New Website, New San Jose Walking Tours

It is with great excitement I announce we have a new website. You can view new walking tours, purchase a day in san jose tour package, take advantage of our concierge service and shop for souvenirs!

Please make the most of your stay in San Jose, Costa Rica by viewing all of our new services at TOURSANJOSECOSTARICA.com 

Pura Vida,
Stacey
Owner
Barrio Bird Walking Tours

Tico Videos

Costa Ricans are using video just like everyone else around the globe to be creative, funny and poke fun at their politicians. Here's a sample to start the day.

If the miners had been trapped in Costa Rica:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKB0ef7XOpo

Poor visitors to Costa Rica, so much slang!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf76qGmVZw8

Costa Rica Promotional Video with Legos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQLTi3eGz0U

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

Why Take a Walking Tour of San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, Costa Rica is a stop-over for many tourists usually flying in or out of Costa Rica. And while visitors are usually most excited about the beaches and jungles of Costa Rica, they should be excited about a day of urban fun as well, and a walking tour is a great option.

Guide books do a terrible job of reviewing this city. It's not a cultural mecca like London or NYC, but it is a cultural center with many sites to see and activities to do. And the best part is you gain insight into the people and cultural ideals that built the country and persist throughout. San Jose, therefore can answer many questions you'll have along the way as you enjoy your exotic vacation.

I'm biased being the owner of Barrio Bird Walking Tours, but it is my goal to connect tourists and expats to the beauty that is in San Jose. And I want it to be affordable to all. That's why our tours start at $10. If you take a walking tour these are the advantages:

• Do not have to worry about your safety or getting lost (there are no street addresses)
• Tours are a max of 8 so you will have an intimate group, be able to hear and ask questions
• Get advice on how to spend the rest of your day
• 10% discount on lunch at some of the best restaurants downtown 
• Contribute to the revitalization of Central America's cultural hub, San Jose

So, if anything, get out of your hotel or hostel and take a knowledgeable walk around San Jose. If you live here, stop avoiding the city and learn where all the attractions are at. Can't wait to meet you!

Stacey
Owner
Barrio Bird Walking Tours
RSVP: call 8926-9867 or email BarrioBird@gmail.com

Gay Rights vs. Gay Acceptance in Costa Rica & Why Social Media Matters

Last week presented a flurry of international news about what probably seemed like a minor incident to a local business owner in San Pedro. 


Published last Wed. by  Natalia Solorzano on her facebook page, her personal account of 'homophobia' in the restaurant La Buca swept virally across the Costa Rican social media network. Within hours the FaceBook Group, People Against La Buca was created and had hundreds of fans, and to date has over 1,200. Within a day, international news wires had picked up the story bringing Costa Rica's cultural tolerance of gays or lack thereof into global spotlight. Such articles here, Vanguardia, Carapicha (Costa Rica blog),and Generracion.com. 


What was a supposed hug and kiss between two males, led the manager to ask a waiter to inform the couple this public display of affection was inappropriate. The couple's entire group decided to leave and then, bothered, asked to speak to the manager. The manager refused to come talk directly to the couple, dismissing them saying he was in a meeting, at 9 at night. The group, frequent visitors to La Buca, and frequent witnesses to the same unreprimanded heterosexual behavior at the location, felt it was an obvious display of discrimination. 


Anti La Bucca supporters, also formed a campaign against Caffe Roma, believing they had the same owner. Due to the instantaneous rebellion against La Bucca, Caffe Roma was prompted to respond online with this response.


Initial response from La Buca was rather nonexistent, I think they were incorrectly overconfident in this not being a big deal. But after two days they met with the leader of the Movement for Diversity, trying to establish that this was not an act of discrimination, but a an act of policy of which all patrons are held to. 


Leader, Abelardo Araya seemed satisfied with La Buca's response, but these events bring about a few items of note; the new power of social media that has arrived in Costa Rica and the need for businesses here to be active and aware of what is being said about them amongst online communities, the notion of Costa Ricans accepting gays vs. actually accepting them, and how that battle will play out as Costa Rica moves forward with legally accepting gays by granting civil union rights to gays. 


The overall online response to the situation speaks to the strength of voice Costa Ricans can give to the battles for the cultural and legal acceptance of gays in Costa Rica. 

Japan meets Costa Rica in a Flurry of Art

Music, dancing and art were wound together, and topped with latin and asian eye candy last night at the opening of  'Zentica'.The Costa Rica Musuem of Art brought the two cultures of Japon and Costa Rica into the same space at Casa del Cuño, at the newly remodeled, La Aduana.


