Travel Announcements Only (No questions or comments please)

[Stevewxly]

Taxi's are plentiful and easy to get at night in San Jose. Even more so during daylight.

Stand on any corner of any major throughfare and in any given 5 minute period there should be 4-5 or more taxi's come sailing by. Just go out to the curb and hold up your hand to signal them to stop for you.

Most all of your cabs in San Jose will be small foreign cars like Toyotas, and such and will be red in color. Before you enter the taxi make sure you tell the taxista where you want to go, and ask the price in advance......or tell him to run the meter. That way they won't be able to 'jack up' the going price on you..........The meters start at about 340 C.....in colones. There are approx. 500 C to the US dollar. You should be able to go 1 mile for about $ 1.00 2-3 miles about $ 2.00 and so on.

If they quote you more, then just tell them "no grasis" and step back up on the curb, and wait a couple of minutes for the next passing taxi.

Going rate from downtown to the airport or vice versa is about $ 12.00....but it's 15 miles or so.....

Best deal I found to go to the airport is walk out of the Del Rey and over into the Key Largo (about 25 yards - across the street) parking lot....there should be a driver standing around that area....ask him to take you to the airport.....and they will actually do it for basically free.....but it is customary to tip them perhaps $ 4-5.00....which should be fine.

Big John ....the owner of the Del Rey is paying this guy's salary and also buying the gas.......of course they assume if you walk out of the Del Rey hotel that you have naturally stayed your stay there....but I just never say a word....I just ask if they will take me to the airport....and I have never been refused - day or night....if they have a car available to go.

Airport to downtown San Jose....again taxi's are about $ 12.00....but you can walk about 100 yards from the airport entrance down to the street and get a bus for downtown San Jose for about 40 cents. Make sure before boarding to ask the driver, " San Jose " ? Almost all the buses going from the airport will go to downtown San Jose....but there will be a few that won't.....but ask first. All you need say again is, "San Jose" ?

Getting the proper bus from downtown San Jose out to the airport is a little more tricky. Ask around and you should be able to do it.

From anywhere in San Jose take a cab to the Coca Cola bus station and then ask which bus goes to the airport. You should find that the Jaco Beach/Quepos bus goes right by the airport, and the driver will let you off at the airport entrance. Walk across the street and you are there ......for cheap. A $ 2.00 cab ride and then transfer over to the bus for about 40 cents.

If it's late at night, then a taxi will be your best bet......but during the day and early evening there is nothing wrong with saving some money by taking the buss ! Allow about 40 + minutes for the bus ride to the airport ....whereas a taxi will take approx. 20 minutes from downtown to the airport.....and vice-a-versa.

Steve

[Wandering Man]

Traveling to San Jose Oct 4th to 11th, staying at SL and need a wingman. My first trip to San Jose, anyone going then? PM me if you are.

How hard is it to get taxis at night?

[Noguera]

LMAO ...... I forgot that you went to the airport on the completely wrong day. That is such a funny story I am dying. Obviously, I am giving you more credit than is due! OK, you do need a wingman.

Knowing the way DB used to cruise the seedier parts of downtown Guatemala City, I am not too worried about his need for security. He is awfully good in this regard. DB, I never shared with you my night crawling in downtown Guatemala at 3:30 am, and having a passing car throw beer bottles at me!

Prolijo ...... these chicas have heads? Damn, never worked my way up that high on any of them. I usually get distracted before I even make it up to their waists!

DB ... I bow to the master (except for the 24 hour late arrival to the airport). I'm still laughing over that one.

TGAM nog

[Dodger Bulldog]

Thank you for your kind words, TGAM Nog. You make me blush.

Prolijo does make some very good points. But if you remember my story from my last trip, here is the main reason I need a good wingman:

To remind me which day I need to finally pull my tongue out of a chica's ass and haul my own ass over to the airport, so I don't miss my stupid plane again!

DB

[Prolijo]

Oh great and mighty one, I suspect you really managed to keep up okay and didn't hold TGAM DB back. Of course, DB doesn't really NEED anyone to show him around but there are OTHER reasons to have a wingman:

1) Security - 2 or more guys walking around are a somewhat less enticing target for muggers than a lone guy.

2) Expenses - You can split the costs of cabs, granted not a major factor in a compact city like SJ, but still an advantage.

3) Companionship - chicas are great for some things, but conversationalists they're usually not. And their heads are screwed on entirely differently from ours. Sometimes its good just to have a like-minded person to talk with to help retain your sanity.

4) If headgames are your thing, having a confederate to help mess around with the target can also sometimes be very useful

5) Having a guy who is willing to take one for the team, or at least entertain for a little while at the bar, the uglier of 2 joined-at-the-hip amigas can also help you make your best score with the prettier one that you want. (or maybe he really likes the gorditas while you like the flacas)

6) Even a seasoned vet can sometimes learn something from a newbie.

7) So what if you're more experienced than your wingman, some guys enjoy passing on their knowledge to help the next guy avoid the mistakes that we all made when we were starting out.

I could probably think of more but you get the idea.

[Noguera]

TGAM Dodge

What the hell do you need a wingman for? You are the master and should never let some other poor, inferior wingman cramp your style. I have gone howling with you in the past and it was a pleasure to just watch the master at work. Say it ain't so, Joe ...... you don't need someone to hold you back.

