Playita Issue #43

FREE INFO BULLETIN Gaylife News, Comments, Activities and Information

Year XI • No. 43 April-May 2014

• Private Membership Club • Swimming Pool • Lounge and Sun Bathing Area • Pool Bar • Food Service • Happy Hour 6 PM -7 PM • Discounted Rates at La Mansion Facilities • Special Events

Tel: (506) 2777-5012

Email: reservations@contempocostarica.com

www.contempocostarica.com

Come as a guest,

Leave as a friend...

YOUR FIVE STAR GAY FRIENDLY HOTEL

Tels: (506) 2777-3489 / (506) 2777-5009 Toll Free: 1-800-360-2071 email: reservations@lamansioninn.com

www.lamansioninn.com

¡A Grito Pelado!

Por Jose Chaves

E

JUNT@S

s impresionante cómo el MUNDO ENTERO ha dado un fuerte cambio con respecto a la comunidad LGBT global.

Unos para mal y otros para bien.

Mientras algunos se vuelven más extremistas, explotando toda una campaña de odio, otros integran Gays & Lesbianas como parte de su cotidianidad.

Hay casos extremos de crímenes de odio y pena de muerte en algunos países y en otros se acepta cada vez más el Matrimonio de Parejas del Mismo Sexo y la adopción.

Manuel Antonio y Quepos no son la excepción.

Cada día vemos cómo la playa es mixta y cómo los lugares que fueron gays, son visitados por TODO EL MUNDO. Pienso que de la misma manera, muchos espacios que eran exclusivos de la comunidad heterosexual han abierto sus puertas a una comunidad más mixta y directa (¿O lo hicimos nosotros mismos?)

Sin embargo pienso que no se debe bajar la guardia y que como Comunidad LGBT debemos seguir mostrando que somos muchos y que estamos unidos para un mejor futuro de aceptación y diversidad.

Más aún con las demostraciones de odio que se han visto esta temporada en playitas y alrededores; así que, este 29 de junio vamos TOD@S JUNT@S a la Marcha Pacífica del Orgullo LGBT (Gay Pride) en San José, para demostrar nuestra unidad y organización.

Digamos presente en la FLOTA de Manuel Antonio, con el tema de Diversidad en la Playa. Si tienes preguntas o consultas con gusto comunícate al info@gaytourscr.com Hagámosla en grande, como sólo nosotros sabemos hacerlo... pero hagámosla JUNT@S.

mediterranean cuisine Open 2 pm to 10 pm At Tres Banderas Hotel Manuel Antonio

Ph. 27771521 Gay Pride Fundraising Dinner on May 16 $35 3 Courses Dinner, Live Music RSVP required 8305 8044

INDEX • INDICE Gay Schedule THE TIDE/LA MAREA: April-May Manuel Antonio Gaymap Don’t Forget the Little Things Look No Farther The Manuel Antonio Bucket List Directory

Pag 7 Pag 8 Pag 10 Pag 13 Pag 14 Pag 17 Pag 18

CREDITOS

• Director: Jose Chaves • Productor: Paul Sfez • Diseño: Diego Hidalgo • Webmaster: Michael Matthews • Website: www.gaytourscr.com/playita.html • Colaboradores: Don Willems, Tim Dwyer, Todd Pequeen.

• Ventas: 83058044 / 88360024 / info@gaytourscr.com Todas las opiniones expresadas en este medio son entera responsabilidad del autor.

PLAYITA • Year XI • No. 43 April-May 2014

3

Chef Annie

S

he specializes in honeymoon/and private family vacations for up to 8 people, all inclusive without the hassle of spending your valuable vacation time wading thru all the tourist papers and not knowing what to expect. She is also a personal vacation chef for your villa or rental home during your stay and can incorporate your activity requests that are very un-tourist and private to suit your tastes. Her tours includes special spots to enjoy food/beverage, that are up to her standards and will delight you in special moments.

Annie also does river fishing trips and off shore that includes a fantastic gourmet coolers filled with really nice items for your culinary desires. Chef Annie Costa Rica looks forward to your special requests to make your vacation the best ever, you want it you got it.

