Playita - Issue 21

FREE INFO BULLETIN

Gaylife News, Comments, Activities and Information

Year IV • No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

2

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

¡A Grito Pelado!

Por Jose Chaves

/VFWP -BUJOP .FEJUFSSBOFBO "TJBO 'VTJPO 'PPE JO B $BTVBM BOE &MFHBOU 4FUUJOH

5to Aniversario E

s increíble que hayan pasado ya 5 años desde que comenzamos a editar este boletín que usted tiene en sus manos.

Siempre nuestro objetivo ha sido darles la información clara y organizada de cuales son y donde están los lugares y negocios que nos aceptan con agrado. No por hacer dinero, sino por tolerancia y amistad. Entornos donde nos sintamos cómodos y queridos.

Hemos visto pasar mucha gente, enfrentado muchas situaciones y organizado muchas actividades. Pero somos felices de estar a la vanguardia de lo que sucede en el mundo y en especial respecto a nuestro pequeño terruño.

En 5 años hemos evolucionado, al igual que toda el área de Manuel Antonio, sin embargo, como cualquier evolución, nos tenemos que acostumbrar a lo que esta sucediendo y buscar nuevos espacios para seguir adelante.

La cosa no termina aquí, sigue y seguirá todo el tiempo que sea posible, porque somos una comunidad organizada, que vivimos aquí y nos damos a respetar.

Este año perdimos a tres queridos miembros de la comunidad como lo son Erick Ramírez Villalobos (DJ La Eva), David Jackson (Hollywood Dave) y Roy Martínez Chacón (La China). Que descansen en paz y ojalá sean más felices que cuando estaban entre nosotros.

Con esta pérdida nos damos cuenta de que la vida puede acabar en cualquier momento, pero quedamos los vivos para continuar lo que ellos comenzaron.

No nos demos por vencidos, no demos ni un paso atrás, luchemos por lo nuestro, disfrutemos la vida al máximo y aprovechemos este paraíso en el que estamos.

Feliz Aniversario Circuito Playita. Un abrazo de nuestra parte a toda la comunidad gay, amigos y amigas de Manuel Antonio y Quepos… que siga la fiesta!!! n

6 Things to Try at La Hacienda

$IFG 4FSWJDF $BUFSJOH "WBJMBCMF GPS BOZ &WFOU

•Caramelized Onion, Mango & Brie Quesadillas •Whole Lobster with Cava-Lime-Tarragon Butter •Sesame Seed Encrusted Tuna with Soy & Wasabi •Fresh Mahi-Mahi with Maracuya Sauce •Grilled Calamari with Spicy Mango Glaze •Tropical Salad with Guava Vinaigrette Located beside Plaza Yara, Km 1.5 Manuel Antonio Open for lunch 10:30 am–10 pm - Monday–Sunday

2777–3473 www.lahaciendacr.com

INDEX • INDICE THE TIDE/LA MAREA: Dec-January Pag 6 Tips about Gay Beach Pag 10 Gaymap Pag 12 Directory Pag 14 7 reasons...

Pag 16 2 Cities: 3 Tours Pag 21 San Jose Directory Pag 22 CREDITOS

• Director: Jose Chaves • Productor: Paul Sfez • Diseño: Diego Hidalgo • Colaboradores: Todd Pequeen, Tim Dywer

• Ventas: Paul Sfez - Tel 8836 0024 Todas las opiniones expresadas en este medio son entera responsabilidad del autor.

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No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Selection of some favorites:

LUNCH: 11 am - 4 pm

Gazpacho - $6 Tico Style Ceviche - $7 Asian Chicken Salad - $12 Tico Tenderloin Beef Quesadilla - $11 Mediterranean Wrap - $10 Spicy Tuna & Mango Wrap - $8 Asian Style Brochettes (Choice of 2) Beef, Chicken or Mahi-Mahi - $12

Detox Package

TAPAS: 3-6 pm

Cheese & Fruit Sampler - $3.50 Coconut Macadamia Shrimp with Wild Berry Coulis - $3.50 Mushroom & Truffle Minestra - $3.00 Bali Chicken Satai - $3.00 Tuna Medallions with Chilled Mirin & Basil Sauce - $3.00 Thai Spring Roll - $2.50 Ceviche Sampler - $2.75

DINNER: 6-10 pm

Sauna + Algae & Clay Wrap + Lymphatic Drainage - $140

Relax & Renew Package Terra Massage + Organic Facial + Classic Mani or Essential Pedi - $150

