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Written by Michael Simons on . Posted in

edition no. 1 – Don’t lose your head in Mexico, Come lose your heart in Costa Rica!

edition no. 2 – Who are the 3 Amigos?

edition no. 3 – Why are you Still There and not Here?

edition no. 4 – “Roughing It” in Costa Rica

edition no. 5We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto

edition no. 6 – What’s in the Bag Sir?

edition no. 7 – You can make a difference 

edition no. 8 – Michael’s version of the History of Costa Rica 

edition no. 9The Great Return of Macho

edition no. 10Hotel Costa Rica

edition no. 11The Band Plays On (How I came to Costa Rica Part 1)

edition no. 12Welcome to the Jungle (How I came to Costa Rica Part 2)

edition no. 13The Story of Casa Pila

edition no. 14Ground Hog Day

edition no. 15I Got My “Mucho”

edition no. 16A Day in the Life – Costa Rica

edition no. 17Under Cover Agent

edition no. 18 Oh man, that’s a big wave (How I came to Costa Rica part 3)

edition no. 19Whooooa Nellie!

edition no. 20Cataratas Rock!!!!

edition no. 21Somebody Get Me a Doctor

edition no. 22Scuba Diving in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica

edition no. 23Insiders Guide to Sport Fishing in Playas del Coco

edition no. 24Beer Bellies and Boobs

edition no. 25Having a Baby in Costa Rica?

edition no. 26Children’s Day in Costa Rica

edition no. 27 – The Not So Cheap Canadians

edition no. 28 – Broken Toys

edition no. 29 – Making the Leap to Living and Working in Paradise 

edition no. 30 – Just Wanted to Say Thanks 

edition no. 31 – Michael Simon’s Party 2013

edition no. 32 – It’s Martini Time – The Story of Ginger Restaurant and Sailing Around the World (Almost)

edition no. 33 – Santa Claus Comes to Town

edition no. 34 – Live Music in Playa Hermosa – The DREAM TEAM Returns!

edition no. 35 – Why Costa Rica – A Dream that started in the Third Grade

edition no. 36 – Why Costa Rica is the Premiere Medical Tourism Destination

edition no. 37 – Life’s Not Fair

edition no. 38 – Save the Monkeys – Salve Monos

edition no. 39 – Gone Fishin’ (JACPOT Sportfishing)

edition no. 40 – Championship Golf in Guanacaste

edition no. 41 – Buy Water and a Tree is Planted in Costa Rica

edition no. 42 – The Johnson Journeys

edition no. 43 – Costa Rica Video

edition no. 44 – Dr. Doolittle

edition no. 45 – One Man’s Loss is Another Man’s Treasure

edition no. 46 – The Emergency Exit Row Stalker

edition no. 47 – Trent Dilfer for President

edition no. 48 – The Last Frog Standing

edition no. 49 – Relax You Are In Paradise – Part 1

edition no. 50 – Hotel El Mangroove – New Hotel In Papagayo Region 

edition no. 51 – Ex-Pat Life In Costa Rica – Part 1

edition no. 52 – Ex Pats in Costa Rica – Part 2

edition no. 53 – The Costa Rica Crime of the Century

edition no. 54 – Costa Rica House Builder Mike Brussock – Relax You Are in Paradise Part 2

edition no. 56 – Costa Rica Custom Home Builder Tom Terry – Relax You Are In Paradise Part 3 

edition no. 57 – Run For The Border

edition no. 58 – Big Words From The Back Seat (The Caribbean Part 1)

edition no. 59 – The Land of the Lost (The Caribbean Part 2)

edition no. 60 – Costa Rica Home Decorator Sandrine AcQuart – Relax You Are In Paradise Part 4

edition no. 61 – Thar She Blows! (The Marlin del Rey)

edition no. 62 – Michael Simons Party 2014

edition no. 63 – Life is Short

edition no. 64 – And Then it is Winter

edition no. 65 – Top 10 Costa Rica Likes and Dislikes

edition no. 67 – Leave No Pets Behind in Costa Rica

edition no. 68 – What a Pain in The Back – Surgery in Costa Rica

edition no. 69 – Costa Rica Real Estate Market Update

edition no. 70 – Stay in a $4,000,000 Villa for $100

edition no. 71 – Free GuanaCard Discount Membership

edition no. 72 – Costa Rica Budget Home Builder

edition no. 73 – My Last Will and Testament

edition no. 74 – Independence Day (Are you really free?)

