HOUSE RULES AT CASA BALBI

(For your safety and pleasure)

Please, no smoking in any of the cabins. If you do smoke outside, please be mindful of where your smoke is traveling to.

If you are using our kitchens for cooking, be aware that heavy odors (certain spices, meats, fish) will linger long after you have left. We appreciate you considering those who arrive after you go.

You are in a tropical country with great biodiversity which means bugs! And they are our friends but we don’t want to encourage them. Leaving sugary and oily foods out will bring in ants and other insects. Please dispose of food waste in the appropriate containers, wash your dishes promptly, and keep foods in proper containers or in the refrigerator. Even a discarded candy wrapper left on your bed will be full of ants by the morning.

We use gas stoves and they are safe as long as you use them wisely. If you are not familiar with using gas, we are happy to give you a lesson. Be mindful that you do not leave burners open without a flame.

We separate food waste from recyclables from garbage. There are appropriate containers for each. If you are unsure, please ask.

Please deposit all toilet paper and other sanitary products in the garbage can. Our septic system is delicate. You will be asked to abide by this custom in most places in Central America.

To get hot water in the shower, we use on demand shower heads. This means that you need to find the right amount of water pressure to activate the water heating coil (noticeable when the light dims) and then adjust it to the right temperature. Not too much, not too little, just right.

In the back of the lower unit is a washing machine and a place to hang your clothes to dry. Or you can have your clothes washed for $5 load (24 hour service).

Further to our friends the bugs, yes there are spiders and scorpions but getting stung by them is for most people only as uncomfortable as a bee sting. By shaking out your clothes and shoes you will most likely avoid this problem. If you see one of these creatures, please remove them to the outdoors. Live and let live.