ExpatPZ

I got a crazed email today from a friend regarding the new police car models rolling out across the US.  He was a little bit excited and paranoid as you will soon read.

You might also know our local police in Costa Rica just got a few new police car models as well,  so I thought, what better time then now to do a quick review and comparison on both new police vehicles here. 

First off, the new USA 2012 police cars are sporting lots of popular catch phrase decals making it look more official than ever.

After a year of serving the local community of Perez Zeledon, Soda Imagen Mundial, known to many as Sarah's, has morphed into a new location with a new name, while keeping the same commitment to creating tasty, healthy and satisfying food options with modest pricing. 

Customers of the new Soda la Sana will appreciate the cozy, yet breezy atmosphere, both indoors and out. The soft ambiance takes away the bite of the city creating a nice space to eat and socialize.  The soda is conveniently located in a fast growing funky neighborhood on the edge of town just a few blocks from the park.

Go to the Business Directory for directions to Soda la Sana to relax and enjoy.

A funny thing happened on the way to The Forum.  Along the path, it was surprising to see how many entries were planted. Admittedly, Costa Rica South has been sharing a lot of information on food, and there has been a lot of activity in the Biz Directory and on the Classifieds.  Meanwhile, without much attention, the Forum was getting a lot of activity.

So then, it is time to shine the spotlight on The Forum section of Costa Rica South.  An explanation is order for those new to this type of exchange.  Think of The Forum as an interactive bulletin board.  One person posts an idea and others add their ideas, information, opinions or rebuttals to the original topic for everyone to see.  You know, like an open forum.  The difference being that it can be done in the comfort and safety of your home, office or internet cafe.

According to permaculture standards, anyone can grow their own food, whether they live in an apartment or own a couple of hectares- the principles remain the same.  All that is needed is a container, healthy soil and some fertile seeds or plant starts.

One way to acquire seeds is to buy your favorite fruits and vegetables at the farmer's market (La Feria) and plant the seeds.  Sometimes they work, sometimes not.  At least you will know if they have some kind of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) history. Another method of finding seeds is through the Forum or Classified sections of Costa Rica South.  Yet another way of getting started, with a greater chance of success, is to purchase seedlings from a family run local company, Almácigos del Sur. 

This weeks article was to focus on Elaina, for offering Farmer's Market shoppers organic whole grain white and brown rice; dragging those heavy sacks back and forth, every week for over a year, so that her customers could have access to organic rice; and the fact that the rice is Certified Organic and grown in Costa Rica.

But alas, the bad news overshadows the good.   The company that grows the rice has announced that there is no more in storage and the new harvest, although growing quite well, will not be ready until May, "God willing".  They added that the reason they ran out is  because of record sales.  It is then safe to say, that, in of itself, is good news.

Not really new news but many people may not be aware of this yet... that:

Foreign banks worldwide that fail to sign an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service by June 30, 2013 will be subject to stiff sanctions. Expats also face new requirements when filing tax returns if their foreign assets exceed $50,000.

What do you do when you're stranded and you can't reach the roll?  You get on over to the Costa Rica South Biz Directory, that's what you do.  Actually there is no company that can help with that problem, but there sure are others that can serve your needs, from Acupuncture to Zatziki Dip, really.

 The vast area of Perez Zeledon is home to so many talented people willing to share their gifts.  What better way to do this than network on the pages of Costa Rica South, the website for and by the people.  Use it, it's for you.  Pick a clever name, sign in and have access to the Biz Directory, as well as the classifieds, forum, chat room, events calendar and local news and articles.