Ask for our new Ideal Weight Package 25% off Locals & Residents

Roasted Squash and Papaya Soup - $6 Gorgonzola & Sun-Dried Tomato Tart - $7 Gaia House Salad - $7 Latino Clam Sauce Linguini - $14 Plantain & Coconut Crusted Mahi-Mahi - $16 Pork Tenderloin - $14 Crispy Skin Red Snapper - $18 Gaia Signature Tenderloin & Jumbo Shrimp - $27

A few of our most requested treatments:

Thai Massage - 90 minutes $150 Pacific Body Glow - 60 minutes $90 Rainbow Organic Facial - 60 minutes $60 Vichy Rain shower - 30 minutes $50

ÜÜÜ°}> > À°V ÊUÊ­xäÈ®ÊÓÇÇÇ Ç ÇÊUÊ­nää®ÊÓÓÈ Óx£x >ÞÊ"Ü i`ÊEÊ"«iÀ>Ìi`

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No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

Bienvenidos a Manuel Antonio y Quepos!

By Tim Dwyer

I

t’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since this little bulletin, Playitas, came onto the gay scene here in Manuel Antonio. For a country where things seem to always move at a snail’s pace, there have been a lot of changes in our community. And as has happened in many part of the world, the gay community here is evolving and responding to the changes that time brings.

Quepos has been slowly transforming itself from the sleepy town that I first encountered ten years ago. Those iron bridges that have spanned the local rivers for more than a century are now being replaced. Soon phase one of the new marina will be ready to accept boats and yachts from around the world. The shops downtown provide a nice mixture of goods and services for both locals and tourists.

Even if you have never been to Manuel Antonio before, once you climb the hill leaving Quepos you’ll notice a lot of new buildings. In the last five years, there has been an incredible amount of development. This in itself is not bad, but questionable planning practices and a lack of proper infrastructure cause us to worry about the future of our local environment and our beautiful beaches. While the increased number of condos available means more people, the world economic situation being what it is, it may take some time before they’re filled.

Probably the most notable change that has affected the gay community here is the building of the hotel complex behind the formerly secluded beach at Playitas. While I lament that the privacy of the beach has been lost, I don’t go to the beach to stare at the jungle, but rather at the ocean and its waves. The beach belongs to us all: gay and straight. There is still lots of good looking eye candy passing along the

sand and climbing up onto the rocks and cruisy paths above the beach. Yes, it was nice to have a nude beach frequented mostly by gay men and, we haven’t left. At the far end of the beach there’s usually a nice mix of local and visiting men in various states of attire. And don’t forget there are so many other things to do in Manuel Antonio besides roasting buns and weenies on the sand.

The national park is a true jewel in the park system of Costa Rica. Because it is surrounded by agricultural land, the animals stay in a confined area allowing visitors and locals alike to enjoy the monkeys, sloths, iguanas and birds of the area. The enticing white sand beaches within the park are much quieter than the public beach.

For eight years now, Gay Tours has been working with local tour operators offering excellent adventure tours from zipping through the jungle on a canopy tour to hurtling downstream in the rapids of local rivers. A cruise on the sea to savour the sunset might be more to your liking or perhaps you’d enjoy a trip in a kayak through mangrove swamps or around the park. In the evening, there are a myriad of restaurant of every style and price range to entice your palate. You may wish a evening getting a massage at poolside or a more invigorating night at a bar ‘cause disco didn’t die in Costa Rica!

Enjoy your vacation. Fret not about change or the future. Check out local haunts and dives, meet with the locals, enjoy! One of my all time favourite quotes is from Mame. Rosalind Russell pronounces: “Life is a banquet and most poor bastards are starving.” Well….!!!!

Welcome all to Quepos-Manuel Antonio and enjoy the feast laid out before you! n 5

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

December date

time

01 Mon 01 Mon 01 Mon 01 Mon 02 Tue 02 Tue 02 Tue 02 Tue 03 Wed 03 Wed 03 Wed 04 Thu 04 Thu 04 Thu 04 Thu 05 Fri 05 Fri 05 Fri 05 Fri 06 Sat 06 Sat 06 Sat 06 Sat 07 Sun 07 Sun 07 Sun 07 Sun 08 Mon 08 Mon 08 Mon 08 Mon 09 Tue 09 Tue 09 Tue 09 Tue 10 Wed 10 Wed 10 Wed 11 Thu 11 Thu 11 Thu 11 Thu 12 Fri 12 Fri 12 Fri 12 Fri 13 Sat 13 Sat 13 Sat 13 Sat 14 Sun 14 Sun 14 Sun 14 Sun 15 Mon 15 Mon 15 Mon 15 Mon 16 Tue 16 Tue