You can contact Annie at heyannie01@gmail. com Her U.S. phone is 863-904-8204 Costa Rica 506-8354-5773.

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PLAYITA • Year XI • No. 43 April-May 2014

Chef Annie is available for catering dinner parties at your home or other locations, intimate beach weddings up to 50 people, river fishing trips with gourmet cooler, and weddings and honeymoons. She is an experienced yacht chef, personal assistant to owner/captain, including provision shopping.

Background. As a full service executive restaurant chef for 20 years, Annie started her career at the Disney Institute. She was a personal estate chef for Payne Stewart, and Consultant Chef for Boutique Properties in St. Martin, Dominica. She lived in England and worked for a pub group putting American Bar Food into operations.

She has also worked as a full service restaurant chef for private owners, marinas and small resorts.

Now, as Chef Annie Inc., she brings with her a vast experience in culinary delights to share with Costa Rica.

Chef Annie Costa Rica at your service...

• Special Events • Catering • Yacht Chef • Gay Honey Moon

8354-5773 HeyAnnie01@gmail.com

Now serving succulent FRESH seafood with Premium aged steaks cooked to perfection on our grill. Come feel the cool vibe at Z and chill out during dinner or lounge out for an evening drink.

2777-­‐6948 Reservations

THE NEW GAY BAR IN MANUEL ANTONIO

Happy Hour 8-10 pm Open 6 pm / Closed Tuesday

Located below Victoria’s Restaurant

tour e v o ch! r u g n o a t M l a The erson p e h t with

Don't miss the opportunity to see and learn about this incredible habitat called Mangrove!

For more info: (506)5019 5889 mycostaricatours@gmail.com

GAYSCHEDULE

Your way to fun in Manuel Antonio • EVERYDAY Make Your Own Tour by Tres Niñas Boat Rental Starting $195 2 hours (1 to 8 people) • MONDAYS Damas Island Mangrove Tour $65 Pick up: High Tide of the day • TUESDAYS Hiking in Manuel Antonio Park $45 Pick up 12:30 pm * • WEDNESDAYS Sunset Sail $80 Pick up 1:30 pm* • THURSDAYS Canopy Tour $75 Pick up 12:30 pm* • FRIDAYS ATV Fourtrax $99 s $129 d Pick up 1:30 pm* • SATURDAYS Sunset Sail $80 Pick up 1:30 pm* • SUNDAYS White Water Rafting $89 Full Day Pick up 8:00 am* Sunset Session @ Mogambo Bar No Cover. Start 4:00 pm *Times subject to change

RESERVATIONS: 8305 8044 info@gaytourscr.com or ask at the front desk of your hotel.

Follow Us

www.gaytourscr.com

THE TIDE April

May

date

time

01 Tue 01 Tue 01 Tue 01 Tue 02 Wed 02 Wed 02 Wed 02 Wed 03 Thu 03 Thu 03 Thu 03 Thu 04 Fri 04 Fri 04 Fri 05 Sat 05 Sat 05 Sat 05 Sat 06 Sun 06 Sun 06 Sun 06 Sun 07 Mon 07 Mon 07 Mon 07 Mon 08 Tue 08 Tue 08 Tue 08 Tue 09 Wed 09 Wed 09 Wed 09 Wed 10 Thu 10 Thu 10 Thu 10 Thu 11 Fri 11 Fri 11 Fri 12 Sat 12 Sat 12 Sat 12 Sat 13 Sun 13 Sun 13 Sun 13 Sun 14 Mon 14 Mon 14 Mon 14 Mon 15 Tue 15 Tue 15 Tue 15 Tue 16 Wed 16 Wed 16 Wed 16 Wed 17 Thu

