What's The Big Deal...Living in Jaco?

So I’m asked, “Gary, what are the big differences between living in Jaco Beach and living ‘back home’?”.   Lots of things.  But summarized, I’d say one of the biggest contrasts is that Jaco living is a lot like the 60’s were in the states…a much simpler time.  Evening walks in town with an ice cream cone in one hand while waving to your neighbors with the other hand.  And not so many “no parking” signs, and “no left turns at certain hours” signs.  And going on my bicycle to the Mas x Menos (More for Less) supermarket which reminds me of the now defunct A&P Market I shopped in as a kid.  I realize here that I don’t need 91 mustard choices, 74 kinds of pickles or 118 different cereals from which to choose.  I can live very nicely without a “Mega-store”…thank you very much! 

The little office supply store works for me.  So does the bakery.  And the appliance store.  And the local hardware store.  And the family that runs Del Mar Licorera knows which gin I drink in my martini.  Try that in Von’s or Albertson’s. 

Remember the TV show “Cheers….a place where everyone knows your name”?  Well, it’s like that here in Jaco beach.  And if you have Costco withdrawal symptoms, a 45 minute drive will take you to Pricesmart (the originator of the warehouse store concept), where you can buy a ten-year supply of Q-tips, 40 rolls of toilet paper or four huge plastic-wrapped bottles of “Frank’s Hot Sauce”.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the farmer’s market day in Playa Jaco.  Fresh-picked, fresh-plucked, fresh-cut and fresh-dug bounty from nature.  The fruit, produce and poultry is without a doubt a reminder of the simpler  60’s…before the chemical industry took over the farming community.

For more information on foods and shopping in Costa Rica, stay tuned to this blog or contact Gary Aptaker.