www.CostaRicaTicas.com

If like me, you find most of the stuff on the Magic CD a little too (to be charitable) "lushly romantic", here's something else to check out that maybe you and your chica both will like.

While dropping my usual half-a-paycheck at our local health food emporium this morning, I came across a display of world music compilation CD's put together by a company called Putumayo. Decided to sample two of the CD's - "Nuevo Latino", and "Women of Latin America".

The first has a great selection of contemporary Latin music, all underpinned by a strong and consistent mid-tempo groove. Great for dancing, or just listening to while warming up for the main event. The second mixes mid-tempo tracks with some gorgeous ballads. This one should work great as a Magic CD surrogate.

Haven't tried either of these out with any chicas yet, but plan to on my upcoming trip, and will report back on the response.

For those interested, here's a link to their web site, where you'll find much more to choose from:

http://putumayo.com/

And no, I don't have any affiliation whatsoever with this company, so please don't ask.