A few thousand colons in Costa Rica provides
a bounty of delicious fruits
By Saray Ramírez Vindas
of the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Delights from star fruit to guavas to the prickly guyabana and the delicate naranjilla are on the market now, and you can get your daily dose of vitamin C with little trouble.
In water, milk or cocktails, the fruits give up their delicious tastes.
The rainy season brings pure water to revitalize the earth and improve the environment. It also gives a boost for some fruits. And this is a good time to explore fruity options.
Costa Rica has a long list of delicious tropical varieties rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and C.
Blending fruits with water to make a refresco is common in Costa Rica homes. Water is preferred for its lower costs, but the daring can try milk and even cream for some of the fruit. Watch out for seeds if a blender is to be used.
A reporter went to the Mercado Central of San Jose Costa Riica with a few thousand colons to seek out fresh fruit. Another option is the ferias del agricultor, but many markets are just one day a week.
At the central market there were at least guayabas, maracuyas, carambolas, naranjillas and guanabanas.
Here is what they are:
The guayabas or guavas are 1,100 colons a kilo, about $1.93. The baseball-size green fruit has five small protrusions on the flower end. Some fruits have up to 500 seeds but they can be eaten. They are Mexican or Central American natives now found all over the world.
The carambola is the starfruit now grown locally and available in most North American supermarkets but not at 600 colons a kilo, or a bit more than $1. The whole fruit, including skin, can be eaten.
The maracuyá is the passion fruit or what is called grandilla here in Costa Rica. They are available for 850 colons a kilo, about $1.50. The fruit can be several colors, but most here are yellow. There are plenty of seeds. They can be eaten but some folks like to strain them for juice.
The naranjillas (1,500 colons per kilo) are like tiny oranges, with lots of seeds and a dark interior. They can be eaten out of hand, and the juice is green. Unripe fruits are sour but can be eaten with sprinklings of salt.
The guanabana is the soursop, a giant fruit that frequently is cut up to be sold. It runs 1,200 a kilo ($2.10) at the market. The creamy meat of the plant is eaten out of hand or juiced. The black seeds, about the size of those in a watermelon, are not eaten.
Each of these fruits can be the subject of its own monograph. But the wise shopper will try new fruits and in different ways. Some can end up in jam as well as drinks. Others can be reduced to a sweet syrup.
Some fruits have a reputation as a medicine or a cure. But that is a whole different article.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Costa Rica Cuisine
Cartago will show off complexities
of its cusine June 27
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
There is a lot more to the Provincia de Cartago Costa Rica than potatoes, and cooks of the communities will be out to prove this June 27.
The event is another of the culture ministry's efforts to capture the nation's traditions.
When most Costa Rican residents think of Cartago, the words chilly and potatoes leap to their minds. The province, centered around the Canton of Cartago is generally higher than communities in the Central Valley. Cartago itself at 1,435 meters is 274 meters (about 900 feet) higher than the bulk of San José.
That may be bad for sunbathing, but the weather is great for temperate vegetable crops, including the potato, carrot, onions and even the chayote. And these work their way into the area's traditional menus.
There are seven other cantons, La Unión, Jiménez, Turrialba, Oreamuno, Alvarado, El Guarco and Paraíso. Each has developed their own variations on food. After all, they have had plenty of time. Cartago was founded in the middle of the 16th century, and Spanish settled in the region due to the healthy climate. The city was the capital of Costa Rica until 1823.
The region is also known for its conservatism, so one can expect that the Spanish tradition will be a strong influence on the local foods.
The culture ministry's Centro de Investigación y Conservación del Patrimonio Cultural is putting on the contest in the Club Social de Cartago starting at 9 a.m.
The good part is that only a portion of the food contestants bring goes to the judges. The rest is offered to the public. Eventually the recipes will be compiled into a book as the centro has done with other sections of Costa Rica.
A similar event seven years ago in Costa Rica did have representative dishes of potatoes, including stuffed potatoes (papa rellena) and potato and cheese bread (pan de papa y queso).
But certainly there also will be pozol, that stick-to-the-ribs corn and pork soup or stew.
Contestants will compete in three areas, the main dish, dessert and drinks. There are money prizes for winners.
of its cusine June 27
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
There is a lot more to the Provincia de Cartago Costa Rica than potatoes, and cooks of the communities will be out to prove this June 27.
The event is another of the culture ministry's efforts to capture the nation's traditions.
When most Costa Rican residents think of Cartago, the words chilly and potatoes leap to their minds. The province, centered around the Canton of Cartago is generally higher than communities in the Central Valley. Cartago itself at 1,435 meters is 274 meters (about 900 feet) higher than the bulk of San José.
That may be bad for sunbathing, but the weather is great for temperate vegetable crops, including the potato, carrot, onions and even the chayote. And these work their way into the area's traditional menus.
There are seven other cantons, La Unión, Jiménez, Turrialba, Oreamuno, Alvarado, El Guarco and Paraíso. Each has developed their own variations on food. After all, they have had plenty of time. Cartago was founded in the middle of the 16th century, and Spanish settled in the region due to the healthy climate. The city was the capital of Costa Rica until 1823.
The region is also known for its conservatism, so one can expect that the Spanish tradition will be a strong influence on the local foods.
The culture ministry's Centro de Investigación y Conservación del Patrimonio Cultural is putting on the contest in the Club Social de Cartago starting at 9 a.m.
The good part is that only a portion of the food contestants bring goes to the judges. The rest is offered to the public. Eventually the recipes will be compiled into a book as the centro has done with other sections of Costa Rica.
A similar event seven years ago in Costa Rica did have representative dishes of potatoes, including stuffed potatoes (papa rellena) and potato and cheese bread (pan de papa y queso).
But certainly there also will be pozol, that stick-to-the-ribs corn and pork soup or stew.
Contestants will compete in three areas, the main dish, dessert and drinks. There are money prizes for winners.
Honduran President in Costa Rica
Honduran president in Costa Rica after arrest
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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – A high-ranking official says that Honduran President Manuel Zelaya is in Costa Rica following his detention by soldiers in his homeland.
The official at the Costa Rica president's office was not authorized to be quoted by name.
He did not offer details on how Zelaya had arrived in this fellow Central American nation of Costa Rica, but he said Zelaya would probably seek political asylum.
Zelaya was detained by army troops early Sunday, shortly before he was to have held a controversial referendum on constitutional reform opposed by most of the rest of the Honduran government.
Diplomats from Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Costa Rica were seen gathered at a security base near the San Jose Costa Rica airport Sunday.
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Delicious Digg Facebook Fark Newsvine Reddit StumbleUpon Technorati Yahoo! Bookmarks Print Sun Jun 28, 11:34 am ET
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – A high-ranking official says that Honduran President Manuel Zelaya is in Costa Rica following his detention by soldiers in his homeland.
The official at the Costa Rica president's office was not authorized to be quoted by name.
He did not offer details on how Zelaya had arrived in this fellow Central American nation of Costa Rica, but he said Zelaya would probably seek political asylum.
Zelaya was detained by army troops early Sunday, shortly before he was to have held a controversial referendum on constitutional reform opposed by most of the rest of the Honduran government.
Diplomats from Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Costa Rica were seen gathered at a security base near the San Jose Costa Rica airport Sunday.
Costa Rica Named Happiest Nation
London:
Costa Rica is very nearly paradise, not just for holiday-makers lounging on its beaches, but for its citizens who are extremely satisfied with their lot and also have a tiny carbon footprint.
The combination has earned Costa Rica first place in a new Happy Planet Index (HPI) published on Monday.
While leaders of the developed world attending G8 talks in Italy worry away at economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), deflation and their implications for economic recovery, the second edition of the HPI lauds alternative standards that provide a new twist on the old adage that wealth does not buy happiness.
Costa Rica stands out for the highest levels of reported life satisfaction, a long life expectancy of 78.5 years and because 99 percent of the Costa Rica energy comes from renewable sources.
Latin American nations generally fare well, bagging nine out of 10 of the top spots and Sub-Saharan Africa performs very badly, with Zimbabwe taking bottom place. It scores 16.6 out of 100, compared with Costa Rica's HPI total of 76.1, according to an advance copy of the report.
Somewhere in between are the world's wealthiest economies.
The United States is placed 114th out of the 143 nations surveyed, with an HPI result of 30.7 and was found to be "greener and happier" 10 years ago than today--as were China and India, ranked respectively 20th and 35th, with scores of 57.1 and 53.
