Costa Rica Weather

2011-12-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Monday December 5, 2011: Partly Cloudy - Rain in the Morning, Some Sun in the Afternoon
Friday was cloudy but the weekend was bright and sunny, two great days for the beach and now we are back to clouds. This is what it is like in rainy season on the Caribbean side.

2011-12-01T19:14:00.001-07:00

Thursday December 1, 2011: Rain Rain Rain!
Since my last post a few days ago we have had lots and lots of rain. It rains mostly at night and in the morning but it has been cloudy in the afternoon, too. The nights are getting chilly for me, as I am adapted and accustomed to the Caribbean heat. I actually wore a jacket and long pants today! It's winter in the Caribbean.

2011-11-27T18:52:00.001-07:00

Friday and Saturday November 26 & 27th: Sunny and Beautiful - Cool at Night
Did I say rainy season had started???

2011-11-24T21:51:00.001-07:00

Thursday November 24, 2011: Cloudy All Day, Rainy the Night Before
Well, rainy season has really arrived. I know this for sure because I have been looking for sun every day so my laundry will dry. You know when you run a hotel - even with only four rooms - you always have laundry to do. Most people don't have dryers, including me.
We did have a little sun here and there, this week, but mostly clouds and rain at night. Still, I love living up here in the jungle treetops. And we had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner with our interesting and congenial hotel guests!

2011-11-19T19:25:00.001-07:00

Saturday November 19, 2011: Another Sunny Day in Rainy Season!
Hard to believe that we can have such beautiful weather at this time of year. It was sunny all morning and got cloudy in the afternoon, which kept the temperatures mild. I just love living in the Caribbean!

2011-11-18T21:44:00.004-07:00

Friday November 18, 2011: Mild and Sunny
The past few days have been the same, sunny but not all that hot. Nights are chilly, I need a blanket. It's winter in the tropics - but rainy season has yet to commence.

Costa Rica Hostel: Hidden Jungle Beach House

2011-11-16T06:41:00.002-07:00

Wednesday November 16, 2011: Partly Cloudy and Breezy
I am writing in the morning this time and it looks like we are in for a lovely day. We still have not had much rain - though it is rainy season. Yesterday was partly sunny and mild.
I've been busy fixing up the little traveler's hostel I recently took over. It is a sweet little place hidden in the jungle yet 3 minutes from the beach. This fun project has been taking all my energy, with little left at the end of the day to post weather reports - so I am posting in the morning! We'll see if my prediction for today holds true.

2011-11-14T20:27:00.002-07:00

Monday November 14, 2011: Mostly Cloudy
Rainy season has arrived, but softly. The past few days have had rain off and on yet it was sunny on the weekend. So far this rainy season is mixed with sun, as usual.

2011-11-10T20:14:00.001-07:00

Thursday November 10, 2011: Cloudy with Occasional Rain
Last night it rained really hard. The morning was drizzly and then began to clear up. Then the rain came back and continued lightly off and on most of the day. The evening is quiet with no rain.

Lapse Due to Immersion in New Project

2011-11-09T20:20:00.002-07:00

Wednesday November 9, 2011: Sunny and Clear with Choppy Water and Waves
      Well, I can't believe it, It's been five days since I made my last weather report (sorry). On Sunday I took over my daughter's little hostel / hotel, Hidden Jungle Beach House and I have been working from dawn til dusk - no past dusk, way past - to get the place in good shape. Oh it was nice before, but a mother has her standards. I had to bring things up a bit to make the place meet my standards, after all, I live here now!And I love it. I love the jungle setting, the animals all around, the sound of the waves as I fall asleep; I even love running this little hotel. It's fun!
      The weather has been unseasonably dry and sunny for the past five days. We are supposed to be in rainy season now but you'd never now it. Still the Caribbean has the best weather in the country. You've just gotta come check it out, especially now that I can give you a very nice and economical place to stay.

2011-11-04T22:17:00.002-06:00

Friday November 4, 2011: Cloudy but No Rain

2011-11-03T22:45:00.001-06:00

Thursday November 3, 2011: Hot and Sunny, Clear Skies, Choppy Water but a Great Day for the Beach

2011-11-02T20:18:00.002-06:00

Wednesday, November 2, 2011: Beautiful and Sunny All Day Long!

2011-11-01T21:12:00.001-06:00

Church in Barva

Tuesday November 1, 2011: San Jose - Sunny Morning Rain in the Afternoon.
As I headed back home to Puerto Viejo from San Jose today, the sunny morning faded and dark clouds began to accumulate. By the time I was half way to Limon I found myself immersed in a raging thunderstorm, but it finished fast. Upon my return, Puerto Viejo was wet but the sky was dry and clear.

2011-10-31T23:15:00.001-06:00

Monday October 31, 2011: Sunny in the Morning and Rainy in the Afternoon
Today I drove from the warm sunny beach to the cold rainy city, but still it is Costa Rica and I love it. I've come to San Jose to pick up a client I am guiding. He wants to get to know Costa Rica in order to decide which part he would like to live in. My job is to show him around. So tomorrow I'll pick him up and take him to my neck of the woods, the Caribbean side.
This morning when I left the Caribbean it was sunny and warm, but soon after passing through Limon, I encountered huge dark rain clouds. It rained so hard it was difficult to drive and I had to take a break before I climbed up the Zurqui through the Braulio Carillo Rainforest National Park. Upon arrival in the San Jose area, the rain had diminished, but the cool winter weather is here - well, cool to me any way. At 11:00 p.m. it is 68 degrees. I'm acclimated to Caribbean weather.

2011-10-30T17:19:00.001-06:00

Sunday October 30, 2011: Mostly Cloudy and Mild with Some Sun.
I went to the beach today and the water was rough and choppy, a walk along the shoreline was fun but really windy!

