Thursday 01 November 2012 | QRetirement | Source: Live in Costa Rica Blog
Well, it seems that the rainy season is finally on its way out. The last week has felt like a typical
December with winds and cooler temperatures in the Central Valley. In Costa Rica there are more wet months that dry months, so one has to be prepared to deal with the rain.
One of the most important things you will need during the rainy season or winter as it is called here is a good umbrella. Heavy rain gear will not work here because it is just too humid and you will sweat like crazy. But I did find a breathable paper-thin North Face rain coat that seems to do the job called HY Vent DT. However, a good umbrella is still the best option to stay dry during a tropical rain storm.
Umbrellas are sold all over during the rainy season. So it isn’t hard to find one. Probably the best place to buy an umbrella is the Paragüería Rego in downtown San José. It has been in business for 54 years and is located on the west side of the Hotel Talamanca and behind the Merced church just off Avenida Segunda. I have been buying umbrellas there since the early 1980s. They have a factory in the Barreal de Heredia where they manufacture their own brand which is sold all over the country.
In addition to selling umbrellas they also repair them at their small San José shop. It is located in a building that must be at least 100 years old judging form the style of architecture. Anyway they can fix almost any type of umbrella — sometimes even while you wait. They can replace the metal rods, sew them to the umbrella when they come loose, patch holes and even replace the water proof material that covers the umbrella. About a week ago I took my trusty umbrella and had the cloth part replaced because it ripped. I left it on a Tuesday and picked up in Friday. The total cost was about $7 and my umbrella was just like new again.
I highly recommend Paragüería Rego for buying or having your umbrella repaired. I don’t know of another business in Costa Rica that offers this service.
Their telephone is 2222-2163. You can also find them on Facebook at: //www.facebook.com/pages/Paraguer%C3%ADa-Rego/257851010938140
They don’t speak English so here is some Spanish vocab. you may need.
Varilla – metal rod
Armazón – the frame
Mango – handle
Capa – the waterproof material part of the umbrella
¿Tiene arreglo? Can it be fixed?