Economic growth
"Following the siren's song of economic growth has delivered only marginal benefits to the world's poorest while undermining the basis of their livelihoods," said Nic Marks of the New Economic Foundation, a London-based "think and do tank" that pursues "real economic well-being" and is the brains behind the HPI.
"What's more it hasn't notably improved the well-being of those who were already rich, or even provided economic stability."
The aim, Marks said, was "to break the spell" and work towards "a high well-being, low-carbon economy before our high-consuming lifestyles plunge us into the chaos of irreversible climate change."
To measure the efficiency with which countries convert the earth's finite resources into their citizens' well-being, the HPI takes three separate indicators--ecological footprint, life-satisfaction and life-expectancy--and then carries out complex calculations.
First published in 2006 as "a radical departure from our current obsession with GDP", the HPI's sums have been criticised for not taking sufficient account of issues such as political freedom, but the index has also found followers.
Within two days of the launch of the first HPI, it was downloaded and read in 185 countries worldwide.
Among those who have taken up the idea are David Cameron, leader of Britain's opposition Conservative political party, and the European Commission has launched a programme "Beyond GDP" in pursuit of ways to measure progress better adapted to our age.
Anyone can calculate their own HPI though the Happy Planet Index website. www.happyplanetindex.org
Costa Rica is very nearly paradise, not just for holiday-makers lounging on its beaches, but for its citizens who are extremely satisfied with their lot and also have a tiny carbon footprint.
The combination has earned Costa Rica first place in a new Happy Planet Index (HPI) published on Monday.
While leaders of the developed world attending G8 talks in Italy worry away at economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), deflation and their implications for economic recovery, the second edition of the HPI lauds alternative standards that provide a new twist on the old adage that wealth does not buy happiness.
Costa Rica stands out for the highest levels of reported life satisfaction, a long life expectancy of 78.5 years and because 99 percent of the Costa Rica energy comes from renewable sources.
Latin American nations generally fare well, bagging nine out of 10 of the top spots and Sub-Saharan Africa performs very badly, with Zimbabwe taking bottom place. It scores 16.6 out of 100, compared with Costa Rica's HPI total of 76.1, according to an advance copy of the report.
Somewhere in between are the world's wealthiest economies.
The United States is placed 114th out of the 143 nations surveyed, with an HPI result of 30.7 and was found to be "greener and happier" 10 years ago than today--as were China and India, ranked respectively 20th and 35th, with scores of 57.1 and 53.
Economic growth
"Following the siren's song of economic growth has delivered only marginal benefits to the world's poorest while undermining the basis of their livelihoods," said Nic Marks of the New Economic Foundation, a London-based "think and do tank" that pursues "real economic well-being" and is the brains behind the HPI.
"What's more it hasn't notably improved the well-being of those who were already rich, or even provided economic stability."
The aim, Marks said, was "to break the spell" and work towards "a high well-being, low-carbon economy before our high-consuming lifestyles plunge us into the chaos of irreversible climate change."
To measure the efficiency with which countries convert the earth's finite resources into their citizens' well-being, the HPI takes three separate indicators--ecological footprint, life-satisfaction and life-expectancy--and then carries out complex calculations.
First published in 2006 as "a radical departure from our current obsession with GDP", the HPI's sums have been criticised for not taking sufficient account of issues such as political freedom, but the index has also found followers.
Within two days of the launch of the first HPI, it was downloaded and read in 185 countries worldwide.
Among those who have taken up the idea are David Cameron, leader of Britain's opposition Conservative political party, and the European Commission has launched a programme "Beyond GDP" in pursuit of ways to measure progress better adapted to our age.
Anyone can calculate their own HPI though the Happy Planet Index website. www.happyplanetindex.org
Costa Rica Soccer Player
Seattle Sounders FC has signed Costa Rica international defender Leonardo Gonzalez.
The 6-foot-1 left back will join up with the Sounders after CONCACAF Gold Cup action.
"It's nice to have to have a naturally left-footed player," said Seattle head coach Sigi Schmid in a statement after signing Goonzales from Costa Rica. "He can play left back, play center back in a pinch and he can also play wide and run the whole line for us. He is an attacking left fullback with good size and athleticism. He's very willing to get forward out of a defensive position and does a good job defensively." Gonzalez is one of the most capable defender from Costa Rica.
Gonzalez has 59 caps with Costa Rica, including three in the 2006 World Cup.
The 6-foot-1 left back will join up with the Sounders after CONCACAF Gold Cup action.
"It's nice to have to have a naturally left-footed player," said Seattle head coach Sigi Schmid in a statement after signing Goonzales from Costa Rica. "He can play left back, play center back in a pinch and he can also play wide and run the whole line for us. He is an attacking left fullback with good size and athleticism. He's very willing to get forward out of a defensive position and does a good job defensively." Gonzalez is one of the most capable defender from Costa Rica.
Gonzalez has 59 caps with Costa Rica, including three in the 2006 World Cup.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Costa Rica Real Estate
COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Costa Rican real estate prices have been rising for years, and as more foreign buyers look at investing in Costa Rica's very small country - just 32,000 square miles, with a total population of just 3.9 million. Prices in some areas are booming - and not uncommon to see prices double in a few years due to the location principle. Costa Rica has it all, from ocean views and beach front, white sandy beaches, to mountain views and huge estates. Ecolology is on the rise, so many properties border on ecozones. Another reason why people are buying and moving to Costa Rica, the cost of living in Costa Rica is inexpensive - and you can comfortably live on 1500-$2000 a month. However, if you are thinking of buying - a Costa Rica real estate agent or broker does not need a real estate license - anyone in Costa Rica can be a realtor. Just use common sense when searching for a agent or broker.
Costa Rica Real Estate
Homes for rent and sale in Costa Rica. Find vacation or investment property in Jaco, Guanacaste, Escazu, Golfito, San Jose and every other major city in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Real Estate
Find your property in the largest Costa Rica real estate database with more than 10,000 listed properties. Listings are daily posted by realtors and owners and a lot of them with mapping.
Costa Rican real estate prices have been rising for years, and as more foreign buyers look at investing in Costa Rica's very small country - just 32,000 square miles, with a total population of just 3.9 million. Prices in some areas are booming - and not uncommon to see prices double in a few years due to the location principle. Costa Rica has it all, from ocean views and beach front, white sandy beaches, to mountain views and huge estates. Ecolology is on the rise, so many properties border on ecozones. Another reason why people are buying and moving to Costa Rica, the cost of living in Costa Rica is inexpensive - and you can comfortably live on 1500-$2000 a month. However, if you are thinking of buying - a Costa Rica real estate agent or broker does not need a real estate license - anyone in Costa Rica can be a realtor. Just use common sense when searching for a agent or broker.
Costa Rica Real Estate
Homes for rent and sale in Costa Rica. Find vacation or investment property in Jaco, Guanacaste, Escazu, Golfito, San Jose and every other major city in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Real Estate
Find your property in the largest Costa Rica real estate database with more than 10,000 listed properties. Listings are daily posted by realtors and owners and a lot of them with mapping.
Costa Rica Health Services
COSTA RICA HEALTH AND FITNESS
You are unlikely to encounter any serious diseases in Costa Rica. Sanitary standards are high and the health system is excellent. During the past two wet seasons there have been several outbreaks of the mosquito-borne disease dengue but so far there have been no reported cases of the more serious hemorrhaging dengue. No vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica as epidemic diseases have been all but eradicated throughout the country. However, if you are a blood donator in the U.S., you may have a problem donating if you have traveled in some areas of Costa Rica as a World Wide health precaution.
Several private hospitals and clients in San Jose offer emergency medical services to foreigners are reasonable prices. In most rural and urban areas, in case of medical emergency, the local red cross has ambulances ready to transport patients to hospital. These ambulance do not charge for their service. The 911 telephone emergency system has been operating for a while and works fine in case of emergency. One can rent a cell phone for their vacation at reasonable rates just to be safe.
Costa Rica is well known throughout the world for high quality, low cost health care and increasing and effective procedures like cosmetic plastic surgery or life saving operations like bypass and heart transplants, Its health care system--with well-equipped modern clinics and hospitals, and medical personnel trained in the finest international teaching centers--provides excellent medical service to citizens and foreigners alike.
Fitness has also been on the uprise. Numerous health centers, spas and gyms are opening up that offer personal trainers and beauty products. Most of the major hotels now have gyms. And they are getting known for their Wellness, Alternative Medicine and Recovery Clinics
Medical Tourism Costa Rica
Provides affordable high quality medical & dental care in Costa Rica. Proximity to USA & Canada, low crime rate & high medical standards make Costa Rica an ideal medical tourism destination.
