Calf and Bull riding in Nosara this weekend! SAT and SUN, starts @ 4 pm

Here is the “National Geographic experience” you have been seeking in Nosara:  Costa Rican calf and bull riding!  This is a must see for visitors and a community ritual for locals.  The Nosara public clinic (EBAIS) is holding a calf and bull riding fiesta this weekend: Saturday and Sunday, starting at 4 pm.  Tickets are ¢ 1,000 (for the stands) and ¢ 1,500 (for seats.)

Naturally, this community event, which brings local children, grandmothers, teens and tourists alike, will be held at Fiestas Field, close to soccer field in centro Nosara.  Benefits will go to help improve clinic services.  And no worries, there is plenty of food, cotton candy, beer, and carnival like stuff for everyone.

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El Comite de Salud de la Clinica EBAIS de Nosara esta organizando una Novillada para este sabado y domingo a las 4 pm.   Habra ventas de comidas y bebidas. Se realizara en el campo ferial, cerca del centro del pueblo.  Los fondos seran usados para mejorar los servicios que provee esta clinica a toda la comunidad.

Asista, divertase y coopere.

Surfing Nosara Foundation “Hot-Dog-a-Thon” at Marlin Bill’s 2pm on SAT DEC 12 (I got my money on Jason “The Tortuga” Flores of Team El Fenix!)

Surfing Nosara is one of Nosara’s world renowned surf schools, but what many people may not know is that they also have a community foundation set up to support and improve local schools.  This Saturday, DEC 12, Surfing Nosara Foundation is holding a whacky fundraising event, which I am calling “The Hot-Dog-a-Thon”—where local teams will compete to see who can eat the most hot dogs… to raise money for local youth environmental programs and re-pairing local school buildings.

This event will be held at Marlin Bill’s, this Saturday, DEC 12 at 2 pm.  If you cannot make it, sponsor one of the teams (there are several!)  There will also be prizes and a raffle! (By the way, does anyone have a cheerleader outfit?)

I am putting my money on Jason “The Tortuga” Flores, of Team El Fenix, on his quest to eat as many hot dogs as possible.  Here is a photo of Jason and Tony…how many hot dogs do you think Jason can put away?!

If you want to participate in this charitable madness, donations can be per hot dog eaten, or flat donation.

If you sponsor Jason “The Tortuga” Flores, El Fenix @ Refugio del Sol will offer free coffee, but know that Marcia has to turn in the donations by tomorrow, Friday, DEC 11—so come on by El Fenix today or tomorrow morning–to contribute to Jason’s indigestion and local environmental programs for the munchkins.

PS: Know that as a pescatarian, I usually do not condone the mass consumption of animal parts, but in this case, for a good cause, I will be there cheering;)

DEC Events at Cafe Lounge (@ Kaya Sol) (Kids welcome!!!)

Café Lounge @ Kaya Sol December Calendar

MONDAY’S LADIES POOL-NOON’S AND NIGHTS WITH DRAMA @ 3PM, SUSHI, 2-4-1 COCKTAILS &

ELECTRONIC HOUSE WITH DJ DARREN ZMAN @ 8PM

TUESDAY’S COMEDY @ 3PM & LOUNGE REAGGEA BEATS

WEDNESDAY’S CLASSICS @ 3PM & OPEN MIC NIGHT @ 7PM

THURSDAY’S SUSPENCE @ 3PM & LIVE MUSIC NIGHT @ 7:30PM

FRIDAY’S KIDS DAY WITH PRIVATE ART LESSONS 10-2, CREATIVE CORNER 2-4, MOVIE @ 4PM & A SPECIAL KIDS MENUE

FRIDAY LATIN NIGHT, SPECIAL MENU, DRINKS AND DANCE LESSONS TO THE RYTHEM OF DJ DARREN ZMAN @ 8PM

SATURDAY’S FOR GUYS – TERROR @ 3PM,

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT @ 7:30 PM WITH BAR DANCERS

GUY SPECIAL; 2 CORONAS & 2 TEQUILA SHOTS FOR 10 BUCKS

SUNDAY FAMILY FUN DAY WITH ALL DAY SPORTS & ACTION @ 4PM

OPEN FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND LOUNGE EVERYDAY

WE HAVE COMBO’S, PITCHERS OF BEER & SANGRIA

AND SHOT SPECIALS EVERY HOUR AFTER 8PM

2682-0080

cafeloungecr@hotmail.com

December 2009 Calendar of Events

Here are regular, weekly local events and activities throughout Nosara all this month:

• Mondays:  Trivia Night (on the Wii) at El Fenix (part of Refugio del Sol, across from Pancho’s in Playa Pelada )—winning team gets a prize; starts at 8 pm, for more info call: 2686 0287

• Tuesdays: live music at the Gilded Iguana, local bar and restaurant www.thegildediguana.com/ (Playa Guiones)
• Free Bible Study in English, with Pura Vida Ministries, at Villas Las Tecas,  first lesson: “Bad Girls of the Bible”; for more information call Teresita at  2682-0240 (Bibles provided.)
• Texas Hold’em Poker at El Fenix (part of Refugio del Sol, across from Pancho’s in Playa Pelada ); early bird set starts at 7 pm/later set at 9 pm.  Drink specials, for more info: 2686 0287

• Wednesdays: Free community yoga classes from 4-5 pm @ the Healing Center, Harmony Hotel for more info: 2682 4114  (Playa Guiones)

• Wii Wednesday’s at at El Fenix (part of Refugio del Sol, across from Pancho’s in Playa Pelada ); Play Nintendo Wii games from bowling, golf, boxing, and tennis on a large projector screen—try out the brand new DJ Hero (where you get to be the DJ); for more info: 2686 0287

• Thursdays: Salsa lessons, by donation, 6:30 to 7:30 pm @ the Healing Center, Harmony Hotel for more info: 2682 4114 (Playa Guiones)

• Pre-Banana Sunset Party: grab some drink specials with tapas/bocas, and watch the sunset on Playa Pelada before heading over to La Banana at El Fenix (part of Refugio del Sol, across from Pancho’s); for more info: 2686 0287

Bring meaning into the holiday season—get the whole family involved in local community projects

Whether you are just visiting on vacation, or live here, there are several opportunities this month to get involved with community projects throughout Nosara.  From beach clean-ups to local school drives, this is a meaningful way to start off the holiday season, with your whole family: meet locals; make new friends; contribute to the local community and environment; and have fun!

DEC 1-5: Pura Vida Ministries and volunteers from East Coast Christian Center, in Merritt Island, Florida, will be installing a bathroom for people with disabilities, behind the Iglesia De Dios Completo, in Nosara.  Volunteers are needed to help with cement mixing and digging—all ages welcome!  To volunteer, either show up at the church at 10 AM, DEC 1-5, or phone Teresita, of Villas Las Tecas, at 2682-0240

DEC 5: Del Mar Academy Becas Committee is hosting a Cachibachis, or Second-Hand Yard Sale, at La Casona:  Saturday, 9AM to 12 PM. Benefits go to the DMA Becas/Scholarship Committee.  Call 2682-1210 (ask for Scott) if you have second-hand items to donate, or just drop them off at Del Mar Academy, by noon on Dec. 4^th.

DEC 6: Beach Clean-Up Day:  Bags will be available at each entrance to Playa Guiones.  Clean-up starts at 7 AM.

Community Events in December:

Every Saturday: Organic Market at Giardino Tropicale, from 8 am to 1 pm–from organic meats and veggies to beauty supplies and local crafts.

DEC: Nosara Retreat Center, aka, “Nosara Bed and Breakfast”, will begin daily yoga classes, Qi-Gong classes, empowerment breath-work, and host several workshops throughout December and January.  For details, please visit: http://www.nosararetreat.com/, or contact Debbie at info@NosaraRetreat.com

DEC 1: El Fenix, part of Refugio del Sol (right across from Pancho’s in Playa Pelada) opens for full breakfast and lunch; for more info: 2686 0287

DEC 7: Local lawyer, Andres Gonzalez, and his partner, Sergio Mena, will be holding an informational community meeting to introduce and explain the new Costa Rican Immigration Laws, as well as the new laws on luxury homes, to all interested.  The meeting will be held in the home of Andres Gonzalez, located in Nosara, lot k74; 200 meters south of Harbor Reef (the corner house.)  This meeting is free.  Please RSVP to Andres Gonzalez at agonzalez@iblconsultores.com

DEC 9: Grand Opening of El Fenix, part of Refugio del Sol (right across from Pancho’s in Playa Pelada); starts at sunset—tapas/bocas, drink specials, and surprise entertainment; for more info: 2686 0287  My fave reggae band, the Kingo Lovers will be playing!