04:47 11:00 17:22 23:14 05:26 11:38 18:02 23:56 06:08 12:17 18:43 00:40 06:52 12:59 19:27 01:28 07:39 13:43 20:13 02:20 08:32 14:31 21:04 03:15 09:29 15:25 21:57 04:14 10:28 16:21 22:53 05:12 11:27 17:19 23:48 06:09 12:24 18:17 00:43 07:03 13:20 19:14 01:36 07:56 14:13 20:09 02:29 08:47 15:05 21:03 03:21 09:38 15:57 21:57 04:13 10:28 16:49 22:51 05:06 11:19

THE TIDE

January

height

8.48 0.63 8.04 1.60 8.22 0.83 7.93 1.74 7.91 1.09 7.82 1.87 7.59 1.34 7.74 1.97 7.30 1.57 7.74 1.98 7.09 1.71 7.83 1.88 7.02 1.75 8.04 1.63 7.12 1.64 8.37 1.25 7.40 1.41 8.78 0.76 7.81 1.06 9.23 0.24 8.30 0.67 9.64 -0.24 8.80 0.30 9.95 -0.63 9.23 0.02 10.11 -0.85 9.54 -0.12 10.07 -0.89 9.68 -0.09 9.83 -0.72

date

time

16 16 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 31 31 31 31

17:41 23:45 05:59 12:10 18:35 00:41 06:54 13:02 19:29 01:39 07:51 13:56 20:26 02:39 08:51 14:53 21:24 03:42 09:54 15:53 22:23 04:46 10:58 16:53 23:21 05:47 11:59 17:52 00:15 06:42 12:55 18:46 01:05 07:30 13:44 19:35 01:50 08:13 14:28 20:19 02:33 08:52 15:09 21:01 03:13 09:29 15:48 21:40 03:52 10:05 16:25 22:19 04:30 10:41 17:02 22:57 05:08 11:16 17:39 23:33

Tue Tue Wed Wed Wed Thu Thu Thu Thu Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat Sat Sat Sat Sun Sun Sun Sun Mon Mon Mon Mon Tue Tue Tue Wed Wed Wed Wed Thu Thu Thu Thu Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat Sat Sat Sat Sun Sun Sun Sun Mon Mon Mon Mon Tue Tue Tue Tue Wed Wed Wed Wed

date

height

01 Thu 01 Thu 01 Thu 02 Fri 02 Fri 02 Fri 02 Fri 03 Sat 03 Sat 03 Sat 03 Sat 04 Sun 04 Sun 04 Sun 04 Sun 05 Mon 05 Mon 05 Mon 05 Mon 06 Tue 06 Tue 06 Tue 06 Tue 07 Wed 07 Wed 07 Wed 07 Wed 08 Thu 08 Thu 08 Thu 09 Fri 09 Fri 09 Fri 09 Fri 10 Sat 10 Sat 10 Sat 10 Sat 11 Sun 11 Sun 11 Sun 11 Sun 12 Mon 12 Mon 12 Mon 12 Mon 13 Tue 13 Tue 13 Tue 13 Tue 14 Wed 14 Wed 14 Wed 14 Wed 15 Thu 15 Thu 15 Thu 16 Fri 16 Fri 16 Fri

9.65 0.10 9.41 -0.37 9.46 0.43 8.87 0.11 9.16 0.82 8.29 0.66 8.80 1.19 7.74 1.20 8.46 1.48 7.32 1.66 8.21 1.63 7.08 1.97 8.07 1.61 7.03 2.12 8.04 1.48 7.14 2.13 8.11 1.27 7.35 2.02 8.23 1.02 7.60 1.85 8.37 0.78 7.87 1.65 8.50 0.59 8.10 1.46 8.57 0.47 8.29 1.31 8.55 0.44 8.41 1.22 8.45 0.50 8.47 1.13

time

05:43 11:48 18:11 00:12 06:22 12:24 18:48 00:54 07:03 13:03 19:29 01:39 07:48 13:46 20:16 02:30 08:40 14:37 21:08 03:28 09:41 15:35 22:09 04:31 10:48 16:41 23:14 05:37 11:56 17:50 00:19 06:41 13:00 18:56 01:20 07:40 13:59 19:58 02:17 08:34 14:54 20:55 03:11 09:25 15:45 21:49 04:03 10:14 16:34 22:40 04:52 11:02 17:23 23:29 05:41 11:48 18:10 00:19 06:30 12:35