40 pieces, 20 Costa Rican and 20 Japanese, include sculptures, jewelry, paintings, videos and more. It is very interesting to see the differences between the artwork of the two nations. Overall, the Costa Rican pieces seem to work more with pastel colors, blending images, and taboo topics. The Japanese pieces were simple, yet bold, using solid colors, and almost alway integrating or dipicting natural elements such as birds, flowers,  wood, etc. It's all worth checking out yourself. 


Guests were entertained by a number of live art performances. Artist Kazunobu Yanagi, painted while a band played an electric rock/meditation type of chant. Later, 4 women performed live dance as they simultaneously did larger than life oragami folding. 

Costa Rican artist, Fabio Herrara shows us his 'office'. I think this is a great dipiction of San Jose.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

Art City Tour Tonight 8/25

This year's 4th Art City Tour will shuttle guests on free buses between 15 downtown musuems and galleries. Enjoy.


1. Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo  2. Museo Nacional  3. Jacob Karpio Galería
4.  Museos del Banco Central  5. Casa de Cultura Amón  6. Museo del Jade, Instituto Nacional de Seguros  7. Restaurante Olio  8. Fundación Teor/ética  9. Museo Teor/ética  10. Boutique Kiosko SJO  11. Restaurante Kalú  12. Galería Nacional, Museo del Niño  13. Instituto de México  14. Gráfica Génesis Espacio Escénico  15. Steinvorth **A partir de las 20:30 horas**

Fine Food Specials for Mother's Day Downtown San Jose, Costa Rica

Visitors be advised, Mother's Day in Costa Rica might be the most sacred holiday. So sacred, they still permit alcohol sales! 

I'd like to take this moment to invite visitors and expats to take advantage of low Sat. & Sun. traffic and great deals at fabulous restaurants, to explore fabulous downtown San Jose! Costa Rican? Bring your mom downtown for a change. There's much to see and delicious treats to enjoy. Shoot, maybe even take a walking tour on this fine weekend.

Saturday

Caracas Arepas Juice Bar and Cafe

Open 11-7 all guests will enjoy a free coffee with each purchase. The Arepa is a venezuelan pita meets pupusa with savory meat mixes inside. I recommend stopping by for a breakfast arepa, fresh juice and free coffee!

Cafe Moro

This meditterean restaurant is located within a historic, moroccan style castle. Tomorrow Cafe Moro will feature these special plates and pricing, and at 8:30 a belly dancing spec-tac-u-lar will take place!! 

1. Tomato and caper bruschetta with grated eggplant and roasted vegetables, 3500 colones

2. Hummus with eggplant and greek salad, 3500 colones

3. Falafel, tabouleh and dolmade, 3500 colones

4. Kebab Plate- chicken, steak and lamb, 4400 colones

5. Chees Plate - cheeses from Volcan Irazu, 2,200 colones

6. Desserts - fruit tart, creme brule or chocolate mousse, 4,800 colones

Sunday

Cafe Kalu

MIMOSAS!! Free for moms at Cafe Kalu. Everyone else enjoy brunch and lunch, and mimosas too. Open at 9:30 this will be a perfect way to spend Sunday. Children under 12 eat free. 

Roma Caffe

Open at 7 a.m. Italian eatery, Roma Caffe will be serving up all sorts of 'surprises' for moms. I love surprises!

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

Could It Be? Real Labeled Addresses in San Jose, Costa Rica??

The city of San Jose, Costa Rica has just announced important news that over time will greatly help tourists and expats alike--the use of numerically labeled street addresses. While there are the occasional references to street numbers and street signs visible, the historic manner of giving addresses and directions is based off of markers.

Such as, '100 meters west and 200 meters south of Edificio de los Correos'. This is difficult for those unfamiliar with the markers, especially if the marker doesn't exist anymore except in the memory of Ticos. These new signs will begin to be installed in December of this year, and homes and businesses will be assigned a number. This is to happen throughout all of the city districts. The project is being funded by Banco Nacional and Bank of Costa Rica.

I have personally come to love the current method of addresses/directions, but understand the significance to tourism especially of a numbered system. Until then however, and especially until Ticos begin to use and acknowledge the numbered system, make sure you ask several Ticos for directions, because another cultural nuiance -- their desire to not only reference a marker, but to give you directions even if they don't actually know. It's all about being nice, wanting to save face and not say they don't know, which could send you in the opposite direction. So, do your direction gathering by consensus. I suggest a best of 3. Full article La Nacion.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867

Contemporary National Music in Costa Rica

Are you visiting and want to check out some of the most notorious bands, or living here and want to be more connected to music produced nationally? Radio Malpais is a great place to start a search. Broadcasting online at http://www.radiomalpais.com/ there are constant interviews with artists and what's played is 100% associated with Costa Rica.