edition no. 75 – Playa Hermosa School Back Pack Program

edition no. 76 – Costa Rica Project Development and Construction Team

edition no. 78 – Playa Hermosa in the New York Times

edition no. 79 – What is Playas del Coco?

edition no. 80 – 3 Hot Swedish Girls

edition no. 81 – Sandbar

edition no. 82 – Costa Rica Celebrates No Military

edition no. 83 – ‘Tis the Season

edition no. 84 – Qualmless

edition no. 85 – Playa Hermosa School Back Pack Program 2016

edition no. 86 – RIP Papa Rooster

edition no. 87 – Private Driving Service

edition no. 88 – QTL – Quality Time Left

edition no. 89 – Costa Rica Video FAQ

edition no. 90 – The History of Playas del Coco

edition no. 91 – There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills

edition no. 92 – Uber in Jurassic Park?

edition no. 93 – Vamos Nostradamus

edition no. 94 – Playa Hermosa School Back Pack Program 2017

edition no. 95 – Crocodile Rock

edition no. 96 – Rock You Like a Hurricane

edition no. 97 – Kansas City BBQ Costa Rica Style Michael Simons Party 2016

edition no. 98 – Papagayo Area Restaurant Guide

edition no. 99 – 99 Reasons Why I Love Costa Rica

edition no. 100 – Life is a Highway – How I came to Costa Rica – The Final Chapter

edition no. 101 – EX PAT’s Starting a Business in Costa Rica

edition no. 102 – What is Playa Hermosa?

edition no. 103 – Top Agent Magazine Costa Rica

edition no. 104 – Club A Boat Trip

edition no. 105 – Playa Hermosa Back Pack Program 2018

edition no. 106 – The Best Veterinarian in Costa Rica

edition no. 107 – It’s a Dog’s Life in Costa Rica

edition no. 108 – Tropical Storm Nate

edition no. 109 – Expats in Costa Rica – Gitingas Bags

edition no. 110 – Michael Simons 10th Anniversary Party

edition no. 111 – Costa Rica Real Estate Market Update

edition no. 112 – Costa Rica The Land Of AHHH

edition no. 113 – 3 AM Wake Up Call – Voting in Costa Rica

edition no. 114 – Harley Tours in Costa Rica

edition no. 115 – Buying Investment Property in Costa Rica with Your Self Directed IRA

edition no. 116 – Tank Tops Flip Flops: The Story and The Big Picture

edition no. 117 – Heart Break Station

edition no. 118 – The Taste of Papagayo 2018

edition no. 119 – Diamante Eco Adventure Park Part I – A Diamond in the Rough

edition no. 120 – Breast Cancer Awareness

edition no. 121 – Michael Simons Big Bash 2018

edition no. 122 – Niños del Sol ECO School

edition no. 123 – Happy New Year 2019

edition no. 124 – Grand Theft Auto

edition no. 125 – Wild Horses – Playas del Coco Tope

edition no. 126 – Hope Fellowship

edition no. 127 – Chili Guaro Festival

edition no. 128 – Playa Hermosa Community Clean Up

edition no. 129 – Please Don’t Spam!