height

8.28 0.61 8.50 1.17 8.01 0.80 8.45 1.25 7.72 1.02 8.38 1.35 7.42 1.25 8.31 1.44 7.18 1.45 8.26 1.45 7.06 1.58 8.30 1.33 7.14 1.57 8.46 1.03 7.47 1.35 8.77 0.57 8.01 0.94 9.18 0.03 8.65 0.45 9.58 -0.49 9.27 -0.02 9.88 -0.88 9.76 -0.36 10.00 -1.06 10.05 -0.49 9.90 -1.01 10.10 -0.40 9.58 -0.72 9.90 -0.10 9.06 -0.22

date

16 17 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 31 31 31

W E AT H E R :

Fri Sat Sat Sat Sat Sun Sun Sun Sun Mon Mon Mon Mon Tue Tue Tue Tue Wed Wed Wed Wed Thu Thu Thu Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat Sat Sat Sat Sun Sun Sun Sun Mon Mon Mon Mon Tue Tue Tue Tue Wed Wed Wed Wed Thu Thu Thu Thu Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat Sat Sat

time

height

18:59 01:09 07:20 13:22 19:48 02:01 08:13 14:11 20:40 02:57 09:10 15:05 21:36 03:58 10:14 16:05 22:37 05:04 11:22 17:12 23:39 06:07 12:25 18:16 00:36 07:02 13:20 19:13 01:27 07:49 14:06 20:00 02:12 08:29 14:46 20:42 02:53 09:06 15:24 21:20 03:31 09:40 15:58 21:57 04:08 10:14 16:32 22:33 04:43 10:47 17:06 23:09 05:19 11:20 17:41 23:46 05:55 11:55 18:16

9.49 0.36 8.42 0.42 8.96 0.89 7.74 1.11 8.39 1.39 7.14 1.76 7.88 1.77 6.71 2.25 7.54 1.93 6.56 2.51 7.41 1.85 6.67 2.49 7.49 1.60 6.98 2.26 7.72 1.25 7.39 1.90 8.01 0.88 7.82 1.49 8.30 0.55 8.22 1.10 8.53 0.29 8.56 0.77 8.65 0.14 8.81 0.54 8.65 0.09 8.95 0.42 8.53 0.14 8.99 0.42 8.31 0.29 8.93

www.imn.ac.cr

How to read the Tide (example): High Tides at 04:37AM (9.90 feet high) and at 17:06PM (10.23 feet high).

Low Tides at 10:45AM (-1.18 feet high) and at 23:13PM (-0.82 feet high).

01 Wed 04:37 9.90 01 Wed 10:45 01 Wed 17:06 01 Wed 23:13

-1.18 10.23 -0.82

WARNING: YOU CANNOT Cross the rocks 2 hours after or before High Tide

6

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

Phone: 2777-1349 www.villaroca.com 7

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

End of Vacation

By Todd Pequeen

W

e live in a world today which is always striving to make the tasks of daily living easier and faster.

Both our physical and mental health should be at an all time high, compared to decades of the past. Modern innovations in this high tech day and age should be leaving us with more time and money, if we play our cards right, to cultivate ourselves in whatever we choose.... health, love, art, travel, amongst other finer things in life. I wonder why most people never feel like the weekend is long enough, why our favorite activities get less and less attention as we grow older, or quite possibly that the sense of stillness, or simply having time on our hands, may be subconsciously being avoided. I know many people who never feel freedom or embrace the notion of nothing to do, and no where to be. For these people it is impossible to just "detach" as we are creatures of habit.

"holidays" are the end all be all of inspiration. Often looked forward to for months in advance the holiday weeks are sacred, ranked just above three day holiday weekends. The Golden Egg always seems to be in the other person’s court. Is it possible to maintain a perfect balance between beach, sand, sun, to the culture, art, and financial benefits of city living? I propose that it is, yet it must be a goal worked at as hard as our other priorities.

Dream it first and then achieve it.

I have always maintained doing what you love to be the most important thing in life.

Even if what you love most is sleeping... well, make the time to do it and be aware of the trade offs. Eventually, when you've had enough sleep, you will sense it and I guarantee you will know that you are ready for a change. Our body and mind knows naturally when they need more work or play, the key is being able to listen. Hard work and short term commitments are two simple ways to staying fresh and energetic as time passes. Modern day living should be about capitalizing on inventions to create happier lives and more grounded souls. I feel it is very important for all of us to step back, take a look at our lives, give ourselves the breaks when we need them, and quite simply live the "pura vida" lifestyle even if we live thousands of miles away. The vacation never needs to end when the appropriate attitude is adopted. n

Every year I try to give myself a nice long break for my body and mind to renew it self.