2011-10-29T12:10:00.002-06:00

Friday and Saturday October 28 & 29, 2011:
Friday - Sunny with Rain in the Evening,
Saturday - Cloudy with Sprinkles

2011-10-27T19:43:00.001-06:00

Thursday October 27, 2011: Warm and Sunny All Day Long - Good Beach Day
I hear it is pouring rain all over the country - except here in the Caribbean! We have had lots of cloudy days lately but today was an exception. I guess we're just lucky!

Great, New, Cheap Hostel!

2011-10-26T21:44:00.001-06:00

Wednesday October 26, 2011: Mostly Cloudy with Mild Temperatures - No Rain
This is Hidden Jungle Beach House. It's my daughter's place but I'll be running it for her for the next few months, while she does some traveling. It's cozy and comfortable - a tranquil jungle hideaway - yet minutes from the beach and the town of Puerto Viejo. And it's only $12.00 per night for one person / $17.00 for two. That's a screaming deal! Check it out!

I'M SO HAPPY TO BE BACK!

2011-10-25T20:58:00.003-06:00

I have been doing my Costa Rica Weather Report almost every single day for one year and seven months. Recently I was unable to use this blog. So many people enjoy the feeling of imagining themselves here in the tropics, through my daily photos and comments. I am so sorry to disappoint you by disappearing like I did. Here is what happened:

It seems that someone can "hijack" your DNS or IP address. Now I am still not exactly sure what that is or how it happens but it happened to me. I was continually redirected to a foreign website and unable to use this blog, my other Google blog or Twitter. The problem was not in my computer, the router or the modem. It came from the address assigned to the internet line, coming from the phone line where I live. I read in a recent online newspaper that someone had hacked into I.C.E.'s internet lines and done some damage. (I.C.E. is government run and the only internet provider in Costa Rica.) Apparently other people had the same problem as I did and some had long outages and other types of problems which have not yet been resolved.
I was able to resolve my problem by getting a VPN. This is a service you have to pay for, which changes your DNS and give you an internet IP address in the USA. It has security advantages. Everything you send out is encrypted so no one can detect your keystrokes to see the passwords to you bank account and such. (Yes, that is possible!) And no one will be able to mess with my blogs again .

NOW FOR THE WEATHER:

Tuesday October 25, 2011: Warm and Partly Cloudy with Some Sun

      For the past few weeks the Caribbean's rainy season has been dribbling in slowly but the weather has still been pleasant. We've had many cloudy days, usually with a bit of sun breaking through now and then. Often it rains at night. There have been thunderous storms lasting for a few hours but not all night long. Mornings are brighter with clouds accumulating as the day goes on. The other day we got full sun almost all day long. That is how it is here in the Caribbean: there is always sun mixed in with the rainy days.
      As the Pacific's rainy season has not yet let up and they have been inundated with rain, floods and road washouts, the Caribbean is still the best place to be!

I'LL BE BACK!

2011-10-15T09:21:00.001-06:00

I am so sorry that I have not been posting. Some kind of maleware or virus has invaded the router of the WIFI where I live. I cannot do anything on any of my blogs! I had to go to an internet cafe to write this but I am not able to do that every day to continue the blog. I am trying to resolve the problem, but as always in Costa Rica, it takes time! I'll be back asap!

And just to let you know, most days this month have been partly sunny in the day with hard rains at night. Today is sunny.

2011-10-02T08:48:00.000-06:00

Saturday and Sunday October 1 & 2, 2011: Mostly Sunny with Rain in the Evening
The other day it rained in the late afternoon, just as I was about to go for a run on the beach. I got drenched and it was absolutely beautiful! The rain here is always warm and refreshing!

2011-09-30T10:03:00.001-06:00

Bus Stop Overlooking the Sixaola River

Thursday & Friday September 29 & 30, 2011: Sunny, Hot and Humid, with Scattered Clouds

2011-09-28T11:57:00.001-06:00

Tuesday and Wednesday September 27 & 28, 2011: More Nice Sunny Days

2011-09-26T09:58:00.001-06:00

Sunday & Monday September 25 & 26, 2011: Hot and Sunny with Times of Overcast Clouds
Saturday night at midnight the night's clear starry skies gave way to a thunderstorm. Rain came in a downpour and thunder cracked. Sunday night we saw dry lightening all evening but only a little rain.

Yoga in Costa Rica

2011-09-24T12:01:00.001-06:00

Saturday September 24, 2011: Sunny in the Morning, Cloudy in the Afternoon
Lately I've been doing yoga. It is a wonderful way to gain strength and flexibility. But there's more to it than that. Did you know yoga cam make you into your own therapist? Here is an article all about my recent experience: Life Lessons Learned Through Yoga in Costa Rica.

2011-09-23T15:49:00.001-06:00

City of Limon

Friday September 23, 2011: Sunny in the Morning and Overcast in the Afternoon - Hot and Muggy, too.

2011-09-22T15:58:00.001-06:00

Thursday September 22, 2011: A Beautiful Bright and Sunny Day!

2011-09-21T20:37:00.001-06:00

Tuesday and Wednesday September 20, & 21, 2011: Same Same - Clouds with Some Sun

2011-09-19T11:11:00.001-06:00

Friday - Monday September 16 - 18, 2011: A Mix Of Everything!
The past few days have been cloudy and even rainy in the mornings and clearing up in the afternoon, even sunny and bright some days. The nights have been anywhere from a drizzle to a thundering downpour. It is wetter than usual for this time of year, but the past few months have been dry, so we need the rain. Still every day there has been some sunny beach time, too.

Feeling Better Today!

2011-09-15T19:11:00.002-06:00

Wednesday September 14 & Thursday September 15, 2011: Warm and Dry with Mixed Sun and Clouds

Momentary Lamentations

2011-09-13T21:30:00.001-06:00

Tuesday September 13, 2011: Sunny and Hot All Day

For those of you who do not know me, I write a weather report almost every day. Along with that I often add something about what's going on in my world. It is always something interesting and upbeat - except for today. This has been a rough one and today I am pouring out my heart. Thanks for listening.