edition no. 130 – Real Estate Market Update 2019

edition no. 131 – Icon Teja Expats in Paradise

edition no. 132 – Salve Monos Playa Hermosa

edition no. 133 – Ocean Fest 2019

edition no. 134 – EXPATS in Paradise – Solaris Energy

edition no. 135 – Circle of Legends

edition no. 136 – Night Train

edition no. 137 – Taste of Papagayo Awards 2019

edition no. 138 – The Mayor of Playas del Coco

edition no. 139 – Costa Rica Wildlife Veterinarian

edition no. 140 – Getting Engaged in Costa Rica – She Said Yes

edition no. 141 – The Fountain of Youth

edition no. 142 – Halloween 2019 Playas del Coco

edition no. 143 – Costa Rica No Army – Veterans Day 

edition no. 144 – Punchlines in Paradise – Comedy in Playas del Coco 

edition no. 145 – Toys For Tots 2019

 edition no. 146 – Michael Simons’ Big Bash 2019 

edition no. 147 – Coral For Costa Rica

 edition no. 148 – Playa Hermosa School Backpack Program 2020 

 edition no. 149 – Buyer’s Remorse in Costa Rica 

 edition no. 150 – Cream and Sugar with that Sir? – Costa Rica Coronavirus Update

 edition no. 151 – Moving to Costa Rica

 edition no. 152 – Costa Rica or New York?

 edition no. 153 – Coronavirus Food Drive April 24, 2020

 edition no. 154 – The Big Goose Egg

 edition no. 155 – It doesn’t get any better than this – Why Costa Rica is such a happy and successful country

 edition no. 156 – Costa Rica Coronavirus Food Drive May 6, 2020

 edition no. 157 – Music for Coronavirus Aid

 edition no. 158 – Wide Open Space in Costa Rica

 edition no. 159 – Patas y Manos

 edition no. 160 – Diamante – Coronavirus Food Drive June 3, 2020

 edition no. 161 – Pacifico – Coronavirus Food Drive June 11, 2020

 edition no. 162 – Mr. President Please Open the Airport

 edition no. 163 – Children of One Planet – Coronavirus Food Drive July 2, 2020

 edition no. 164 – Monte Bello Lot 10 House – Coronavirus Food Drive Sponsor

 edition no. 165 – Casa OM Vacation Rental Home – Coronavirus Food Drive Sponsor

 edition no. 166 – EXPAT in Paradise – Tom Cardella – 66 going on 19

 edition no. 167 – Drum Roll Please – Cardella Challenge Winner

 edition no. 168 – Papagayo Ocean Adventures – Covid 19 Food Drive Sponsor

 edition no. 169 – Roberto’s and La Gaviota Tropical – Covid 19 Food Drive Sponsor

 edition no. 170 – Colibri Renovations – Covid 19 Food Drive Sponsor

 edition no. 171 – Caredella Challenge #3 – Win a concert with Fatiniza

 edition no. 172 – Milagro Management and Rentals and Matt Babich – Covid 19 Food Drive Sponsor

 edition no. 173 – Turn the Page – Introducing Tres Amigos Realty

 edition no. 174 – Playa Hermosa Food Drive with Tico Tours and Recycle Hermosa

 edition no. 175 – Valle Azul Condos 9 and 13 – Covid 19 Food Drive Sponsor

 edition no. 176 – Rich Coast Vacations with Dave Collier – Covd-19 Food Drive Sponsor

 edition no. 177 – Coconutz Bar and Grill with Pete Wenzel – Covd-19 Food Drive Sponsor

edition no. 178 Costa Rica Brew Pass

 edition no. 179 – Dentons Munoz Law Firm – Covd-19 Food Drive Sponsor

 edition no. 180 – Nobody Circles the Wagons Like the Buffalo Bills

 edition no. 181 – Cardella Challenge #3 Winner of Fatiniza Concert

 edition no. 182 – Cardella Challenge #4 – Help Charity and Win a Luxury Vacation Package

 edition no. 183 – Breakfast at Hotel El Velero – Cardella Challenge #4 Winner

 edition no. 184 – And Just Like That

 edition no. 185 – Why we Relocated to Playas del Coco with Victor and Doreen Bhatt

 edition no. 186 – Cardella Challenge #5 – Luxury PACIFICO Condo and 4 Airline Tickets

 edition no. 187 – Cardella Challenge #5 Winner

 edition no. 188 – MOM

 edition no. 189 – Mike’s Big Bash 2020

 edition no. 190 – Toys For Tots 2020

 edition no. 191 – Happy New Year 2021

 edition no. 192 – Cardella Challenge #6

 edition no. 193 – COVID? What COVID?