03:41 09:43 16:01 22:12 04:26 10:28 16:45 22:56 05:10 11:11 17:28 23:39 05:55 11:54 18:12 00:23 06:42 12:39 18:59 01:09 07:31 13:28 19:49 02:00 08:26 14:23 20:46 02:57 09:28 15:26 21:49 03:59 10:31 16:34 22:54 05:02 11:30 17:37 23:52 05:58 12:21 18:29 00:43 06:45 13:06 19:15 01:28 07:27 13:46 19:55 02:09 08:07 14:25 20:34 02:48 08:45 15:02 21:12 03:27 09:23 15:40 21:51 04:06

height

9.55 -0.95 10.08 -1.13 9.45 -0.76 9.86 -0.90 9.13 -0.38 9.43 -0.48 8.67 0.16 8.85 0.06 8.11 0.78 8.20 0.65 7.56 1.39 7.57 1.20 7.09 1.89 7.06 1.63 6.81 2.20 6.76 1.85 6.78 2.22 6.73 1.83 6.99 1.98 6.92 1.62 7.36 1.55 7.26 1.30 7.82 1.04 7.66 0.92 8.30 0.53 8.05 0.55 8.74 0.06 8.39 0.23 9.11 -0.31 8.64 -0.01 9.35 -0.54 8.78

date

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

time

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

10:02 16:19 22:30 04:46 10:43 17:00 23:12 05:28 11:26 17:44 23:56 06:15 12:14 18:33 00:45 07:07 13:08 19:28 01:40 08:05 14:09 20:31 02:42 09:11 15:18 21:40 03:49 10:19 16:29 22:50 04:56 11:24 17:38 23:56 06:00 12:24 18:39 00:54 06:57 13:18 19:33 01:47 07:49 14:07 20:22 02:36 08:36 14:54 21:07 03:22 09:21 15:37 21:51

height

-0.13 9.45 -0.62 8.80 -0.12 9.38 -0.54 8.71 0.03 9.15 -0.32 8.52 0.29 8.79 0.01 8.28 0.61 8.37 0.37 8.07 0.91 8.00 0.68 7.98 1.06 7.79 0.82 8.10 0.97 7.83 0.75 8.41 0.66 8.07 0.52 8.83 0.23 8.42 0.22 9.24 -0.19 8.75 -0.04 9.56 -0.51 8.99 -0.19 9.72 -0.68 9.10 -0.20 9.69 -0.68

WEATHER:

www.imn.ac.cr

date

01 Thu 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 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 08 Thu 09 Fri 09 Fri 09 Fri 09 Fri 10 Sat 10 Sat 10 Sat 10 Sat 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 15 Thu 16 Fri 16 Fri 16 Fri 16 Fri 17 Sat

time

04:06 10:04 16:20 22:32 04:49 10:47 17:02 23:14 05:33 11:29 17:45 23:56 06:17 12:13 18:29 00:39 07:03 13:00 19:16 01:25 07:53 13:51 20:08 02:15 08:47 14:47 21:05 03:09 09:43 15:47 22:05 04:06 10:39 16:47 23:04 05:02 11:31 17:42 23:59 05:54 12:19 18:32 00:47 06:41 13:04 19:17 01:32 07:26 13:47 20:00 02:16 08:10 14:29 20:42 02:59 08:54 15:12 21:25 03:42 09:38 15:56 22:09 04:27

height

9.05 -0.05 9.49 -0.51 8.87 0.24 9.14 -0.20 8.56 0.63 8.68 0.21 8.19 1.07 8.17 0.67 7.81 1.51 7.66 1.12 7.47 1.88 7.21 1.51 7.25 2.11 6.91 1.79 7.18 2.16 6.79 1.89 7.30 1.99 6.88 1.82 7.58 1.64 7.14 1.60 7.97 1.18 7.50 1.28 8.43 0.67 7.91 0.90 8.88 0.18 8.33 0.53 9.29 -0.24 8.70 0.22 9.58 -0.55 8.99 0.00 9.73 -0.71 9.16

date

17 17 17 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 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

time

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

10:24 16:41 22:54 05:13 11:13 17:30 23:41 06:03 12:04 18:21 00:32 06:56 13:00 19:17 01:27 07:54 14:00 20:18 02:26 08:55 15:06 21:24 03:29 09:59 16:14 22:30 04:33 11:02 17:20 23:35 05:36 12:01 18:20 00:34 06:34 12:56 19:14 01:28 07:27 13:46 20:03 02:18 08:15 14:32 20:48 03:03 09:01 15:16 21:30 03:47 09:43 15:58 22:11 04:29 10:25 16:39 22:50

height

-0.08 9.70 -0.70 9.21 -0.02 9.51 -0.54 9.14 0.17 9.17 -0.24 8.99 0.44 8.76 0.12 8.81 0.71 8.35 0.49 8.68 0.90 8.06 0.76 8.65 0.94 7.94 0.90 8.73 0.81 7.99 0.90 8.91 0.57 8.17 0.82 9.10 0.31 8.38 0.71 9.26 0.09 8.57 0.64 9.33 -0.05 8.71 0.62 9.31 -0.09 8.76 0.68 9.19 -0.03 8.72 0.81 8.97 0.13

