www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'm a Medic in the Army National Guard. Currently doing my second tour in Iraq. I've traveled alot and am just looking for 2 weeks of fun before i return to the desert. The Army will fly me to San Jose and the rest is on me. I have looked over the forum and am trying to figure out how to make my reservations and the sort. My leave will start on June 15 through June 30th. I don't want to bite down on two weeks of hotel charges and if anyone has any ideas for me as to where i should stay and still be able to get to from the gulch i would gladly appreciate it. That and all i have now is army uniforms, i will try to get some clothes shiipped to me, but how casual should i dress. I'm 23 and a decent looking guy, but i don't want to look like jimmy buffet either- Does it really matter? any suggestions would be great. Anything.

A great thread to start with.......

https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16357

I would go to Thailand instead. Been to both T-land is definitely better. BTW, havw 32 years in the military reserve, and active.

You can get 2 changes of clothes pretty cheap in SJ. Laundering is cheap...I have nothing against your uniform, but if you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, consider buying a few garments for the trip.

Since you are paying for your own hotel, I'd suggest something cheap yet close to the action. Try Castillo. They have great longer stay rates. Also Hemingway is a decent choice....not the top of the line by any means, but thwy will probably take $25 to $30/night cash if you stay two weeks...and if you are a military guy, something tells me you don't need luxury digs.

Above all, try to hok up with some seasoned guys at the Del Rey, Sportsman's, or Zona Blue. You will find many gentlemen who are willing to show you around before you head back to the burning sands in Iraq.

You can get some jeans for around 15.000 Colones (30$) and some t-shirts for 2.500 Colones (5$) in the avenida central.

The REALLY low cost option would be to stay in one of the many hostels near the gulch. This could cost less than $10/night. The BIG problem, though, is that hostels ARE NOT chica friendly! Their market are the backpackers & eco-tourists, not mongers. Since you could not bring girls home, this would limit your activities to the MPs. Not the end of the world but not what I would recommend for a two week stay.

If you could provide a price range that suits your budget, we might be able to recommend lodgings to suit. Off the top of my head, the Hotel Nuevo Johnson comes to mind at $12/night. ( http://www.hotelnuevojohnson.com/index.html ) I would consider it to be located on the edge of the gulch but the price is right. You can search the forum to find reports on the place.

In general, most gringos dress just as they do back home (unfortunately!). Casual clothing is all that is needed unless you plan to go somewhere fancy. Jeans or slacks with a short sleeved polo are almost a gringo uniform!

Hope this helps some.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

Look... you're gonna need some cash. The chicas gonna cost you more than the Castillo. Then there's food and drinks. What's your budget?

Wait just a minute! You're 23 and looking for hookers in CR? I say stay home or do something else. This place will screw you up for LIFE!

Berk....

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FRUITCAKE... and you thought it was something you eat! Not on CRT!

take a look at Freebird Hotel with all the discounts it will be around 30 per night might be able to do better if you talk to the owners and stay there the whole time. they should give some type of active military brake .good luck , have a blast. clothes wont be a issue buy what you need jeans and a couple of t -shirts will do. go by the sportsman lodge there will be plenty of crt bros to guide you through possie heaven. viva the gulch

and thanks for the time you are doing in Iraq. Thanks for serving.

Good chance I will be in the delrey while you are there. If so, I will make it a point to buy you a couple... (drinks that is!!!)

have fun

Berk- i have other things on my plate in Costa Rica, i'm gonna head to the beach for a day or two and try do some surfing. But really I'm just looking to have a good time. As far as me "staying at home," i will be spending 5 days there prior to arriving in San Jose. Going home just isn't all its cracked up to be, i get pulled every which way by friends and family and just never relax, that and I have spent almost 3 of my last 5 years over here in the desert, so my relationships come and go and i really do enjoy traveling and new experiences. Just so you guys know, i had some trouble finding a hotel, i ended up booking a room at the Clarion, it was about all that was left. The Sportsmen and Prez were my first choices but no luck. As far as money goes- i'm not concerned. Any tips on how much cash to bring off hand for 5 days, would be appreciated. I'm a medic overhere, so i have "prescribed" myself enough antibiotics that could put Magic Johnson back in action, I think i have got everything about covered. I got a cheap flight from Cleveland to SJO, 6 hours total for $345 one way and the Army will bring me home to Iraq from there. Thanks again you guys- i hope i can meet up with a couple of you. Now i just hope i can find some Sam Adams down there. haha