French Alliance Offers Collection of Activities for Oct.

The French Alliance is a special gem in Barrio Amon, San Jose, and always open to tourists. Set in an old victorian style home, the alliance strives to connect Costa Ricans and visitors to the best of french culture, and also inclusion of work by Costa Rican artists. Here's a sample of what is going on this month:

Compañía: Eduardo Mata
A series of 15 oil paintings, this collection takes a look at people. From the artist, "Who are they to me? Who are they to themselves? Who am I to them? and Who am I to myself?" This is on display until Wed. Oct. 13.

Das weisse Band: La Cinta Blanca
A French/German film telling the story of strange events for a group of children in the months prior to WWI. Showing is free at the French Alliance on Fri. Oct. 8th at 6:00 p.m. Will be shown in French with Spanish subtitles.

European Film Festival
Running the 25th of Oct. to the 31st, 6 European films will be shown at Cine Magaly. If you have not been inside this theater, it's a must, as it's beautiful with some art deco architectural influence. Entrance is free, times are not yet available.

Baroque Musical Performance: Grupo de Música Antigua UNA
It is unclear if this will be a choral or orchestra performance. Either way it's free! 7:30, Oct. 28th

Eduardo Mata

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**

Hope & Metamorphosis in San Jose, Costa Rica

Two art installations currently on display in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica explore the ideas of hope, it's virtues and shortfalls, and showcase an artist's journey in textiles. Both invoke thoughtful conversations and inspiration to explore our own surroundings as art. 

+/- Esperanza (+/- Hope) is on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MADC). 28 artists from Central America and the Carribean explore ideas of Hope. Surprisingly, some of these pieces looked at hope from an anxious or deathly perspective. I think these add a level of depth to the entire exhibition. 

My personal favorite is the first photo below. Outside of the Jade Museum, It quotes a very famous Costa Rican writer and poet, Isaac Felipe Azofeifa Bolaño, of which translates to, "Yes, child. The stars have parted, but it never becomes more dark than just before dawn." I find the quote especially appropriate with the image because I've watched this moment many times now with the homeless scattered throughout San Jose. And as an outsider, it's a very dark moment where all you can feel is hope that everyone with less, could have more. 

The National Museum is currently housing a garden of variety and beauty in it's once eery prison chambers. Metamorphosis. A New Cycle is an exhibit of textile art that transforms many fabrics, paper plates, coke tabs and more into displays that take the imagination for a spin. Costa Rican artist, Sylvia Piza-Tandlich, has worked with her community based artists to create these individual pieces that are strung together with threads and links to showcase some extremely impressive handmade pieces. The last photo shows the latrine that has parts of the ceiling from the old Municipal Theater. 

Textile over old Kimono

A Garden

White

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.

Thursday's Art & Music Lineup

Thursday presents many options for visitors and expats to enjoy Costa Rican art and music, as well as works from Central American, Carribean artists. Start at 5 p.m. and enjoy for the rest of the evening. 


Music to Close the Afternoon - Teatro Nacional. 
The National Theater offers Thurs. early evening performances  for the low price of 1,000 colones. The Orchestra of the University of Costa Rica will perform from 5 - 6 p.m., and will be presenting the most notable and admired work by Italian composer, Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741): The four seasons. Guest violinist,  Eva Liebhaber will join the group in this important Baroque period performance. 


Art Opening, MADC, - La Esperanza (Hope)
The Museum of Contemporary Art will open its new exhibition this Thurs. at 6:00 p.m. Works of 28 artists from Central America and the Carribean will be on display exploring this very basic human emotion: Hope. We'll see an analysis of this concept, it's virtues, weaknesses and contradictions, stepping away from our everyday unilateral view of this simple, yet extremely complex experience. 


All Star Concert of Costa Rican Musicians - Jazz Cafe, Escazu
Again, I don't usually cover Escazu, but the occasional event warrants coverage due to its significance to overall culture in Costa Rica. 


Married musicians, Juan Carlos Ureña y Jeana Paul-Ureña will be performing songs from their new album, Space of Light. These 12 songs take a musical journey through sound, beyond political or geographical borders, are backed by some of Costa Rica's best musicians, and produced by vocalist, pianist and composer María Pretiz. 


The couple will be joined by many of the artists recorded on this CD including 2 time grammy winner Wálter Flores and standout guitarist Bernal Villegas. Also in the lineup are Gerardo Mora, Marco Navarro, Checko D’Ávila, Óscar López Salaberry and singers Rocío Morera y Elena Zelaya. 5,000 colones, 9:30 p.m.

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

New Italian and Lights, Sound Romantic? Downtown San Jose, Costa Rica

We are very happy to report on new happenings downtown because most of the time they are adding cultural options or improving ambiance. This post has a little of both to cheer about in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica, making this an ever increasing destination for toursists and expats.


Safer, Nicer Lighting at Plaza de la Cultura: The plaza that sits on top of the Bank Museums and surrounds Teatro Nacional will be receiving a bit of a facelift and a new lighting system beginning next week. The plaza currently has 34 light posts and will be replaced with 11 that give out more light using less energy. A study will be done to determine the optimum placement of these lights and then they will be installed. 


In addition the plaza will be reworked to provide better seating for people to meet and have a true 'plaza experience'. A handicap ramp will also be installed for easier musuem access below. These changes should be completed some time in September. 


Add these changes to the improvements that have already happened on Paseo de los Damas, and the Urban Plan for Barrio Escalante, and in another year we are sure to have a pleasant and safe walking experience from as far as Mall San Pedro down to the heart of the city at Plaza de la Cultura. 


New Italian Restaurant: At least when one restaurant closes another usually opens quickly in its place. Last month I wrote about the closure of Argentine restaurant, Pachamama. Now in its place, on the first floor of Edificio Morazan is Little Italy. This restaurant will be 'softly' open starting next Monday, and continuing to fine-tune the ambiance throughout the week. Hours 11-4 to begin. 


Seeing as how there cannot be enough good pizza in downtown, this place is very welcome and a first round of tasting says the menu items will only get better. Featuring about 10 different pizzas including mexican and exotica (fresh fruits like pineapple, green apple or strawberry), the menu also includes calzones, spaghetti, a pizza burger and salads among its variety of options. Prices are reasonable starting with a small pizza for 2,000 colones to a large for 7,500. 


I still also recommend OK Ristorante Italiano as well for good pizza. Right now I'd say the defining difference is Little Italy is probably serving up heavier meat options while OK is a lighter, more Italian style. 
Buen Provecho!

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

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

Community Service in San Jose, Costa Rica

There are a number of ways visitors and expats alike can give back while they are in Costa Rica. Below are some of the organizations I trust and support. 

The Women's Club of Costa Rica: This organization just celebrated its 70th anniversary. Their motto is 'Friendship through Service', and they mean it. The WCCR focuses on raising funds to build school libraries around Costa Rica, and offer scholarships for highschool students to cover expenses in college. Not only does this group play a large role in service, it is also comprised of women from all over the world who have been leaders in their industries, or who are now actively growing new businesses. A great place to find female mentorship and partnership. 

Gracias Costa Rica: Gracias Costa Rica is in the middle of growing and expanding services, but it is a great resource if you are unsure of where to take old clothing, leave behind travel goods, or specify donations to a non-profit without having to go through the donation process in Spanish. Their primary goal is to get your donations where you want them. Check in as this organization grows. Here is what is immediately needed.

Blood Donations: As in many other countries, there is usually a shortage of blood donations available in Costa Rica. Those that are eligible to donate, or thinking of giving for the first time have many options in the metro area. The main blood bank of La Caja is located in Zapote at the southern corner of the church. Donors can also go to any hospital to make a donation, and in outer lying areas one can usually walk into a red cross without an appointment to give.

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. 

String Quartets and Flutes This Week - San Jose, Costa Rica

Flutes take over this week in San Jose, while the Alma string quartet finishes things off on Sun. 

The 6th International Festival of Flutists starts today at 5 p.m. Flutists from 7 different countries will be performing Tues., Thurs., and Fri. at 5 p.m. in the foyer of the National Theater. These shows are 1,000 c. a nice price to see a show in Costa Rica's most beloved theater. Get your ticket early. You will not be let in after the show starts.

On Sunday you can enjoy free string quartet performances from ALMA. Their pieces will include Pavana, by Benjamín Gutiérrez, one of Costa Rica's most famous composers. This show starts at 5:30 p.m. in the gardens of the Children's Museum. I recommend arriving by car as the surrounding neighborhood is rough and will be abandoned on a Sunday evening. 

Photo from Teatro Nacional