WEATHER:

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

8

-1.18 10.23 -0.82

PLAYITA • Year XI • No. 43 April-May 2014

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

Welcome to our Big Pool Party Saturday, April 19th, 4-9 PM Cover 2.000 Colones

Tel. 2777-1349 www.villaroca.com

Free InRoom WiFi

The Gay Bar of Manuel Antonio

• Open from Tuesday to Sunday 4 pm-12 pm (Closed on Monday) • 2x1 on Drink from 4 pm to 6 pm / 9 pm to 11 pm • 2x1 on Food from 6 pm to 9 pm • Authentic Costa Rican Typical Food and Seafood Speciality

Reservations: 2777-6310

barmogambo@gmail com raphaelsterraza@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: Bar Mogambo Raphael Terrazas

GAYMAP to San José

1

QUEPOS: 1. Aventuras Tropicales 2. Tres Niñas 3. Mid World 4. Blue Café, Bar & Restaurant 5. Jaime Peligro Books 6. Mucho Músculo Gym 7. Pro Rafting

Boca Vieja to the Airport

2

3 4

5

Bus Station

6 7 to Manuel Antonio

10

11 12

1 2

3 4 5 6

13 14 15

7

17

18

MANUEL ANTONIO: 1. Hotel California 2. Z Seafoods & Grill 3. Coyaba Tropical B&B 4. Hotel Gaia 5. Gondola Restaurant 6. Rest. Mar Luna 7. Jungle Loft 8. Casa Nelda 9. Prana Rainforest Retreat 10. Casa Bosque Verde

10

11. Karma Lounge 12. Rest. Salsipuedes 13. Emilio’s Café 14. Reimax / Vida Realty 15. Hotel Villa Roca 16. Epic Living Center 17. Hotel Contempo / La Mansión Inn 18. Rest. Raphael’s Terrazas & Bar Mogambo

PLAYITA • Year XI • No. 43 April-May 2014

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9

16

oscostarica@gmail.com www.OsCostaRica.com

Making your life corlorful  Therapeutic  Relaxing  Deep Hola, I am Os. Costa Rican Physical Therapist & Spanish Teacher.

Certified & Experienced.

From 4:00PM – 1:00AM Quepos Downtown Shopping Center La Garza

(506) 2777 7068 bluequepos@gmail.com

Ask also about: Massage gift certificate & Spanish lessons...

Available on location or in studio.

English(506)8305-0041 Español(506)8707-2092 B O O K Y O U R B O AT H E R E : I N F O @ T R E S N I N A S B O AT R E N TA L . C O M

Tel: (506) 2777 1234 Fax: (506) 2777 1062 Toll free number: 1-877 2722356 skype-msn: hotel.californiacr Hotel California, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

GPS: N09° 25.324’ W084° 09.429’ ELEV: 117M

• Spectacular Sunset • Dolphins & Marine Life • Snorkeling & Swimming • Delicious Food • Professional Crew • Magnificent Coastal Views

Happy Hour 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm / 9 pm -11 pm Every Day but Mondays

Road of Manuel Antonio, Quepos Phone: 2777-5107

Phone: 2777-0837 • 2777-1304 info@sunsetsailstours.com

Don’t Forget the Little Things

By Don Willems

I

s this your first trip to Costa Rica?

Whether you are a new or a returning traveler, keep these tips in mind for a more enjoyable visit.

