We all know that change is constant. I guess as we get older we have more experience with this concept. Doesn't that mean that we get used to change and facing it should be easier? No, it seems to be just the opposite. Maybe we get tired of change? Just plain ole' tired of dealing with it day in and day out.

Personally, I feel like I've had to handle a lot of change in my life and normally do okay with it. But some days it doesn't take much to push me beyond my limits. I mean, let's face it. I moved to Costa Rica. That's a big change. Change in language, change in cost of living, change in availability of creature comforts. But more so -- a change in culture. This change in culture I believe was the hardest for me -- and almost 3 years later -- continues to be a challenge.

I was reminded of this last night when I went to make myself a hot dog. Did you know that the hot dogs here in Costa Rica have a temporary plastic casing on them?  Yes. Before eating them, one has to cut and peel the plastic sheath off. I wish someone would have warned me about this before trying to eat my first one. Yuck. The plastic is not meant to be eaten!

Anyhow, getting used to new hot dogs is not a big deal. But lots of little things add up to be big ones sometimes. And yes, I still have days when I wonder what it would be like if I moved home with my parents and ate normal hot dogs.

When I was in the military in the US and had the opportunity to live in many other states, I was shocked to learn how different some of the alcohol laws were in "dry" cities, counties and states. Very naively I thought the laws were the same all over.

People drink a lot in Costa Rica. That's my experience anyhow. I'm not judging that (I participate of course), but am making an observation. And it doesn't surprise me. What does surprise me is that there are times of the year here when Ticos are prevented from drinking. This includes a portion of Easter Week and election time.

Today starts another "dry" weekend here because we're electing new mayors all around the country. From Friday night at Midnight until Noon on Monday, no alcohol will be sold in stores, restaurants or bars -- or anyplace.

It makes me wonder what happened many years ago to start this. I don't doubt the Catholic church had a hand in drying up Holy Week, but what about election time? Did someone lose the election and run around shooting people up?

In either case, if you haven't already stocked up on booze, you'll be out of luck for a few days!

I hardly ever talk about restaurants. Not that we don't have some that are pretty good. I guess I just haven't been swept off my feet. But one I've been to a couple of times (different locations) is Machu Picchu, a chain of Peruvian restaurants here. The food has been very delicious and consistent. The service at the San Pedro location was great, as was the outside patio. The location off of Paseo Colon must be really old. It was certainly nothing fancy. And the service wasn't that great. But the food does sure make up for it.

I just did some searching online and found that Machu Picchu is Orbit's top pick for all of Costa Rica. I guess I could see that. Between reasonable prices and great food, it's right up there.

One time I ordered Sea bass Florentina, billed as a delightfull fillet of fresh Sea bass with an exquisite spinach sauce. Truth is, it's a cream sauce with crusty cheese on top. Can't go wrong with that! Average price for the main course is about $4 according to one website I looked at. But even if it's a couple dollars more in reality, it's soooo worth it!

Their original location is found at: 2nd. Ave, 32nd. Street, San José. Tel: (506) 222-7384.

I’ve been meaning to post something for a while about my friend Mauricio’s coffee shop. He’s been open about a month now and the place is really cute. I love his upstairs patio. He offers the usual coffee drinks, of course, but also a nice selection of sandwiches, empanadas and delicious deserts.

The coffee shop is called Land Rover Café and is located in Tres Rios across the street from Don Fernando’s meat market and the bar, “Shots.” There is also a full-service salon inside. I guess the whole thing is owned by Mauricio’s brother. I’ve heard good things about the salon too. (click picture to enlarge)

Yippee! I’m very excited to say pulled our very first vegetables out of the new garden today. Here you can see a picture of Isaac holding the radishes we ate in our salad for lunch. The picture below is a shot of the garden itself.

Through a series of pretty crazy life circumstances, we didn’t get the garden planted until several months after we moved in. We were really inspired by our friend, Louise, who was going to help us out with it. As it turned out, as soon as we were ready to begin, stuff came up for her and she couldn’t help.

Hopefully she’ll be back soon to help us enjoy the tons of food we have now!

In a survey conducted by a women's magazine; 70% of female respondents said they would rather have chocolate than sex. I guess they didn't interview any men! Now let me tell you, I love chocolate. But if I had my choice.....

Speaking of chocolate. The best chocolate I've ever had in my life was here in Costa Rica. There are some Bribri indigenous folks here in the Puerto Viejo area who make their own chocolates from local beans. You can take a tour of the house (more like a shack) where they make the chocolates. Local restaurants and stores sometimes sell them, as well as someone at the Saturday Farmer's Market.

DELICIOUS!

I had the pleasure of finally meeting Big Mike last night. It had been over a year since I'd heard of him, but I honestly don't make it to Escazu very often. I'm really glad I went last night though. His "private dinner club" is quite the place. It's really obvious that he has put his heart & soul into this place.

He's got several rooms that he rents out as a B&B and an amazingly comfortable place to hang out. I had  the chance to try some of his food -- paella. Yummy! He also has wireless internet there. Big plus. It really feels like "home" at his place.

Mike's kitchen is huge and he knows what he's doing in there. He offers private and group cooking classes and does a lot of catering.

I'd love to see an open mike night there. He's got a great stage and, not one, but 2 hot tubs! He's also got some great ideas about doing a culinary tour of the central valley. It's such a great idea to help people who have recently moved here get acquainted with the area.

Check out his website -- or even better -- stop by and say hello!