<br />
- I knew I didn't have enough blue thread for the whole project, so I went with the white thread I had. I got to the final hem, and ran out! Fortunately, I had enough bobbin thread, and I could work it so that it was what showed :-)<br />
<br />
Not bad for a prototype...Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-45351657291427791472011-05-06T22:53:00.000-06:002011-05-06T22:53:55.673-06:00Law of the TitansI had an interesting conversation today about the laws (specifically immigration laws) of Costa Rica. I had noticed that the most recent immigration law, effective March 1, 2010, was <a href="http://www.gaceta.go.cr/pub/2009/09/01/COMP_01_09_2009.html#_Toc239487153">published </a>and available to read, and it didn't contain a lot of the rules that the previous law had (e.g., a rentista resident under the old law must spend at least 122 days out of each residency year in Costa Rica in order to maintain this type of residency. But the new law says nothing about a time-in-country requirement.) So, I asked if the new law superseded the old law completely, or if it was additive. It turns out that the answer is not simple!<br />
<br />
Costa Rica has three levels of "law" - first, the law is written, passed, and published. Then, the "regulations" are written and published. Then, various "clarifications" are written, but not published (that is, not necessarily available to the public, but issued as a type of memo to the officials involved in enforcing the law and regulations). <br />
<br />
However, if the regulations are never published, then the old regulations (governed by the old law) are still in force! In the case of immigration, the last *several* laws had *no* regulations published! This means that the regulations in use are OLD - several version of law changes old! So, to be safe, even though the new (1 year old) immigration law says nothing about a time-in-country requirement, you must still plan on spending 122 days each year in Costa Rica if you are a rentista resident.<br />
<br />
This set of rules also governs what is commonly known as the "perpetual tourist" - someone who lives in Costa Rica on a tourist visa. This PT must renew his visa by leaving and re-entering Costa Rica. If this person is a citizen of the USA, the visa is usually for 90 days, but this is entirely up to the border official, who may give less than this. In this case, there is no law against living in Costa Rica as a tourist, and the immigration regulations don't address this. However, there may well be "clarifications" in the form of memos from the director of immigration to the border officials that we simply do not know about. These are the documents that set the tone of the law, and determine what the border official is likely to do.<br />
<br />
Keeping up with this would be a nightmare, and I don't envy those who must.<br />
<br />
Note: don't use this as any sort of legal defense - I might easily have misunderstood something important. Just be aware that it is not as simple and straight-forward as one would think!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-64941158598766228442011-05-04T08:00:00.001-06:002011-05-04T08:00:08.020-06:00Pineapple DrinkThere I was, cutting up a pineapple (nice and ripe!), when my housekeeper said "don't you use the shell?"<br />
<br />
After a few moments of confusion, I finally understood that she was telling me how to make a drink from all that stuff I normally throw away! <br />
<br />
<b>Piña con Arroz</b><br />
<br />
Boil in a pot, for approximately 1/2 hour:<br />
<ul><li>approximately 1 liter water</li>
<li>one handful uncooked rice</li>
<li>one stick of cinnamon </li>
<li>all the shell, core, seeds and plugs from one large pineapple (piña)</li>
</ul> Using tongs, fish out the cinnamon and pieces of pineapple skin and throw them away. Put the rest in a blender and liquify - some of the core will simply never get chopped up. Add milk if you prefer. For a stronger cinnamon flavor, leave in the cinnamon stick when blending. Pour through a strainer and cool the liquid. Makes about 1 1/2 liters.<br />
Sweeten to taste. <br />
I added some mora juice, because I like the mixture of the two flavors.<br />
<br />