First and most importantly, don’t underestimate the sun. Costa Rica is fairly close to the equator. A little planning will ensure you enjoy your trip. For many people, wearing a lightweight, well ventilated hat is a good idea, especially for the beach. Drink plenty of water. Keep yourself well hydrated. Tap water is safe to drink here. If you purchase bottled water, think green. Save the plastic bottles and refill them. If you are at the beach, try some fresh coconut water. It is easy to find, inexpensive, and delicious. Also, use SUNBLOCK, at all times.

The days in Costa Rica are very close to

12 hours long, all year long. The sun is up and warm by 6 am, and sunset is normally very close to 6 pm. If you are unfamiliar with the area, you may consider carrying a flashlight with you at night. There are few areas that have sidewalks. So be careful, wearing hiking sandles will keep you cool and also give your feet the support they need.

Sunset also brings with it a wide assortment of insects. You are, after all, in a tropical rain forest. It is a good Idea to use some sort of insect spray or lotion. Most people think of mosquitoes at sunset. While there are mosquitoes here, I can tell you from personal experience that mosquitoes in Illinois and Wisconsin are much worse and far more aggressive than you will find them to be in Costa Rica. You will want to use insect spray on your legs, particularly from the knees down. There are many ants and other small insects that you are more likely to receive bites from.

If you are planning a return trip in the future and are traveling with family or a large group, you may want to consider renting a private home. There are many beautiful homes available which offer comfort and privacy for a per person fee on par with hotels.

PLAYITA • Year XI • No. 43 April-May 2014

13

Look No Farther

By Todd Pequeen

I

live in a dead town. Actually, there is a circle at the end, it doesn’t just...end. The road itself must stop as National Parks have boundaries, they have perimeters.

The complete opposite of the local folk that live here. Roads go somewhere, locations are specific. People are often vague and much more complex, depending on the day and emotions and a million other factors.

The human spirit however is in its own category, it creates it’s own direction and flows without boundaries. I believe Manuel Antonio to be an area that it is limitless, that is as special as anywhere on earth that can inspire and instill change from within.

I am proud to have watched my hair slowly turning gray here. My situation is that of a massage therapist and surf instructor, both of which I am proud of, have chosen, and continue to find rewarding. I’ve watched Manuel Antonio go from an out of the way place to a booming tourist town. I still find it charming and understated compared to our northern neighbors named Jaco and Tamarindo. I have personally matured here from a wild 20 something year old with unlimited energy and an addiction to parties into a married man that loves to be asleep by 10pm. There are no regrets and those moments I can’t remember are probably for the best! That said I believe Manuel Antonio to be a place that both the holistic and the not so holistic can thrive... we have a huge selection of activities to choose from. Take advantage of them, but

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PLAYITA • Year XI • No. 43 April-May 2014

don’t forget to do nothing...to purposely do nothing, you are on vacation after all.

The world and our experiences within it, is reflected in our spirit. A wild untamed spirit welcomes the unknown, mature spirits are tempered each day with discipline and faith. Here in Costa Rica you can explore new ways of being, you can try to be someone different with the hope that new thoughts will spur on new desires and dreams. Perhaps time to reflect can be replaced with spontaneous action with the hope of creating the next step in ones lifetime. We all can dream a little bigger, share a little bit more of ourselves.

“The local that works on locals” 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

Cel: 8830-7727 Home Studio or On Location

PRANA

Rainforest Retreat

pranarainforestretreat.com 506-2777-6724 An exotic & romantic retreat catering to only one couple with all of the service of a world class resort.

Private villa with pool directly on the border of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Gay owned & operated by professional chefs and massage therapists, Mark Goldstein and Jon Harper.

milio’s e Panes frescos Sandwiches Postres Croissants Ensaladas Falafel Cafe Espresso Chai Te Cafe Frio y mucho mas!

Excellent Manuel Antonio Location!

!

Fresh breads Sandwiches Desserts Croissants Salads Falafel Coffee Espresso Chai Specialty Teas Iced Coffee and much more!

HOMEMADE ! FRESH ! DELICIOUS !

n 6:30am-9pm S TU S

T 6:30am-9pm T S

BEST

EE in COFF

TOWN

!

Frente la PlazaMariposa, de Futbol en ManuelAntonio.

