I am extremely grateful for the last year that I have spent retired in Nosara Costa Rica so I thought that the day after Thanksgiving would be an appropriate occasion to reflect and give thanks to some of the people in my life. Even though the Ticos don’t celebrate this US Holiday Tradition, Josh and Marcia “Super Gringos” had their 2nd Annual Fenix Fried Turkey Extravaganza – and it was DELISH. I do believe we hold the record as the only people EVER to Fry a Turkey in Costa Rica and we shared it with all our British Friends from Surf Simply School – so it was an appropriate Gringo Feast.
In my last blog about the El Fenix Demise, I introduced the (Marcia’s Personal Favorite Promotional Attempt) category – which we are now going to change to UNSOLICITED PROMOTIONAL ATTEMPT TO GET FREE STUFF! Don’t be fooled by the category’s obviously selfish tone, this is the 2nd highest award that the Coconut Telegraph can bestow falling just below my own SHAMELESS PERSONAL SELF PROMOTION ATTEMPTS. This description means that Marcia is not getting paid for the extremely valuable promotional plug to my international audience BUT should you people be intelligent enough to give me free merchandise, food or a job for the extremely valuable promotional nod….. then you are light years beyond your time and I commend and graciously accept your offer.
DISCLAIMER*********** I want to get serious for one minute (only 1) I sincerely and completely appreciate the following list of people and businesses for being a positive influence on the El Fenix Crew and my personal experience in Nosara over the last year. I did not mention everyone, not even close, and more than likely I’ll make more people mad by posting my thank you s than anything else (BUT that is also sort of the point, too.. mwah mwah.) Let’s take a deep breath together and see how it goes *******************DISCLAIMER OVER
First on the list and number one for a reason, Surfing Nosara is our first (UNSOLICITED PROMOTIONAL ATTEMPT TO GET FREE STUFF) on the list – (Although honestly, they’ve given us so much.) They are just a bunch of Good Ol’ Boys from the South East US and were by far some of the biggest supporters of EL Fenix Restaurant. As an SEO Marketing Goddess myself– I can appreciate some good website key words and right now as I say SURFING NOSARA on the blog, I have instantly jumped at least one ranking on Google…So let’s say it again shall we…???? SURFING NOSARA… haha, fun huh? Erik, Andrew, Rich, Ryan, James, and we miss you Brandon (and want some of that soon to be famous Craft Beer from Costa Rica)… I thank you all from the bottom of my heart (which is now 5 sizes too small. – Grinch Reference….)
RYAN GORMAN gets a special thanks for the article he wrote on El Fenix as a business spotlight feature -The video he made brought a misty tear to my eye and at the end…our new slogan was born – PURA VIDA Y’ALL! Yup, there is the truth, we straight jacked this slogan from Ryan (Thank you)
When it came time for the Surfing Nosara Foundation to hold their first ever Hot Dog A Thon Fundraiser – who do you think raised the most money….????? El Fenix of course – we also won best Costume…wait until this year’s wardrobe – and I would like to thank Sarah, for your support as well.
James Reese is also sectioned out with a special notice because he is an awesome photographer and friend, and you always try to stay on the good side of someone who can make you look good or bad in a photo. (Marcia Life Lesson #1). James is on my top 3 list of favorite photogs so check out his stuff on their website and face book page.
Tropicana Discoteque and Estancia Nosara Private Club - Gully and Susana are two exceptional women who have supported me and El Fenix since the day we arrived. I think we might have missed a total of 4 Saturday Nights at the Tropicana and I will tell you – I HATE missing any night at Tropi. DJ Pena is the ultimate Dance Master and always plays me some much needed Gringo Musica when yo pregunto. (Gracias Pena) These two ladies are also fans of my special DIVA burrito and my Strawberry Banana Pancakes – so you know they have class. I ROCKED the Krel Wear Fashion Show that took place at Estancia Nosara last year, (Gully and Susana’s Private Club in Nosara) and it was one of the best time’s I’ve had here yet. Thanks also to Nina Arias-LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU for organizing the show which she was intelligent enough to have me STAR in again this year (who’s cover girl this year SASHA???). Look out – December 17th is the date of the 2nd Annual Nosara Fashion show and there are even rumors of a Fashion Week???? Shhhhh…. I look forward to dancing to the music this weekend as TROPI is BACK and I am so excited I just can’t hide it – I’m about to lose control and I think I like it…(Too Much?) Oh and Susanna…. I expect a Pineapple Bikini Next Year for Annexation Holiday.
Bar La Banana – The Entire Family at Banana have been my friends since day one, and I thank you so deeply for your support and for putting up with me. Cecile and Marine are sexy and brilliant and speak 3 languages so of course they are MY friends. There are very few people in the world I can trust, but these girls make the grade. I love their parents Dominique and Marylene for being so cute and sweet. El Fenix’s Thursday Night Sunset Party PRE BANANA REGGAE WARM UP – was our best night at the restaurant and – then we would often make our way (with 7 or 8 
people) on the golf cart to dance to the music of my friend DJ PAUL DACOSTA. Thank you La Banana – you are my favorite bar hang out and my favorite French Family –
I will now also take this moment to announce that I am officially the HOST of Banana’s SUNDAY GAME NIGHT aka The Marcia Show – Every Sunday night at 7pm. We will have Nosara Weekly Rewind Trivia – where anyone has a chance to have their weekly photos surfaced and made fun of with accompanying trivia questions. I know we are all hung over on Sunday Nights which is perfect because Banana is serving BOCAS which are the perfect cure.
Pancho’s Resort - Despite Nosara’s worst attempts – the Pancho and Fenix crews are pretty tight. Steve, Sean, Pat and Kurt and Kelsey too– kisses to you all mi guapos… First Impression: Roll up to check out my new hotel in Costa Rica across from a MINI SUPER, MEXICAN RESTAURANT, DELI and RESORT (w/ a Pool) – SCORE!!! Oh yeah, they have pizza and US FOOTBALL on Sunday and Monday. We made our famous FENIX TAILGATE Chili for their Superbowl Party last year at and we had a great time. They are an amazing family who’s had had an exceptionally difficult year and they have pulled through it all in true jungle style. I Love you all, and thank you…you are my friends…..truly…Besos y Besos – More Original Poem Birthday Cards to come next year for you all!!
Nosara Spanish Institute – My friend and college Marco Johanning along with his business partner, have created my only true need in Nosara (besides the Tropicana Disco) – A SPANISH SCHOOL. You can reference my blogs on my experience in taking lessons at the school –(Gringos go to Spanish School) but I LEARNED A TON OF SPANISH through classes a the Nosara Spanish Institute. I also thank my beautiful teacher Silvia who is the MOST patient person I know to put up with us for a whole week as Super Gringos.
Marco, I also thank you for your tremendous help and commitment with the Nosara Tourism Chamber efforts, always being there to translate for me when I have no clue what is being said. Marco also has my respect because he has a vision…and it is not himself….Marco feels that there is a potential here for us to all work together, as do I…and he is my true friend…Thank you.
I met Marco Originally because he has found himself to be very lucky… and got himself a good 
ol’ South Carolina Gal named Joy Burch. They are both to be congratulated for just having a beautiful new baby girl. I am also going to thank Joy at this point and give a nod to her awesome YOGA HOUSE in Nosara, because she is one of the most genuine people I know in the world…not only in Nosara. Thank you Joy…and do your thing girl.
Tim Sampson – our Pelada Neighbor, made life interesting to say the least…Tim, you made the list (I couldn’t put you first cuz they’ll all get jealous.) Tim went to Panama City with me and Josh and we had quite the time at the Panama Canal. Tim also drove us on our very first visa run to Nicaragua way back in February of 2010. Tim’s view on life is much like my own and he was ALWAYS there to lend a hand (and sarcastic remark) to anyone who needed.
Tim Sampson – you are my friend and I miss you – but I’m COMING to Texas Baby!!!!
