Year IX • No. 37 December 2012 - January 2013 Gaylife News, Comments, Activities and Information FREE INFO BULLETIN www.gaytourscr.com/Playita.html Anniversary Tours p. 4 The Tide p. 7 Night Sky p. 8 Gaymap p. 10 Directory p. 11 The Red Party p. 12 Contempo p. 15 Gayschedule p. 16
For 9 years we have provided the latest information and event listings for gays and lesbians visiting and traveling to Costa Rica's beaches and mountians.
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Transcript
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Anniversary
Tours p. 4
The Tide p. 7
Night Sky p. 8
Gaymap p. 10
Directory p. 11
The Red Party p. 12
Contempo p. 15
Gayschedule p. 16
No. 37 December 2012 - January 2013
2
"Become part of our Community"
Homes • Vacation Villas
Hotels Ocean View LotsCondos
18 years experience in Costa Rica
www.hiddenbayrealty.crLocated in downtown Quepos, two doors down from Restaurante El Gran Escape.
Or visit our location in front of Hotel Villa Roca.
For a Real Estate Tour or More Information please call:
Ron8366-1759
Dan8566-5410
No. 37 December 2012 - January 2013
3
¡A Grito Pelado!
¡CAMBIO!
Dicen popularmente por ahí “nada se muere todo se transforma” y eso precisamente es lo que está pasando en la comunidad gay de Manuel Antonio
y Quepos.Hemos venido viviendo una serie de cambios fuertes desde hace más de 4 años y últimamente cambios muy positivos y más profundos. A continuación una breve descripción de lo que está pasando en esta zona.Hay nuevos dueños en la discoteca gay Liquid Disco Lounge y se ha abierto un nuevo hotel gay llamado Contempo con un super bar llamado Rainbow Lounge.Las clásicas Sunset Sessions de los Domingos han sido movidas de lugar y ahora son en el Bar Mogambo, arriba de las Terrazas de Raphael de 4 de la tarde en adelante, siempre con buena música y un fantástico ambiente a la puesta de sol.Dos actividades nuevas son los Jueves de Parrillada (4 a 8) en la nueva parte al aire libre detrás del Liquid Lounge y los Lunes un Drag Bingo en Salsipuedes Tapas Bar de 8 a 11.Gaytours mantiene tours exclusivos para la comunidad los martes, miércoles, viernes y sábados con precios especiales para nacionales.En la página 16 encontrarán un calendario de actividades semanales.La Playita, siempre muy visitada por la comunidad, ha abierto una sucursal en la parte central de la playa principal de Manuel Antonio. Esta extensión ha sido necesaria y propiciada por los muchos miembros de la comunidad que se hospedan cerca de Liquid y Mogambo, en lugares como el Hotel Jungle Beach.A pesar de todos los cambios, algo muy importante que ha sucedido con el tiempo es que la comunidad gay residente se ha agrandado y enraizado, tanto por las personas que se han venido a pensionar como los que han abierto negocios.Seguimos y seguiremos siendo LA Playa Gay de Costa Rica con cosasdiferentes que la hacen más divertida y particular.Feliz temporada a todos y todas que nos leen y visitan. Seamos parte del cambio.
CREDITOS• Director: Jose Chaves• Productor: Paul Sfez• Diseño: Diego Hidalgo• Colaboradores: Don Willems, Tim Dwyer• Ventas: Paul Sfez - Tel 8836 0024 [email protected] las opiniones expresadas en este medio son entera responsabilidad del autor.
Por Jose Chaves
“The local that works on locals”
Home Studio or On Location
USA Nationally CertifiedNew York Institute of
Massage Graduate
Dedicated to deep, therapeutic bodywork
since 1998
The First professional male massage therapist in
Manuel Antonio
USA Nationally CertifiedNew York Institute of
Massage Graduate
Dedicated to deep, therapeutic bodywork
since 1998
The First professional male massage therapist in
Manuel Antonio
Cel: 8830-7727
No. 37 December 2012 - January 2013
4
Welcome to Manuel Antonio!
I’m in my home in Stratford, Ontario as I write this but my mind is already in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. When you
consider that the high today is nine degrees Celsius and no intention of getting higher until May, it’s not difficult to imagine why. It’s time for this snow bird to head south.
