by Anne Watcher on Monday March 31st, 2008 at 7:33pm
We returned to tour the inside of the National Theater in San Jose on Friday. We were both so tired from our trip to Arenal/Monteverde but we really wanted to see the. The bus from Santa Elena took us to San Jose and since our time here was quickly coming to an end we knew chances of getting back to San Jose were slim. We are both so glad that we put forth the effort. It is truly a gem and I think the most beautiful building I've ever seen.
As coffee plantations grew in the 1800's in Costa Rica so did the wealth of their owners. With this new found money they were able to send their children to school in Europe and thus were exposed to the beauty of the architecture there. Thus this theater is an exact replica of the Paris Opera House right down to the gold leaf covering almost everything and the marble floors and handrails. Original ornate oil paintings grace the ceilings. Leather and rich velvets and some of the nicest woods make up the balcony seating areas.
If you ever get to visit San Jose, CR please visit this majestic venue. Cost for the tour: $5.00 US per person
Main aisle down the centre of main floor seating.
View of balcony seating and ornate lighting. If it appears gold it is!
Ceiling of main hallway
Marble stairs and handrail guide you to the second level lobby.
Notice the ornateness of the walls, trim and moldings.
All are covered in gold leaf.
The Smoking Room
Restoration of the gold leaf was underway when we were there.
by Anne Watcher on Monday March 31st, 2008 at 7:31pm
Rob came home from Alajuela a while ago with a gift for me - a gorgeous tri-coloured gold earrings, a cute butterfly with rhinestone accents. So cute and so loved by me. We returned just a few days ago to look around and took the owner's and staff's picture as well as the family pooch!!
Tierra , her mom and pet
View of their store with staff member. He is also a watchmaker and goldsmith.
by Anne Watcher on Monday March 31st, 2008 at 11:02am
Rob had taken pictures of the eclipse as seen from here at Norma's villas where we have been staying for the last two months. He had Richard back home in Canada put together a composite picture of all the phases and print up a 10" x 48" and ship it down to us here in Costa Rica. We had wanted to give it to Rick and Norma as a gift from the two of us.
When it arrived they were tickled pink with the print and the fact that we had done it for them. We knew that they were working on a Bar/Restaurant/Game Room for the guests and their friends back by the pools. It was near completion when they told us that after racking their brains for a name for the bar they came up with "Norma's Eclipse Bar and Grill" with our print proudly displayed. It's nice to know that we had a small part in their plans.
After seeing the print up, Rob has decided it needs to be bigger so when we get home a 2' x 8' print will be printed and shipped to them.
Print displayed on the bar. New one will cover entire wood area.
Menu - simple but adequate - Pina Coladas are excellent!!
Newly restored bar and seating area. Pool tables, ping pong and darts are in the area
behind Rob as he took the shot.
by Anne Watcher on Sunday March 30th, 2008 at 10:48pm
While walking down Avenida Central in San Jose on Friday we saw these beautifully and artfully decorated cows. Flashbacks of Mel Lastman's Toronto moose went through our minds. We couldn't resist taking their pictures. The concept was much the same, each one sponsored by a local business and painted by a local artist. Here are 7 of the more colourful ones we saw.
by Anne Watcher on Sunday March 30th, 2008 at 1:08pm
When we arrived in Santa Elena we were only going to stay for one night but we decided to stay for two nights when we found the Tree House Hotel conveniently located right in the heart of town. The bus stops right across the street and of much to my delight a coffee and ice cream shop was also there.
The building is built around a 60 year old fig tree with an open air lobby, internet cafe and tour offices occupying the main floor. The second floor restaurant is as close to being part of the tree as possible. Food was good, atmosphere is cozy and there was live music (flamenco guitar) when we were there. The rooms on the third floor are clean, spacious and have a hot water shower. Cost for 2: $45.00 US (taxes incl) They also have a room that will sleep 7 people for families or groups.
Main lobby with staircase leading to the restaurant.
Dining area with the tree lit up. It is open air out to the street and you have to duck
branches to get to some of the tables.
View from the coffee shop across the street.
Rooms on the third floor. It was so cool to have nature greet you in the morning.
