Just in time for our trip July 3-6, 2020

A visit to Costa Rica would simply be incomplete without taking the time to appreciate its thriving and unique cultural scene. Artists have long been inspired by Costa Rica’s beauty and vibrant culture, using its natural resources for inspiration and, occasionally, instrument.

If you like both art and adventure, check out the list below. Some places are off the beaten path and some are right in the heart of the city, but all of them are unforgettable.

The Museum of Stone Spheres
The Museum of Stone Spheres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Diquís Delta, is home to more than 300 stone sculptures. Colloquially known as “Las Bolas”, these spheres – much like Stonehenge – are of nebulous origin and purpose, though archaeologists have dated them back to about the year 600. Their mysterious nature and historical significance have even inspired modern art.

Sarchí
The town of Sarchí is world-renowned for its woodwork, leather shops, and ceramics. Located at the base of the Central Valley Mountain Range, Sarchí is also famous for its oxcarts – brightly-painted, beautifully decorated symbols of Costa Rican tradition. The oxcarts line the shop-lined streets, where you can purchase and admire any manner of artisanal crafts and furniture.

Galería Namu
​This downtown San José gallery specializes in fair trade and indigenous art of Central America. It features hundreds of unique and exceptional pieces, from tribal masks to pottery. Namu prides itself on its mission statement – “to respect and celebrate the permanence and legacy of the first people” of Central America – and its commitment to paying artists quickly and fairly. They also have an online shop with both original and replicate items.

Monte Azul
The Monte Azul Boutique Hotel preserve sits at the base of Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest mountain, and is surrounded by 125 acres of lush rainforest. Its living spaces are expertly and beautifully curated by the hotel’s artist-in-residence. Between the stunning natural environment and the luxurious and expansive accommodations, Monte Azul is truly an inspired experience.

The Museum of Costa Rican Art
An old airport in San José’s La Sabana Park is now the Costa Rican Art Museum, which features sculptures, paintings, photographs, and more. The museum hosts the works of Costa Rica’s most famous artist, Francisco Amighetti, a surrealist who specialized in showing the daily life of Costa Ricans.

Plan before you go: the museum offers complimentary admission on Sundays and is closed on Mondays.

Be sure to join us book today at https://traveljoy.com/bookings/BzXby83JNBSyvsaUWx5VpHdv

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Paris is sweet on the eye, sweet on the romance and sweet on the palette. It is a sugar lovers dream and the only problem you’ll have when it comes the delectible French deserts is which one to choose. To help you navigate that yummy last course we’ve broken down the top 10 must try deserts for your visit to France. And if you have to eat more than one a day just to get through them? Well, c’est la vie!

​10 Sweet Treats to Eat While Visiting Paris


The Tartes Aux Fruits – The tartes aux fruits are prepared with fresh fruit inside a buttery pastry.  The fruit sit atop a heavenly Chantilly cream.  You can enjoy these tartes in both miniature and pie sizes.
The Éclair – The éclair is a popular dessert in Paris.  The long French choux pastry can be filled with either a rich custard or pastry cream, and topped with a sweet fondant.  By definition, the term éclair means lightning in French.  Go figure!
The Paris Brest – This pastry was created to celebrate the Paris to Brest bicycle ride in 1891.  Naturally, its circular and contains praline flavored crème and choux pastry.
Macaron – Macarons are undeniably delectable.  There are so many flavors to choose from.  The base ingredients include an airy meringue and almonds.  Be sure to not confuse with coconut macaroons, in which the English added the -oon to the word in the 16th century. 
The Tarte Au Citron – Tarte Au Citron also known as the lemon tart are also very popular.  Donning a pastry crust and delicious lemon filling.  The filling, however, is not made with fruit.  The cream is a mixture containing lemon juice, lemon zest and of course, eggs and sugar. 
The Mille Feuille – This fluffy treat comes in a vanilla or custard slice and is comprised of several layers of puff pastry.  Between the puff pastry lies an additional two layers of pastry crème.  Another name for the Mille Feuill is the Napoleon. 
The Tarte Tatin – Named after the hotel that serves the dessert (Hotel Tatin), the tarte Tatin is a unique upside-down pastry.  Its ingredients include caramelized fruit prepared with sugar and butter.  It pairs famously with a bit of tart crème fraiche.  
The Choux à La Crème – These cream puffs are created using puff pastry as well.  They swell while cooking and are actually hollow.  The oozing center can be either whipped cream or custard.   Interestingly enough, once you add chocolate as your topping, it then becomes a profiterole.  There are various different toppings you can add to this pastry, from ice cream to fruit and even spun caramel.
Croissant – This buttery flaky wonder is a signature French pastry.  There are so many ways to top it; you can use fruit, chocolate, fondant or a compote of your choosing.  You will not be disappointed.
The Petits Four – Translated, petit four means small oven, and are also known as mignardises.  The fours are miniature bite-sized confections that can also be savory if you choose.  The sweet route includes a sugary glaze atop a crispy biscuit.  These pastries are perfect for tea parties. 

Why not try them ALL!

I'd love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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​Safe Travels