You are unlikely to encounter any serious diseases in Costa Rica. Sanitary standards are high and the health system is excellent. During the past two wet seasons there have been several outbreaks of the mosquito-borne disease dengue but so far there have been no reported cases of the more serious hemorrhaging dengue. No vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica as epidemic diseases have been all but eradicated throughout the country. However, if you are a blood donator in the U.S., you may have a problem donating if you have traveled in some areas of Costa Rica as a World Wide health precaution.
Several private hospitals and clients in San Jose offer emergency medical services to foreigners are reasonable prices. In most rural and urban areas, in case of medical emergency, the local red cross has ambulances ready to transport patients to hospital. These ambulance do not charge for their service. The 911 telephone emergency system has been operating for a while and works fine in case of emergency. One can rent a cell phone for their vacation at reasonable rates just to be safe.
Costa Rica is well known throughout the world for high quality, low cost health care and increasing and effective procedures like cosmetic plastic surgery or life saving operations like bypass and heart transplants, Its health care system--with well-equipped modern clinics and hospitals, and medical personnel trained in the finest international teaching centers--provides excellent medical service to citizens and foreigners alike.
Fitness has also been on the uprise. Numerous health centers, spas and gyms are opening up that offer personal trainers and beauty products. Most of the major hotels now have gyms. And they are getting known for their Wellness, Alternative Medicine and Recovery Clinics
Medical Tourism Costa Rica
Provides affordable high quality medical & dental care in Costa Rica. Proximity to USA & Canada, low crime rate & high medical standards make Costa Rica an ideal medical tourism destination.
Costa Rica Surfing
SURFING IN COSTA RICA
Surfing is popular on both of Costa Rica's coastlines and has become a haven for American surfers. Many prefer Costa Rica TO Hawaii. The Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific side of Costa Rica is peppered with geographic features; rock points, sandbars, spits, reefs and other breakers generate the waves of a true surfer's paradise. Other places like Jaco provide everything from a point and reef break to beach. Most of the adventurous surfers rent 4-wheel drive SUVs so they can get to the best breaks on dirt roads. Over 50 Surfers Descriptions of Breaks
On the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, only the most savvy surfers will explore the breaks at Punta Cocles, Puerto Viejo's Salsa Brava, and Punta Uva. As indicated by the abundance of bars and restaurants that surround just about every popular break, it is very evident that surfers love to party. Costa Rica Surfing Spots
Surfing is popular on both of Costa Rica's coastlines and has become a haven for American surfers. Many prefer Costa Rica TO Hawaii. The Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific side of Costa Rica is peppered with geographic features; rock points, sandbars, spits, reefs and other breakers generate the waves of a true surfer's paradise. Other places like Jaco provide everything from a point and reef break to beach. Most of the adventurous surfers rent 4-wheel drive SUVs so they can get to the best breaks on dirt roads. Over 50 Surfers Descriptions of Breaks
On the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, only the most savvy surfers will explore the breaks at Punta Cocles, Puerto Viejo's Salsa Brava, and Punta Uva. As indicated by the abundance of bars and restaurants that surround just about every popular break, it is very evident that surfers love to party. Costa Rica Surfing Spots
Costa Rica Gambling
COSTA RICA GAMBLING, CASINOS, BETTING
Costa Rica has dozens of online companies that provide this tropical Central American country with leading offshore bookies. Bodog.com and BetUS.com are two of the biggest.
Whether it is an online sports betting operation or a brick and mortar, employees in Costa Rica are generally young, between 18 and 30, and earn from $600 to $1,600 a month. That compares with an average of $325 a month for the average Costa Rican worker. With the low and very laxed taxes and little Costa Rica government involvement, small casinos are now peppered throughout the country and in very remote areas. It is not surprising that you will find some tucked away and operating under thatch roofs or in some back-room with only a few machines. Just about any Costa Rica taxi driver will know where these are. But be warned: Enter at your own risk and do not expect the same odds that Las Vegas has. Each casino sets its own rules.
For example: The most popular Casino game in Costa Rica is 21 also called “Rummy”, which is similar to blackjack but with Costa Rica rules. You get two cards, you can then ask for another card or stay with the two you have if you have 21 or close to 21. As in blackjack, the idea is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, with face cards counting as 10 and aces counting as one or 11. All the rules just mentioned are just like blackjack. Here is where the game differs from the Las Vegas version: if your first three cards are the same, three of a kind, or a straight (6, 7, & 8 of the same suit), you have a ‘rummy’ and you are paid double. And if your three of a kind happens to be three sevens (which is 21), you get an even higher bonus. If you get 21 with two cards or get five cards without breaking 21, there’s no double bonus as you get in many other international casinos. Splitting pairs is allowed as is doubling down. In some, You may find yourself losing with a push with the dealer.
Most of the bigger facilities in Costa Rica will have the typical Vegas-style gambling machines, along with, Canasta (Roulette), Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Rommy Blackjack ,and Tute poker.
Costa Rica has dozens of online companies that provide this tropical Central American country with leading offshore bookies. Bodog.com and BetUS.com are two of the biggest.
Whether it is an online sports betting operation or a brick and mortar, employees in Costa Rica are generally young, between 18 and 30, and earn from $600 to $1,600 a month. That compares with an average of $325 a month for the average Costa Rican worker. With the low and very laxed taxes and little Costa Rica government involvement, small casinos are now peppered throughout the country and in very remote areas. It is not surprising that you will find some tucked away and operating under thatch roofs or in some back-room with only a few machines. Just about any Costa Rica taxi driver will know where these are. But be warned: Enter at your own risk and do not expect the same odds that Las Vegas has. Each casino sets its own rules.
For example: The most popular Casino game in Costa Rica is 21 also called “Rummy”, which is similar to blackjack but with Costa Rica rules. You get two cards, you can then ask for another card or stay with the two you have if you have 21 or close to 21. As in blackjack, the idea is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, with face cards counting as 10 and aces counting as one or 11. All the rules just mentioned are just like blackjack. Here is where the game differs from the Las Vegas version: if your first three cards are the same, three of a kind, or a straight (6, 7, & 8 of the same suit), you have a ‘rummy’ and you are paid double. And if your three of a kind happens to be three sevens (which is 21), you get an even higher bonus. If you get 21 with two cards or get five cards without breaking 21, there’s no double bonus as you get in many other international casinos. Splitting pairs is allowed as is doubling down. In some, You may find yourself losing with a push with the dealer.
Most of the bigger facilities in Costa Rica will have the typical Vegas-style gambling machines, along with, Canasta (Roulette), Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Rommy Blackjack ,and Tute poker.
Costa Rica Fishing
FISHING SEASONGS IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica’s fish frenzy waters have marlin, sailfish, tuna, tarpon, snook, wahoo and more than a dozen spool-spinning freshwater species. On the Pacific, it is not uncommon to catch and release 20 sailfish and even a marlin or two – in just one day. Boat operators in Costa Rica now use the circle hook so they can release all billfish (at least those that are not contenders for a world record). Costa Rica holds over 250 world records! Even fly-fishing has set a record number of fish. Here are some of the fish and their seasons. Text and Flash provided by Costa Rica Sportsfishing
Click the Fish to learn more about it
Costa Rica Fishing The Caribbean Coast: Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado
Fishing along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast can vary from one day to another depending on the weather. When it rains, as it often does, fishing is difficult out in the ocean. If the rivers fall somewhat or the surf is low enough to let you outside the river mouths, you'll probably catch tarpon, some in the 150-pound range. Tarpon fishing out of the lodges in Tortuguero and Barra Colorado further north on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is best from about May through October, while snook traditionally peak from October through December.
There are a lot of flat days in October and November when tarpon are abundant, and some of the best fishing has even been in June and July. But both species can be caught year round, providing the weather cooperates. Other species caught are guapote, goliath grouper, small tuna and for the lucky angler, the rare Atlantic sail. There are no roads into the area, and one can get there only by commercial airline and charter flights.
Tarpon
The prize gamefish of this area are always around, the best time being from May through October/November 300-500 yards offshore when the sea is flat, although you can also get them in the river mouths and the canals..
Snook
Record snook generally peak from March through May and again from September through the end of November.
Calba (Flat Snook)
These small and exceptionally tasty snook come from mid-November through late January, but can sometimes appear much earlier.
