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.

Felo Garcia: Top Costa Rican Artist on Display, One of My Favorites

This Wednesday is the opening of an exhibit of works by one of Costa Rica's most famous artists, Felo Garcia. Celebrating his career, this special showing at the Bank Museum's temporary exhibit hall, showcases recent works including, 'The Corners of Here and There' and 'Files', Oct. 20 - Nov. 28.

Garcia's story is one of adventure. With some background in architecture, he played soccer in Cuba where he met Manuel de la Cruz and began to take an interest in painting. Continuing onward to play soccer in Columbia he became fascinated with las favelas and began painting with more frequency. He continued formal training in painting in London and held a career as Director of Arquitecture at the University of Costa Rica.

For me, Garcia captures some of the more impoverished scenes we often see in Latin America, pulling out the quaint, quiet beauty of these urban architectural landscapes. This exhibit will be a must see if you are in town, showing many of these scenes, as well as more recent abstract work in black and white with lines.

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 Lights Shine on the Cultural Plaza

In the heart of downtown San Jose, Costa Rica, construction that began about 4 months ago is completed at the Cultural Plaza (Plaza de la Cultura) next to the National Theater. As we reported earlier, 34 lamp posts were removed and 11 new posts installed. These posts are taller producing more light while using less energy. These new lights bring better safety to the area for those passing through at night.

Additional construction happening in the area includes new benches and sitting areas, as well as handicap access to the Gold and Money museums below the National Theater. Also, the National Theater is getting a new copper roof which should be completed sometime in December. These changes are all positive and continue to move San Jose forward as a safer, and modern cultural center.

Photo provided by Los Museos del Banco Central

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

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.