culture - Osa Mountain Adventures

Going On Vacation? Learn Some Important Spanish Phrases First!

October 18, 2011 by author1 · Leave a Comment

There are many beautiful vacation spots in the world and most of them are in Spanish-speaking countries such as Cozumel, Barcelona, Buenos Aries, Cabo, Argentina and hundreds of other spots make a great destination. But if you learn some Spanish phrases before you leave, then your vacation will be less stressful as well as more enjoyable. It is easy to be polite with “please” and “thank you” when you are on vacation in your own country. Learning the Spanish for these phrases is not that hard. Everyone’s mother taught them to be polite this includes mothers in other countries. Even if you pronounce it wrong, everyone will appreciate that you at least tried to speak their language. You are a guest so remember that being polite to your hosts is important. Furthermore, learning Spanish phrases for “pardon me” and other small apologies make people more inclined to help you. For instance, it would be rude to yell “waiter” in English. Learning a simple phrase for “excuse me sir” is what you can do instead. Do you think anyone would like to be summoned in a rude way in a foreign language?

Experience the Country

Visiting places but never leaving their little tourist bubble is what many tourist do which means they stay on the bus, the designated restaurant, and the tour. This is considered a stress-free way to travel but it’s also a bit disingenuous. Why travel to another country just to watch it like a TV show? If you learn a few Spanish phrases, then this will help turn a TV experience into an interactive experience.

For example, many people like to take public transportation in their vacation city. That’s an example of how the locals live after all. A tour in itself is a fifty-cent bus ride. However, it could be very difficult to navigate even a simple bus ride without learning Spanish phrases for direction, destination, distance, and fares.

Also, if you’re looking for the best restaurant, it’s unlikely it’s located on the tourist boardwalk with a photographic menu. It is out-of-the-way one the locals frequent anyway. If you learn Spanish food phrases, then it could mean a culinary treat on vacation. It’s important for you to know the words for what you do not like or what you are allergic to so that you can try anything else on the menu. Even if you don’t understand everything the waiter says, pointing and smiling helps.

Specific Country

Spanish is a very diverse language, and there are as many nuances and dialects as there are Spanish-speaking countries. It’s essential that you pick up local words and phrases. What you can do is get a guidebook that is specific to your destination area complete with glossary or phrases and language notes about these dialects.

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Filed Under: Guest Articles · Tagged: culture, language, leisure, Recreation, Society, travel, vacation

Foods Of Costa Rica… Lemonade With Honeydew Melon Recipe

December 8, 2010 by OMVAdventures · Leave a Comment

I guess Ricardo of Osa Mountain Village likes chef Rafael Calderon a lot because this is another recipe he gave to me that comes from him. Refreshing on a hot day this is a great summertime drink and of course in Costa Rica it is summer time most of the year so this is a great year round drink. Serve it for breakfast, lunch or dinner or use it as a mixer with your favorite alcoholic beverage for a new twist on one of your old favorites.

Ingredients:
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup of sugar syrup
1 / 2 honeydew melon cut into two halves
Note: dice one half of the melon into small chunks.
1 and 1 / 2 liters of water

Preparation:
In a blender, mix the lemon, water, syrup and half of the melon.
Blend well.
Serve a pitcher with some ice.
Add half of diced melon

Level of complexity: Very easy.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Pack up a cooler and head down to the beach. It’s only a short drive from Osa Mountain Village to three incredible beaches. Just take your pick and then relax in the sun or under a palm tree, but watch out for falling coconuts. Then open up your cooler and pour yourself a tall glass of refreshing Lemonade with Honey Dew Melon while gazing out at the blue waters of the cove. If you stare long enough the sound of the waves and reflections off the water will put you into a tranquil trance-like state. This is a life worth living, just being in the world with few concerns and none to big to cause unnecessary worry. You are owner of a beautiful villa at Osa Mountain Village. You receive free healthy food as a member of the community. Your neighbors are a diverse group of people that came from all over the world and each contributes something unique to the community. When we say “live” at Osa Mountain Village we really mean “live”.

Filed Under: The Good, The Bad & The Exhilerating · Tagged: costa, costa rica, costa rican, cuisine, culture, dishes, food, foods, honey dew, lemonade, rica, rican

Foods Of Costa Rica… Red Ceviche

December 8, 2010 by OMVAdventures · 1 Comment

Another recipe for the foods of Costa Rica list… this recipe for Red Ceviche was given to me by Ricardo Campos of Osa Mountain Village sustainable development, but I believe chef Rafael Calderon is the true creator of this fine twist on a Costa Rican standard.