DEC 15 – 18: Juice and raw food course and cleanse at Hacienda Del Sol; plus a 1.5 hr rebalancing bodywork deep tissue session.  $325.00; for more information: www.haciendadelsolcr.com, or 8828 4080

DEC 17-20: Fiestas at Esperanza–includes rodeo, gran bailar, fair/carnivale, crafts, and comida y bebidas–can not miss this week-end long party…just between Garza and Playa Guiones…look for the people!

DEC 27: Nosara 5^th Grade Graduation Dance in Santa Teresa’s Salon Comunal, starts at 8 pm.  For more information call 2682 0647

DEC 31:  L’Aqua Viva

Buffet, wine, live music, midnight carnival with comparsa  $99 p/person,
only with reservations 2682 1087
Limited admission

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Del Mar Academy’s First Annual Yard Sale! Primer Cachibaches Anual!

This yard sale is actually a fundraiser to raise funds for scholarships for local ninos….you can contribute by donating goods to sell, or buying stuff at the cachibache!

!Del Mar Academy’s

First Annual Yard Sale!

Primer Cachibaches Anual!

Saturday/Sabado, December 5th, 2009

9:00am – 12:00pm

At La Casona, Nosara

***Drinks & Food will be For Sale ***

***Bebidas, Soda y Pizza se venden***

(regular menu also available)

(el menú regular disponible también)

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Drop-off clean, used items on December 5^th

(at La Casona) between 7-9 AM

All proceeds benefit

Del Mar Academy Scholarship Fund

Help local children attend the bilingual school!

Call Scott: 2682-1210 for to volunteer/donate items

Podemos recibir cosas para vender (donaciones) en

el 5 de Diciembre (en La Casona) entre 7-9 AM

Todos de los ingresos van a Las

Becas de Del Mar Academy!

Llamenos a 2682-1210 para preguntas

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BANDERA AZUL ECOLOGICA

BEACH CLEAN UP OF PLAYA GUIONES

LIMPIEZA DE PLAYA GUIONES

SUNDAY/DOMINGO 6 DECEMBER/DICEIMBRE

BAGS WILL BE AT EACH ENTRANCE TO THE BEACH AT 7:00 AM

PUEDE ENCONTRAR LAS BOLSAS A CADA ENTRADA DE LA PLAYA

A LAS 7:00 AM

Seeking volunteers/donations/gifts-in-kind for Escuelita de Nosara (summer camp for local ninos!): JAN 4 to FEB 1, 2010

Escuelita de Nosara is a local non-profit association, providing varied and creative educational opportunities to the children of Nosara. Their mission is to provide the children of Nosara a quality education, based on creativity, respect for themselves and others, and ecological consciousness.

They provide an equal opportunity educational program encouraging hands-on experience, allowing the children to express their own ideas and feelings and to discover their inner strengths. Their vision is that the children of Nosara have a broader educational foundation that shows them the opportunities available to them in their future, whether in higher education, career or personal enrichment.

Therefore, every January, during summer break, the Association “Escuelita de Nosara” holds a summer camp for local children in Nosara.  This is an opportunity for local kids to experience and participate in a wide variety of arts, sports, theatre, crafts, yoga, and such.  These kinds of classes are not part of the local school curriculum.

Summer Day Camp

Dates: January 4th to February 1st, 2010

Location: Santa Marta Public School

Schedule: Monday to Friday (it is a half day program)

There are several ways you can contribute or participate in Summer Day Camp, and know that you do not have to be an artist or teacher to help!

• Volunteer your time! Help out during the summer camp, supervising the children, preparing healthy snacks, organizing supplies, etc…There is a lot to do!

• Donate arts & crafts and sports materials!

• Share your passion! Share a project, activity or idea with the children of escuelita. If you would like to come and talk about your career to the older children, contact us! This is an opportunity to inspire kids to think beyond junior high school and an incredible way for you to give back to the community.

• Save Your Junk! We are collecting recyclable materials for use in art projects. You can help us by saving now items such as the pop-tops on soda and beer cans, scraps of material or old clothes, bottle caps, large and small plastic bottles, large dog food bags (i.e., Ascan), big woven rice bags, toilet paper rings, etc.

• Make a Financial Contribution! Financial donations are greatly appreciated and needed to pay for transportation of kids during the summer camp, for the purchase of art supplies and sports equipment and for the theatrical production.