      Four years ago I took a leap of faith and started a new life. I relied on hope and determination rather than money because I believe it is possible to create the life we dream of, through our thoughts and intentions. For these four years I have been inspiring others through my story on the pages of my website. My readers have been with me through adversity and shared the bliss and joy I feel from living the Pura Vida in Costa Rica. I’ve had my challenges and exuberantly broken through barriers with my readers cheering me on. Every day I receive letters from those who are looking to do the same as I and live a life of liberation. I give advice and encouragement. Often people ask me how they can make a living here in Costa Rica. In truth I have to say, “by the seat of your pants” because that’s what I’ve been doing. There is no magic formula other than never to give up. Yet now, I must tell you, I feel as though I am on the brink of resignation.
      I am in dire financial straits through no fault of my own (other than poor money management skills). My guide service provides a portion of my income but it is inconsistent. And now my steady income from my rental house in Montana is gone. The renters have their own serious problems, which by default have been transferred on to me. I honestly have no idea how I will get through the next few months.
      Some of my family members seem to think I should just pack it all in and move back to the States. I am determined to hold on to the life I have found here in Costa Rica. I am writing to request your encouragement and prayers. I believe in prayer. I believe in the power of good thoughts and energy sent to me by my friends. That is all I ask.
      This morning I woke up with the thought that something good would happen today. So far I have had bad news come in several forms but I am not giving up. The day is not over and I know something good will come. I’m struggling to remain positive and I thank you for your positive thoughts on my behalf.

Su Amiga,
Lisa

2011-09-12T21:40:00.001-06:00

Monday September 12, 2011: Sunny and Warm, Showers at Night
The photo above is me on the left with my friends. Mauricia and her mother are Indigenous Bri Bri. Mauricia and her family have an organic farm. They sell their produce at the Saturday morning farmer's market in Puerto Viejo. I buy eggs from them every week - duck eggs and chicken eggs. They are the best I have ever tasted! Mauricia's mother is almost 80 years old and has had 14 children.

2011-09-11T19:31:00.001-06:00

View Across the Sixaola River to Las Delicias in Panama

Wednesday - Sunday September 7 -11, 2011: Mostly Sunny with Some Clouds and Rain in the Morning Changing to Full on Sun in the Afternoons

2011-09-06T14:46:00.002-06:00

Punta Uva Beach - one of the Caribbean's most popular!

Sunday thru Tuesday September 4, 5 & 6: Sunny and Beautiful!
We are now back to our picture perfect, sunny beach weather on Costa Rica's Caribbean side. It just does not get any better than this!

2011-09-03T18:25:00.001-06:00

Saturday September 3, 2011: Mostly Cloudy and Warm - No Rain

2011-09-02T19:51:00.001-06:00

Thursday and Friday September 1 & 2: Two Rainy Stormy Days!
Wel, ask and you shall receive! We have had some rain for the last two days - rain and clouds. Warm temperatures, but mild.

2011-08-31T17:40:00.001-06:00

Wednesday August 31, 2011: Overcast in the Morning, Sunny and Clear in the Afternoon. No rain in weeks! It has been very dry, we need rain.

2011-08-30T17:04:00.001-06:00

Tuesday August 30, 2011: Clear and Sunny

2011-08-29T18:30:00.001-06:00

The Sixaola River - border between Panama and Costa Rica on the Caribbean side

Monday August 29, 2011: Warm and Dry, Slightly Overcast

NOW is the Time to Visit the Caribbean

2011-08-28T12:23:00.002-06:00

Sunday August 28, 2011: Bright and Sunny for the past 4 days.
    What many people do not realize is that the weather on Costa Rica’s Caribbean side is quite different from the rest of the country. When it is rainy season on the Pacific side it’s dry and sunny here in the Caribbean, where I live. Yet the temperatures are milder than mid summer. Ask anyone else who lives here, September is the most beautiful month of the year.
    In September and often into mid October, the skies are bright and sunny and the water is calm and clear. Yesterday I was at everybody’s favorite beach in Punta Uva and it was like a HUGE swimming pool. There were families out for a Sunday picnic; there was a beach wedding held in the afternoon, yet the beach was not too crowded for a lovely swim. And there’s river there that flows into the ocean - with a rope swing - the kid’s favorite.
     All year long Puerto Viejo is a great place to go with its good restaurants, great live music every night and warm friendly people. But if you come in September you have the special bonus of practically perfect weather every day. I hope to see you here soon!

2011-08-24T21:01:00.015-06:00

Wednesday August 24, 2011: Mostly Sunny with a Few Clouds
I took the photo above last week when I was on my road trip. This is Costa Rica's Pacific Ocean with it's rocky coast. A few hours later, after this photo was taken the afternoon rain moved in. The weather on the Caribbean side looks like this all day long at this time of year.

2011-08-23T16:38:00.001-06:00

Tuesday August 23, 2011: Mostly Overcast with Sun Here and There, Throughout the Day
I'm back in Puerto Viejo and quite happy to be here. Road trips are always fun, especially when I am showing someone around through my Guide Service, but it is good to be back in sunny Puerto Viejo. The rest of the country is deep into rainy season while here in the Caribbean the weather is at its finest. Even though we did not have full on sun the whole day, we had enough to get a tan but not so much to be uncomfortably hot. The clouds cool things off a bit. Yes, the water is calm and great for swimming at this time of year and the sun shines every day. I'm home again and off to the beach!

2011-08-19T06:22:00.002-06:00

This is how I will feel when I get back home to Puerto Viejo!

Friday August 19, 2011: SAN JOSE WEATHER - Sunny in the Morning and Rainy in the Afternoon

As you know from my previous posts I am on the road. I'm showing the country to a client of my guide service. Yesterday we took the scenic drive from the mountainous San Isidro de El General to the coastal highway through Jaco. From there we turned inland and completed the trip in Alajuela, outside of San Jose.

It was a beautiful drive with nice weather most of the way. The majority of the coastal highway between Dominical and Jaco is in very good condition, some of it newly paved. The flat coastal road is bordered by fields of huge palms used for making palm oil. As you get closer to Jaco the road looks like the California coast. Winding up and down around corners, you see ocean vistas, with rocky cliffs. We stopped to enjoy the scenery and were treated to the exhilarating view of two Hump Backed Whales spouting spray! We passed by Jaco without stopping. The Miami type high rises did not attract us.

