Few places in La Mariscal, the center for Quito’s gringos, draw me in as does Uncle Ho’s. It goes beyond the food or the cocktails, rather it comes down to the personality behind the bar. Meet Kevin Sheehy: a five foot ten Irishman with a distinctive braided goatee dangling down below his chin who can be found most nights serving up martinis, cracking jokes with the local clientele, and checking the baseball play-by-plays on his laptop. Popular with Quito’s English teacher crowd and local gringo business owner alike, Ho’s intimate bar provides a great place to catch the game and have a chat. Kev’s a typical Irishman with a riotous sense of humor; he quickly friendlies up to anyone Read more
Music and Wine. San Jose’s Bustling Nightlife
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, a modern city, center of all political and commercial activity in Costa Rica. The city is painted with culture, art and architecture. However there is something else that makes this city special. At night, its people come to life and spend their time dancing or enjoying a drink with friends at one of its many lively venues.
The Jazz Cafe offers quite an experience. There are live shows every night featuring national and several international musicians. The food is great and the display of various sculptures and art pieces by local artist gives this place a wonderful ambiance. There are now two venues, the original one sits over 200 Read more
Typical Casado or Yummy Lobster?
Where should I eat in Costa Rica? The simple answer is go where the locals go. In any country a restaurant’s mark of excellence is how busy they are. You will probably find that there are an incredible array of options when it comes to food: European, Mediterranean, Asian, American, and local. How can you choose? Here are two local favorites that are sure to impress:
Restaurant Las Delicias del Maiz is famous for their delicious corn dishes and pork BBQ. They are located in La Garita de Alajuela on the road to Jaco beach. This open air log cabin is decorated by typical Costa Rican ox carts, and wood sculptures. The atmosphere is relaxed and the Read more
Casa Del Sol, A meditative hop from Montanita
The first time I came to know the hotel Casa Del Sol was in Whitney’s yoga class. Back then—about ten months ago—the hotel was being revived after the California surfer who’d opened the hotel in the mid-90′s, had drifted off. The hotel was coming alive again with the daily yoga classes and constant work being done to prepare the hotel for the upcoming season. Imagine drifting into an Asana in the open aired studio with the crash of waves as a meditative guide. Sounds like someplace you’d like to stay, right?
Flash to the Reef Latin Pro Championship of Surf this last January and the beach bar is full of competitors and and guests from the beach front hotel Read more
Monteverde Mountain Getaway or Cocktails by the Pool?
The options on where to stay in Costa Rica are nearly endless. You can stay in a bed and breakfast in the capital close to the museums, theatres and historic district. You could also stay in a quiet hotel in the mountains or a luxurious all-inclusive resort by the beach. Everyone can find what they are looking for in Costa Rica!
The town of Monteverde is home to the famous cloud forest. The downtown area has a lovely down-to-earth, laid back atmosphere. So does the Hotel Fonda Vela located a few kilometers outside of downtown Monteverde. From its luxurious rooms with large windows you can enjoy the magnificent view of the lush cloud forest and also the rest of Read more
Cambridge CELTA Course in Montanita
Want to stay active while in Ecuador? Why not teach English and get paid? Cambridge institute, the worlds most esteemed teacher training program, through Southern Cross teacher training centers has just opened up a new campus on the outskirts of Montanita, in the haven known as Kamala. Here Cambridge has teemed up with dive center to provide teachers in training with an all inclusive 5 week package including instruction, in-class, assessed teaching time. Also included for the price is room and board–your private bungalow by the beach and Ecuadorian style home cooked meals poolside.
Important for anybody looking to gain their CELTA qualification is not just the certificate, but the
A Night Out at Tomate y Amor
Tomate y Amor, which means Tomato and Love, is the new gem in Panama’s culinary offer. We can definitely say that the chef and owner Zena Sabagh infused love in this restaurant.
Their staff is very attentive and professional. From the moment we drove in, a friendly valet greeted us. Then when we walked in, two waiters guided us to our table, making sure we see the small steps they have in the entrance.
The place is beautiful, from the art to the glassed kitchen where you can see the wood-fired grill. The music’s volume was perfect where we could enjoy it and also talk.
Their International Read more
Dinner and a Show at Las Tinajas
Las Tinajas (named after a clay pot used to keep drinking water fresh) is an authentic Panamanian restaurant in a charming old colonial house and has a menu of food based on traditional Panamanian recipes.
The menu features a series of appetizers that are unique to the area. Ceviche de Corvina, tropical white fish marinated in tangy lemon mixture, is on the top of the list. The assorted seafood plate is made up of squid, clams, shrimp, and fish is a great option for two people. Another favorite is La Carimonola, a yucca croquette filled with a seasoned mixture of meats.
A variety of their main dishes are also great, but there are two general favorites. The Plato Tipico is Read more

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