Nog

[Prolijo]

DB, we're talking about having another local get together at Winghouse on the 29th. Check out the other site for details or remind me and I'll keep you abreast of any changes. I know at least a couple of Tampa guys that will be there that are also planning to be down in CR around the same time as you. I might too, but I haven't committed yet. If I am, I'll be happy to go around with you.

[Dodger Bulldog]

I will be in San Jose November 16-26.

I am looking for a like-minded wingman who is willing to explore the MPs by day and hang out at the HDR from time to time at nights.

I like to chat up the chicas, playing mind games and practicing my Spanish.

I'm not a heavy drinker, and I'm a lover not a fighter...

DB

[Smokers Rule]

I will be in San Jose for a quickie Oct. 5 - 7 . Will probably be staying at the Presidente the 5th and ZB the 6th. Will be flying solo Let me know if anyone wants to get together.

[Thomrn10]

I am visiting San Jose Oct 29th to November 6 flying out of the bay area and staying at the Castillo Hotel near New Fantasy and Zona Blue. I have done a few trips solo and quite a few trips with wingmen. I would like to have a wingman this trip. If at all interested, drop a private message.

[Sarma567]

Hi,

I am considering visit to San Jose in November, first week. Any suggestions like hotel or area where i should stay, action places or similar.

Thanks

[Stevewxly]

Anyone interested in sharing a 3 bedroom fully furnished house on bus route in Heredia, CR.....the 1st and possible 2nd week in October. BYO chica(s) !

It's only $ 125.00 a week, and could be shared by 2-3 people.

Heredia is a nice sized small town and is about 15-20 miles North (towards the airport) from downtown San Jose.

Steve

[Stevewxly]

Hola Amigos,
A senior member.....stevewxly - here....I am planning on returning to San Jose, CR about the 1st week in October for 1 week or longer. (To know more about me....search this forum for reports by stevewxly....you will see that I have been a regular contributor and have several reports in the "Reports of Distiction" catagory.)

Anyway.....I have been communicating with a Tico, who has been living and teaching in Minnesota for the last 15 years. He owns a nice comfortable 3 bedroom home in Herridia....which I understand is about 15-20 miles from downtown San Jose. He contacted me through an advertisement I had placed online for an apartment or house wanted - San Jose, CR.

He says that does not get back down to Costa Rica now much anymore except in the summers while he is out of school.

The house.........

It's on a major city bus line...with buses running all the time...I think.

He has offered me a 'smoken cheap deal' to rent the whole house....and we are talking nice, clean, comfortable, private, safe, secure, with all the ammenities. large screen TV, kitchen, pots/pans, dishes, towels, bed linens, phone, internet, etc.

I will be the only one there....unless I decide to bring in a chica or two....which is permissible.

Maybe you will be there then, and want to SHARE this place with me.

I can get it by the week, for 1 week or 2 weeks or whatever..... and the price which I can not quote here is real cheap....and if I were to find another gringo buddy who wanted to share up, and split the rent then we could be staying there for less than any....I mean any cheap hotel in San Jose....we are talking around $ 20.00 per day....split two ways.....around $ 10.00 per man per day.

I don't believe that there is anything funny or scam-y about this deal, .....as I don't have to send the guy the money in advance....and then show up and find out that it was a big SCAM....none of that.

The owner is in the US now. His younger brother is in the living in the area of the house....so I can go to the house, look it over, pickup the keys and pay for one week and move in, when I get there.

Hey.... If it is a fleabag place or if it looks like it unsafe or non secure.....then one can simply leave and go elsewhere.

That is plan # 1.

Plan # 2 is: It might end up costing quite a bit to haul the chicas out from downtown San Jose....like from the Del Rey to the house by taxi.
2nd plan is to simply walk out of the Del Rey hotel, turn left walk down to the end of the block (1/2 block) turn right another 30 or 40 feet and you are at the entrance of the Hotel Asia. They have refurbished their rooms in the last year.... they are small, but fairly decent and clean, for $ 11.00 per night.

Do the deed there with your chica.....send the chica packing......go back to the Del Rey....look around some more, and at the end of the night....hop onto the bus and go back to the house.

If one finds a really hot chica who wants to come out to the house for a B-B-Q or to party-hardy.....then one could get her out there by either bus or taxi for the day or for 'toda la noche.

The Asia is very chica friendly, and is perfect for this type of plan. I really would not want to spend the whole night there (like at my regular hotel) but it is just fine for a quicky or two in the evening.....and again only $ 11.00 by the night.....all night.

By the way I am a retired school teacher from Missouri, 60 years young, a frequent traveler to Costa Rica and Panama.....
* I know the drill, .......I am a non-smoker, non-drinker, pleasant to be around, and just an all round good wingman type. I can even supply references.....if needed - from other like-minded mongers on this forum.
............................................

If you are planning on being in San Jose the first week in October....and think you would be interested in this housing deal...then PM me for more details.

I can afford the place by myself, but it is usually more fun, and considerably safer....not to mention CHEAPER , if you have a 'wingman for something like this.

After a week or so in San Jose, CR....I am planning on going back to Panama for a few days too, as I have an open-ended airline ticket on Delta Airlines.

Pura Vida, Steve

[Qncterra]

Just booked on AA last Friday for $149 round trip out of Tampa. Wow!

[Dan D Dick]

I'm already booked (for tomorrow) but just received this; it may be beneficial to others.


$199 -- Costa Rica from NYC, DC & Chicago (Roundtrip)
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?id=109321604
Source: Orbitz


/Dan D.