To be defined by or encapsulated by a job, relationship, or activity 24/7 I have realized stifles creative thoughts, new goal setting, and the natural process and manifestation of growing older, wiser, and more fulfilled with my life. My favorite holidays are to big cities. I live at a town located in a jungle beach "paradise" of Manuel Antonio. I love living here but my first choice for travel is to the urban jungle. I adore interacting with people who work steady long hours at a job they most likely don't love, the contrast creates wonderful dynamics. I notice their ever coveted

(Todd Pequeen was the first male massage therapist here in Manuel Antonio 9 years ago. He is a graduate of The New York Institute of Massage and works independently at your hotel, rental home, or at his home studio. He can be reached at 8847-2010.)

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No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

Casa Blanca for our lesbigay guests, their friends and family Phone: (506) 2777 1316 • (506) 2777 0253 • (506) 2777 1790 PostBox 194 • 6350 Carretera a Manuel Antonio, Quepos. Costa Rica.

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No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

In the Heart of Manuel Antonio • Rental Home, Starting at $900 per Week • This gay owned new house has 3 Bedrooms & Sleeps 6.

• Be Yourself at a Private/Secluded Pool

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Pizzeria • Italian Cuisine • BBQ BEST PRICES IN TOWN Free Wi-Fi and Swimming pool for our costumers

In Manuel Antonio 1 mile from Quepos towards @ Hotel Mimos

www.casabosqueverde.com

To Book, contact Kelly at (403) 246-8941 or reservations@casabosqueverde.com

Reservations 2777-4521 Tips about Playita*

Cosas sobre Playita*

* This is the name of one of the beaches in Manuel Antonio, which attracts a high concentration of gay people, from the area and visitors to Costa Rica.

* Este es el nombre de una de las playas en Manuel Antonio que atrae una alta concentración de gays turistas y locales.

REMEMBER Don't bring valuables to the beach, you will not need them. If you do swim, or walk, ask someone you know to watch your things.

DON'T FORGET Sunblock... Sunblock... Sunblock...

The sun is much stronger than you think.

PLEASE Take care about the tide, you can cross the rocks 2 hours before and/or 2 hours after the high tide (page 6), otherwise you may get hurt. Rocks are very dangerous in high tide period.

YOU MUST Dress in a bathing suit. Nude bathing is restricted on the beaches. Police do patrol the beaches.

BORED? Walk to the end of the beach and climb a bit to the end of the rocks and get a fantastic view… of the coast, wear good shoes and have fun.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY ...

Don't get sand in your ...OUCH!

RECUERDE No lleve cosas valiosas a la playa, no las necesita. Si vas a caminar o a nadar pídale a alguien que vigile tus cosas, es mejor prevenir que lamentar.

NO OLVIDE Use suficiente bronceador: el sol es más fuerte de lo que usted piensa.

POR FAVOR Préstele atención a la marea. Usted puede cruzar las rocas 2 horas antes y/o 2 horas después de la marea alta. Las rocas son muy peligrosas en marea alta y puede accidentarse fácilmente en este periodo.

DEBE Usar traje de baño en todo momento. La policía esta controlando esto la playa.

ESTÁ ABURRIDO???

Vaya camine por las rocas al final de la playa y verá qué linda que es la vista desde ahí. Use zapatos y diviértase.

TENGA CUIDADO De no dejar que la arena entre en sus… Ouch!!!

10

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

506.2777.0543

11

Manuel Antonio map

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009 1. Canopi Safari 2. Giancarlo Hair Artist 3. Restaurante El Patio 4. Century 21 5. Mucho Musculo Gym 6. Restaurante Mamma Mia 7. Restaurante La Hacienda 8. Hotel Gaia / Rest. La Luna 9. Amigos del RĂ­o 10. Restaurante Mar Luna 11. Vida Realty

3

2 4

12. Casa Nelda 13. Casa Bosque Verde 14. Latino Lounge 15. CafĂŠ Milagro 16. Hotel Mandarina 17. Academia D'amore 18. Rest. Salsipuedes (Tapas) 19. Barba Roja 20. Hotel Casa Blanca 21. Hotel Villa Roca 22. Hotel del Mar