 edition no. 194 – Cardella Challenge #6 WINNER

 edition no. 195 – What is it about Costa Rica?

 edition no. 196 – She Popped the Question?

 edition no. 197 – Tank Tops Flip Flops Trademark

 edition no. 198 – The Passing of the Turtle

 edition no. 199 – New Law Passed to Attract Investors and retirees

 edition no. 200 – Four the Love of Paws

 edition no. 201 – Why do Costa Ricans live longer that people in the United States

 edition no. 202 – Costa Rica Celebrates 200 Years of Independence

 edition no. 203 – Costa Rica Real Estate Market Update

 edition no. 204 – NO MANDATES

 edition no. 205 – Toys for Tots 2021

 edition no. 206 – Pain In My Back – Part 2

 edition no. 207 – Tank Tops Flip Flops T Shirts are BACK!

 edition no. 208 – Toys for Tots Success

 edition no. 209 – It’s a New Year 2022

 edition no. 210 – Costa Rica Elects a New President – Rodrigo Chavez Robles

 edition no. 211 – Pet Castration Clinic needs our help

 edition no. 212 – Costa Rica is Truly Free

 edition no. 213 – Team Tres Amigos

 edition no. 214 – Digital Nomad Visa Enacted into Law

 edition no. 215 – Why is it Important to Work with an Experienced Real Estate Agent and Company?

 edition no. 216 – Should I Buy or Build in Costa Rica?

 edition no. 217 – Toys for Tots 2022

 edition no. 218 – How can I Help in Costa Rica?

 edition no. 219 – Happy Time of Year

 edition no. 220 – Thank You Malibu

 edition no. 221 – RIP Richard “Dick” Simons

 edition no. 222 – Costa Rica Airport Arrivals

 edition no. 223 – EXPATS in Paradise – Mango Baby Beach Rentals

 edition no. 224 – Happy 20th Anniversary to ME!

 edition no. 225 – Video FAQ Series #1 – Financing, MLS and Working Remotely

 edition no. 226 Video FAQ Series #2 – Habla Español?, Property Managers and Do I need a Realtor

 edition no. 227 Video FAQ Series #3

 edition no. 228 – RIP Big Mike Tesluk

 edition no. 229 – SHE IS ASTRONAUT

 edition no. 230 – Toys For Tots 2023

 edition no. 231 – Toys For Tots 2023

 edition no. 232 – Mike’s Big Bash 2023

 edition no. 233 – Toys For Tots Holiday Success

 edition no. 234 – Save the Monkeys Salve Monos

 edition no. 235 – Suhey Needs Our Help

 edition no. 236 – Expats in Costa Rica – Cava Bar and Restaurant

 edition no. 237 – Get in While You Can

You can make a difference

Written by Michael Simons on . Posted in Costa Rica Charity, EX PATS in Costa Rica, Newsletters

puppy and kittenI have always been a big supporter of charities, even when I lived in the USA. I fed a child in Africa.  I made monthly donations to the ASPCA. I support Smile Train.  I always make donations when my friends run or walk for various events and never miss the chance to stick a bunch of cash in the Salvation Army bucket over the holidays.  Anything to do with the US military and you can count me in.  The list goes on and on.