Last Sat. was the 3rd anniversary party of the station, and a great concert was held at Latino Rock Cafe....a great venue to start seeing Costa Rican bands. The following are the artists that played, I liked them all and would see any of them again. The night ended with some 'Carnival' dancers & drummers. Fiesta! Photos also included.

Pato Barraza--electric guitarist and vocalist, rock, Costa Rican staple
Bernal Villegas--electric guitarist and vocalist, rock, Costa Rican staple
La Escafandra-- 5 piece rock--this band has certain sounds, rythms, key changes, etc. that I've only heard in Costa Rica, they are young probably all early 20's
CantoAmerica--Latin Fusion, lots of carribean influence, internationally known and respected, a truly great band and a must see while in Costa Rica.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867

Most Original Theater Show of the Year-- THIS WEEKEND ONLY

The English speaking, Little Theatre Group of Costa Rica is presenting a one-weekend only show.

LTG asked theater members to write original monologues on the topic of love. The response was extremely varied, and this opportunity is one of a lifetime to see authors performing their own pieces on such a personal topic.The show features everything from a scary, yet impressionable great mastif, to Russian lessons, to the absurdities in life.

I will disclose that I am both a co-director and an actor in this special performance. Showtimes are Fri. & Sat. at 7:30 and Sun. at 2:30. Reservations and more info here.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867

Friday Night 7/2 in San Jose, Costa Rica

Three fun things happening tonight in the downtown area for tourists and expats alike to enjoy. 


Jazz & Orchestra: USA meets Costa Rica in a fun jazz symphonic performance at Teatro Nacional. 8 p.m. 1,500 - 10,000 colones. The National Symphonic Orchestra will be joined by seven piece group, Combo Nuvo from the USA. This will be a nice chance to see the Orchestra move outside it's classical shows into the exotic world of jazz. 10 pieces will be performed.


Fundraising Concert for 'A Roof for My Country' Bands include Cortez Amarillo, Los Acetatos, Diesel, Raging Bull Leather Jacket, Moldo y Eclipse. The concert is 4,000 colones and will be at El Observatorio at 8 p.m.. 80% of the door will be given to the non-profit, committed to building homes for the poor throughout Costa Rica. 


Costa Rican Film, A Ojos Cerrados, by Hernán Jiménez opens in theaters tonight. This is in Spanish, but will be a great opportunity to see a film some are saying is the best made by a Costa Rican. Showing at 6:10, 7:45, and 9:10 at Mall San Pedro. 

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867

Paseo de los/las Damas-Downtown Keeps Getting Better

I've been championing the revitalization efforts of San Jose for the past year, happy to show people its hidden beauty. Here is a summary of this past Sunday's article in PROA, highlighting all that has been completed on Paseo de los Damas (Parque Morazan to La Aduana), and the few things we'll see over the next two years. 


To see all of these details in person, and hear more in-depth stories about the buildings/artists/history I recommend taking our Bird's Nest tour for only $15.


Complete to date:
Sidewalks, public art installments, restoration of the old police station, Edificio Metallico, Parque Morazan & La Aduana. 


To come: 
Construction of new legislative assembly building and president's house. Also a cafe and visitor's center located inside old train cars outside of the Atlantic Train Station. There is also a conversation about a pedestrian bridge that would connect the Paseo at La Aduana, providing easy access to Barrio Escalante. So in a few years with more development of the Barrio Escalante Urban plan it would be a beautiful and easy walk from Mall San Pedro all the way to the National Theater. 


The aim of all of these projects is to return this sector of downtown to it's prior status of elegance and political  power center for all josefinos (San Jose-ans) to enjoy.

Downtown Architecture & Urban Planning Update

There are several new and exciting developments to report on downtown. 


Outside Complete: I wrote a few months ago about the building that is across the from La Marinita. The outside is basically complete. This building now really stands out as a must see in downtown. Plans for the building aren't firm, but a possible bar/restaurant might open on the bottom with some residential space on top. 

New Paint: The Girl's School on Ave. 4 has been undergoing much renovation and it appears a new paint job will soon be under way.  This particular corner boasts one of my favorite views in the city on a clear day. You can look down at Iglesia de la Soledad and get beautiful mountain views in all directions. 