Antonio . 2777-6807 Beforea Hotel Manuel 2777 6807

• Gay Owned Spacious Vacation Rental • Be Yourself at Secluded Pool • Walk to Beach, Restaurants, Stores • 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6

www.casabosqueverde.com

To book email: reservations@casabosqueverde.com

Estelle Mansuelle CERTIFIED TOUR GUIDE

Visit of Manuel Antonio Park

ES:

INCLUD

ed, equipp y ll u f ATVs helmets, safety guides, al bilingu ts & meal, n men refresh transportatio ip r t round info@fourtraxadventure.com www.fourtraxadventure.com

Tel: 2777-7600

Vacation Rental • Minimalist loft • In the heart of Manuel Antonio • Sleeps 2 to 4 • •

•

•

•

www.jungleloft.net • sfez.paul@gmail.com

Tel: (506) 8836 0024

Personalized attention

Contact: Ph.: 2777-0562 • Cell Ph.: 8719-2065 E-mail: mansuelle@gmail.com

The Manuel Antonio Bucket List

I

’m not suggesting that if you come to visit us at Manuel Antonio you have one foot in the grave.

However, Manuel Antonio is very special and it would be a shame to pass anything on this list before you head back home.

Manuel Antonio National Park. This park, which some have said was named after two lovers (I honestly heard that!), is the jewel of the area.

The park has a high concentration of species that guarantees sightings of sloths, monkeys, iguanas and birds. A guide is worth the investment as you will be shown an up-close view of park life and be given excellent explanations of the park’s biodiversity. Bring your bathing suit, hiking shoes/Keens and water and stay to enjoy the various beaches in the park. (Closed Mondays) Manuel Antonio Beach. Playa Espadilla is the main beach, or “la playa”. This light sand beach stretches along for over two kms, ending at “Playitas”, the small beaches created by rock outcroppings at the north-west end of the beach (also where most of the ‘boys’ hang out). The rolling waves, the ebb and flow of the tides, the vistas of rock islands as well as the all-important people watching make the beach the ideal spot for a day or two. Be cautioned. The sun is super intense; you can lobsterfy yourself in no time flat. Also be aware of the rip tides or undertows which can take even a strong swimmer for an unexpected adventure.

The Mountains. This area is surrounded by magnificent mountains once you pass through the palm oil plantations. There are many ways to experience these: white water rafting, horseback riding, ATV tour or with a private guide. It is amazing how the temperature drops as you go up the mountains and how cool and refreshing the mountain streams run. Toucans and scarlet macaws along with many other birds may be sighted as you trek.

Swim under a water fall. There are many waterfalls in the area. You may find a “cascada” as part of another tour. There’s something special about the energy and the feeling one gets as the water pours non-stop over us. Ask a guide or a local where you can partake.

By Tim Dwyer

Shop in Quepos. Okay, I know, Rodeo Drive it is not. But be the tourist and buy a t-shirt, a tchatchke, and a bag of coffee as souvenirs. Check out the side streets too; discover how the locals live. Take a stroll along the sea wall and watch the tides move beneath your feet!

Parque Naomi. This small park is a bit hard to find. Keep going past the both entrances to our new marina and you will see a road off on your left that goes by Coast Guard Station “Guarda Costas”. At the end is Naomi Park, a small municipal park that is surrounded by the sea and has wonderful vistas of the bays and Quepos Point. If adventurous, walk out over the stone beach and enjoy a swim in the beautiful waters of the cove there.

Costa Rican Soda. This is a smaller restaurant or café that is usually family run. I recommend Club Banana. It was the field workers social club when banana plantations surrounded the town. It’s been run by the same family for over forty years. Clara and her family will warmly welcome you. Local colour and very good food.

The Damas Mangrove. Much of Quepos is reclaimed mangrove swamp. The “manglares” protected this and many shores during storms. By boat or kayak, a tour through the swamp canals is leisurely and pleasant. It’s a unique bio-zone and feels like a set out of “The Lord of the Rings.” Expect to see caiman, turtles, and monkeys.

The Sunset. At the end of the day, it is a ritual to watch the sun sink into the ocean. It really doesn’t matter where you are: at the beach, on a sunset sail, on the Quepos sea wall, the whole world stops for a moment to contemplate this marvelous moment in nature. The end to another perfect day.

