Feb 06 2008
Changes in Uvita
When I first moved to Costa Rica in 1996, the Costanera Sur was just one grade above a cow trail. In 1999, I bought a home in Playa Tortuga, but worked in Dominical. While the road had improved some and was partially paved, the 20 mile drive took over 1.5 hours and involved crossing rivers and fording some potholes that small children were using as swimming pools. Now, we can proudly call this stretch one of the best roads in Costa Rica, as good as most roads in North America.
Other changes have occurred, too. The town of Uvita where our office is located had only 4 buildings along the Coastal Hwy. , the service station, a hardware store, and 2 restaurants, Viajeros and Naranjito. Now, just to name a few of the new businesses, we have a butcher shop, gift store, veterinarian, labratory, dentist, construction office, legal firm, auto parts supply, pharmacy, furniture designer, internet cafe, beauty salon, mechanic, tire store, hotels, paint and home supply, Mexican tile supplier, supermarket, 3 banks, 2 convenient stores, 4 wheeler rental and many more. That is just along the main highway. Many more additions lie along the side streets.
As far as restaurants go, the Viajeros is being replaced with one of the new office parks, but has been relocated next door to the police station. We now call it Viajeros South or Andy Burger after the great burgers that it’s owner Tug Boat Andy prepares. There is a wonderful Thai/Malaysian/Indonesian place called Marakuya. Maria’s is comida tipico, but has a huge chef salad. The Marina Ballena is the bar meeting place with a conference center. Brent’s is a fast-food healthy drive through. Kem-Vari has quesodia’s packed with chicken or shrimp. There is also a brand new Argentinian cafe and a roasted chicken eatery. Naranjito\s is still there, but has a larger menu. Again, this is on the main road, not including all of the tasty places on the side streets.
There are plans for many more businesses to come, and 4 office parks and a sports complex with an indoor soccer court are under construction. If you have not been here lately, come and see for yourself. Write me, Annie Drake and I will be happy to answer and questions you may have.