1 5

17 18 19

6 7 8 9

14

13

15 20 16 21

10 11

12

22

Catholic Church

12

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

New Global Fusion Menu Sunset Happy Hour 4:30 - 6:30PM

Phone 2777-0331 Fax 2777-5159

• Savegre River ½ day $79 • Ocean Kayak $69

Phone:

Amigos del Río

2777-0100 • 2777-3079

www.amigosdelrio.net

www.canopysafari.com

Tel.: 2777-0082 13

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

MANUEL ANTONIO FROM A TO Z EMERGENCIES: 911 FIRE DEP.: 118 INT. INFO: 124 HOSPITAL: 2777 0922 RED CROSS: 2777 0116

s Exclusive Gay BARS u Salsipuedes: 2777 5019 Tapas Bar Across the street from Banca Promerica HOTELS s Casa Blanca: 2777 0253 Corner of the road to the gay beach u Hotel Gaia: 2777 9797 Main road to Manuel Antonio u Hotel Mandarina: 2777 5205 Main road to Manuel Antonio s Villa Roca: 2777 1349 Next to Hotel Si Como No u Hotel del Mar: 2777 0543 Before Mar y Sombra u Hotel Timarai:

2270 8360 Palo Seco beach 40 miles from MA RESTAURANTS u Café Milagro: In front Hotel Casa Blanca

l Gay with straight visit u Barba Roja: 2777 0331 In front Hotel Divisamar u El Patio: 2777 4982 Downtown Quepos u La Hacienda: 2777 3473 Plaza Yara - Comercial Center u La Luna Restaurant & Ambar

Lounge: 2777 9797. Hotel Gaia.

Main road to Manuel Antonio u Latin Lounge:

2777 5173 Cross from Academia D'amore u Mamma Mia: 2777 4521

1 mile from Quepos towards Manuel Antonio u MarLuna: 2777 5107 Near Manuel Antonio School

SERVICES u Academia D'amore 2777 0233 Next to Hotel Tulemar u Amigos del Río 2777 0082 100 mts south from Hotel Gaia u Canopy Safari: 2777 0100 Downtown Quepos

14

u Gay friendly l Casa Bosque Verde Canada contact (403) 246-8941 200 east from Super Joseth Manuel Antonio l Casa Nelda 8814 6251 1 mile from Manuel Antonio School u Century 21: 2777 2121 Downtown Quepos u Giancarlo Hair Artist:

2774 0550 Downtown Quepos u Gym Mucho Músculo 2777 3400 Going out of Quepos to Manuel Antonio, on the left just before the first hill u Massage Todd: 8847 2010 Professional Massage at your hotel u Vida Realty: Real Estate 2774 0287 Across street from soccer field Manuel Antonio u Sunset Sails: 2777 1304 100 mts east from Salon Comunal, Manuel Antonio

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

Restaurante

TAMAL FEST

Latino Lounge

TAMALEADA

Local Latin Food Favorites In the center of Manuel Antonio • Find us before Kapi-Kapi.

Call 2777-5143

An intimate Lounge with Great Food and atmosphere too!

MENU FAVORITES FROM ¢1,600- ¢5,900 HAPPY HOUR -Daily from 4pm - 7pm Wed. • TAPAS PARTY Thurs. • Gays & Friends Dinner 7 PM (call to reserve) Sat & Sun • SUNSET Happy Hour Upstairs in Cockatoo Lounge Sun. Brunch 11pm - 3pm with Desiree

15

Come and enjoy Christmas favorite food in Costa Rica, the Tamal with the best house music in town.

28 december / diciembre 2008

@ Latino Lounge 5:00 pm Host by: Organiza:

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

7 reasons NOT to feed the monkeys

Y

containing pesticides, can be upsetting to the monkeys' delicate digestive system and cause serious dental problems that can lead to eventual death.

ou might find feeding the monkeys (and other wild animals) to be a thrilling experience, you are not doing the monkeys a favor. In fact, you are actually harming them. Here's why:

5.Feeding creates a dangerous dependency on humans that diminishes the monkeys' survival abilities.

1.Monkeys are highly susceptible to diseases from human hands. They can die from bacteria transferred off your hand that has no ill effect on you.

6.Feeding interferes with the monkeys' natural habits and upsets the balance of their lifestyle centered on eating wild fruits, seeds, small animals and insects.

2.Migration to human-populated areas to be fed increases the risk of dog attacks and road accidents.