I’ve been coming to Manuel Antonio for sixteen years now and became a land owner almost eleven years ago. In spite of always thinking that the world was so large why would I wish to come to the same place every year, I ended up returning to Manuel Antonio year after year. There have been major changes to the area over the years that, for better or worse, really don’t matter to me. I happily return every year and feel as much at home here as in Canada. If home is where the heart is, then it’s here that I’m most at home.
Living in this paradise is very different from vacationing here; I fortunately discovered that long ago. I can’t expect things to be the same as in Canada. That’s why I came here in the first place, because it is very different. There’s a different environment, climate, culture, and language. It’s all part of the many adventures that we can all enjoy whether we’re here for a good time, a long time, or in my case, both. I still enjoy white water rafting and canopy tours. There’s nothing more peaceful than soaking in the
sun when you’re out on a sailing tour or paddling a kayak through the waves. I am so fortunate to have the jungle right outside my door; that’s the real one, not the concrete one. And I still feel like a ten year old kid when I see the monkeys playing in the banana trees! Costa Rica has a charm that tugs at your heart and makes you want to return over and over again.
In order to truly enjoy your stay regardless if it’s a week, a month or a lifetime, learning some Spanish or reviewing what you learned a ‘few’ years ago in high school is a super idea. Everyone already knows some Spanish…margarita and pina colada for example. Hola is hi, restaurante is restaurant and Chao is ciao. Si is yes and No means no here and at home. The ever important baño (pronounced banyo) is where you make your deposit after several margaritas or cervezas. Of course, it helps a great deal if you can meet a local person to help you out on your adventure. Who know, you may even get to learn the language the same way many have, en la cama! (I’ll let your local guide that for you.)
If this is your first visit I offer you a warm Bienvenido Mae! Pura vida! Have a wonderful adventure in this country. I hope your first trip here is as wonderful as mine was. n
High Tides at 04:37AM (9.90 feet high) and at 17:06PM (10.23 feet high).Low Tides at 10:45AM (-1.18 feet high) and at 23:13PM (-0.82 feet high).
How to read the Tide (example):W E AT H E R : w w w . i m n . a c . c r
No. 37 December 2012 - January 2013
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Night SkyI would like to offer everyone a tour that is
absolutely free. It is free to residents and tourists alike. Really, no gimmicks.
I’m sure at some point you will find yourself alone, or with friends, enjoying the beautiful sunsets. There are some great viewing locations here, which are fantastic. Stop by any of the local spots for a nice, cool drink and enjoy the sunset. But wait, this tour has just begun. Relax a bit longer. Have another cocktail. Manuel Antonio is located fairly close to the equator. The sun, at noon, is almost directly overhead. The path the sun and the moon take in the sky, are almost directly east to west. The planets follow this same path making them easy to find, in Manuel Antonio. Look up at the sky after sunset, or, for the early birds, just before sunrise. Many of us look up to the stars, but how many of you have actually searched for the planets.You won’t need a big expensive telescope. A nice set of binoculars is great, and even the naked eye will often be enough. Once you know how to find them they are really easy to locate.First, the planets don’t seem to twinkle as the stars do. The planets can be seen because they reflect light from the sun, rather than by creating light as the stars do. They light of the planets will seem much more constant. Which planets you can see, and when depends upon the time of the year you are looking. The planets are normally easier to locate, just before sunrise, and just after sunset.Mercury is more difficult to view because, from our perspective, it’s orbit is so near to the sun. Venus is easy to find. Venus is also visible during the majority of each year. Venus is very often seen just below the rising sun. It generally will be the last “star” visible before sunrise, and will usually be the brightest visible object. Venus is often referred to as the morning star. Mars is