You can eat ceviche every day and not get tired of it. At least I can. It’s a healthy way to eat lean protein and on any list of foods of Costa Rica you’ll find ceviche. I have tired many versions and this red ceviche is among my favorites.

Ingredients:
20 ounces chopped sole
1 medium red onion, julienned
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 / 2 pint of lemon juice
7 tbsp. tomato puree
7 tbsp. Ketchup sauce
1 tbsp. minced parsley
1 / 2 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 chile spicy to taste
salt to taste
Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
Let stand for 15 minutes and serve.

Level of complexity: easy.
Preparation time: 20 minutes.
Yield: 6 servings.

Now just for heck of it, close your eyes and imagine for a moment sitting on the terrace of your villa sipping a fresh Costa Rican cocktail of your choosing while you eat red ceviche on corn chips or crackers. In the trees not far off are howler monkeys and their babys playing in the branches. A couple of Macaws are causing a ruckus on another tree. The temperature is right around 78 degrees in the shade and there is a slight breeze. Such is life for the residents of Osa Mountain Village. With over a square mile of jungle as your playground, one thing is for sure, you’ll never be bored. Such is life at Osa Mountain Village Resort and you can be a part of it too. Use the links above to check out the one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom villas or to look into what businesses are still available with our business network.

Filed Under: The Good, The Bad & The Exhilerating · Tagged: ceviche, costa, costa rica, costa rican, cuisine, culture, dishes, food, foods, red ceviche, rica, rican

Foods Of Costa Rica… Sopa Negra Recipe (Black Bean Soup)

December 8, 2010 by OMVAdventures · Leave a Comment

You can’t talk about with foods of Costa Rica without mentioning the honorable Sopa Negra. And once more Skip from Osa Mountain Village is to thank for this amazing recipe. I don’t know where he got this one but it is really good.

You can eat black bean soup every day and not get tired of it. And on any list of foods of Costa Rica it has earned a spot. I have tired many versions of this soup and love it with a dollup of sour cream. It’s also great to add in any kind of meat you prefer.

6 cups of black beans
Water covering the beans (or broth)
¼ cup diced cilantro
¼ cup diced onions
¼ cup diced bell pepper
Hot pepper to taste if you like heat
2 hard boiled eggs (diced)
Garlic
Salt

In a large pot (medium heat), cook the beans, bean juice and the cilantro, onions, pepper, garlic and salt.
Mix well
Cook for 10-15 minutes
Add the eggs and turn stove off
Cover and set for 10-15 minutes before serving

Add any kind of meat and an egg or two for fun. Try a spoon full of sour cream in your soup.

Now just for fun, close your eyes and imagine for a moment sitting on the terrace of your villa sipping a fresh brewed cup of Costa Rican coffee while you munch on some of these tasty corn pancakes. In the trees not far off are howler monkeys and their babys playing in the branches. A couple of Macaws are causing a ruckus on another tree. The temperature is right around 78 degrees in the shade and there is a slight breeze. Such is life for the residents of Osa Mountain Village. With over a square mile of jungle as your playground, one thing is for sure, you’ll never be bored. Such is life at Osa Mountain Village Resort and you can be a part of it too.

Filed Under: The Good, The Bad & The Exhilerating · Tagged: black bean soup, costa, costa rica, costa rican, cuisine, culture, dishes, food, foods, rica, rican, sopa negra

Foods Of Costa Rica… Chorreadas Recipe (Costa Rican Corn Pancakes)

December 8, 2010 by OMVAdventures · Leave a Comment

Here’s another recipe for the “Foods of Costa Rica” collection. This one is also given to me by Skip at Osa Mountain Village. I’m not sure if he got this one from his wife or if this is a dish Skip himself makes.

This is a breakfast favorite that’s on every foods of Costa Rica list. I have had corn meal mush in the United States so this sounds really good. I think I might try them with butter and honey or even maple syrup on it although the latter is probably very hard to get in Costa Rica.

4 cups fresh corn meal
1/4 cup milk or water
1 tsp. salt
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp. oregano
Oil

Stir everything (except the oil) in a blender till smooth. Pour into a bowl and warm oil in a cast-iron pan on medium-high heat. Scoop out 2 spoons full into the pan and spread into pancakes. Lower heat slightly, let it brown lightly, flip it over and cook till golden. Put aside on a plate covered with a towel to keep warm and keep making more till the batter is gone.

It is great for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a side dish. Serve with sour cream or your choice of toppings! Simple, easy and tasty and the kids love them!

Filed Under: The Good, The Bad & The Exhilerating · Tagged: chorreadas, corn pancakes, costa, costa rica, costa rican, cuisine, culture, dishes, food, foods, rica, rican

Foods Of Costa Rica… Gallo Pinto Recipe (beans and rice):

December 8, 2010 by OMVAdventures ·

The following recipe was given to me by Skip at Osa Mountain Village. He got it from his wife who is from Columbia but learned how to make the dish after moving to Costa Rica.