Billfish
When you can get outside to blue water you can find the occasional Atlantic sailfish and equally occasional Atlantic blue marlin throughout the year. Best time is from February through September.
Wahoo
Best from early February through mid June.
Dorado
Found just outside the river mouths throughout the year, most are caught when the runoff carries out the debris to form inshore trash lines.
Tripletail
January through June..
Other Species
Spanish and Cero Mackerel, Jack Crevalle and Barracuda are found close to shore any time the ocean is flat.
The North Pacific: Tamarindo, Flamingo, Guanamar/Carrillo
Tamarindo and Flamingo are the major sportfishing centers in the North Pacific. Boats with lesser-known captains also charter out of nearby Coco Beach, Ocotal, Potrero, Brasilito and elsewhere. The area further south – Nosara, Garza, Guanamar and Carillo – get more protection from the winds that normally blow late December though March and April. Many boats from Flamingo will fish out of Guanamar/Carrillo from mid-December to the end of March/mid April. For anglers fishing out of the Four Seasons Papagayo and other Papagayo hotels, there are excellent boats and captains who will come north from Flamingo.
Marlin
Caught every month of the year, with mid-November to early March exceptional, then slowing a bit from April into early June when the fishing picks up again, peaking in August and September.
Sailfish
Caught throughout the year, with May through August normally the top season. They may begin to thin out in September; the slowest months are from late August through November.
Roosterfish
They are around all year, but more are caught in the Bay of Papagayo area from November through March. Roosters like the structure of the shoreline and islands where they're found in 50 to 60 feet of water.
Dorado
More properly known as dolphin, these colorful gamefish are most abundant from late May through October when the seasonal rains flood the rivers, carrying out debris that forms weed lines close to shore where they like to lie. Troll past a floating log and you'll likely hook a dorado.
Tuna
Peak months are probably August through October, but there are always tuna throughout the year. Yellowfin and some big-eye tuna are often found well inside the Catalina Islands, 30 minutes or less running time from the beach, while schools of 12 to 20lbs are usually abundant farther out. There are often schools of 40 to 60 pound tuna, and there are plenty of the 200 to 400lbs caught every year.
Wahoo
They first appear when the rains start in mid-May, peaking in July and August. Most are caught around the rocky points and islands, but you will pick one up occasionally fishing offshore.
Fishing Costa Rica's Central Pacific: Los Sueños Marina and Quepos
Los Sueños Marina (just north of the resort town of Jacó), the finest marina on the Pacific coast south of Acapulco, and Quepos are the two fishing centers on the Central Pacific coast. Most anglers target billfish, and they are seldom disappointed. From December through March/April this area hosts one of the world’s great sail bites, although sails and marlin will linger throughout the year.
From both fishing centers, it’s no more than a 12 to 20 mile run out to blue water where most of the billfish action is found. Closer inshore there are tuna, roosters, wahoo, dorado, jack, mackerel, small cubera snapper and even snook that can be taken trolling just outside the breaker line of the river mouths. Some boats out of Quepos will go down on multi-day trips to the Drake Bay and Caño Island area, overnighting at one of the several lodges at Drake Bay. This southern region is best known for its wahoo, big cubera snapper and roosterfish, but there are also tuna, dorado, sails and marlin further offshore.
Marlin
October is normally the top month for marlin in this area, but action is also good in September, October and November, and occasional blues and even blacks can be found any time of the year, although they are usually out farther than anglers targeting sailfish are likely to be.
Sailfish
Mid-December to the end of April - when they begin moving north - is rated the best season, but big schools can move in about October and occasionally stay longer. A few sails are always in the area from June through September, mixed with the other species that are found closer inshore during these months
Dorado
More properly known as dolphin, these colorful gamefish are caught year around, but they are most abundant from May through October when the seasonal rains flood the rivers, carrying out debris that forms weed lines close to shore where they like to lie. Troll past a floating log and you'll likely hook a dorado. about October and occasionally stay longer. A few sails are always in the area from June through September, mixed with the other species that are found closer inshore during these months.
Tuna
Found throughout the year all along the Pacific coast, they are most abundant from June through September. Some are in the 10-pound range, but tuna in the 10-30lb range are more common, those in the 100 to 200lb range less so, and many of 200lbs and over are also caught.
Wahoo
Not common in the area around Los Sueños and Quepos, but some are caught in the late summer farther south, especially the Drake Bay area from June to early August.
The South Pacific Golfito, Puerto Jiménez, Drake Bay
Golfito (on the east side of Golfo Dulce), the largest town in Costa Rica's southern area, along with Puerto Jiménez on the other side of Golfo Dulce, and Drake Bay at the top of the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Coast are the main fishing centers of this region. There are sails and marlin offshore during peak season, and plenty of exciting roosters, mackerel, amberjack, wahoo and big snapper closer inshore.
Inside Golfo Dulce, with its profusion of small coves and rocky islets, small barracuda and snapper, mackerel, sea bass and the occasional snook can be caught on light tackle. Off Cabo Matapalo in the Pacific, anglers will encounter sails, marlin, tuna and other blue water species, and inshore there are roosters that average over 30 pounds, wahoo, grouper, jack, barracuda and trophy-size Pacific cubera snapper.
There is also excellent snook fishing inside the Zancudo peninsula, and farther north, at the mouth of the Esquinas river.
Marlin
August through December is the peak season, but striped, blue or black are caught most any month when the water is warm.
Sailfish
All year, but best from mid or late May through July and in January and February before they move north.
Roosterfish
The region is very famous for its big roosters which can be caught virtually any month of the year.
Dorado
Best time is traditionally from late May through October along the weed lines, when the rivers are running full
Tuna
Best fishing for yellowfin of over 100 pounds is during the marlin and sailfish season, but tuna of up to 30 pounds can be found year-round.
Wahoo
Wahoo can be caught most any time of the year when you are trolling offshore for billfish or around the reefs off Cabo Matapalo.
Snook
Big snook generally peak from March through May and again September through the end of November.
Costa Rica’s fish frenzy waters have marlin, sailfish, tuna, tarpon, snook, wahoo and more than a dozen spool-spinning freshwater species. On the Pacific, it is not uncommon to catch and release 20 sailfish and even a marlin or two – in just one day. Boat operators in Costa Rica now use the circle hook so they can release all billfish (at least those that are not contenders for a world record). Costa Rica holds over 250 world records! Even fly-fishing has set a record number of fish. Here are some of the fish and their seasons. Text and Flash provided by Costa Rica Sportsfishing
Click the Fish to learn more about it
Costa Rica Fishing The Caribbean Coast: Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado
Fishing along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast can vary from one day to another depending on the weather. When it rains, as it often does, fishing is difficult out in the ocean. If the rivers fall somewhat or the surf is low enough to let you outside the river mouths, you'll probably catch tarpon, some in the 150-pound range. Tarpon fishing out of the lodges in Tortuguero and Barra Colorado further north on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is best from about May through October, while snook traditionally peak from October through December.
There are a lot of flat days in October and November when tarpon are abundant, and some of the best fishing has even been in June and July. But both species can be caught year round, providing the weather cooperates. Other species caught are guapote, goliath grouper, small tuna and for the lucky angler, the rare Atlantic sail. There are no roads into the area, and one can get there only by commercial airline and charter flights.
Tarpon
The prize gamefish of this area are always around, the best time being from May through October/November 300-500 yards offshore when the sea is flat, although you can also get them in the river mouths and the canals..
Snook
Record snook generally peak from March through May and again from September through the end of November.
Calba (Flat Snook)
These small and exceptionally tasty snook come from mid-November through late January, but can sometimes appear much earlier.
Billfish
When you can get outside to blue water you can find the occasional Atlantic sailfish and equally occasional Atlantic blue marlin throughout the year. Best time is from February through September.
Wahoo
Best from early February through mid June.
Dorado
Found just outside the river mouths throughout the year, most are caught when the runoff carries out the debris to form inshore trash lines.
Tripletail
January through June..
Other Species
Spanish and Cero Mackerel, Jack Crevalle and Barracuda are found close to shore any time the ocean is flat.
The North Pacific: Tamarindo, Flamingo, Guanamar/Carrillo
Tamarindo and Flamingo are the major sportfishing centers in the North Pacific. Boats with lesser-known captains also charter out of nearby Coco Beach, Ocotal, Potrero, Brasilito and elsewhere. The area further south – Nosara, Garza, Guanamar and Carillo – get more protection from the winds that normally blow late December though March and April. Many boats from Flamingo will fish out of Guanamar/Carrillo from mid-December to the end of March/mid April. For anglers fishing out of the Four Seasons Papagayo and other Papagayo hotels, there are excellent boats and captains who will come north from Flamingo.