Fall in Love. I’m not suggesting that you drop your spouse or partner and bed down a local…though that has happened. How wonderful to share these vacation experiences. Allow romance to flow over you. Enjoy. Relax. If you arrive alone, say yes to life and see who the universe sets before you. You really are in paradise…your soul mate is here!

PLAYITA • Year XI • No. 43 April-May 2014

17

MANUEL ANTONIO

DIRECTORY a Exclusive Gay

BARS

• Blue

Quepos Downtown Shopping Center La Garza 2777 7068 a Karma Lounge Below Victoria’s restaurant Cockatoo Building a Mogambo

By Raphael Terrazas Top Floor 2777 6310 • Pirate Cave 2777 5012 Inside La Mansion Inn HOTELS

a Contempo:

2777 5012 Next to La Mansión Inn • Coyaba Tropical B&B 2777 6279 Next to Hotel Gaia • Hotel California 2777 1234 Next to Villa Las Palmas • Hotel Gaia 1 800 226 2515 Manuel Antonio • La Mansión Inn 2777 5012 Road to El Parador • Prana Rainforest Retreat: 2777 6724 Manuel Antonio a Villa Roca: 2777 1349 Next to Hotel Si Como No MASSAGE & WELLNESS

• Epic Living Center

8565 4815 In front of Hotel Villa Roca • Gym Mucho Músculo 2777 3400 Going from Quepos to Manuel Antonio, on the left just before the first hill • Jaime Peligro Books & Adventure English and spanish books, music, tours and temporary tattos 2777 7106 Quepos, next door to Century 21

18

PLAYITA • Year XI • No. 43 April-May 2014

l

Gay friendly

• Massage Manuel Antonio

Jesus Sancho 8627 9504 • Massage PURAVIDA Massage & Physical Therapist 88-222-936 • Massage Todd: 8830 7727 Professional Massage at your hotel RESTAURANTS

• Chef Annie

Service at your house 8354 5773 • Cousteau Restaurant 2777 5012 At La Mansión Inn • Emilio’s Café 2777 6807 Before Hotel Mariposa, Manuel Antonio • Gondola Gourmet 2777 1521 At Tres Banderas Hotel Manuel Antonio • La Luna & Ambar Lounge 2777 9797 Hotel Gaia • MarLuna 2777 5107 Near Manuel Antonio School • Raphael’s Terrazas 2777 6310 Main road to the National Park, beside the entry to Arboleda Hotel • Salsipuedes Tapas Bar 2777 5019 Across the street from Banca Promerica • Z Seafood and Grill 2777 6948 Plaza Yara, Manuel Antonio TOURS

• ATV Fourtrax Manuel Antonio 2777 7600 At Hotel La Mandarina Manuel Antonio Road • Aventuras Tropicales 5019 5889 Damas

a Gaytours

8305 8044 Fax 2294 4205 • Manuel Antonio Park Estelle Profesional Guide 8719 2065 Quepos • MidWorld Canopy 2777 7181 Centro Comercial La Garza Quepos downtown • Pro Rafting 2777 7238 / 8702 2563 Quepos • Sunset Sails 2777 0837 / 2777 1304 • Tres Niñas English 8305-0041 Español 8707-2092 Quepos VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE

• Casa Bosque Verde

Canada contact (403) 246 8941 200 east from Super Joseth Manuel Antonio • Casa Nelda 8814 6251 1 mile from Manuel Antonio School • Jungle Loft 8836 0024 Behind Villa El Lirio @ Canyon Verde • Re/Max Vida Realty Real Estate 2774 0287 / 2777 4945 8997 4129 / 8825 0434 Across the street from Cafe Milagro

The gay friendly “tapas” place, with an incredible ocean view and latin music!!!

2777 5019

Open daily at 7 am-10 pm (closed Tuesdays)

Sunset Video Session NO COVER Every Sunday

Hosted by

• Come over and watch the best Concert with us, Musical and Video Music on our 4 TVs (something different every week) • Enjoy SUNSET, listening/watching your favorite hits outside • 2x1 4 to 6 pm

Gay Pride San José 2014 Festival del Orgullo Gay June 29 Junio Te invita: