CAROLYN MATHAS

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Viewing 14 posts - 1 through 14 (of 14 total)
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  • in reply to: What's Your Favorite Food in Costa Rica? #512667

    Oh, another really good place is the Marriott near the San Jose airport. They have a really good menu, but my favorite is a seared scallops appetizer with a coconut sauce. Hmmm. What’s to eat now? I’m making myself hungry.

    in reply to: What's Your Favorite Food in Costa Rica? #512666

    Gingerbread Restaurant in Nuevo Arenal. I’m trying to think of a favorite food there in addition to the mushroom appetizer but, well, it’s all favorite. A runner up, also in Nuevo Arenal is Moya’s Place. Great pasta and pizza, but an absolute favorite is sweet potato cole slaw with a peanut dressing. Yum…

    in reply to: Rental cars #512665

    Hi Bea,

    Yes, Adobe does accommodate it as they have offices in both places. Let me know if you want the contact’s name.

    Best,

    Carolyn

    in reply to: Here we come! #512664

    I will just miss you–moving to Nuevo Arenal on the 23rd of April (tell Terry hi). Make sure you go to the Gingerbread for dinner on a weekend night and you’ll find plenty of expats. If you do come back, look me up – I’ll be living in Las Flores in Nuevo Arenal.

    Happy scouting!

    in reply to: Mail forwarding services and U.S. phone numbers #508874

    So when you bought the SIM from Movistar, it is Movistar and not ICE then that is providing your Internet service? It is ICE that said they would only give me the low-speed one.

     

    in reply to: Mail forwarding services and U.S. phone numbers #508873

    Did you do all of this inside of a corporation? As an individual they seem to be hesitant to do much of anything. I’m in the process now of setting one up.

    I was told it should not be the same corporation used to buy property.

    in reply to: Rental Car vs Drivers or Tours #508810

    I just came back from three weeks in Costa Rica – Nuevo Arenal. I rented from Adobe and they were first rate. I had a problem with the car not starting and they found me, fixed the issue and were ready to trade out the car if necessary–all with a great attitude and very fast. I drove to San Jose, then took another trip to Sarchi, and to Liberia, so I was all over. I tend to drive at night only around the lake where I am comfortable that I know where I”m going, but I had absolutely no problem. Yes, the drivers are aggressive, but having driven in Silicon Valley for years, it’s about like that. While aggressive, they are also not as rude as drivers in the U.S. I stopped and asked for directions several times and for the most part received accurate ones, and when they weren’t the problem was most likely one of language. I will be renting from Adobe again next month when I get to CR full time, until I can find a car to purchase. If you are going to rent a car in Costa Rica, be aware that most of them are standard shift rather than automatic. If you want an automatic transmission you MUST specify that when arranging for the rental, otherwise a stick shift will be assumed.

    in reply to: Mail forwarding services and U.S. phone numbers #508809

    One more question. Can people weigh in as to the MagicJack vs. Vonnage and Skype paid service? Given my low-speed connection, which is better, or what issues will I have?

     

    in reply to: Mail forwarding services and U.S. phone numbers #508808

    Question, I was just in Costa Rica for three weeks. I finally got a USB stick for Internet through ICE, however, they would only give me the low-speed until I’m a resident. If I use MagicJack, don’t I need high-speed Internet for it to work? Somewhat thoroughly confused. Also as I will use the stick, once there permanently next month, in my desktop, how can I get wireless services at home?

    Finally, there are two jacks in the walls in my CR house. So, at one time, there had to be a landline available. Is it true that I will have to be a resident before I can get landline services?

    So much to do, so little Spanish…

     

    in reply to: Mail forwarding services and U.S. phone numbers #505339

    So with MJ I can use my cell phone? I don’t think I have a phone in the house in Costa Rica. I’ll be there next weekend so I’ll check. That’s another question. I’ll be living in Nuevo Arenal and if there isn’t a phone installed, is it possible to get one? Although I know that it isn’t necessary in most cases, I sometimes monitor and lead Webinars for work. In that case, they require a land line since it’s the only way to eliminate delays.

     

    in reply to: Mail forwarding services and U.S. phone numbers #505337

    Does Magic Jack work just like Skype (the paid service)? Thanks, Jason.

    in reply to: What's your favorite spot in Costa Rica? #502522

    I love the Lake Arenal area and, as a result, will be living there in just a few months. After living in the mountains in California, Arenal is a natural for me. It is amazingly beautiful, quiet, and the people are friendly. I’m also not one for the higher humidity of the coastal areas–I tend to wilt as humidity rises. Temperatures here are perfect for me. I found a house with a view of the lake in Nuevo Arenal. The area speaks to who I am. Sometimes I’m a hermit of sorts, I enjoy the solitude of the area and like the open space, pristine beauty, and the incredible views of the lake with virtually no boats in sight. However, I also love to entertain and the people are extremely friendly–I think I’ll not have a problem making friends of both expats and Ticos. Given that I work remotely and tend to overwork, the area promises a chance to breathe and provide some much-needed balance. Can’t wait!

    in reply to: Speaking Spanish #501341

    Jason, well that was cheating!

    in reply to: Rental Car vs Drivers or Tours #501340

    yes, I have successfully used John Villalobos Garcia of Costa Rica Travel and Adventure Service. His email is transportes5zero6@hotmailcom or escazucar@yahoo.com. He is in the San Jose area. Best part, he’s on time (and shows up). He can also pick up at the airport. He drove me from San Jose to Arenal when my prior plans for a ride fell through. I’ve recommended him to others. Tell him Carolyn from Arenal said hi!

     

     

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