Moving inland, the new San Jose - Caldera highway stretched out over the high mountains. I could see the reason there have been problems on this highway since it was completed over a year ago. Last year's rainy season caused many landslides and huge rockfalls which creating accidents, injuries and impasses. There are many places where great cuts into the mountainside were executed to make way for this road. As we drove, we passed continuing construction to cover these steep mountainsides with chain link and cement to keep them from tumbling onto the highway. Costa Rica is young and wild: its nature is hard to tame. Downpours of rain plummeting, with cars speeding fast made it a challenge to drive.

After a day of driving we arrived in Alajuela where we had dinner at my favorite place, Jalepeños, and stayed for the night in my favorite B & B, Vida Tropical. I prefer to avoid the congestion of San Jose proper and stay in nearby Alajuela. Today I will take my client to the dentist and to a lawyer for a consultation on the legal aspects of living in Costa Rica.

It is rainy season on this side of the country. Sun in the morning and rain in the afternoon just about every day. I look forward to my return home to the Caribbean where we are in dry season and enjoying our most lovely time of the year!

2011-08-17T09:36:00.001-06:00

Tuesday and Wednesday August 16 & 17, 2011: Nice and Sunny - Beach Weather
This is the most beautiful time of the year on the Caribbean side. The sun is out, the water is clear and flat like a swimming pool. It is just gorgeous! I am not there at the moment, so my report relies on what my friends tell me, back home in Puerto Viejo.
I am up in the mountains on the Pacific side in San Isidro de El General, which is the fastest growing city in all of Central America. I'm here with my guiding client, Cliff, from Oklahoma. He likes this area so much that we decided to stay here two extra days to explore further, rather than look at other parts of the country. It is rainy season on the Pacific side and as usual, we are having bright and lovely mornings with rain beginning in the afternoon. The temperature here is a bit chilly for me, except in the sunny morning. But that is because I am acclimated to the heat of the Caribbean. Cliff likes it a bit cooler. He just loves the cool afternoons here and he has become enchanted with the incredible mountain vistas which seem to be found around every corner.

2011-08-16T07:10:00.003-06:00

Hidden Jungle Beach House. See August 11 for more info.

Friday - Monday August 12 - 15: Mostly Sunny with Some Clouds
        Again, I apologize to my daily readers for missing so many days. My guide service has taken off and I am finally earning enough money to support myself adequately, but it keeps me busy. Today I am in San Isidro de El General or Perez Zeledon. The city has two names. A guiding client of mine is interested in this area, up in the mountains on the Pan American highway, so we are here to explore. Last week I introduced him to the Caribbean, which I think he will decide he prefers - it is COLD here!
        We left Puerto Viejo, my home on the Caribbean side, yesterday morning. It was hot and humid with a slight overcast of clouds. We drove up to Limon and the west to Siquirres. From there we left the main route 32 and proceeded towards Turrialba. The mountain drive is gorgeous with ups and downs, twists and turns always increasing in elevation. Turrialba is located in a high valley between even higher mountains, with a smoking volcano on one side.As soon as we began our mountain climb we could feel a change in temperature. It was like air conditioning!
       After leaving Turrialba we went back up into the mountains on the Pan American Highway - up, up, up and up some more. The word highway is appropriate here, as this is the highest elevation of any road in Costa Rica - around 11,000 feet. They call it Cerro de la Muerte (death hill) because years ago when this road was just a walking trail to cross the high mountains, people died from the cold. They actually get skiffs of snow and ice on winter mornings. While driving it was rainy, cloudy, foggy and quite cold. In the Caribbean the rain is warm and beach walks in the rain are comfortable and fun. The rain up here reminded me of Montana, where I am from. It chilled me to the bone.
        Driving on for several hours we finally arrived in San Isidro. It is rainy season now, everywhere but the Caribbean side. The cold, hard rain lasted into the night. As usual for this part of Costa Rica, this morning is clear - but still a bit chilly.
        Today I'll see what San Isidro de El General is like. It is reported to be the fastest growing city in Costa Rica. It's a huge city surrounded by even bigger mountains. I'll report back later.

2011-08-11T08:32:00.001-06:00

Thursday August 11, 2011: Sunny but a Bit Overcast, Mild Temperatures
The photo above is the sweet little place my daughter just opened: Hidden Jungle Beach house:
Immerse yourself in nature in this sweet jungle hide-away, just a 3
minute walk from Black Beach / Playa Negra. Enjoy peaceful tranquility,
yet have access with a 5 minute walk, to Puerto Viejo.
You can rent one of our three bedrooms economically. We have two
shared bathrooms with a hot shower and a big kitchen you are welcome
to use. A fresh baked breakfast is included. After an active day you can
lounge in our comfortable living room and watch TV or a movie. If you are
driving we have secure parking for your car.
Beautiful, comfortable, cheap and close to the beach - what more could
you ask for! For more information and reservations call Chelsea at (506)
8775-2245.
I have not had time to post here every day as usual. The last few days have had pleasant weather with some clouds and a bit of rain, but not much. I'll be back with my daily posts asap!

Black Beach / Playa Negra

2011-08-06T20:22:00.000-06:00

Saturday August 6, 2011: Rain in the Morning, Partly Cloudy in the Afternoon

2011-08-05T23:20:00.001-06:00

Tuesday through Friday, August 2 - 5, 2011: Sunny and Beautiful!
Well, I missed four days in a row - sorry. I have been busy! But I am happy to tell you that every on of these days has been lovely. It is like by magic as soon as it was August the summer rainy season ended and it has been bright and sunny every day. We did have rain at night one or two nights.
I have been busy with guiding clients, enjoying the beach and the mountains. Today we took a strenuous hike up to a gorgeous vista. It was a two and a half hour hike up the mountain through the jungle and neither of us were in shape for it, but we stopped to rest often and saw toucans, tiny bright colored tree frogs and various kinds of monkeys along the way. We hiked through an old coco farm and ate fresh fruit fallen from the trees. At the top we sat in awe of the view. We could see the ocean from Limon to Manzanillo! Then after meandering down the mountain we indulged in a cold beer and a swim. What a wonderful day!