7.Contact with humans facilitates poaching and the trade in illegal wildlife. n

3.Irregular feeding leads to an aggressive behavior towards humans and other species.

4.Contrary to the stereotype, bananas are not preferred food of monkeys in the wild. Bananas, specially those 16

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

LEARN SPANISH IN MANUEL ANTONIO, QUEPOS

Fiesta De Rojo

*Homestay or beach lodging *Small groups or private classes *Personalized attention *Internet service

14 february

www.academiadamore.com Email: info@damoreschool.com Costa Rica Tel/Fax: (506) 2777-0233 Wisconsin Tel/Fax: (282) 367-8589 California Tel/Fax: (818) 434-7290

febrero 2009

Hosted by: Organiza:

17

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

CASA NELDA Away from the crowd

• USA Nationally Certified • New York Institute of Massage Graduate • Dedicated to deep, therapeutic bodywork since 1998 • The First professional male massage therapist in Manuel Antonio • Home Studio or On Location

We rent 2 bedroom apartment or bachelor

(506) 8814 6251 cdnguy59@yahoo.com

10% OFF with this Ad

Coloring Straighten Curling Barber Shop Trim Make Up Facials Quepos downtown, La Garza Comercial Center Appointments: 2774 0550 Open: 9:00 am 9:00 pm Mon - Sat

Live Music 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Thursday,Friday & Saturday

Road of Manuel Antonio, Quepos Phone: 2777-5107 18

The Village Festivals

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

DECEMBER Festival of the Negritos: the week of December 8th in the indigenous village of Boruca. Indigenous rituals are combined with Catholicism and the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception is honored with costumes, drums, flute, music and dances.

Festival of the Yegüita: the week of December 12.

The Virgin of Guadalupe is honored with processions, concerts, fireworks and typical food.

Lighting Festival: December 13th, in San José. A night time Carnival have place with fantasy carrousels.

Christmas Celebrations: Nativity scenes are put up in homes and businesses.

Cookies, eggnog, chicha (liquor made from corn), tamales, apples and grapes are eaten by the people.

Popular Festivals: from December 25th- January 4th. In Zapote, in the south part of San José, an amusement park is set up with a bull corral, typical music, food and fireworks.

Parade: December 26th, in San José. A parade on horseback celebrates all of the horseback parades throughout the year.

Festival of the Devils: December 31st to January 2nd. The Boruca Indians of Rey Curré perform a dance of fighting between the Indians (devils) and the Spaniards (bulls) to the sounds of drums and flute music.

JANUARY Palmares Festival: first two weeks of January: food, carnival, parade, bingo, concerts and more.

Alajuelita Festival: the second week of January in Alajuelita. Parades with oxcarts and a walk to the Alajuelita Cross organized in honor to the Cristo Negro de Esquipulas.

Santa Cruz Festival: second week of January in Guanacaste. Typical dances and marimba music are some of the activities organized in this celebration given in honor of Cristo Negro de Esquipulas.

Full Moon celebration: Osa Peninsula, Cocalito Beach. Typical food, crafts and cultural activities.

Central American, South American and Caribbean influences fuse into an original Costa Rican dining experience.

Rated the top restaurant in the area

by The Tico Times Restaurant Guide, Lonely Planet and Frommers!

Located on the ocean front road in Quepos, next door to Café Milagro Coffee Roasters.

Reservations 2777-4982 Open Monday-Saturday 6:30am-10:00pm

BISTRO LATINO 19

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

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No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

2 Cities: 3 Tours

By Jose Chaves

industry and tourism are quickly finding a foothold in the region. Gaytours offers an extraordinary tour to visit the Irazú volcano and Cartago downtown. Get a group of friends and come to visit this fantastic part of Costa Rica.

S

an José was founded in 1738 and is located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica at 1161 meters above sea level.

This bustling hub of commerce is one of the youngest capitals in Central America and headquarters of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights as well as several embassies and offices of International Cooperation.

In the center of the city is the National Theater, built in 1890 truly a national treasure. Its classic Renaissance-style architecture is enhanced by its modern surroundings in the Plaza de la Cultura. Many eclectic shops line the nearby street walks of Central Avenue.

This capital is recognized as the most gay friendly in Central America, full of business owned by people of the community that open day and night time. Gaytours offers two fantastic tours in this city, one in the day time to see it’s great architecture and have shopping time, the other one is at night time to check the hottest spots in the city at the right moment. n

Basílica de Los Angeles, Cartago.

