Tamarindo: Water shortages continue, Café Tico changes hands, Bolas Locas celebrates 1st anniversary

Community Reports: Tamarindo
August 8th, 2014
By Liisa Vexler

Tamarindo Residents Celebrate Rain But Water Still Top of Mind

Residents of Tamarindo and surrounding communities continue to be subject to water shortages, stoppages and restrictions after a drier than normal May, June and July. Scheduled and unscheduled water stoppages continue to affect the operation of businesses and the daily lives of community members.

The biggest complaint from residents and businesses is the lack of communication about these stoppages.

Despite the restrictions and pleas for voluntary water sparing, there are reports of businesses and individuals continuing to water gardens, wash cars, and polish facilities. One resident who asked to remain anonymous said, “Tourists in most cases have no idea about the water situation while residents have no water in their homes.”

Residents are asked to forgo use of water for cosmetic purposes until the water shortage passes.

Café Tico changes hands but promises to continue same quality and service

One of Tamarindo’s favorite established eateries has changed ownership. Café Tico, known by local’s and tourists for its bottomless cups of coffee and homemade, well-priced meals and baked goods, is now in the hands of a family of bakers from Milan, Italy. They do not plan to change much, and are keeping the same staff and recipes.

According to former owner Eloisa Scarlino, they may add more bread and sweets to the offerings. Scarlino plans to go back to occasional work with Sunset Catering while spending more time with her family.

Bolas Locas Mini Golf Celebrates First Anniversary

This week, Bolas Locas Mini Golf celebrated its first anniversary with a day of free mini golf for all. Tim Harbidge and Kim Bechthold, the proprietors of Bolas Locas describe their first year as “incredible.” Harbidge says, “We’ve had almost 6000 people come and play and just have a great time!”

In addition to snacks and drinks, Bechthold now sells her Beach Treats homemade ice cream from the snack bar at Bolas Locas and at the Tamarindo Feria on Saturday mornings.

The couple plans to continue to strengthen Bolas Locas’ relationships with local schools and community organizations such as La Paz, Educarte, Escuela Playa Grande, Surfriders, EF, Amigos de la Educacion and CEPIA, and hope to add more to that list over the coming year. Harbidge says, “It’s been great to contribute and be a part of such a growing and vibrant community”.

Bolas Locas is located on the road behind Hotel Pasatiempo, right beside Dragonfly Bar & Grill and is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 11 pm. A round of mini golf is $7 for adults and $5 for kids under 10.

Liisa Vexler

Liisa Vexler is the author of The Family Freedom Project: A Step-By-Step Guide to Living Abroad with Kids. From Dream to Plan to Reality.

On their honeymoon, Liisa and her husband fell in love with Costa Rica. They designed their lifestyles so it could eventually become their home. She now speaks and writes about their experience in addition to managing her busy medical writing business.

Liisa lives with her husband and two sons in Tamarindo where she is currently working on her second book. Connect with her on Twitter, on Facebook, or on Google+.

  

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