Nikki Solano

Hello that traveling nurse!

Great question! We haven’t yet used it, so unfortunately we cannot comment on the service. I know a lot of people are on the fence about it; what was your Airbnb host’s specific concern about taxistas? We’ve experienced our fair share of taxi scam attempts, but most are drivers who fail to turn on the meter (i.e., the “maria”). Regardless of whether the act is committed on purpose or forgotten innocently, the problem can be avoided by simply requesting (or demanding, if necessary) that the meter be turned on prior to getting into the taxi. So long as the meter is turned on, you shouldn’t get scammed on price, unless it was a different type of scam that your Airbnb host was referring to?

Wishing you safe and enjoyable travels. Pura vida! 🙂

Hi again Nu!

Another great question! Meat and chicken broth aren’t typically used (water, oil, and spices are), but of course this would be a good question to ask if/when you plan to dine out. Any chef could opt to create their own recipe using uncommon (non-vegetarian and/or non-vegan) ingredients at any time, so double-checking the ingredients at each restaurant you visit (even from day to day or from night to night if you re-visit an establishment that employs more than one head chef) would be best.

Pura vida! 🙂

Hi Andrea Trese!

No problem at all! Thank YOU for reading! 😉

Pura vida!

betunada –
How have you been? Well I hope. 🙂
Yes, I can confirm that we run the soccer shoe/gear donation program (out of the Turrialba region of Costa Rica). Two years ago we donated all collections to indigenous reserve schools/students in the Quetzal region (you can learn more about that experience here: http://costaricatravelblog.com/2014/05/04/thank-you-readers-and-travellers-for-making-this-happen-we-could-not-have-done-it-without-you-pura-vida/) and last year we donated to a local soccer school in the Tres Equis region. This year we plan to donate to the local soccer school again as they have many students and could use the additional support.
For sending donations, I am sure the school would be more than happy to receive them! Any shoes/gear would need to be sent directly to Costa Rica however (we do not operate from the United States), so I am not sure what that would require in terms of shipment payment (I would assume it would be a lot – sending a heavy box internationally)? Of course, if you would like to proceed with doing so just let me know and we can help bridge the communication between you and the soccer school organizer. 🙂
Pura vida!