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Did I spell that properly—probably not—sorry if I insulted anyone.
I am sitting in southern Georgia, USA (about 200 miles south of Atlanta) checking Delta Airlines for cheap tickets to SJO in next couple of months to deal with my addiction to CR (been there 3 times in past few months). I have discovered San Isidro and love the altitude and the great weather that comes with that. Instead of staying in Dominical (which really enjoy), I think the altitude will be even more enjoyable.
Here’s my probably dumb question. Are there any local eateries frequented by non-CR citizens where folks sit around having a lengthy breakfast and/or lunch. I would love to stumble into the local coffee drinking table and sit with potential new friends to learn about the real life of moving to CR. I might even be willing to pay for the coffee!! Here in Southern Georgia there are local restaurants (sodas) where the good citizens gather for a long breakfasts to discuss the issues of the day. Inevitably, the late breakfast folks yield over to the early lunch folks who continue the themes started by the coffee addicts earlier in the morning. That’s what I would be searching for.
Good luck you highly envied folks in and around San Isidro. I look forward to seeing you soon. Kerry
Don’t think folk don’t want to have coffee with you, but remember that most members of this forum don’t actually live here! And, of those who do, probably very few live in San Isidro de General.
Hola Kerry,
Scott forwarded me your comments on looking for a kind of local gringo/foreigner coffee group. There is the Bazookas Restaurant on the interamericana highway just as you are coming into town. Right across the street for the grade school 12 De Marzo.There is a group that meets there on Thursdays?? for lunch. They are from all over the San Isidro area and the Valley General. Stop in at the restaurant when you are in town and the owner will be able to tell you the exact day is, the last I was told it was Thursday.
Also there is a little restaurant called Café de Casa. It is located across the street from the hotel Diamante Real. I do breakfast there all the time with friends and clients and there are always people in there new and old.
Also there is the more well known Chirripo restaurant in front of the big church in the middle of town. There is always a group in there for coffee and breakfast and later beers. I hope this helps you. Pura Vida, Victor
PS. Not from Scott: Victor Guerrero is our Recommended Realtor in San Isidro, you can see his video interview at: [ https://www.welovecostarica.com/public/1590.cfm ]
Kerry, I live 200 miles north of you just north of the ATL. I travel to C.R. frequently on business and have made acquaintances, both locals and expats. Best bet is just to go, rent a car, find an inexpensive place to stay, and plant yourself for awhile, getting to know the lay of the land from a local’s point of view. You might start by looking for a hotel/bar/restaurant owned by expats; they will know where the other expats live/hang out, etc. However, I’ve never seen the type of coffee klatch setting that you are describing in your post. Don’t forget, the environment you describe in your post is borne from long-term relationships that have developed over lifetimes in a small-town environment. I’ve seen what you’ve described Macon along Cherry Street, or across from the Federal Courthouse in Macon where locals gather to have breakfast in small local restaurants and solve the world’s problems once again every morning. I don’t think you will find that duplicated outside of small-town America or small-town France or Italy.
Most of the gringos are new to the country and haven’t developed the close ties you describe that would engender the environment you describe.
Whatever and wherever you go, enjoy.
I believe if you go there and hang out in town, walk the streets, and frequent the local establishments for about a week you will find the people and places. I live near Quepos and it worked for me. Expats attract each other. Good luck.
Don’t know if you have left for San Isidro, but I just got back after 3 months there and it is my 5th trip. Victor is right on the money. Bazooka’s and the Cafe are always full of English speaking tourists, expats, etc. There is also Deliciosa near the Central Mercado and La Cascada is a favorite especially around lunchtime. For places to stay La Princessa owned by an American and a few B&Bs near the area also owned by Americans. I agree, it is a great place and we will be moving permanently in the very near future. Our place is about 10-15min from San Isidro near the Mini Super Road Beach on the road to Dominical. I have made many friends over the last 2 years and always enjoy my time there.
You should have no problems finding what you are looking for.
Good Luck!
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