The pineapple itself is excellent eaten as is. Or you can chop it up and freeze it for later. Fresh or frozen, it's good cooked in stir-fries, curries, sprinkled over salads, or used as part of a glaze for roasts (especially good with pork or chicken). Note: if your pineapple is ripe enough, you can eat the core right along with the flesh, but this reduces what is available to put in your drink. Either way, enjoy!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-11530133109256459962011-05-02T15:02:00.000-06:002011-05-02T15:02:00.382-06:00Routine without RutsI had a nice little routine going here - some structure, but not so rigid that it was suffocating. But then visitor season hit, followed by major holidays, and some serious and multiple changes to my class schedule (I have to blame something, right?). I found myself a bit rudderless, and didn't really realize what was happening. Then I suddenly saw! And remembered how important it is to have purpose and structure in life. So, I made a little schedule, and a few rules. <br />
<br />
The number one rule is: every day, say "where will I walk today?" instead of "do I have to go out for something?" <br />
<br />
Supporting rules include basics like get up by 7:00, have a real breakfast, no more than 2 cups of coffee (that one is tough, and may very well go by the wayside), and get ready for bed by 10:00 (but actual sleep time will take care of itself).<br />
<br />
Today was the first day of tryouts :-). Rick and I walked to Guadalupe, mainly for the walk, but also to stock up on meat at the butcher. I hadn't been there in a very long time, and never any day but Saturday. Saturday is feria day in Guadalupe, and so I used to combine that with a number of other chores - as did many other folks. And the butcher was **busy!** But on a Monday? Not so much! :-D<br />
<br />
Once I started to think about what I could do when I go out, instead of how to accomplish everything efficiently, life got a bit nicer. No more groaning about having to go out to do a bunch of chores, no more over-stuffed shopping cart, no more saying "where did the day go?"Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-41287595472720282302011-04-24T23:04:00.000-06:002011-04-24T23:04:16.816-06:00Ghost Town Stay-cationWho wouldn't like a stay-cation when you live in Costa Rica? That's what we decided to do this week, Semana Santa, probably the biggest beach-travel week in the country. We spent Monday and Tuesday stocking up, taking care of errands and chores around town. Wednesday, I was all set to enjoy the day at home, when I saw the news report - Thursday and Friday, by law, are *DRY!* That is, absolutely *no* alcohol can be sold on those two days. Having never personally dealt with blue laws (only even heard about them well into adulthood), and often relied on 24-hour supermarkets for "oops we're out, gotta make a beer run" emergencies, this was a bit new. Lickety-split, I took the cart down to the store and piled in the spirits - 'cause, you know, if a day is supposed to be dry, well, ya just gotta drink, right? (I exaggerate just a bit)<br />
<br />
But we did while away the weekend in our cave, and it was lovely :-)Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-65893723309682999932011-04-14T17:44:00.000-06:002011-04-14T17:44:46.215-06:00What a Week!What a week (to miss out on)! Yes, I'm going to whine...<br />
<br />
I was <a href="http://julieandrickincostarica.blogspot.com/2011/04/phew-not-dengue.html">not up to snuff</a> this week, and missed out on a *lot!*<br />
<b>Saturday</b>: dragged through <a href="http://afsj.net/">class</a>, hopefully absorbed something, but I was certainly not a stellar student.<br />
<b>Sunday</b>: no visiting with friends.<br />
<b>Monday</b>: missed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Santamar%C3%ADa">Juan Santamaría</a> Day in Alajuela; parade, festivities, museum events.<br />
<b>Tuesday</b>: chores at home, but did not experiment as planned with a hoped-for butcher delivery.<br />
<b>Wednesday</b>: missed afternoon festivities at UCR, but at least we walked through it on our way to the clinic; *REALLY* missed the <a href="http://www.gamcultural.cultura.cr/art-city-tour">Art City Tour</a>! Had planned to meet friends and make a real night of it. Back-up plan was to go to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alliance-Fran%C3%A7aise-San-Jos%C3%A9/51057678348">Alliance Française for a Milonga</a>. Too tired for even that.<br />
<b>Thursday</b>: no painting workshop with friends. At least I can hear some of the music wafting over from UCR while I rest up in my recliner.<br />
<b>Friday</b>: <a href="http://www.ucr.ac.cr/mapas/simple/sede_central/">Semana U</a> will still be going on at UCR. Maybe...Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-57571709925536624482011-04-13T18:57:00.000-06:002011-04-13T18:57:41.822-06:00Phew! Not Dengue!I do not have Dengue!<br />
<br />
