Running of the Bulls - Cobano Style!

Running of the Bulls - Cobano Style!

The Fiestas de Cobano started last weekend, February 16, and continue through this weekend, February 27. There is lots of bull-riding fun televised by Teletica, carnival rides, games, food, and lots of partying, as usual! For a calendar and list of events, check out this site: Fiestas Cobano Events Calendar 2012

Milly had a great time at the Fiesta this weekend!

Milly (middle) with Lis (right), part of Luna Llena's top-notch cleaning staff, with Lis's boyfriend (left).

Milly with the Queen of the Fiesta!

Another Luna Llena Baby Shower!

Another Luna Llena Baby Shower!

Jean, part of our Luna Llena Reception Office Team, is expecting the birth of her first child, a baby girl, in April. Milly, Leah and Ashley prepared a lovely and memorable baby shower for her at Vaca Loca in downtown Montezuma on Friday, February 10. Jean and Jose send their heartfelt thanks to all who attended and their baby girl sends a little kick of "thank you" for all the adorable gifts! Here are some photos of the event:

Leah, who is an amazing baker and whose desserts can be purchased at Vaca Loca, made a DELICIOUS chocolate-banana-Nutella cake in the shape of a heart:

Beware of Pirate Taxis

Beware of Pirate Taxis in Costa Rica

When traveling in Costa Rica it is always safest to go with a licensed taxi driver. In Costa Rica all licensed taxi drivers drive red taxis with a yellow triangle with an official taxi number on the door. All taxis are required to have a working meter which charges you a standard amount. Taxis coming from the airport in San Jose do tack on an extra surcharge.

Everywhere in Costa Rica there are pirate taxis. We are not saying that these are all automatically unsafe, but you never know what you are going to get when you take one of them. Their car may not be in good condition, the driver himself may not even have a driver's license. Additionally, unless you know exactly how much the fare should be to where you are going, a pirate taxi has no meter and may even be charging you more than the appropriate fare. Although it is rare in Costa Rica, there have been instances of pirate taxis taking clients to isolated spots in order to rob them, etc.

A licensed taxi driver is in contact with other taxi drivers. People know him and he is part of a community which he pays taxes and licensing fees to be a part of. Licensed taxi drivers are much less likely to be thieves or to treat you dishonestly. It is much safer to take licensed taxis as a tourist in Costa Rica.

The Guest House

The Guest House
By Rumi

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame,
the malice,
meet them at the door laughing
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

                                    -- Posted With Love From Milly