Ugly Fence: This historic home sits on Ave. 7. Almost 100 years old, it is of Victorian influence and was built by a Spanish merchant. It's architecture represents much of what was found throughout Barrio Amon in the early 20th century. Unfortunately, a taller gate has been added with razor wire on top for security, really detracting from the original beauty of the home. We'll see what else develops at this home. 

325 New Trees!! I also previously wrote about Barrio Escalante's new Urban Plan. A first step towards completing this plan was the planting of 325 new trees throughout the neighborhood. A variety of species were added to serve as homes to birds and butterflies, provide a variety of color with different blossoms, and to hopefully create the first carbon neutral neighborhood in the country. Is there a carbon neutral neighborhood in your country?? The species of trees planted include; palo verde, árbol de fuego, cortés negro, choreque, roble sabana, guachipelín, dama, manzanita y palmera real. I can't wait to take a new stroll through this neighborhood. Maybe we'll do a plant/architecture tour!

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867

International Environment Day Weekend Activities - San Jose, Costa Rica

Saturday, June 5 is International Environment Day and there will be several opportunities to partake in San Jose. 


The Central Bank Museums will have a few shows of theater and dance related to environmental themes beginning at 10:30 and lasting until 1 p.m. on Saturday. They will also be collecting paper, plastic, cardboard, glass and clean aluminum for recycling.


A new organic farmer's market in Barrio Aranjuez would also be a great way to celebrate the day. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can find fruits, vegetables, organic products and have breakfast, lunch and enjoy artisan crafts. Located 400 meters west of Colegio Mexico.


The fun continues on Sunday with concerts and a fair on Paseo Colon from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mascarades, talks, kids tables, and theater will take place. In addition the following bands will perform; Henna, Shel y R9 Band, Esteban Calderon, PatinoQuintana.


If you are downtown on Saturday I recommend trying a special French menu offered only this weekend in downtown's only restaurant in a castle, Cafe Moro. 9,800 colones included taxes. 


Entrada:

Salade aux lardons (salad with bacon)

o Soupe a l'oignon (onion soup),

Plato Fuerte: 

Sole Meuniére (Fish Meuniére),
o Tournedos Rossini (steak medallion).

Plato de queso Maduro Faldas del Irazú, (cheese plate, cheese from Irazu)

Postre:
Tarte Tatin (apple pie).

Additionally, it was just announced Costa Rica will be hosting it's first international environmental film festival CRiterio Ambiental. The festival will strive not only to showcase films but to provide opportunities for discussion and debates. Fiction and nonfiction films will be considered including documentaries or animation. The festival's founder, Gustavo Solís will be collecting submissions until midnight on July 15th. The festival will take place in La Fortuna Sept. 25 - Oct. 1.


Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 89269867

Calm Art, Wild Art - San Jose, Costa Rica

This week also brings visitors and expats alike opportunities to be classy and to get funky. 


Classy
The French Alliance has a new exhibit open titled, 'The Beautiful Summer'. Costa Rican artist, José Solórzano. Comprised of 12 pieces the artists created the works between 09-10 concentrating on the idea of recent yet no longer viewed scenery, dissolving into memory. On display until June 10. 


The National Theater continues to bring us 'mini-concerts' on Thurs. afternoons. This is a great, affordable way to see a show in the theater. This week Costa Rican pianist, Juan Pablo Andrado will perform for an hour starting at 5 p.m. He'll be presenting a collection of works by Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849), celebrating 200 years after his birth. Get your tickets early. 1,000 c.


Variedades Theater will open a month-long run of 'The forests of NYX' a play about 10 greek female goddesses come to save modern day problems. This is the second time this show is being performed under the same director, Luis Carlos Vazquez. Opens Fri. June 3 and will be in Spanish at 8:00 p.m. Pricing was not available. 

Funky

Legendary guitarist, Richie Kotzen, who has played with Poison and Mr. Big, will be performing at Latino Rock Cafe, Fri. June 4. Sounds like nothing other than a great chance to see a great electric guitarist jam at a great cafe. ROCK ON!! 15,000 colones, 9 p.m.

One of San Jose's crazier galleries, Jacob Karpio is hosting what I anticipate to be a wild Saturday night. Hosting an opening for MTV nominated, Uragyuan artist, DANI UMPI. This artist is mostly known for his music but will also be showing his recent works in visual media. Titled, 'Everything Included', music, art, scenesters, and wine can only lead to 'everything' happening! free, starts at 8:30. 

Movie, Art, Music & Theater This Week - San Jose, Costa Rica

Something for everyday, free and almost free!


Free Screening Italian Film - Barrio Escalante, Costa Rica: Monday showcases at the Spanish Cultural Center Y LA NAVE VA directed by Federico Fellini in 1983 will begin at 7 p.m. 

Contemporary Art Museum Opening - San Jose, Costa Rica: Tuesday gives us a new art opening at MADC, Esteban Piedra León. Estudios (2002-2010). Overall exhibition is an assembly of the artist's common themes throughout his work; fundamental elements for agitation and questioning. Room I: Architecture for unuseful, non fertile bodies Room II: Defined, permanent & concave Room III: No, no one else either. This museum is located in the beautiful Old FANAL (old guaro distillary) and the site alone is worth a visit. Opening is at 7 p.m. Runs thru July 13. 


Mozart at the French Alliance - Barrio Amon, Costa Rica: Wed. will offer a free recital by members of  the University of Costa Rica's Orchestra. Performing what some call Mozart's greatest work and written for his wedding, la Gran Serenata para Vientos K361. Begins at 7:30. I recommend an early arrival as this space is an old house and it will probably overfill. Parking is a half block east of the alliance.


Afternoon Guitar Quartet at National Theater: The quartet will be performing a set of songs written in 1886, Spain on Thurs. This is an affordable opportunity to see the theater at only 1,000 colones. 5 - 6 p.m. Admission might be more for non-residents. 


Opening Glenngarry Glenn Ross - Sala Garbo: The Little Theatre Group of Costa Rica opens this Fri. with the real estate scandal show, Glenngarry Glenn Ross. A topic many can relate to in Costa Rica, this one promises to throw a few curve balls. Starts at 7:30, adult language, 4,500 colones. Reserve online. 

French & Argentine Food in San Jose, Costa Rica

Barrio Amon in San Jose, Costa Rica is boasting 2 new restaurants, growing international cuisine options for visitors & locals alike. 


Arte y Gusto Cafe opened a few months ago and is definitely among the top 5 in the city for ambiance. Old pieces of driftwood, a fountain, soft lighting and purple hues gives this downtown gem an 'earthy, deserted night on the beach with a lover sharing a bottle of wine' feel. 


The owners bring their culinary skills from southern france, creating a menu with french influenced preparations of meat, fish, soups and salads. A nice variety of imported wines and beers are available. My personal recommendation is to try this place for lunch. They offer a 3,300 c executive plate that typically includes a starter, main dish with a side, a dessert and a fresh juice. Because the food is so good I consider this the best lunch deal in town, and a downright steal! Cash only. 12 - 10 M - F, 6 - 10 Sat. closed Sun.


Pachamama has moved directly west of the Holiday Inn and offers some classic Argentine dishes. The atmosphere is quaint and they've done their best to work with glaring white walls. The owner is very sweet however. I have yet to eat at this location but I am stoked about the milonesa and hope their empanadas are authentic to Argentina and not the overly greasy, overly doughy, lacking meat empanadas that abound in Costa Rica. Prices are between 1,000 - 5,000 c. Accept credit cards and have wi-fi. 

April 8, Art Openings -- Great Energy in San Jose

International and Costa Rican artists were out in full force last night amongst several exhibit openings. Barrio Bird first took a look at Efraín Méndez's (Costa Rica) 'Quimera' at the French Alliance. Consisting of 8 acyrlic pieces, Mendez explores fantasy, best displayed through children's games. View until the 22nd of April. 


Second stop was to see Ralph Jarvis's (Canadian) work on display at the Sophia Wanamaker Gallery in the Costa Rica-North American Cultural Center. Jarvis's work feature a technique new to me and many others, and is any man's dream---Blow torching. Jarvis focused on nature found between Newfoundland and Costa Rica, with some Peruvian materials throughout. On display until May 3. 


Our final gallery stop was to the Jacob Karpio Gallery. The space is large and full of work from John Juric(Costa Rica) who appears to work with several media and focuses on paint, installations and murals. I really get a creepy vibe from Mr. Karpio, but he put together a great party, with great pieces from this artist. The music was outstanding and I'll be looking to see this artist's work, and the band again. And maybe overtime I'll get to know Mr. Karpio's uncreepy side. 


A great, free way to catch all of these exhibits is to come out for the next Art City Tour, Wed. April, 21. Follow GAM for details.