2011-08-01T13:41:00.000-06:00

Monday August 1, 2011: Sunny and Hot
Wow! Does the weather know what day it is? August usually marks the beginning of a lovely sunny fall on the Caribbean side and it sure seems to be true right now. This is our third sunny day in a row. I'm off to the beach!

2011-07-31T22:12:00.000-06:00

Saturday and Sunday July 30 & 31: : Beautiful Bright and Sunny!
This was the first really nice weekend we have had all month! It was a real gift.

2011-07-29T11:16:00.001-06:00

Thursday July 28, 2011: Rain in the early Morning, Clouds Breaking up and some Sun in the Afternoon
Friday July 29, 2011: Rain, Rain, Rain in the morning!
We are getting lots of rain these days. I am hoping we get it all over with before the month is out and transcend smoothly into our normal bright sunny August. Today it is pouring. But if this day is like most others have been, it will clear up later on.

2011-07-27T14:06:00.001-06:00

Tuesday July 26 & Wednesday July 27: Cloudy and Overcast
The weather has been pretty much the same every day lately. Some rain at night and extending into the morning, the cloudy for the rest of the day. The temperature has been mild - in the 80s. And the sun tries to peek through now and then but to no avail.

2011-07-25T10:16:00.002-06:00

Sunday July 24: Rain in the Morning, clearing in the afternoon but still cloudy.
Monday July 25: Rain in the Morning, clearing in the afternoon - same as yesterday.

Lots of rainy weather this month... This is our summer rainy season - still sunnier and shorter than the winter rainy season. It has been raining at night and in the mornings but only cloudy in the afternoon. sometimes the sun breaks through. we have had some lovely sunsets lately!

2011-07-23T14:43:00.001-06:00

Saturday July 23, 2011: Rain Through the Night Last Night and this Morning, Clearing but Cloudy in the Afternoon

2011-07-22T09:59:00.001-06:00

Friday July 22, 2011: Stormy in the Morning
Today I woke up to cloudy skies with thunder in the background. Soon a light rain began and the thunder grew louder. It is not a striking, crashing shocking thunder; but a soft yet strong rumble, reverberating across the sky. The mild temperature and light breeze is a comfort on this pensive, solitary day. I feel solace, enclosed in thundering arms of God as the deep base and baritone echos pitch and roll over the mountains.

2011-07-21T21:34:00.000-06:00

Thursday July 22, 2011: Mild and Sunny

2011-07-20T20:11:00.001-06:00

Tuesday and Wednesday July 19 & 20, 2011: Sunny and Mild with Rain in the Morning
This photo was taken this evening on Playa Negra in Puerto Viejo. The old barge is a great place to fish and the kids love a sunset swim.

2011-07-18T12:45:00.001-06:00

Sunday and Monday July 17 & 18, 2011: Partly Cloudy in the Daytime and Rain at Night

2011-07-16T16:32:00.001-06:00

Saturday July 16th, 2011: Clouds with Some Sun Breaking Through - Hot!

2011-07-14T19:23:00.002-06:00

Thursday July 14 & Friday July 15th 2011: Rain Off and On All Day with Mild Temperatures
We are now in summer rainy season with frequent rain and cloudy days. But even in the rain, it is still warm enough to go for a run on the beach and enjoy it. That is what I did today.

2011-07-13T15:32:00.001-06:00

Wednesday July 13, 2011: Rain All Morning, Clearing but Cloudy in the Afternoon

2011-07-12T09:47:00.001-06:00

Tuesday July 12, 2011: Cloudy with Mild Temperatures
      The other day I went out for a beach walk I came across an old guy chopping a huge sand bound log. Of course I asked what he was doing. "Making a boat," he replied.
      "You will make that into a boat?" I asked skeptically. "How long will it take?" He said he would be finished at the end of the day.
       Later that day I stopped by and he had built a fine boat, just as he said.

2011-07-11T21:10:00.000-06:00

Monday July 11th, 2011: Cloudy in the Day and Rain All Night

2011-07-10T13:25:00.001-06:00

Sunday July 10, 2011: Light Rain All Day

2011-07-09T18:07:00.001-06:00

Saturday July 9, 2011: Hot, Muggy and Overcast

2011-07-08T06:33:00.001-06:00

Friday July 8, 2011: A Bright and Sunny Morning

2011-07-07T17:57:00.001-06:00

Thursday July 7, 2011: Hot and Cloudy Most of the Day

2011-07-06T11:46:00.002-06:00

Wednesday July 6th, 2011: Quite Warm Today (90 degrees) yet Cloudy.
The photo above is a view from the barge in Old Harbor. This spot is a fisherman's favorite.
I went running on the beach in the afternoon and the humidity was oppressive. We have had no direct sun all day and yet it feels hot. A thick cloud cover with little breeze has made it feel like being in a terrarium. It needs to rain soon.

2011-07-05T23:29:00.001-06:00

Tuesday July 5, 2011: Bright and Sunny All Day

2011-07-04T21:09:00.001-06:00

Monday July 4th, 2011: Warm and Sunny with Light Clouds and Happy Smiles from my Israeli friends, Yosi & Esther.

2011-07-03T19:59:00.002-06:00

Sunday July 3, 2011: A Beautiful Sunny Day with a Nice Breeze and Mild Temperatures
Today was the perfect Sunday for a Futbol game. Futbol is Spanish for Soccer and to say it is extremely popular in Costa Rica is an understatement. Every little town has its own futbol field. My boyfriend plays for the Puerto Viejo team and today they played Gandoca. Gandoca is up over the mountains behind my house - about a two hour drive. The tiny town is home to the Sea Turtle preservation project and is in a remote, rural area. This sweet little town has practically no tourism and no crime; just pretty little houses with gardens, farms, rice fields, livestock and jungle all around.
I loaded my friends in the back of my car and we had a fantastic summer afternoon!

