Blogs from Costa Rica, Central America Caribbean - page 447

"I don't like spiders and snakes but that ain't what it takes to love me....like I want to be loved by you." From the song, Spiders and Snakes by Jim Stafford Yes, we live near the jungle so creepy crawlies are to be expected. I get it but that doesn't mean I have to like them. After our visit to Mundo de Serpientes earlier in the year (see previous blog)I have a healthy respect for snakes. I'm no longer afraid of them. Spiders, tarantulas and the like are a different story. I've yet to find a book about these creatures so my fear lives on. I'm a firm believer that knowledge is power. If I knew whether these things could hurt me or not (maybe)I wouldn't have such strong disdain for them. It's not uncommon in ... read more

'You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy!' Time to change that. The vacation is over. Fun times now yield to longterm consideration. The blog is wide open to readers that may, or may not, appreciate my humor. Yes humor. Opinions and comments expressed do NOT nescessarily reflect those of management! In other words, I, Jake Snow, realize, that people will form an opinion of ME, by what I write. So, I have 'retracted' previous entries, and APOLOGIZE for ANY negative conotations implied. This may be too little, too late. Damage (opinions formed), already done? Cannot change that. Life goes on. Update in the blog will change. I am getting 'back into' my photography... even if it is with a small digital camera. As ... read more

Everyone has a different definition of Paradise. The following definitions are courtesy of Dictionary.com par‧a‧dise  ˈpær əˌdaɪs, -ˌdaɪz - Show Spelled Pronunciation 1. heaven, as the final abode of the righteous. 2. an intermediate place for the departed souls of the righteous awaiting resurrection. 3. (often initial capital letter ) Eden (def. 1). 4. a place of extreme beauty, delight, or happiness. 5. a state of supreme happiness; bliss. People often ask why we moved here or what we like most about being here. From the first time we visited Costa Rica, I was convinced that it was closer to heaven than anywhere else on earth. Sure other places are beautiful but do they capture your heart and soul as Costa Rica does? Just ask anyone who returns from their first trip here. On our flight ... read more

Short on Arenal and Tabacon: the pics say it all! I am getting my 'hot water massage therapy' 2 time a day for 2 days. Korina, I have met your match! They still offer full spa treatments here, for $$$$$...too much! Go to this URL for more on the hotel I stayed at: www.tabacon.com/ see all the pics.....I couldn't get me in the water...Da... WiFi in reception here, costs $15 for 24 hour access to net.. This is a 5 star hotel, and they know it! Gully washers off and on both days! Still nice and cool. Hotel is at 2000 ft above sea level. The volcano is @11,000. ... read more

The first stop on my 9 month Latin America journey was Costa Rica to visit my old high-school friend Pat Hogan who has been living and teaching English in the capital - San Jose - over the past year. Pat is a cool guy, but very mysterious too. And he has some of the most gargantuan ankles you have ever seen! I know that Pat would not mind me saying so. In fact, I think he’s even a bit proud of his ankles. As soon as I arrived we measured them and confirmed they had put on some additional girth since I last saw him over two years ago. Mysterious, with big ankles - that is Pat. Pat had to teach some English classes on my first day in San Jose, so I occupied myself with ... read more