In Costa Rica:
Direct cash or personal cheque payment to members of the board of Escuelita de Nosara

In the US:
Tax deductible donations can be made through “Friends of Nosara” This non-profit corporation is recognized as a public charity under Section 501 (c) (3) of the US Internal Revenue Code. Its purpose is to support charitable educational, cultural, civic and social activities in Nosara. Include a notation in the memo section of the check that the money is to be directed to “Escuelita de Nosara”. Official receipts will be issued for your tax return. Send checks to:
Friends of Nosara
c/o Michael V. Olson
2 Louisiana Ave #1 G
Bronxville, NY 10708
e-mail: mikeandaliceolson@gmail.com

• Sponsor A Child! Buy a passport—or 20—and offer summer camp to local children. Starting in early December individuals and businesses are invited to purchase “passports” at US$ 10 each to help underwrite the expenses of producing escuelita, which is run by volunteers and made possible by generous individuals and businesses. Those who purchase passports can either donate them to escuelita to give as scholarships, or give them to their employees and friends who have children. They make great Christmas presents!

For more detailed information or if you have any suggestions and/or donations of materials, please contact one of the following people:

Saskia Ellemeet, (506) 2682-0585 or saskiaellemeet@hotmail.com
Carrie Anderson, (506) 8873 9523 or carewinst@yahoo.com
Jeannette Vargas Ramírez at 8840-8392 or jeannette@nosarayoga.com

For even more information:
http://escuelitadenosara.org/en/association.html

New Mind-Body-Spirit Classes at Nosara B & B Retreat Center, Playa Pelada—Yoga, Qigong, Shiatsu, and more!

I always tell people Nosara attracts two types of visitors:  surfers and people on a spiritual or holistic, well-being path.  We rarely get the “typical” tourist here (think Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Puerto Viejo crowds) and when we do, they stick out like the balls on a Howler Monkey.

This is because, every year, people flock to Nosara Yoga Institute, Pacha Mama, the Harmony Healing Center, and L’Aqua Viva—all world-recognized spas and educational centers.  However, there are several smaller, more intimate and economical holistic retreat centers throughout the area, and I will be highlighting their work throughout the year.  I am going to start with Nosara Bed and Breakfast Retreat Center, in Playa Pelada.

Nosara Bed and Breakfast is well, a bed and breakfast—but it also acts as a holistic, healing educational center.  This December, Deborah Thom, owner of Nosara B & B Retreat Center, will be introducing a new weekly schedule of classes that exercise and heal the mind, body and spirit.

 

Starting December 1, 2009, you are invited to attend the following classes.  All classes are 1.5 hours long @ $10 each, but ask Deborah about local discounts and monthly rates:

Mondays: Qigong with Milagros, 9 AM

Tuesdays: Yoga Flow with Katherine Silva, 9 AM

Wednesdays: Yoga Flow with Nancy Sun, 9 AM

Thursdays: Yoga Flow with Katherine Silva, 9 AM

Fridays: Qigong with Milagros, 9 AM

Saturdays: Empowerment Breath-work with Milagros, 3 PM

Sundays: Yoga Flow with Deborah Thom, 9 AM

More about the classes:

Qigong: This is an ancient internal Chinese meditative practice, used in Chinese hospitals today, which uses slow graceful movements (similar to T’ai Chi) and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of qi (energy) within the body to enhance overall health and well-being.

The scientifically-proven benefits of Qigong:

• Improves circulation; opens arteries
• Stimulates appetite; sexual function; digestion/elimination; metabolism
• Strengthens immune system
• Increases energy and vitality
• Relieves depression
• Enhances mental acuity: focus and memory
• Full mind-body-spirit relaxation

 

Milagros is a bi-lingual certified Qigong instructor, as well as a Food-Based Healing Teacher and Breath Worker with practices in LA, Miami and now Nosara.  She will also be leading 9 Breaths Empowerment Breath classes each Saturday at 3 pm.  This is an excellent way to energize and relax yourself before heading for a night out, better than a Red Bull!

 

Yoga Flow: Deborah, Nancy and Katherine are all graduates of Nosara Yoga Institute.   Yoga Flow is a fluid series of “flowing” yoga postures, in combination with conscious breath work.  Each instructor adds a slightly different style and pace to Yoga Flow.  Deborah’s Sunday Yoga Flow classes are especially slow, deliberate and gentle—excellent for beginners and our elders. Both Nancy and Katherine set their pace to the needs of the participants.

You can also arrange to have a Shiatsu Massage session with Maila.  In case you are not familiar with shiatsu, this is not your typical massage– but based on chi energy (from traditional Chinese Medicine), with roots in acupuncture—thus, it is more of a spiritual, emotional and physical therapy than just a relaxing massage.  There is actually diagnosis, followed by therapy.  In Japan, shiatsu is a popular form of holistic complementary treatment for several illnesses both mental and physical.