2011-07-02T20:34:00.001-06:00

Saturday July 2, 2011: Mild and comfortable with a steady cloud cover broken up by occasional sun and rain.
Today we have had a little of everything. I got some sun while driving my car with the top open, then I had to close it when it started raining. This is not exactly the best beach weather, but it is pleasant for most outdoor activities when a cloud cover cools things off.

The Weather Report Returns!

2011-07-01T13:47:00.001-06:00

Friday July 1, 2011: Cloudy and Mild with a Bit of Occasional Sun.
I have been back in Puerto Viejo for almost two weeks and the weather has been about the same as today. We've had a few heavy showers and a few sunny days but is has been mostly partly cloudy - still beautiful.
Words cannot tell you how happy I am to be back home. I'll be back to my daily report from now on.

2011-06-16T18:08:00.002-06:00

Thursday June 16, 2011: From Trish - "Yesterday was overcast and the sea was rough. Rain in the late afternoon and into the night. Today is about the same, overcast, a cool 77F and thunder rumbling in the distance. Will we get rain ? Probably."

From Jana "Overcast and cool this morning. It looks like rain a bit later today. Not too bad actually after the long dry spell."

Only two more days to go and I'll be back to my own weather report! Extraño a mi hogar Costa Rica!

2011-06-14T11:18:00.002-06:00

Tuesday June 14, 2011: Alison wrote, "Overcast and cool this morning. No rain in Punta Uva last night."
Trish wrote: "The sky cleared early and the sun has been out and hot ! Not much of a breeze. Pura Vida."
Photo above: Girl (?) buried in the sand.

2011-06-13T14:07:00.002-06:00

Monday June 13, 2011: John Brickel said "It's a bit overcast, and feeling slightly cooler than recent days (which may not be a bad thing, considering it was 100F in front of the shop the other day)...of course, it is still 6:45 AM..."
From Trish: ""Good morning Lisa... We had a big thunderstorm early this morning and a good rain from 4-6 am. Now it is overcast and a bit cooler but it is still early ..."
And Janet said, a little later, " "Raining... and I LOVE it! The plants are happy and it's a good day for working indoors."

2011-06-12T20:58:00.002-06:00

"Sunday June 12th... We had a wonderful rain last evening for several hours. This morning has been calm, overcast and a bit cooler but it looks like it will be a sunny day in paradise.. "

2011-06-11T11:17:00.004-06:00

Saturday January 11, 2011: Luna Negra wrote, "Hot, sunny, beautiful, ocean like a lake in the morning, now a bit of ripple."
And the Trish report: "Hot and sunny 85F in the shade. We need some rain."
A few hours later Luna Negra reported to me again regarding the rain, "No, no rain at all, just some drops a couple of nights ago. I'm on Black Beach in Puerto Viejo. Sun Sun Hot Hot!"

2011-06-10T21:32:00.002-06:00

Trish said "The ocean has been calm, the skies clear and the temp HOT...We have not had any rain in a few days..This morning is beautiful and 80F at 6am."

And my daughter called me today. "Mom." she said "it is SO HOT! And there's no breeze. I'm tired all the time because of the heat. But," she added, "I get to go to a party tonight at Koki Beach so it's OK!" My little social buttefly...

2011-06-09T19:17:00.001-06:00

Thursday June 9, 2011: Jana said: "Gorgeous! Sunny, calm seas, a bit of wind but not much. Great snorkeling weather! We are actually wishing for a bit of rain......."

2011-06-08T16:33:00.001-06:00

Wednesday June 8, 2011: Eric wrote: "Sun's shining this morning, shaping up to be a nice day!"
The photo above is one of my favorite Puerto Viejo shots. I love our little harbor.

2011-06-07T15:11:00.001-06:00

Tuesday June 7, 2011: Alison, from Pita Bonita said: "It is hot with clear skies and a light breeze from time to time. Pura Vida!"
Trish said: Trish wrote: "Hot and calm ...Great snorkeling this morning the sea was like a lake!!! Temp is 86F"
Here are some photos I thought you'd like. One afternoon while at the Jaguar Wild Animal Rescue Center with clients I was guiding, we got to see the roof being laid for the new monkey house. The roofers are Indigenous Bri Bri. They use a special method weaving jungle palm branches that makes a good waterproof roof. It's also not as loud as the tin roofs when the rain is pummeling down!

The Weather - with Lots of Help from My Friends

2011-06-06T14:53:00.006-06:00

Sunday June 5, 2011: Overcast / partly sunny with a light breeze and 81F (Thanks Trish)

Monday June 6, 2011: in Punta Mona its PERFECT!! Calm sea, strong sun and relatively cool morning!! Contributed by Stephen Brooks from Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living and Education. Check out the work this inspiring man is doing!

Eric the musician from Puerto Viejo's great local band,"Plan B" said: "The water is clear and calm in Cocles at the moment. Yesterday I swam offshore a bit and dove down to grab sand dollars off the sea floor. Catch and release, environmentalists ;-)"

I am receiving so much fun help with my Weather Reports these days. And not only that, my readers do other sweet things for me. The sketch above was done by Dinah Mason. It is from a photograph I took of a pulperia (little neighborhood general store) in Panama. She liked it so much she did a nice sketch of it and sent it to me. Thanks Dinah!

Original photo from which above sketch was done.

2011-06-04T11:33:00.004-06:00

Saturday June 4, 2011: Today at around 10:30 a.m. Trish reported,

"It is another beautiful, clear and breezy day. Temp is 80F."

I miss the jungle flowers of Costa Rica. Often I walk down the beach road or even the street right in front of my place in the town of Puerto Viejo and smell the most lovely pungent floral scent. My last night before I left I ran on the beach at sunset and the jungle breeze wafted in an intoxicating fragrance. The smell was so strong it was as if my nose were immersed in the petals, yet the jungle was fifty yards away! Often I smell the smell but don't see the source. The flowers seem to evade my vision.

