Ode to Axion Dish Paste

Display of Axion Dish Paste in Costa Rica

  This post contains an affiliate link that I may earn a small commission on at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I have used myself and enjoy.   I’ve caught more flak for my love of Axion dish paste than any other Costa Rican product. So, I’m going to put it … Read more

A Salute to Past Flights to Costa Rica

Going through my old travel papers and souvenirs, it occurred to me that I’ve flown on many airlines that don’t even exist anymore! I bet a lot of us have. I’m too young to remember the “Jet Set,” when travel was a classy, dress-up affair. Travel is so much different today. People seem to be … Read more

Tamales in Costa Rica

Costa Rican tamale

Tamales are one of the many foods people assume are only Mexican, and that they’re the same everywhere. While Mexico has its version of tamales, the Costa Rica tamal is a little different. Here’s the scoop on this wonderfully delicious Costa Rican comfort food. Tamales at Christmas If you are ever lucky enough to be … Read more

Leaving SJO

Plane taking off from Costa Rica

Inevitably, your trip to Costa Rica will come to an end. Ah, I totally feel your pain. Just as you were getting comfortable, too. I hope you loved every minute of your trip and are anxious to plan your return! Soon you’ll be heading to the airport and flying back home. As with any international … Read more

La Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles

La Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles is easily the most recognizable building in Cartago, Costa Rica. Just do an internet search on Cartago, Costa Rica, and images of the Basilica are the first to appear. The Basilica draws hundreds of tourists every year, each impressed with the magnitude and architecture at this stunning … Read more

Why Does Costa Rican Fried Food Taste So Good?

Fried fish and french fries take-out

I’m a true believer that almost anything tastes better when you fry it. Notice I didn’t say it’s better for you. It’s just better. In Costa Rica, these fried goodies taste a hundred times better than at home. The fish, the French fries, battered chicken, empanadas–you get the idea. And the smell is unbelievable. I’m … Read more

New York Destination Shopping—Food!

Bowls of spices at market

Here in upstate New York, winter is tough. Our snow-weary hearts are hungry for warm weather, summertime cooking, gardening, fruits & vegetables. People are cabin crazy and you can only eat so many potatoes, winter vegetables and tough tomatoes! After a quick jaunt to Manhattan, I can say with a smile that the shopping has … Read more

Culture Shock

Girl sitting on beach thinking

Culture shock—that harsh slap in the face where you realize that you’re no longer in Kansas, my friend, and you’re going to accept some new stuff whether you like it or not. Because for right now, you don’t have a choice. You’re in it knee-deep, my friend. I have to admit it tickles my fancy … Read more

Las Ruinas de La Parroquia/ Cartago Ruins

Cartago Ruins After Dark Lit Up

Situated in the center of Cartago’s bustling downtown, are the Cartago Ruins, or Las Ruinas de la Parroquia de Cartago (the Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins). Better known simply as “The Ruins”. People pass them every day during their commute without a second thought. But if you stop and look, you’ll see they’re quite beautiful. How … Read more