Since moving here in 2003 I have been very fortunate to meet some incredibly generous individuals, who give a tremendous amount of their time, effort and money to charities all over the world.  But I have also seen all the reports on the News, about charities and scams.  We know that many charities use the majority of the funds for their personal use. Private planes, expensive dinners, operating costs and salaries to executives are just some of the examples of why only a small percentage of your donations actually reach their destination.  Not here in Costa Rica.  The nice thing about the charities here in our area, is they are run by local individuals whose only concern is the end result of the donations.  They don’t take a salary, nor use any of the funds for operating costs.  In Costa Rica YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

I have been asked over and over by people to please send a list of all the current charities that are going on in the Papagayo area.  Below are my personal favorites and as more become available I will let you know.  Please take a few minutes to read this list and hopefully you can find one that you can connect with.  Do us all a favor and MAKE A SMALL DONATION.

Thanks

Gary Lindquist is a retired US and Canadian citizen who is a Permanent Resident of Costa Rica.  Gary and his lovely Costa Rican wife Cynthia are involved currently in 3 wonderful charities.

The first is the Sardinal Back Pack program.

For the past 3 years[more…] we have been giving backpacks plus school supplies, uniforms and shoes to poor children in Sardinal who cannot afford to buy these things to attend school.  We thank you all for contributing in past years.  I want to share with you that we just received a wonderful piece of news.

A Karate Club from Toronto, Canada has volunteered to bring down 60 backpacks which will include school materials needed and shoes.  That is a wonderful gift.  Now we need to collect donations to buy the uniforms for the kids.  We buy 2 shirts and 2 pants for each child.  That total cost of this year’s project will be approximately $2000.  Please donate any amount of money you can to this project. All donations are gratefully accepted.  Let’s make this the best year we have ever had!You can phone Gary or email him for pickup of your donation see below for the information. You can also leave your donation at the RE/MAX Tres Amigos Real Estate office with Yorleny Quesada.  You can also leave your donation with Pastor Allen Cudahy at Celebration community Church in Playa Hermosa.

If you are a long way away you can use Paypal as well. Go to www.paypal.com, write in his email gary_lindquist@hotmail.com – go to gifts – write in amount you want to give and click send.  You will see his first name – Jon -don’t worry – it’s him – go ahead and click send – He will receive the donations and put them into the Sardinal Backpack Account.

Gary Lindquist: 011 (506) 2672-0023

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gary.lindquist

Email:  gary_lindquist@hotmail.com

Gary is also involved in 2 other projects.  Contact him directly to get involved or help out financially: 

Playground Project for Playa Hermosa School. Our committee has had 2 meetings so far. It is looking very good so far.

Sardinal School kitchen expansion – The kids have a dining area serving 40 and the population of the school is 760.  They are in great need of expansion.

The next Charity is the Playa Hermosa Resident’s Association – It is a Non-profit, Volunteer based, organization made up of Playa Hermosa Residents.  We love Playa Hermosa and want to help improve and maintain it. For a very small fee you can join the Association and help to keep our community beautiful. Please visit their website.

Website http://playahermosabeach.org/blog/        

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/playahermosagte

One of the more popular charities is actually a committee within the Playa Hermosa Resident’s Association called the

Save the Monkeys Committee – The Playa Hermosa Save the Monkeys Committee (Salve Los Monos de Playa Hermosa) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the native monkey population in Playa Hermosa. The committee is currently seeking persons who have knowledge of the existing monkey corridors in and around Playa Hermosa. We are also interested in knowing what areas the Monkeys lived in before the loss of portions of their habitat. One of the biggest problems that all countries face, is that as Man Kind continues to expand, we over take much of the animals natural habitat. In Costa Rica, many monkeys are electrocuted when they have to use high voltage wires to cross the roads. The committee was formed to raise money to build Monkey Bridges across the roads in high traffic areas. My good friend Karol Allard and her husband Michael have been huge advocates of this wonderful project. Please take the time to visit their site and please help with a donation or your time.