Coming in January: Nosara B & B Retreat Center will also be hosting a writers’ workshop, NIA Dance and sustainable gardening workshops for the community.

For directions and more information visit: www.nosararetreat.com

Or call Deborah at 2682-0209 or email: info@NosaraRetreat.com

Now you can have fun on a school night– El Fenix, at Refugio del Sol, brings Wii and some Southern Hospitality to Playa Pelada!

We have new colorful neighbors in Playa Pelada whom I think are going to put Playa Pelada back on the Nosara nightlife and entertainment map.  Right across the street from Pancho’s, in what used to be Sarafina’s Restaurant, new owners Joshua Flores and Marica Banes, from Savannah, Georgia, have spiced up Refugio del Sol boutique bed and breakfast, and dubbed its new multi-media entertainment venue as “El Fenix.”

Personally, I am uber-excited about Joshua and Marcia’s plans for El Fenix, at Refugio del Sol.  We, locals, have been craving a new, fresh more inter-active entertainment venue in the neighborhood for a long while.  Aside from serving old skool breakfast, taste-y lunches, and home-made southern-cuisine-meets-Costa-Rican-fare-style tapas (by the way, they call them “bocas” down here) in the evenings, El Fenix is offering a whole buffet of new, fun, participatory, and unique activities for every night of the week.

Starting December 9^th, you and your family and friends can participate in any of the following week-day evening events:

 

• Mondays:  Trivia Night Think you’re smart?  Well, prove it!  Bring your family and/or friends and compete in groups, on the Wii, for prizes!  Every Monday night; starts at 8 pm.  Bring your game on!
• Texas Hold’em Poker You got to know when to hold ‘em; know when to fold ‘em; know when to walk away; and know when to run…the early bird Texas Hold’em set starts at 7 pm/later set at 9 pm.  There will also be drink specials. 
• Wii Wednesday’s Here is your chance to try out Nintendo Wii games from bowling, golf, boxing, and tennis on a large projector screen with family and friends—they even have the brand new DJ Hero–where you get to be the DJ! 
• Thursday’s Pre-Banana Sunset Party: Grab some drink specials along with gourmet tapas/bocas and watch the sunset on Playa Pelada before heading over to La Banana (this is the perfect place to “warm-up” with sangrias and have a light delicious meal before La Banana’s Thursday Reggae Nites!)

El Fenix at Refugio del Sol will be open for full breakfasts and lunches starting on December 1; hours 7 am to 2 pm (Monday thru Saturday.)

The Grand Opening of El Fenix and start of weekly night events and tapas bar, is Wednesday, DEC 9. The party starts at sunset and there will be live entertainment (to be announced.)  And know that Sunday Brunch and Drive-In Movie Night (on the big projector screen) will be coming soon as well. 

For more information about Refugio del Sol or El Fenix, call Marcia or Joshua, at 506-682-0287 (Costa Rica); 912-376-3404 (US) or just pop in and visit.

Playa Guiones Beach Clean-Up this Saturday, Nov 21 at 8 AM

The Environmental Committee of the Del Mar Academy is holding a community Beach Clean-Up this Saturday, NOV 21.  This family event starts at 8 am; meeting place is the main entrance to Playa Guiones (down the Café de Paris/Banco Popular road.)  Bags and refreshments will be provided.

This is a meaningful and fun way to spend Saturday morning, on the beach, with your entire family and neighbors doing something for the local environment.  It is also good exercise, a way to make some new friends, and teach your children about environmental awareness (we teach by example!)  Put on your bathing suit, a hat and some sun-screen!  Let’s make this a habit for everyone—both locals and visitors!  For more info contact Aimee Burnam at aimeeburnam@gmail.com.

So you think you can sing? Open Mic at La Banana on Wednesday’s

DJ Paul Costa is back from his trip and will be hosting open mic, every Wednesday night, starting at 8 pm, at La Banana.  For those of you familiar with Paul’s music, he promises to play for us, as well as some other local faves, like Christy and I hope Gerardo…this is your opportunity to try out those songs you were working on during the Rainy Season, or for visitors to show off their talent.

Please share your talent this evening.  And if you are nervous about performing in public, you can use my mantra:  “I will never see these people again. I will never see these people again.”

Please know, that even though this is a photo of me, singing badly in public, I promise not to subject you to this torture in Nosara!