Was thinking the same thing Shady. Hope it isn't.
No doubt Raoul.
I was in town a couple weeks ago and it seems every time the changes in scenery become amplified even more. Some observances:
There are less and less gringos around the Central Valley. I went to a bunch of my old haunts I have some fond memories of, and not expecting much as I've outgrown that scene a bit, it was still a let down.
The red light district/down town was a ghost town. Monkey bar, closed. Horseshoe, closed. Even the old Clarion (RIP Graeme), whatever they call it now, closed.
About every restaurant with an exception of a few that were good in 2009, 2010, even 2011, has turned over or closed.
Chef Tony was rumored to be at a new spot, outside of down town. Stopped by, and he was GONE already. (Although the replacement was damn good, the name of the place escapes me but the chef was Andre or Andres or something close.)
Down to Jaco....
Beetle bar, under new management. (Thankfully, that last owner ruined a good thing IMO) The new place was a ghost town. Cocal on the other hand, was NOT. Didn't have energy for Le Loft, but that place is always fun.
Lots of good cuisine. When I visit, this is really the best spot (without going to Guana) in the country for my money. Fun times, lots more to do other than just drink, and great food. I've seen a lot of my old buddies move down that way, and I don't blame them. That area is where it's at socially.
White house? Didn't even inquire about it but was always fun up there for a change of pace to drink or get lunch. Heard it's also dead.
Estribos, TOT, as noted here....gone, moved, or changing direction.
Things sure do change fast down there in comparison to South Florida. I had a lot more fun down there 10-15 years ago, but then again, I'd like to think we all did.