I miss the jungle and it's lush vegetation yet even in this place so far removed from my paradise, I have found solace in nature. I walked to the park yesterday at dusk and ran around the edge of the ball fields. Everything was dark, moist and green and quiet. Suddenly I was immersed in a strong floral aroma. "Where is it coming from?" I wondered. "This is just like home, I can smell it but I don't see the flowers!" I looked and looked until further along the trail, back in the undergrowth I spotted mounds of white and yellow Honeysuckles. I was delighted. I have not seen Honeysuckles since I lived on the East Coast many years ago. They don't grow where I lived for the last 20, in Montana.

So while I miss my tropical paradise, I am reminded that wherever there are trees and plants and sun and earth and sky there is an infinite, everlasting beauty that can pop out and surprise you at any ungiven moment.

2011-06-03T19:35:00.001-06:00

Friday June 3, 2011: Alison from Pita Bonita (one of my favorite restaurants) says: "It feels like fall is in the air...the sky is filled with white clouds under blue skies and a lovely breeze! Perfect!" Trish agrees, "Alison is right. It is a gorgeous day on the Caribbean & 78F ."
I imagine today looked a lot like the photo above. Golden sunlit waves over the exotic black sand with a lush green jungle backdrop. I miss the colors of the ocean!

2011-06-02T19:03:00.000-06:00

Thursday June 2, 2100: Trish reports that it was a calm, clear, sunny, beautiful day. The temp was 78F early this morning. Later on she said, "It is trying to cloud over but the sun is winning, it has been breezy coming in from the ocean and the sea is choppy." Then at 4pm it started to rain! She loves when it rains at night.
And I do, too. I miss the rain at night.
The photo above is not where I am. It is where I wish to be and will be in just a few short weeks. I miss the jungle!

The Weather Report with Help From My Friends

2011-06-01T19:40:00.000-06:00

Wednesday June 1, 2011: Trish said: We had several hours of rain last evening and this morning it is overcast but clearing - 78F.
The photo above is a baby sloth from The Jaguar Animal Rescue Center, just outside Puerto Viejo.

2011-05-31T14:16:00.004-06:00

Tuesday May 31, 2011: The Trish Report - "Rained gently last night , overcast all morning and the sun is trying to come out now so it is hot and muggy... Present temp is 82F and the sea is calming down."
As I am not in Costa Rica at the moment, obviously I cannot take a photo of the present day - so I'll post photos I've taken in the past, in remembrance of the natural beauty of the Caribbean. The photo above was taken from Stanford's - a world renowned icon of Puerto Viejo, right on the beach.

UPDATE: From Trish" Still no rain today but remains overcast with thunder in the distance..."

2011-05-30T17:26:00.003-06:00

Monday May 30th, 2011: The Trish Report - "It started raining last evening and I think through the night. This morning it is still raining fairly heavy and steady. The temp is 79F"

That is the report my Facebook friend Trish gave me from her place in Puerto Viejo. I have not heard any more since. It could actually be bright and sunny by now in the Caribbean. The weather changes from moment to moment. Since I don't really know what the weather was doing all day, I posted a photo from the plane when I was flying into Salt Lake last week. The sun, the sky, our earth - they create majestic beauty absolutely everywhere!

UPDATE: Trish write to me on Tuesday about Monday: "The rain cleared by noon and we had a nice windy day, the seas were choppy."

The Weather Report with Help From My Friends

2011-05-29T09:03:00.000-06:00

Sunday May 29, 2011: Trish wrote: The sun is up the sky is clear and it is 79 F. The sea is calm so the snorkeling will be good today. Janet says it is a good day for the beach.
Although I am not in Puerto Viejo at the moment my friends are filling in for me - Muchisimas gracias, amigos! If you have seen this page, would you mind letting me know by email? I am trying to find out how many people are actually looking at my weather report since I stopped it for a few weeks.
vida.nueva.lisa@gmail.com

I am presently in the USA - but I am still writing about my tropical home.

2011-05-28T06:41:00.003-06:00

Saturday May 28th, 2011: (from afar) Puerto Viejo Weather is "very HOT (33C / 92F) and no rain in sight" from Tom "And the sea continues to be calm and crystal blue." from Alison. At 7:30 a.m. Trish wrote: "Yesterday was hot and sunny and today I awoke to a hard and steady rain that started about 5am. The temp is 78 F."
I'll let you know when I get reports from friends in Puerto Viejo on the weather, as above. From what I hear, it sounds like the Caribbean is the best place to be right now.

Costa Rica Weather Reports Will Resume in June, I am presently in the USA.

2011-05-27T14:22:00.002-06:00

Friday May 27th, 2011: Flying Over The Great Salt Lake

Flying can be fun and it also can be tedious. One of my favorite parts is meeting interesting people. On one flight I sat next to an elegant and refined woman from Nairobi, which is the capital of Kenya. Florence was a lovely, interesting and well spoken woman, fluent in English. Her kids are the same age as mine. She had been in Philadelphia to see her daughter's graduation from Temple University. Her 26 year old son lives there also, and has graduated from the same school. I asked her if she would like to live in the United States and be with her children but she is hoping they will return to Kenya before too long. She lived with them for the first three years they were in school but prefers life in her African home. People there are friendlier.

"When I first moved to the United States I was surprised. I couldn't understand why no one came to knock on my door." she told me. In Florence's world people are much more connected than many of us are used to in the States. She said people always stop by to visit and talk, and neighbors see each other daily. Florence could not get used to the way people in the United States prefer to keep to themselves.

A young software engineer from India said the same thing. He was studying at the University of Michigan and anxiously on his way to Salt Lake for an internship with an exciting company. He agreed with Florence's sentiments that the North American culture was not as open and friendly as his home. In India, he said, they are very connected with their neighbors, always having gatherings and parties. He didn't mind, though. He said his his parents would have a hard time with it but, "When you are young, you adapt." He parties with his college friends.