Marlin
Caught every month of the year, with mid-November to early March exceptional, then slowing a bit from April into early June when the fishing picks up again, peaking in August and September.
Sailfish
Caught throughout the year, with May through August normally the top season. They may begin to thin out in September; the slowest months are from late August through November.
Roosterfish
They are around all year, but more are caught in the Bay of Papagayo area from November through March. Roosters like the structure of the shoreline and islands where they're found in 50 to 60 feet of water.
Dorado
More properly known as dolphin, these colorful gamefish are most abundant from late May through October when the seasonal rains flood the rivers, carrying out debris that forms weed lines close to shore where they like to lie. Troll past a floating log and you'll likely hook a dorado.
Tuna
Peak months are probably August through October, but there are always tuna throughout the year. Yellowfin and some big-eye tuna are often found well inside the Catalina Islands, 30 minutes or less running time from the beach, while schools of 12 to 20lbs are usually abundant farther out. There are often schools of 40 to 60 pound tuna, and there are plenty of the 200 to 400lbs caught every year.
Wahoo
They first appear when the rains start in mid-May, peaking in July and August. Most are caught around the rocky points and islands, but you will pick one up occasionally fishing offshore.
Fishing Costa Rica's Central Pacific: Los Sueños Marina and Quepos
Los Sueños Marina (just north of the resort town of Jacó), the finest marina on the Pacific coast south of Acapulco, and Quepos are the two fishing centers on the Central Pacific coast. Most anglers target billfish, and they are seldom disappointed. From December through March/April this area hosts one of the world’s great sail bites, although sails and marlin will linger throughout the year.
From both fishing centers, it’s no more than a 12 to 20 mile run out to blue water where most of the billfish action is found. Closer inshore there are tuna, roosters, wahoo, dorado, jack, mackerel, small cubera snapper and even snook that can be taken trolling just outside the breaker line of the river mouths. Some boats out of Quepos will go down on multi-day trips to the Drake Bay and Caño Island area, overnighting at one of the several lodges at Drake Bay. This southern region is best known for its wahoo, big cubera snapper and roosterfish, but there are also tuna, dorado, sails and marlin further offshore.
Marlin
October is normally the top month for marlin in this area, but action is also good in September, October and November, and occasional blues and even blacks can be found any time of the year, although they are usually out farther than anglers targeting sailfish are likely to be.
Sailfish
Mid-December to the end of April - when they begin moving north - is rated the best season, but big schools can move in about October and occasionally stay longer. A few sails are always in the area from June through September, mixed with the other species that are found closer inshore during these months
Dorado
More properly known as dolphin, these colorful gamefish are caught year around, but they are most abundant from May through October when the seasonal rains flood the rivers, carrying out debris that forms weed lines close to shore where they like to lie. Troll past a floating log and you'll likely hook a dorado. about October and occasionally stay longer. A few sails are always in the area from June through September, mixed with the other species that are found closer inshore during these months.
Tuna
Found throughout the year all along the Pacific coast, they are most abundant from June through September. Some are in the 10-pound range, but tuna in the 10-30lb range are more common, those in the 100 to 200lb range less so, and many of 200lbs and over are also caught.
Wahoo
Not common in the area around Los Sueños and Quepos, but some are caught in the late summer farther south, especially the Drake Bay area from June to early August.
The South Pacific Golfito, Puerto Jiménez, Drake Bay
Golfito (on the east side of Golfo Dulce), the largest town in Costa Rica's southern area, along with Puerto Jiménez on the other side of Golfo Dulce, and Drake Bay at the top of the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Coast are the main fishing centers of this region. There are sails and marlin offshore during peak season, and plenty of exciting roosters, mackerel, amberjack, wahoo and big snapper closer inshore.
Inside Golfo Dulce, with its profusion of small coves and rocky islets, small barracuda and snapper, mackerel, sea bass and the occasional snook can be caught on light tackle. Off Cabo Matapalo in the Pacific, anglers will encounter sails, marlin, tuna and other blue water species, and inshore there are roosters that average over 30 pounds, wahoo, grouper, jack, barracuda and trophy-size Pacific cubera snapper.
There is also excellent snook fishing inside the Zancudo peninsula, and farther north, at the mouth of the Esquinas river.
Marlin
August through December is the peak season, but striped, blue or black are caught most any month when the water is warm.
Sailfish
All year, but best from mid or late May through July and in January and February before they move north.
Roosterfish
The region is very famous for its big roosters which can be caught virtually any month of the year.
Dorado
Best time is traditionally from late May through October along the weed lines, when the rivers are running full
Tuna
Best fishing for yellowfin of over 100 pounds is during the marlin and sailfish season, but tuna of up to 30 pounds can be found year-round.
Wahoo
Wahoo can be caught most any time of the year when you are trolling offshore for billfish or around the reefs off Cabo Matapalo.
Snook
Big snook generally peak from March through May and again September through the end of November.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Costa Rica Flights
NATURE AIR RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD, May 29, 2009
Nature Air, the airline flying the Costa Rica flag, won the Tourism for Tomorrow 2009 award from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), thanks to its sustainable tourism efforts and its commitment to Costa Rica’s national heritage.
This recognition has been granted for many decades in order to stimulate efforts for environmental protection in the tourism industry of Costa Rica.
The choice was made based on efforts by Nature Air in reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the 100% carbon neutral aviation program which gets passengers involved in the involuntary emission compensation plan thereby reducing fuel consumption in the air and on land.
Nature Air has developed a unique bio-fuel service station and created the non-profit NatureKids foundation, which teaches English and environmental topics to local communities.
“The environment in Costa Rica is precious and we are grateful to receive this great recognition by the WTTC due to our conservation efforts,” stated Alex Khhajavi, founder and CEO of Nature Air.
“This award is an inspiration to us all at Nature Air and encourages us to continue seeking news ways to add positive value to social and environmental challenges that face us.”
The company has been involved in environmental issues since 2004, when it committed itself to establishing new standards for sustainable practices in the aviation industry, recovering 100% of its greenhouse emissions by means of rainforest conservation in the Osa peninsula.
The Tourism for Tomorrow award is a way that the WTTC stimulates sound practices within the industry. This council brings together business leaders from the tourism industry and works with governments and other participants in order to raise awareness about the importance of one of the greatest sources of wealth and employment in the world.
NatureAir of Costa Rica was created in 2000 and has grown staggeringly, going from 18,000 passengers annually to more than 140,000 in 2008.
It is the first carbon neutral airline in the world and the only twin-engine airline in Costa Rica with scheduled as well as charter flights offering 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica and Panama.
With respect to its energy conservation policy, it focuses on the use of bio-fuels (cooking oils), which operate all of its ground transportation.
Nature Air, the airline flying the Costa Rica flag, won the Tourism for Tomorrow 2009 award from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), thanks to its sustainable tourism efforts and its commitment to Costa Rica’s national heritage.
This recognition has been granted for many decades in order to stimulate efforts for environmental protection in the tourism industry of Costa Rica.
The choice was made based on efforts by Nature Air in reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the 100% carbon neutral aviation program which gets passengers involved in the involuntary emission compensation plan thereby reducing fuel consumption in the air and on land.
Nature Air has developed a unique bio-fuel service station and created the non-profit NatureKids foundation, which teaches English and environmental topics to local communities.
“The environment in Costa Rica is precious and we are grateful to receive this great recognition by the WTTC due to our conservation efforts,” stated Alex Khhajavi, founder and CEO of Nature Air.
“This award is an inspiration to us all at Nature Air and encourages us to continue seeking news ways to add positive value to social and environmental challenges that face us.”
The company has been involved in environmental issues since 2004, when it committed itself to establishing new standards for sustainable practices in the aviation industry, recovering 100% of its greenhouse emissions by means of rainforest conservation in the Osa peninsula.
The Tourism for Tomorrow award is a way that the WTTC stimulates sound practices within the industry. This council brings together business leaders from the tourism industry and works with governments and other participants in order to raise awareness about the importance of one of the greatest sources of wealth and employment in the world.
NatureAir of Costa Rica was created in 2000 and has grown staggeringly, going from 18,000 passengers annually to more than 140,000 in 2008.
It is the first carbon neutral airline in the world and the only twin-engine airline in Costa Rica with scheduled as well as charter flights offering 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica and Panama.