also visible frequently. If you look closely, even with the naked eye you can see the tint of this red planet. Jupiter and Saturn can be spotted just as easily and are quite large. With a nice pair of binoculars you will easily be able to make out the edges of both of these planets. Neptune makes an appearance often, though it is harder to see without binoculars. One of the most observed is, Uranus.(sorry, couldn’t resist).There are some great websites for information. One of my favorites is yoursky.com. This site has an app that allows you to view the sky from any point on earth at any time, present, future, or past. The Hubble telescope has a great site for photos as well as information.Seeing the planets with your own eyes is a fun experience, and is free to all of us. Take some time and look up. It is a wonderful world we live in. This vacation, take a free tour of our sister planets. Use your imagination a bit also, remember you are not just seeing a small dot of light in the sky, you are seeing another world. Planets that should be easy to find in December and January are Neptune, just west of overhead, Uranus just overhead, and Jupiter will appear just a bit east of overhead. In addition, the Geminid meteor shower can be seen around mid December, with December 13th and 14th being the best nights to view, on the US east coast, directly overhead and just after midnight. They will also be viewable from Manuel Antonio. When you see a “shooting star” don’t forget to make a wish. n
by Don Willems
Pet Sitter & Dog Walker
Don Willems8695 4456
No. 37 December 2012 - January 2013
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In the Heart of Manuel AntonioIn the Heart of Manuel Antonio
www.casabosqueverde.com To Book, contact Kelly at (403) 246-8941or [email protected]
• Rental Home, Starting at $900 per Week• This gay owned new house has 3 Bedrooms & Sleeps 6.• Be Yourself at a Private/Secluded Pool
• Rental Home, Starting at $900 per Week• This gay owned new house has 3 Bedrooms & Sleeps 6.• Be Yourself at a Private/Secluded Pool
MANUEL ANTONIO:1. Coyaba Tropical B&B2. Hotel Gaia3. Rest. Mar Luna4. Jungle Loft5. Casa Nelda6. Emilio’s Café 7. Casa Bosque Verde8. Rest. Salsipuedes (tapas)9. Reimax / Vida Realty
10. Hotel Villa Roca11. Hidden Bay Realty12. Rainbow Lounge / Hotel Contempo13. Shana Hotel14. Rest. Raphael’s Terrazas & Bar Mogambo15. Liquid Lounge16. Jungle Beach Hotel17. Italy & …co
GAYM
AP
QUEPOS:1. Kúkula2. Canopy Safari 3. Hidden Bay Realty4. Jaime Peligro Books5. Fourtrax Adventure6. Mucho Músculo Gym
No. 37 December 2012 - January 2013
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MANUEL ANTONIOFROM A TO Z
s Exclusive Gay u Gay friendly BARS AND DISCOS
s Liquid Lounge: 2777 5158Buena Nota Building
u MogamboBy Raphael Terrazas Top Floor2777 6310
s Rainbow Lounge2777 5012Next to Hotel La Mansión
u Salsipuedes: 2777 5019Tapas BarAcross the street from Banca Promerica
HOTELSs Contempo: 2777 5012Next to Hotel La Mansión
u Coyaba TropicalB&B2777 6279Next to Hotel Gaia
u Hotel Gaia1 800 226 2515Manuel Antonio
u Jungle Beach2777 0543Main road to the park
u Shana2777 7373Road to Hotel El Parador
s Villa Roca: 2777 1349 Next to Hotel Si Como No
RESTAURANTSu Emilio’s Café 2777 6807In front the soccer field, Manuel Antonio
u Italy & … co2777 5170In front of the bus stopManuel Antonio Beach
u Kúkula 2777 2735700m before the entrance bridge of Quepos (main entrance to Boca Vieja)
u La Luna & Ambar Lounge2777 9797Hotel Gaia
u MarLuna: 2777 5107Near Manuel AntonioSchool
u Raphael’s Terrazas2777 6310Main road to the National Park, beside the entry to Arboleda Hotel
SERVICESu Canopy Safari2777 0100Downtown Quepos
u Fourtrax Adventure2777 1829Downtown Quepos
s Gaytours8305 8044 Fax 2294 4205
u Gym Mucho Músculo2777 3400Going from Quepos to Manuel Antonio, on the left just before the first hill
u Jaime Peligro Books & AdventureEnglish and spanish books, music, tours and temporary tattos2777 7106Quepos, next door to Century 21
u Manuel Antonio ParkEstelle Profesional Guide8719 2065Quepos
u Massage PURAVIDA Massage & Physical Therapist88-222-936
u Massage Todd: 8830 7727Professional Massage at your hotel
u Sunset Sails2777 0837 / 2777 1304
VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATEu Casa Bosque VerdeCanada contact (403) 246 8941200 east from Super JosethManuel Antonio
u Casa Nelda8814 62511 mile from Manuel Antonio School
u Hidden Bay Realty Real Estate8366 1759 / 8395 1304- Manuel Antonio: in front of hotel Villa Roca- Quepos: 2 doors down from Restaurante El Gran Escape
u Jungle Loft8836 0024Behind Villa El Lirio @ Canyon Verde
u Reimax / Vida RealtyReal Estate2774 0287 / 2777 4945 8997 4129 / 8825 0434Next to Barba Roja
No. 37 December 2012 - January 2013
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The Red PartyGayTours has hosted this St. Valentine’s
Day holiday event in Manuel Antonio, for 12 years. This year we are pleased
to announce that it will be held at The New Shana Hotel, on the road to Parador Hotel.