This is an excellent rendition of the favorite staple that’s on every foods of Costa Rica list.

1 lb Black beans give or take a little. Fresh are best.
8-10 sprigs cilantro (coriander leaf) fresh only
1 medium onion
½ small red or yellow sweet pepper
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups white rice
A pinch of salt to taste
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons of oil to fry the Gallo Pinto

If beans are dried, cover with water and soak overnight. If they are fresh, just rinse them off. Drain the beans and add fresh water to an inch above the top of the beans, salt to taste and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and reduce heat to a very low simmer until beans are soft. . . about 3 hours.

Chop cilantro, onion, and sweet pepper very fine.

Add 1 Tablespoon of oil to a large pan and sauté the dry rice for 2 minutes over medium high flame then add half of the chopped onion, sweet pepper and cilantro and sauté another 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer until rice is tender (20-35 minutes). Once the rice and beans are cooked, you can refrigerate or freeze them.

Sauté the rice, beans, chopped onion, sweet pepper and cilantro together in vegetable oil for a few minutes. Sprinkle with a little fresh chopped cilantro just before serving. Once the rice and beans are cooked, you can also refrigerate or freeze them.

Make up small batches of Gallo Pinto when you want it by simply sautéing them together when you’re in the mood!

As you’re enjoying this wonderful dish, imagine what it would be like to be living in a place where you hear the sounds of the jungle instead of the sounds of cars honking their horns at each other. That’s life at Osa Mountain Village Resort.

Filed Under: The Good, The Bad & The Exhilerating · Tagged: costa, costa rica, costa rican, cuisine, culture, dishes, food, foods, gallo pinto, rica, rican

Costa Rica Food

October 29, 2010 by OMVAdventures · 1 Comment

Many people wonder what the food is like in Costa Rica. “What do they eat down there?” they ask. If you’ve never been to Costa Rica you may be wondering the same thing. In many parts of the country you can find restaurants offering international cuisine. In fact, I have had some of the best meals of my life while in Costa Rica. One restaurant I ate at near Uvita was owned and operated by a woman that was trained at Cordon Bleu, and you could tell. The best Pizza I may have ever eaten was at a little place also in Uvita.

I could list many of the great places I’ve eaten in Costa Rica, but what you probably want to know is if the food is good and what it’s like. The staple food of the country is called Gallo Pinto and is made from black beans and rice mixed together with spices. It is served at almost every meal in most places serving traditional fare along with fried plantains, which are a type of banana that is less sweet than the traditional banana and is always cooked. There are many other traditional dishes native to Costa Rica that makes Costa Rica cuisine a unique experience. Below are two recipes that you will love and will give you a taste of what Costa Rican food is like. Enjoy and Pura Vida…

Arroz Con Leche (This is rice pudding, Costa Rica style!)

Starting Ingredients:

1 tiny can of sweetened condensed milk (about 4 ounces or so)
1 cup of uncooked rice
1/2 cup of water
2 sticks of cracked cinnamon
1 cup of evaporated milk
6 cup of milk
1/2 cup of raisins (more depending upon taste)
1 teaspoon fresh nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

First, in a large cooking pot, add the water, 4 cups of milk, uncooked rice, cinnamon, evaporated milk, vanilla and nutmeg. Once on the stove, bring the liquid to a boil. Boil for about 5 minutes. Then, add the sweetened condensed milk. Add a little water to the milk can and empty its contents into the pot. By this time, the liquid should be simmering on low heat. The milk should just barely simmer. As the liquid begins to reduce, add the remaining milk in small
increments as you continue to stir. As you add the milk, stir the mixture so that it cooks evenly. Continue to stir intermittently, until the liquid has become a gooey paste. Then add raisins and cook for an additional 10 minutes on.
Sit down and enjoy with your family!!

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Hearts of Palm Salad (Costa Rica)

Ingredients:

2 16-ounce cans of hearts of palm
1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/3 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoons low-salt chicken broth
1 tablespoon of olive oil
A pinch of ground pepper
A very small amount of salt
Lettuce leaves for a bed

Preparation:

Drain the hearts of palm, cut them into ½-inch pieces and put them into a large bowl. Stir in the red pepper, yellow pepper and chopped parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mustard, chicken broth and olive oil. Drizzle the dressing over the hearts of palm mixture and toss gently. Season to taste with salt (optional) and pepper. Line a serving bowl with lettuce leaves, spoon the salad on top and serve with love!