Now to be fair, I have to say that this North American cultural detachment is more prevalent in cities and suburbs than in small towns, but even in my old home town of Whitefish, Montana, where some people still smile at you on the street, things are changing. It is not as friendly as it used to be. It makes me miss my new home town of Puerto Viejo.

The people are one of my favorite things about Costa Rica's Caribbean. Every day from my window I hear people going down the street singing and laughing, whistling and calling out to friends and neighbors. Among the older ones who are retired, visiting is a serious occupation. They congregate at one place or the other and move around each day, frequently crowding the balcony I share with my next door neighbor. They're a noisy bunch but I don't mind. I never get lonely.

Another thing I appreciate is their attitude: relaxed and casual, they seem to appreciate life and don't get too upset about anything. After you live there for a while it rubs off and even the gruffest "Type A" personality expat calms down. Coming from a culture that values the eternal quest for accomplishment over peace and tranquility, Costa Rica forces us North Americans to slow down. It teaches us patience. When things don't go as planned (as is often the case in Costa Rica) we learn to let it go and enjoy the sunset over the bay - it will all work out tomorrow. That patience is a good resource for me right now, as I do what I need to do and bide my time until I am back in my beloved tropical world.

The last picture is of the ones I miss the most.

The one that matches me is my little girl.

The others are her boyfriend and his sisters.

All very sweet and beautiful kids!

I'm back on blog but still in the USA.

2011-05-26T20:04:00.000-06:00

        I am still in the USA - just stopping in to say hello. I miss my weather report, I miss my readers and mostly I miss Costa Rica. Last week I was in Montana (photo above). As you can see, Montana is as beautiful as Costa Rica but in a different way. I'll always love my Montana home but it cannot compare to my world in Costa Rica's Caribbean.
       It's true, I love the beach and the weather, but there is more. I love the people of Costa Rica, especially the warm, friendly locals of Puerto Viejo. And I love the relaxed and casual lifestyle. I love small town life. My Montana small town is not so small any more. It has become famous as "The Last Best Place," and attracted the wealthy city dwellers for a Rocky Mountain playground.
       Puerto Viejo is still a bit primitive and undeveloped. I like it that way. It feels like a more natural way to live.
       I can't tell you what Costa Rica's Caribbean weather is like right now but I can tell you how I miss my tropical home. And I'll tell you what it feels like to be back in "civilization." I'll be back and write some more tomorrow and I'll be back in Costa Rica with the weather report around June 17th.

Missing Costa Rica

2011-05-13T20:23:00.002-06:00

Friday May 13, 2011: My little weather box in the left corner can tell you the weather in Puerto Viejo today - I can't.
I'm in Philadelphia visiting my mom and missing my little home town.

How do you like my new look here on the weather report?
It matches my new blog "CHANGE YOUR LIFE."

2011-05-07T06:45:00.000-06:00

Saturday May 7, 2011: 6:30 a.m. Partly Cloudy in San Jose
           I've lived in Costa Rica for 3 1/2 years but have not been back to visit my home country in 2 years. In a few hours I leave for Philadelphia to see my mom.
         As I wake up early to an Alajuela morning, I hear a plethora of birds with their varied and beautiful songs. There are the coos of doves, wangs and wangles, whistles and calls, odd arrhythmic tunes with haunting tones, tiny peeps, clicks and clacks and the repetitive hoo hoo ah hoo, I hear every two seconds. I have no idea what kinds of birds are making these sounds but I don't mind. These bright fresh noises let me know that even though I am in the city, I am still surrounded by the comforts of nature.
        Out on the veranda, at Vida Tropical where I slept, the air feels crisp and cool. It is rainy season now, in San Jose, which means beautiful mornings every day. I'll be gone before the rain starts.

2011-05-06T21:28:00.000-06:00

Friday May 6, 2011: Very Rainy in the Caribbean / Rainy in San Jose, too.
Today I left the Caribbean coast for San Jose. I am staying the night in Alajuela, near the airport, at the lovely little B&B Vida Tropical. Tomorrow I will be in transit all day and finally reach Philadelphia by midnight!

2011-05-05T22:03:00.000-06:00

Thursday May 5, 2011: Rain at Night, Cloudy in the Day
         It rained last night - really poured! There was a HUGE thunderstorm and we lost electricity at my house but only for an hour or so. Today it stopped raining and even cleared up a bit but this evening the rain started again.
       "Low Season" is upon us in Costa Rica. That is the time when less tourists come and hotels lower their prices. But it is still a lovely time to be here, especially in the Caribbean. The rest of the country is in rainy season. Although we got rain at night for the last two nights it is not rainy season for us, here. but it is slow season. Many businesses take their vacations at this time. I am taking one, too.
         I won't be able to do my weather report again until mid June, as I will be in the USA visiting my family and friends. I already miss my home here in Puerto Viejo and I have not even left yet. You know how it is when you leave a place, you appreciate it even more. And I already LOVE this place.
        I took a last walk on the beach this evening as the sun was setting. The black sand was smoother and more pure than usual. The waves were not high but they crashed with a thump, nonetheless. Their frothy white foam made a striking contrast to the black sand of Playa Negra. Every evening a mist rises from the ocean and rolls into shore. Tonight the humidity carried a pungent flowery smell, floating out from the nearby jungle. That combined with the gold light reflected on the water and the pinks and purples up in the clouds filled my lungs as I breathed in the beauty, filled my head to intoxication and overflowed into my heart.
        If I have time I'll still write each day - not with a weather report, of course. Instead I'll write telling you what I miss about my home in Costa Rica.

2011-05-04T17:29:00.002-06:00

Monday - Wednesday April 2 - 4, 2011: Partly Cloudy, Hot and Humid
I missed a few days because my website was down and I was focused on recovering it - which I did. It is up and running even better and faster than before! You'll find the photo above presenting an inspiring video on my home page.

2011-05-01T15:24:00.000-06:00

Sunday May 1, 2011: Partly Cloudy and Mild