Graham Swindell makes my List for….. well….Just being Graham. I doubt that he even knows what an inspiration he has been to me over the last year here…but Graham, your comments and humor DID in fact keep me going a few times when the going got tough. Graham is the Man behind NOSARA SHACK which is a great informational website for Nosara with Surfing Articles, Photography, The Live Nosara Surf Cam, and more. Graham himself is a photographer and his company is Graham Swindell Photography. Now what did we learn earlier???? ((Marcia Life Lesson #1 from above) ALWAYS KISS ASS TO THE PHOTOGRAPHERS….
Especially one as talented and remarkable as Graham. Coming from the land of photographers in Savannah Georgia where the Savannah College of Art and Design is housed – EVERYONE who Takes a Photo has a show or gallery but in my opinion….is not a photographer… I have seen my fair share of photos – but I will tell you with all honesty that Graham takes some of the most brilliant wedding photos and candid people shots that I have ever seen. Graham and his beautiful Fiance Francela have invited me to what will be my first full Costa Rica Destination Wedding Experience in Nosara and I am So excited to be a part of their special day. I LOVE IT when beautiful people find each other – and they are both STUNNING Specimens…So I appreciate the eye candy too !!
Thank you Graham for your sarcasm and for telling me you “Like your Bartenders To Smile” when you FINALLY do make it out to El FENIX for a drink. I agree, and I am SMILING NOW…. Mwah Mwah Mwah. (This is a Halloween Photo -of Graham and Francela- I dressed both of these gorgeous people with my clothes…)
Shanna and Ryan Kerr-Bombard and AGUA AZUL CHARTERS also make my thank you list. We 
went fishing for our Grand Prize from the Surfing Nosara Hot Dog A Thon and we had a BLAST. Ryan’s boat is the best in all of Nosara for Sportsfishing and he is a master spearfisherman. He catches the biggest fish I’ve ever seen – His gorgeous wife Shanna is now expecting their first son Hunter and I am so proud of them and happy that they are our friends. Both Shanna and Ryan have graced our Fenix Poker nights with Shanna almost taking down all the guys (this year girl) – Shanna always makes me feel like less of a REDNECK with her funny stories and I LOVE YOU BOTH VERY MUCH.
Ryan “Tu Tienes” McNeil – Thank you for making us your spot and for always, always asking for more!!! We love ya Ryan, and NO Tengo!!! Haha…
Jason Michael Wilcox “THE DIVA” Fernandez – Jason was our Pelada neighbor who instantly became addicted to our DIVA omlette at El Fenix – with his comment being “Can’t we name it something more masculine?” The answer was no, and Jason added the dish to his extremely long and drawn out name. We miss you Jason..and your handlebars!!
Surf Simply Crew- Ru and Gem are the reason we came to Nosara – they were our inspiration (Yup it is THEIR Fault so blame them Nosara.) They also held their Wedding Reception at El Fenix Restaurant – I mean, where else can you get Fried Turkey in Costa Rica??? We enjoy our time with the Brits as often as we can get it because they are a busy bunch of little Surf Bees. Becky, Gem, Ru, Sam, ALEX Espir, MATT ARNEY, Harry, New Alex, Martin, Kerrianne, LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Cori – Cori shall remain last nameless. Her awesome dress shop in Playa Pelada (10 min from Guiones by beach btw) was just steps away from El Fenix with the most amazing dresses ever. It’s like she read my mind and went shopping. I LOVE Cori – she’s sweet and caring – and I never see her because if I go into her store I buy 10 things… She has provided me with amazing outfits for every occasion and I LOVE YOU CORI..(Even though you did not walk across the street, not once, for food… 
Had to, sorry)
Yorlign Campos – Mi guapa, tu es muy bonita en mi ojos. Mi Corazon, No Cambias nada. Yorlign was our bartender, waitress, prep cook, therapist, and friend. She’s an awesome massage therapist, and MOM. You learn a lot about yourself and trusting others when you live in the Jungle and Yorlign has GOT MY BACK and I Hers – she understands the system and I am teaching her how to play.
That is WAAAY more than I am sure you wanted to read when you first started this blog and There are probably a few people I left off the list but never fear – You will all get your (UNSOLICITED PROMOTIONAL ATTEMPT TO GET FREE STUFF) tag all in due time…..Bet on it.