Cupid will be making his appearance and shooting arrows at everyone, and everywhere.
We will have 2 dj’s, free tequilla body shots for all, and open swimming pool in the private Lifestyle Shana Presidential Suite.
Dress code to be strictly enforced:
Simply RED. The rest is up to you and your imagination.
Bring your “sweetheart” or meet him here.
Shana Hotel will offer special packages and accommodations to those wishing to stay at the hotel www.shanahotel.com.
Join us, as we open this new venue to the community. n
Starting at 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Saturday, Feb. 16.
Road of Manuel Antonio, QueposPhone: 2777-5107
Happy Hour 9:00 pm - 12:00 pmEvery Day
Home, Elegance & Balance
Tips about Playita*
REMEMBERDon’t bring valuables to the beach, you will not need them. If you do swim, or walk, ask someone you know to watch your things.DON’T FORGETSunblock... Sunblock... Sunblock...The sun is much stronger than you think.PLEASETake care about the tide, you can cross the rocks 2 hours before and/or 2 hours after the high tide (page 7), otherwise you may get hurt. Rocks are very dangerous in high tide period.YOU MUSTDress in a bathing suit. Nude bathing is restricted on the beaches. Police do patrol the beaches.BORED?Walk to the end of the beach and climb a bit to the end of the rocks and get a fantastic view… of the coast, wear good shoes and have fun.AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...Don’t get sand in your ...OUCH!
* This is the name of one of the beaches in Manuel Antonio, which attracts a high concentration of gay
• Private Membership Club• Swimming Pool• Lounge and Sun Bathing Area• Lockers Available• Pool Bar• Food Service
• Happy Hour 6 PM -7 PM• Discounted Rates at La Mansion Facilities• Disco Nights – Friday & Saturday• Open Every Day• Mix, Mingle & Get Wet Parties
Manuel Antonio’s Life Style Bar and Lounge@ The CONTEMPO
Coming Soon
w w w . c o n t e m p o c r. c o m
GR
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D O
PE
NIN
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Tel. 2777-3489
No. 37 December 2012 - January 2013
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CONTEMPOFor many years Manuel Antonio has held
a strong and attractive reputation for em-bracing diversity in tourism, and open-
ing its arms to the national and international Gay market. Thousands of tourists from Costa Rica and around the world visit the lush, tropi-cal town of Manuel Antonio every year. This town has become Costa Rica’s choice for cel-ebrating and commemorating an endless and diverse list of events from New Years beach fiestas to the famous Easter Week boat cruises.
Mr Harry Bodaan, owner of the 5 Star Boutique Hotel, la Mansion Inn has always been aware of, and appreciated what the gay clientele have brought to our town. This appreciation natu-rally lead to a desire to become involved and to create something uniquely special, catering to Gay clientele in a way that no other Hotel in Central America could match. Construction
crews went to work and La Mansion Inn Hotel staff gathered week after week to discuss and create what is now known as CONTEMPO, Manuel Antonio’s first luxury exclusive Gay Hotel. This hotel boasts incredible ocean views and provides high end service matching the global reputation of its sister hotel, La Man-sion Inn.
CONTEMPO Hotel will also be open to the community with its exclusive private mem-bership “Rainbow Lounge”. The lounge along with its pool, bar and weekly “get wet” par-ties will add a new and exciting dimension to Manuel Antonio’s gay scene. So, anytime you have a free moment in your day, take a walk or a drive down to the new CONTEMPO Ho-tel – construction is moving fast and we are all anxious to celebrate its opening this coming high season. n