With respect to its energy conservation policy, it focuses on the use of bio-fuels (cooking oils), which operate all of its ground transportation.
Costa Rica Hotels
SALVADORAN GROUP TO INVEST $15 MILLION IN HOTEL IN ESCAZÚ, June 5, 2009
The Salvadoran business group, Agrisal, will invest close to $15 million in Costa Rica on the construction of its first hotel outside of its own country.
Eduardo Quiñónez, director of Agrisol’s hotel division, reported that the hotel will operate under the Holiday Inn chain and will be located in Escazú Costa Rica, “very close to the CIMA hospital.” He failed to give the exact
location in Costa Rica.
“We undertook a thorough analysis and came to the conclusion that Costa Rica provided the best conditions for our first hotel outside of El Salvador. You have done an extraordinary job in positioning the country for tourism,” he stated.
He remarked that the first block will be laid in September, with the goal of opening its doors at the end of 2010. Its construction will generate up to 300 direct jobs and a little more than 150 permanent employees when it opens.
Agrisol’s arrival to the country did not happen alone. The Salvadoran group joined up with the InterContinental Hotels Group chain (IHG), which currently has four hotels in San José.
The agreement with IHG was signed in 2007, not only to open the Holiday Inn in Escazú, but also for another six hotels throughout Central America.
The Salvadoran business group, Agrisal, will invest close to $15 million in Costa Rica on the construction of its first hotel outside of its own country.
Eduardo Quiñónez, director of Agrisol’s hotel division, reported that the hotel will operate under the Holiday Inn chain and will be located in Escazú Costa Rica, “very close to the CIMA hospital.” He failed to give the exact
location in Costa Rica.
“We undertook a thorough analysis and came to the conclusion that Costa Rica provided the best conditions for our first hotel outside of El Salvador. You have done an extraordinary job in positioning the country for tourism,” he stated.
He remarked that the first block will be laid in September, with the goal of opening its doors at the end of 2010. Its construction will generate up to 300 direct jobs and a little more than 150 permanent employees when it opens.
Agrisol’s arrival to the country did not happen alone. The Salvadoran group joined up with the InterContinental Hotels Group chain (IHG), which currently has four hotels in San José.
The agreement with IHG was signed in 2007, not only to open the Holiday Inn in Escazú, but also for another six hotels throughout Central America.
Costa Rica Flights
SPIRIT AIRLINES TO OPEN RESERVATION CENTERS, June 5, 2009
Spirit Airlines opened its Reservation Center in Costa. The opening of this new office is located in Ultrapark, in Heredia, and more than 75 agents and support personnel have been hired to begin operation.
The company has trained its new customer service personnel to take calls in Spanish, make reservations, and deal with travelers’ questions.
“Without a doubt, this news comes at the right time because it shows a level of trust and reflects not only the reputation that Costa Rica has as a destination spot, but also the excellent preparedness of Costa Ricans,” said María Amalia Revelo, Assistant Manager and Marketing Director of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT).
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost airline and ranks among the largest in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Currently, it operates 150 daily flights to 39 destinations with the newest Airbus fleet in America. It is based out of Miramar, Florida and employs 2,300 professionals.
Spirit Airlines opened its Reservation Center in Costa. The opening of this new office is located in Ultrapark, in Heredia, and more than 75 agents and support personnel have been hired to begin operation.
The company has trained its new customer service personnel to take calls in Spanish, make reservations, and deal with travelers’ questions.
“Without a doubt, this news comes at the right time because it shows a level of trust and reflects not only the reputation that Costa Rica has as a destination spot, but also the excellent preparedness of Costa Ricans,” said María Amalia Revelo, Assistant Manager and Marketing Director of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT).
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost airline and ranks among the largest in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Currently, it operates 150 daily flights to 39 destinations with the newest Airbus fleet in America. It is based out of Miramar, Florida and employs 2,300 professionals.
Costa Rica Wild Life
PLAYA IGUANITA TO BECOME A WILDLIFE REFUGE, June 12, 2009
In order to protect the land and sea ecosystems in the area, the Legislative Plenary opened debate on case 16 349 which would legally make Playa Iguanita a Wildlife Refuge. It is located in the Nacascola Peninsula Costa Rica and includes primary forests, dry tropical forests, mangroves, as well as a marine bay area.
The area has many tourist, educational and scientific attractions, and its proximity to Liberia and Carrillo Costa Rica make it a popular tourism development point for sustaining natural and cultural resources, in such a way that the refuge can be protected and, at the same time, maintain the local use of the beaches.
Studies have revealed 67 marine species (including those of commercial interests such as snapper, lobster, and the queen conch), 118 species of trees and plants, 110 species of birds, of which 27% are migratory, and 10 species of land mammals, including species that are decimated, threatened or at risk of extinction. Thus, recommendations have been made to increase long-term protection efforts in this area.
Costa Rica, through the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), ICT, and the municipalities of Liberia and Carrillo, have guaranteed keeping Playa Iguanita open for tourist and local use without creating obstacles for the Papagayo Gulf Tourism Project development.
They aim to guarantee the availability of Playa Iguanita for all Costa Rican residents, especially those from Guanacaste that, for economic reasons, cannot afford trips to tourist areas.
In order to protect the land and sea ecosystems in the area, the Legislative Plenary opened debate on case 16 349 which would legally make Playa Iguanita a Wildlife Refuge. It is located in the Nacascola Peninsula Costa Rica and includes primary forests, dry tropical forests, mangroves, as well as a marine bay area.
The area has many tourist, educational and scientific attractions, and its proximity to Liberia and Carrillo Costa Rica make it a popular tourism development point for sustaining natural and cultural resources, in such a way that the refuge can be protected and, at the same time, maintain the local use of the beaches.
Studies have revealed 67 marine species (including those of commercial interests such as snapper, lobster, and the queen conch), 118 species of trees and plants, 110 species of birds, of which 27% are migratory, and 10 species of land mammals, including species that are decimated, threatened or at risk of extinction. Thus, recommendations have been made to increase long-term protection efforts in this area.
Costa Rica, through the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), ICT, and the municipalities of Liberia and Carrillo, have guaranteed keeping Playa Iguanita open for tourist and local use without creating obstacles for the Papagayo Gulf Tourism Project development.
They aim to guarantee the availability of Playa Iguanita for all Costa Rican residents, especially those from Guanacaste that, for economic reasons, cannot afford trips to tourist areas.
Costa Rica Flights
CHARTER FLIGHTS TO SWAMP LIBERIA COSTA RICA AIRPORT STARTING IN JULY, June 12, 2009
The Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica will welcome charter flights from Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, and possibly Madrid during the second quarter of this year.
The Tourism Minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, said that the increase in charter flights to the airport in Liberia Costa Rica will help bolster the worldwide decrease in tourism.
The Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica will welcome charter flights from Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, and possibly Madrid during the second quarter of this year.
The Tourism Minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, said that the increase in charter flights to the airport in Liberia Costa Rica will help bolster the worldwide decrease in tourism.
Costa Rica Birds
THOUSANDS OF BIRDS MAKE COSTA RICA THEIR FAVORITE NESTING PLACE, June 12, 2009
The climate, abundant food source, and rich forests, are optimal conditions that has made Costa Rica a special nesting place for hundreds of species of birds that many have come to admire for their beauty, exotic plumage, precious songs, and mesmerizing flights.
These very reasons contribute to the migration from Eastern North America to this area where they spend approximately six months feeding and taking advantage of the ideal conditions for their return flight to the north during their reproductive season.
For these reasons, the country enjoys a wealth of birdlife and, according to data from Julio Sánchez, president of Costa Rica’s Ornithologists Society, there are an estimated 900 species, 50 of which are indigenous to the country which makes them extremely valuable. Around 200 are migratory.
“We should be proud of the nature that surrounds us where such a spectacular variety of birds can be found in such a small area. Birdlife in Costa Rica is very abundant, and what is even more important is that 50 of these species are indigenous to the country like the Fiery-throated hummingbird, the cusingo, and the goldfinch,” asserted Sánchez.
The climate, abundant food source, and rich forests, are optimal conditions that has made Costa Rica a special nesting place for hundreds of species of birds that many have come to admire for their beauty, exotic plumage, precious songs, and mesmerizing flights.
These very reasons contribute to the migration from Eastern North America to this area where they spend approximately six months feeding and taking advantage of the ideal conditions for their return flight to the north during their reproductive season.
