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Making the most out of 48 hours in Costa Rica

With more people taking fewer, shorter vacations a year, the Central American nation of Costa Rica – known for its natural wonders, colorful culture and friendly locals – offers travelers an ideal destination for a quick getaway. Roughly the size of West Virginia in the US, visitors can take advantage of the country’s small size to explore numerous opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

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With more people taking fewer, shorter vacations a year, the Central American nation of Costa Rica – known for its natural wonders, colorful culture and friendly locals – offers travelers an ideal destination for a quick getaway. Roughly the size of West Virginia in the US, visitors can take advantage of the country’s small size to explore numerous opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

costa-rica

Daily direct flights out of major US and Canadian hubs also provide travelers easy access to experience this unique and exciting destination.

In as little as 48 hours, visitors can experience the cultural richness of the country’s capital, the majestic Arenal Volcano National Park and the colorful town of Sarchí.

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!

2 p.m. – Eat like a local
Upon arriving to Juan Santamaria International Airport, check in at one of the hundreds of hotels offerings available in the capital city of San Jose. The new hop-on and hop-off tours offer visitors the ease and convenience of visiting over 50 attractions, including the Central Market, the National Theater and the Gastronomic Road in Escalante. The service is provided daily from 8:40 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.costaricacitysquaretour.com.

Before exploring the town, those who want to eat like the locals can hop on the tour bus and stop at the Central Market (“Mercado Central”), the oldest and largest market in the city. First opened in 1880, the Central Market offers more than 200 shops and stalls, as well as “sodas.” Also found throughout the country, sodas are inexpensive family-run restaurants where travelers will find authentic, home-cooked style Costa Rican dishes such as the popular “gallo pinto.”

4 p.m. – Experience the classics
After savoring the authentic cuisine, a visit to the National Theater (“Teatro Nacional”) is a must. As the architectural jewel of Costa Rica, the theater is one of the country’s most popular attractions. Here, guests can enjoy some of the theater’s weekly performances, as well as admire its exquisite interior and ceiling murals. The National Theater is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

7 p.m. – After dark
Enjoying the country’s culinary offerings is part of many travelers’ agendas, and downtown San Jose hosts many international options to satisfy even the most demanding palates. Head to the neighborhood of Escalante, the capital’s gastronomic center, which hosts over 30 local and international restaurants and bars that draw locals and visitors alike. Many restaurants offer fusion delicacies by incorporating Costa Rican ingredients harvested from their own gardens.

Those wanting to explore the city by night can hop on the La Carreta by Carpe Chepe nightlife shuttle. The shuttle offers travelers the opportunity to visit up to 30 of the capital’s most vibrant bars. It’s not only a fun way to see the city, but also offers a safe and responsible way to enjoy the San Jose’s nightlife without worries. La Carreta runs continuously from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

GAM Cultural provides visitors with a list of the latest events in San Jose, including concerts, art exhibits and workshops. For more information, please visit www.gamcultural.com.

Day 2: Embark on an adventure

7 a.m. – Take the high road
Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Costa Rica’s vast mountains while heading over to Arenal Volcano National Park, which is a three hour drive from San Jose.  Named after the country’s most famous volcano, this national park is filled with rivers, thermal hot springs, waterfalls, and of course, wildlife. Arenal is a dream come true for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors. The area offers a wide variety of hotels to spend the night. Arenal Volcano National Park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the entrance fee is $10.

11 a.m. – Hike the giant
Start the adventure by visiting the Arenal volcano. The hiking trails around the tall and imposing active volcano offer jaw-dropping views of this giant and its surrounding lush jungle.

3 p.m. – Adrenaline rush
Zip lining, also known as canopy tours, is one of the country’s most popular activities. Visitors will experience intense adrenaline rushes while zipping past the treetops. Zip lining is an unforgettable experience for those wanting to explore the surrounding jungle in a unique way.

5 p.m. – Revitalize
After a very active day of exploration, relax at one of the hot springs surrounding Arenal. Due to the geothermal activity beneath the volcano, the thermal water of these hot springs, along with the surrounding nature, will provide much needed relief to tired muscles after a long day of adventure.

Day 3: End on a bright note

10:30 a.m. – Bring authentic Costa Rica crafts home
On the way back to San Jose, make a last stop at the colorful town of Sarchi. Famous for vibrantly painted oxcarts, Sarchi is the perfect place to purchase handmade souvenirs, such as wall art, furniture, and even a one-of-a-kind, colorful oxcart. The town is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Arenal and only 30 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport.

For more information on Costa Rica, visit www.visitcostarica.com.

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Destinations

Going Chinese in Pulilan, Bulacan

Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan, and we’re on the fence here (yes if no choice, no if you can go elsewhere).

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We happened to be in Pulilan in Bulacan, and I had pancit craving. As if on cue, we passed by Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan, which – after we Google-checked – is supposedly one of the more frequently-visited Chinese restos in these parts of the province, so… of course we checked.

@outragemag Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, this place is really, REALLY easy to find. Located along the Pulilan Regional Road in Barangay Cut-cot in Pulilan, this is right in the middle of the municipality.

Ikalawa, the resto is actually divided into three parts: one side is for those with reservations, another part is for walk-in diners, and another part is for events. If/when the resto isn’t full, only the main part (middle one) is kept open.

No, this isn’t some fancy resto. More like an airconditioned karinderya, complete with wooden tables and plastic chairs. Look-wise, it wasn’t dirty naman when we were there, so that’s a plus.

Ikatlo, the workers were friendly naman… and they moved fast – e.g. while waiting for our orders, we were given must-check peanuts, and since we finished what we got fast, our waitress was more than happy to accommodate us.

Ika-apat, now… how was the food?

The house specialty, the Lee Foo Chicken (₱265 for half, ₱495 for whole), looked like fried chicken with ketchup. Okay… the breading was okay since it didn’t overpower the meat. The chicken, too, was properly cooked, and it wasn’t dry. But it was tasteless overall; so the ketchup taste is what stays with you.

The Pancit Canton Bihon (₱255) had thin pancit noodles, almost as thin as the bihon. It didn’t have lots of sahog; instead, you’d notice the extenders (like kikiam, and so on). I like good pancit, I swear… but this isn’t one of them, sorry.

The weirdly-wrapped Hakaw (₱155) was small, so it was bitin.

And then there’s the Siomai Steam (₱155), which was, in a word, weird. The size was good, similar to those ₱10 siomais. But the way this was prepared was weird for us – e.g. like the meat was overwatered, and having a hard time staying solid, so that it was smudgy, and disintegrated in the mouth even without chewing. I suppose that, at least, it wasn’t disgusting taste-wise.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is, we believe, popular. Like President in Chinatown, or a branch of David’s in some mall. To each his or her own nga naman. But for us, we’re off to look for other Chinese restos na muna as we head out in search of more lafangan venues.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is located at 159 Barangay Cut-cot, Pulilan, 3005 Bulacan Province. For more information, contact 0925 800 0168, or email leefoopanciteria@yahoo.com.

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Travel

Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales

#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.

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Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.

In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.

@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.

Ikalawa, what’s there?

The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps. 

What will you see while there?

  • the former lighthouse engine room
  • the top of the lighthouse
  • South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins

Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.

This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route. 

Another FYI: It is  allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.

The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.

Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.

But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa

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Travel

Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales

Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.

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When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.

So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.

@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.

Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.

Ikatlo, what’s there?

Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.

So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.

But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.

Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.

But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…

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