 

For Information contact Karol Allard at kkallard@gmail.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Salve-Monos-Playa-Hermosa-GTE-Costa-Rica/180704912002324

Website:  http://playahermosabeach.org/blog/save-the-monossalvemos-los-monos/

There is also a resident’s association for Playas del Coco called Catucoco

mailto:info@playasdelcoco.org
www.playasdelcoco.org

Anyone who has ever spent one moment talking to me, looking on my personal Facebook page or even stopping by my house or office knows that Michael Simons LOVES DOGS.  I love Cats too it’s just that my Rottweiler isn’t a big fan of them.  There is a wonderful Charity in the area run by Paul and Alice Johnston.  They spend all of their free time and their own personal money saving stray animals from the streets, and finding them homes.  That is how I ended up with 6 dogs, all starting with the letter M.  Millie, Meka, Milagro, Monita, Melina and Macho.  Unfortunately Maggie and Madison passed away last year.

Their project is called COCO CARE. It was started by performing free spay/neuter clinics and has become the hub for helping our furry friends in need.  I assure you that if you decide to move to Costa Rica, we will inevitably end up at your door dropping off a new friend.

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Care-Coco/280887885318429

 

Everywhere you go in the world, you will find a Lions Club and we have one here in Playas del Coco as well.  Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and woman in 200 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.  Known for working to end preventable blindness, Lions participate in a vast variety of projects important to their communities.  The projects range from cleaning up local parks to providing supplies to victims of natural disasters.  Beginning in 1917, the association of Lions clubs has provided millions of people with the opportunity to give something back to their communities.

For more information or to make a donation please contact: www.lionsclubcoco.com
Phone:8941-3570 or 2670-2054

PROYECTO DE LUZ is a non-for profit association dedicated to contribute a service to make a positive change to the lives of children living in Costa Rica. We believe by improving a Childs environment, health and educational conditions it provides them with an important foundation for a brighter future and enables them to reach their full potential, which has an impact on the entire community.

proyectodeluz@gmail.com
www.dhi.ca/en/charities-projectodeluz.htm

Condo Fish – Organization dedicated to creating artificial fish and sea life habitats affectionately called ‘CondoFish’ This is the first project of its kind to be approved by the Costa Rican government.

Website http://condofish.com/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/condofish

Rich Coast Diving is one of the top dive shops here in the Papagayo and they are committed 100% to giving back to their community.  

PROJECT AWARE which is a world wide organization that fights against Shark Finning and ocean debris.

 

Rich Coast Diving was one of the first Dive Shops worldwide to join in this effort. All of their students receive a PROJECT AWARE certification card after they have completed the course.  The extra $10 that Rich Coast pays for this card goes directly to PROJECT AWARE.  You can purchase T-shirts with shark logos and the profit goes 100% towards shark protection.

 

Every year Rich Coast Diving joins with world famous artist Carlos Hiller to set up a combination art and community awareness project to send a message to the public to stop shark finning, which is usually done during world ocean day

www.projectaware.org

http://www.projectaware.org/diver/rich-coast-diving

See our Sea – An initiative to involve local people and tourists in ocean ecosystems conservation. 

Website http://www.seeoursea.org/

Rich Coast Diving also received the green star award.  This is an award given for a dive center that goes “green”

http://www.richcoastdiving.com/Rich_Coast_Diving/Welcome.html

Please take some time to visit these websites, call the people on the ground and see if you can help in your own way. 

A small donation really can MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Thanks

See you down here in Paradise!
Pura Vida,

Michael Simons

If you have had a great experience with my office and Costa Rica, I want to hear about it. Please send us a video of yourself telling us WHY and I will post it to my website for everyone to see. Or send me an email and I will put it in my Testimonials. I appreciate your business and that you have decided to read this Newsletter more than I could ever tell you. THANK YOU.  Please take a little more time and check out the entire site. We have added a lot of information lately that I am sure you will find helpful. Also, please forward this to any friends you think might be interested in learning more about Costa Rica. Is there a story behind Tank Tops and Flip Flops you ask? Of course, but you have to stay tuned for another Newsletter. I hope all is well. Stay healthy. God Bless you and your families. Stop procrastinating and hurry back!

Check Out My Full Website at  www.tanktopsflipflops.com

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