For these reasons, the country enjoys a wealth of birdlife and, according to data from Julio Sánchez, president of Costa Rica’s Ornithologists Society, there are an estimated 900 species, 50 of which are indigenous to the country which makes them extremely valuable. Around 200 are migratory.
“We should be proud of the nature that surrounds us where such a spectacular variety of birds can be found in such a small area. Birdlife in Costa Rica is very abundant, and what is even more important is that 50 of these species are indigenous to the country like the Fiery-throated hummingbird, the cusingo, and the goldfinch,” asserted Sánchez.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Costa Rica Eco Tourism
Featured ecoDestination - Costa Rica
"In Costa Rica we have a long tradition of receiving tourists with open arms. It doesn´t matter what you are looking for: adventure or rest; beaches, mountains, rivers or volcanoes… I invite you to share all the richness that nature spread in this tropical land full of contrasts. The Costa Ricans proudly and responsibly protect our biodiversity for our children and for you." - Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Ministro Turismo, Costa Rica (Minister's message from: VisitCostaRica.com)
Naturally Peaceful
Costa Rica, demonstrating its fierce dedication to peace and democracy, became the first country in the modern world to constitutionally abolish its standing army in 1948, and is today proudly the oldest and most stable democracy in Central America. Thirty-nine years after Costa Rica's declaration of peace with the world, the beloved leader of this peace-loving country, President Oscar Arias Sanchez was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. President Arias' efforts in promoting his "Peace with Nature" policy has inspired many Costa Ricans, who enjoy living with more trees per capita and per square kilometer than any other country in the world. Costa Ricans are also among the world's most enthusiastic tree planters, enriching their landscapes with a few million trees each year.
Pioneering Green Challenge
Costa Rica is also en route to becoming the first carbon neutral country by 2021. The famous vow by the Costa Rica government, delivered in 2007, to become the first carbon neutral destination, raised the standard yet again for the global ecotourism community.
Pura Vida
Literally translating to "pure life", if there were an official national moto of Costa Rica, this would likely be it. Trust us, by the end of your journey, it will be your favorite new expression. "Pura Vida is a word that identifies a Costa Rican wherever he or she may be. When you say "Pura Vida" the facial expression of the person changes and the person smiles. It is a word very meaningful to Costa Ricans. It reminds us of home and its' beauty." Read more about Costa Rica's national symbols.
"In Costa Rica we have a long tradition of receiving tourists with open arms. It doesn´t matter what you are looking for: adventure or rest; beaches, mountains, rivers or volcanoes… I invite you to share all the richness that nature spread in this tropical land full of contrasts. The Costa Ricans proudly and responsibly protect our biodiversity for our children and for you." - Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Ministro Turismo, Costa Rica (Minister's message from: VisitCostaRica.com)
Naturally Peaceful
Costa Rica, demonstrating its fierce dedication to peace and democracy, became the first country in the modern world to constitutionally abolish its standing army in 1948, and is today proudly the oldest and most stable democracy in Central America. Thirty-nine years after Costa Rica's declaration of peace with the world, the beloved leader of this peace-loving country, President Oscar Arias Sanchez was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. President Arias' efforts in promoting his "Peace with Nature" policy has inspired many Costa Ricans, who enjoy living with more trees per capita and per square kilometer than any other country in the world. Costa Ricans are also among the world's most enthusiastic tree planters, enriching their landscapes with a few million trees each year.
Pioneering Green Challenge
Costa Rica is also en route to becoming the first carbon neutral country by 2021. The famous vow by the Costa Rica government, delivered in 2007, to become the first carbon neutral destination, raised the standard yet again for the global ecotourism community.
Pura Vida
Literally translating to "pure life", if there were an official national moto of Costa Rica, this would likely be it. Trust us, by the end of your journey, it will be your favorite new expression. "Pura Vida is a word that identifies a Costa Rican wherever he or she may be. When you say "Pura Vida" the facial expression of the person changes and the person smiles. It is a word very meaningful to Costa Ricans. It reminds us of home and its' beauty." Read more about Costa Rica's national symbols.
Costa Rica Travel
New terminal contract
approved for Liberia
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Liberia will be getting a new $35 million airport terminal under terms of an agreement approved Wednesday by Costa Rica President Óscar Arias Sánchez and his ministers.
The agreement between the Costa Rcia government and Coriport S.A., a consortium which has agreed to design and build the two-story structure and to operate the terminal at Daniel Oduber airportin northern Costa Rica for 20 years.
The company will have five months after the Contraloría de la República approves the agreement to submit a design. Once the design is approved, the company will have six months to build the structure, according to the agreement
The new terminal in Liberia Costa Rica will handle 1,500 passengers a day instead of the 900 now.
The first floor will house immigration officers, customs, equipment handlers, airline offices and the airport administration offices.
The second floor will be departure lounges and gates for boarding aircraft, according to the proposed plan. The structure will be 22,949 cubic meters or about 810,436 cubic feet.
approved for Liberia
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Liberia will be getting a new $35 million airport terminal under terms of an agreement approved Wednesday by Costa Rica President Óscar Arias Sánchez and his ministers.
The agreement between the Costa Rcia government and Coriport S.A., a consortium which has agreed to design and build the two-story structure and to operate the terminal at Daniel Oduber airportin northern Costa Rica for 20 years.
The company will have five months after the Contraloría de la República approves the agreement to submit a design. Once the design is approved, the company will have six months to build the structure, according to the agreement
The new terminal in Liberia Costa Rica will handle 1,500 passengers a day instead of the 900 now.
The first floor will house immigration officers, customs, equipment handlers, airline offices and the airport administration offices.
The second floor will be departure lounges and gates for boarding aircraft, according to the proposed plan. The structure will be 22,949 cubic meters or about 810,436 cubic feet.
Costa Rica Real Estate
Cities in Costa Rica need more green buildings
Thu, Jun 18, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
Climate change in the world that has prompted many to turn trends more friendly to the environment, and construction is no exception.
Designing buildings more “green” requires not only investment, but of vision.
Luis Iturbe, representative for Latin America and the Caribbean of Icynene Inc., a company of foam insulation products, said the main patterns in the construction of buildings of this type.
How can a building be energy efficient?
An energy efficient building should take advantage of the characteristics of the environment that is built to be used as efficiently as the least amount of resources, especially energy.
Among the features there is shading, orientation, and painting, type of windows, doors and materials used in construction.
Who is responsible for the design?
The design must start at the design stage of the building, and that effort must involve all the professionals involved in creating it.
Costa Rica, in particular, what measures should be implemented?
It is important to have an adequate regulatory framework.
In countries outsie oof Costa Rica there are codes or regulations that require buildings to have adequate security to the occupants, the environmental impact is minimal and that the characteristics of energy efficiency are appropriate not only for today’s standards, but to comply with best margins efficiency.
Are there any buildings of this kind?
Yes, there are buildings with efficient and low environmental impact and energy, but it is necessary to disseminate the advances that other countries have with regard to this issue.
While Costa Rica has a wide variety of small buildings to serve the rural eco-tourism is also important in cities large buildings, both public and private, to adhere to the more commonly accepted practice in other countries.
At economic level costs, is more expensive?
In principle, create more efficient buildings could be more expensive, and that’s always the point that most conflicts occur at the building from the developer or investor of the construction and architect.
This conflict tends to fall when the developer, developer or investor is the person who will operate the building. The person who will operate the building as is usually the interest that the building is as efficient and less costly as possible; this may involve some initial cost or investment.
Ultimately, we must consider that cheap is expensive, as a necessarily inefficient building during its life will be more expensive than an efficient but at the installation of insulation, windows, doors, painting eaves and other elements might be considered expensive.
Which countries in Latin America take the lead in the topic?
As an example, Mexico has a legal framework and regulations for the construction of fairly complete, however in the field of application, it is in the hands of each of the country’s municipalities, which makes the task of dissemination and implementation of efficiency standards is more complicated.
Do you consider that Costa Rica may be a carbon neutral country by 2021?
The only way to Costa Rica to become a carbon neutral country in 2021, is to follow all the advances available to achieve that goal. It is absolutely necessary to have the regulatory structure and action.
Thu, Jun 18, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
Climate change in the world that has prompted many to turn trends more friendly to the environment, and construction is no exception.
Designing buildings more “green” requires not only investment, but of vision.
Luis Iturbe, representative for Latin America and the Caribbean of Icynene Inc., a company of foam insulation products, said the main patterns in the construction of buildings of this type.
How can a building be energy efficient?