We had a little scare here this last week - I got sick on Thursday, and by Saturday morning, I had all the classic symptoms of <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002350/">Dengue Fever</a>. Fortunately, ALL in miniature, so not a whole lot of pain or life-derangement :-). I felt well enough to go to class Saturday, although I was not really with it (but no tests, so lucky me!).<br />
<br />
By Monday, we had decided that I'd better see a doctor to find out if it really was Dengue. We had read that not everyone has the severe symptoms, so even though mine were minimal and very short, it was still possible. The most important reason to know for sure whether or not I had it, is that the second time someone is exposed to the virus, it can be life-threatening. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002349/">Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever</a> is a high risk when someone has the dengue antibodies from a previous bout. <br />
<br />
Well, it turns out that the EBAIS is closed on national holidays* (imagine that!), and Monday was Juan SantaMaria Day. We made our trek to the clinic, not really expecting it to be open, but we didn't know for sure (now we do!). We couldn't go Tuesday, so that left today. By the way, each trip to the EBAIS means getting in line somewhere around 6:00 a.m., getting an appointment for later that morning, perhaps returning for tests, etc. Basically, you get up too darned early, and your day is shot. But, you get pretty much everything taken care of all in one day. Today was only slightly different, because dengue is a public health issue, and so the blood test for it is "urgent." So, after my morning doctor's appointment, we went to the urgent laboratory at UCR, got blood drawn, then went to the cafeteria there for brunch. We returned to the clinic for the results. We had a little language mix-up**, and so were two hours late :-| but they fit us in! And... NO DENGUE! Turned out it was a bigger relief than I anticipated! I'll still worry a bit about mosquito bites, but if the bugger is carrying dengue, at least I am back at square one in that progression. Square one is a *good* thing sometimes!<br />
<br />
<br />
* In case you didn't know, next week is Semana Santa, and Thursday and Friday are national holidays too.<br />
<br />
** language mix-ups are no fun! And here's an easy one: 12:30 sounds like "dosayeemedia" and 2:30 sounds like "doseemedia" - say that fast and see what happens... The fix is this - write down the numbers and confirm those with the person giving you the appointment. It's a bit harder to *remember* to do this...Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-60480329421761327642011-04-12T21:54:00.000-06:002011-04-12T21:54:08.936-06:00Glazed Ginger Carrots<b>Glazed Ginger Carrots</b><br />
<br />
In a small amount of water, cook to desired texture (I like al dente)<br />
- 2 sliced and peeled carrots<br />
<br />
Drain off the water, and add:<br />
- 2 TBS butter<br />
- 1 TBS brown sugar<br />
- 2 TBS dried cranberries (available at most AutoMercados)<br />
- 2 TBS chopped candied ginger (available at Super Sony in San José)<br />
- a *very* slight sprinkling of cayenne pepper and cinnamon<br />
<br />
Cook an additional minute or two over medium heat, then serve.<br />
<br />
Excellent with baked pork loin or chicken.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198436961592644529.post-84327423794270901272011-04-05T07:26:00.010-06:002011-04-05T07:26:00.545-06:00Norman in ActionLunch at Jalapeño's in Alajuela is always a treat! Not only do we get great food, but watching Norman and his crew in action is fun (and informative!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YV05y62xT4A/TZn_-WGDzII/AAAAAAAAAuk/2pOlLbh9rdI/s1600/jalapenos+3269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YV05y62xT4A/TZn_-WGDzII/AAAAAAAAAuk/2pOlLbh9rdI/s320/jalapenos+3269.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ObXY0b1ppw/TZn_8BLADdI/AAAAAAAAAug/FwVklasjkkc/s1600/jalapenos+3267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ObXY0b1ppw/TZn_8BLADdI/AAAAAAAAAug/FwVklasjkkc/s320/jalapenos+3267.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
------ where is it? -------<br />
From the North-East corner of the Cathedral, go North 1 1/2 blocks. It's on the right.<br />
or<br />
Go 1/2 block South from the post office.<br />
<br />
Note that all streets inside the Calle Ancha in centro Alajula are one-way streets. This one goes North. Of course, if you're walking, that doesn't really matter :-)<br />
<br />
Sometimes a map helps: <a href="http://goodlightbooks.com/alajuela/map.html">http://goodlightbooks.com/alajuela/map.html</a>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207338195566102772noreply@blogger.com5