C

artago, the first capital of Costa Rica maintains the distinction of being the oldest remaining Spanish settlement, officially founded in 1563. The city’s location was moved three times until it found its present location where it remained the capital city until 1823.

This city of approximately 157 000 inhabitants lies 15 miles east of San José, at the base of Irazú volcano. Cartago has sustained severe damages in three major earthquakes and one large volcanic eruption as recent as 1963.

The city is perhaps best known for the impressive Basilica de Los Angeles in the center of the town. Each year on August first, thousands of pilgrims walk from their homes (wherever the location is) to the Basilica to pray to a statue of a Dark Madonna whose legend claims great healing powers. Five blocks away from the Basilica, in the central park, the ruins of what would have been Cartago’s main church can be founded; it sustained extensive damages in the 1910 earthquake and was thus never finished.

The province of Cartago until recently has been a largely agricultural economy although

National Teather, San José.

Check www.gaytourscr.com or ask in the front desk of your hotel.

21

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

SAN JOSE

FROM A TO Z EMERGENCIES 911 FIRE DEP. 118 INT. INFO 124

s Exclusive Gay

HOSPITAL CALDERÓN GUARDIA: 2257-07922 HOSPITAL SAN JUAN DE DIOS: 2257-6282 HOSPITAL MÉXICO: 2232-6122

l Gay with straight visit

u Gay friendly

ASSOCIATIONS

HOTELS

Arco Iris caricr@hotmail.com ASOVIH-SIDA 2255 1869 CIPAC 2280 7821 Fundación Vida 2221 5819 Movimiento Diversidad 2256 6408

u The Fountains Guesthouse: 8378 6679 Escazú, San José

BARS

u Café Mundo: 2222 6190 At the corner of 9th Av.and15 st.

l Al Despiste: 2234 5956 In front Multiplaza, Zapote l Ankara: 2266 0303 300 m. south from the church. San José de la Montaña, Heredia l Bochinche 2221 0500 From AyA, Paseo de los Estudiantes, 100m east and 25 m south l Puchos: 2256 1147 At the Corner of 11 st. & 8th Av.

DISCOS l Club Oh 2248 1500 St.2, Av. 14 and 16 l La Avispa: 2223 5343 250 m. south of the Popular Banc

22

s Colours Oasis Resort: 2296 1880 At the end of Rohrmoser Boulevard

RESTAURANTS

u Olio: 2281 0541 200 m. north from Bagelsmens, Barrio Escalante

SAUNAS s Las Thermas de Híspalis: 2256 9540 On 2nd Av, 150 m. east from Plaza de la Democracia s Paris: 2258 7254 100 m north from Morazán Park

SERVICES s Gaytours S.A. 2294 06 06 PO Box 309-2200 Coronado, San Jose C.R. u Dental Service 8822 1950 Coronado, San Jose C.R

No. 21 December 2008-January 2009

7\fVbiXe FTa =bfX DAY CITY TOUR

NIGHT CITY TOUR

Walk the old town, lunch in a local restaurant then go shopping. All this with a gay guide to give you tips about this city.

One bar, a disco or maybe a stripper bar...

all according to where the action is that night

Tuesdays thru Fridays 10 am 2 pm

Thursday thru Sunday 9 pm 1 am

www.gaytourscr.com

Coronado

The Fountains Guesthouse

DENTAL SERVICES

A magical, tranquil, oasis

DDS Carla Villegas • Composites fillings • Porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges • Inlays,onlays • Root canals treatments • Dental whitening • Gum treatments • Dental implants (restrictions apply) • Dentures Pick up and Droop off, door to door Southwest of Coronado Park, San JosÊ

Convenient, safe. Just 7 min. from San JosĂŠ

In CR: 8-378-6679 From U.S./Canada 1-800-936-3646

1IPOF t 'BY &NBJM DBS@WJMMFHBT!ZBIPP DPN

www.FountainsGuesthouse.com

www.LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com

23

The way of fun in Manuel Antonio Mondays Damas Island Mangrove Park $65 Your choose Kayak or Motor Boat Pick up: High tide of the day Tuesdays White Water Rafting $79 Easy levels, great scenery Pick up: 12:30 pm* Wednesdays and Saturdays Sunset Boat $75 Relax and enjoy Pick up: 1:00 pm* Thursdays and Sundays Canopy Tour $70 Lots of adrenaline Pick up: 1:00 pm* Fridays Horseback Riding on the montains $70 Pick up: 9:00 am* Ocean Kayak on the park $69 Pick up: 2:00 pm* *Times subject to changes

Gaytours open from December till April