An energy efficient building should take advantage of the characteristics of the environment that is built to be used as efficiently as the least amount of resources, especially energy.
Among the features there is shading, orientation, and painting, type of windows, doors and materials used in construction.
Who is responsible for the design?
The design must start at the design stage of the building, and that effort must involve all the professionals involved in creating it.
Costa Rica, in particular, what measures should be implemented?
It is important to have an adequate regulatory framework.
In countries outsie oof Costa Rica there are codes or regulations that require buildings to have adequate security to the occupants, the environmental impact is minimal and that the characteristics of energy efficiency are appropriate not only for today’s standards, but to comply with best margins efficiency.
Are there any buildings of this kind?
Yes, there are buildings with efficient and low environmental impact and energy, but it is necessary to disseminate the advances that other countries have with regard to this issue.
While Costa Rica has a wide variety of small buildings to serve the rural eco-tourism is also important in cities large buildings, both public and private, to adhere to the more commonly accepted practice in other countries.
At economic level costs, is more expensive?
In principle, create more efficient buildings could be more expensive, and that’s always the point that most conflicts occur at the building from the developer or investor of the construction and architect.
This conflict tends to fall when the developer, developer or investor is the person who will operate the building. The person who will operate the building as is usually the interest that the building is as efficient and less costly as possible; this may involve some initial cost or investment.
Ultimately, we must consider that cheap is expensive, as a necessarily inefficient building during its life will be more expensive than an efficient but at the installation of insulation, windows, doors, painting eaves and other elements might be considered expensive.
Which countries in Latin America take the lead in the topic?
As an example, Mexico has a legal framework and regulations for the construction of fairly complete, however in the field of application, it is in the hands of each of the country’s municipalities, which makes the task of dissemination and implementation of efficiency standards is more complicated.
Do you consider that Costa Rica may be a carbon neutral country by 2021?
The only way to Costa Rica to become a carbon neutral country in 2021, is to follow all the advances available to achieve that goal. It is absolutely necessary to have the regulatory structure and action.
Costa Rica Real Estate
Prices of houses are frozen
Mon, Jun 22, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
In December 2008, Carlos Castro made six new homes for sale in La Aurora de Heredia Costa Rica. Four months later decided to lower the price of $ 80,000 to $ 75,000 to try to sell them faster.
Despite the discount, Castro has not been able to sell one.
Other developers have opted for another strategy: to keep the price down but the pace of construction and make deals.
According to the vice president of the Costa Rica Chamber of Real Estate Brokers, Francisco Barquero, sellers of homes are stepping up promotions to try to encourage buyers. For example, raffle a prize all buyers or eliminate the payment of legal fees in the transaction.
Demand and housing construction in Costa Rica fell in the last quarter of 2008 and continued in 2009 according to data from the Federal College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) .. The main reason mentioned builders consulted are the lack of credit for consumers was limited by the increase in interest rates.
According to Castro, some people who meet the requirements of banks decide to postpone the purchase for fear of being unable to pay the debt before major economic difficulties.
Minor Briceno, president of Development and Construction (Deyco) of Costa Rica, explained that the difference is that before, for the same type of housing, were granted a loan to a family with an income of $ 3,500 and currently require $ 5,500 a month.
As a result, between January and April this year, with the CFIA has handled about 47% less square meters for housing is managed in the same period of 2008.
Stable and low
5.4% inputs for increased housing construction in June 2008 to May 2009. In the same period a year ago was 22.9%.
41,2% Percentage this year represent the total housing units in the building. Last year was 50.5%.
The crisis halted a growth trend in the prices of homes, whose values rose more than a year ago due to production costs and high demand caused by the facilities for obtaining loans.
However, since the second half of 2008 the prices tend to be unchanged.
One factor that helped stability was the slight decline in the price of construction materials from November 2008 until last April, as measured by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC).
Before that, in 2007 and 2006, there were increases in the cost of materials.
Precisely for that low, when it accounted for the last 12 months, ending in May, the average increase was 5.4%, while June 2007 to May 2008 was 22.9%.
Eduardo Gutierrez, general manager of technical development, is another of those who decided to cut prices on some homes. In a condominium residence that previously cost $ 140,000, now sell at $ 135,000. Also, now only work against customer orders.
Eduardo Feoli, general manager of Eurohogar, which now has three property projects for sale, he acknowledged he also had to make adjustments to the price low, but gave no details.
Other companies have decided to maintain prices. The adjustment was made in the inventory, since few houses are built and ready to deliver.
Briceño, in Deyco, is one that took this path and since last November kept the same values of condominium housing project in San Pablo de Heredia.
A slower pace of production allowed them to lower the costs of the company, said Briceno.
For Alejandro Gonzalez, general manager of Real Estate Casamax, the bonanza of previous years attracted developers inefficient now must sell at cost price to avoid losses.
According to Gonzalez, the company maintains an efficient cost structure and therefore in its residential and Imperial Treasury sold so far this year, 75% of the 30 houses that the condominium and unchanged prices.
“The secret to real estate speculation is not sustainable at the macro-economic changes in the market, maintaining low margins with high volumes of construction,” added Gonzalez.
The firm Urban Development, which has seven projects, not their values changed in the last 12 months. CEO Guillermo Bonilla explained that as far opted to have a small inventory in each complex of two or three houses.
The prognosis for the coming months and for next year is booked. Some see opportunities like Gonzalez. For him, prices will rise due to low supply of new houses.
Mon, Jun 22, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
In December 2008, Carlos Castro made six new homes for sale in La Aurora de Heredia Costa Rica. Four months later decided to lower the price of $ 80,000 to $ 75,000 to try to sell them faster.
Despite the discount, Castro has not been able to sell one.
Other developers have opted for another strategy: to keep the price down but the pace of construction and make deals.
According to the vice president of the Costa Rica Chamber of Real Estate Brokers, Francisco Barquero, sellers of homes are stepping up promotions to try to encourage buyers. For example, raffle a prize all buyers or eliminate the payment of legal fees in the transaction.
Demand and housing construction in Costa Rica fell in the last quarter of 2008 and continued in 2009 according to data from the Federal College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) .. The main reason mentioned builders consulted are the lack of credit for consumers was limited by the increase in interest rates.
According to Castro, some people who meet the requirements of banks decide to postpone the purchase for fear of being unable to pay the debt before major economic difficulties.
Minor Briceno, president of Development and Construction (Deyco) of Costa Rica, explained that the difference is that before, for the same type of housing, were granted a loan to a family with an income of $ 3,500 and currently require $ 5,500 a month.
As a result, between January and April this year, with the CFIA has handled about 47% less square meters for housing is managed in the same period of 2008.
Stable and low
5.4% inputs for increased housing construction in June 2008 to May 2009. In the same period a year ago was 22.9%.
41,2% Percentage this year represent the total housing units in the building. Last year was 50.5%.
The crisis halted a growth trend in the prices of homes, whose values rose more than a year ago due to production costs and high demand caused by the facilities for obtaining loans.
However, since the second half of 2008 the prices tend to be unchanged.
One factor that helped stability was the slight decline in the price of construction materials from November 2008 until last April, as measured by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC).
Before that, in 2007 and 2006, there were increases in the cost of materials.
Precisely for that low, when it accounted for the last 12 months, ending in May, the average increase was 5.4%, while June 2007 to May 2008 was 22.9%.
Eduardo Gutierrez, general manager of technical development, is another of those who decided to cut prices on some homes. In a condominium residence that previously cost $ 140,000, now sell at $ 135,000. Also, now only work against customer orders.
Eduardo Feoli, general manager of Eurohogar, which now has three property projects for sale, he acknowledged he also had to make adjustments to the price low, but gave no details.
Other companies have decided to maintain prices. The adjustment was made in the inventory, since few houses are built and ready to deliver.
Briceño, in Deyco, is one that took this path and since last November kept the same values of condominium housing project in San Pablo de Heredia.
A slower pace of production allowed them to lower the costs of the company, said Briceno.
For Alejandro Gonzalez, general manager of Real Estate Casamax, the bonanza of previous years attracted developers inefficient now must sell at cost price to avoid losses.
According to Gonzalez, the company maintains an efficient cost structure and therefore in its residential and Imperial Treasury sold so far this year, 75% of the 30 houses that the condominium and unchanged prices.
“The secret to real estate speculation is not sustainable at the macro-economic changes in the market, maintaining low margins with high volumes of construction,” added Gonzalez.
The firm Urban Development, which has seven projects, not their values changed in the last 12 months. CEO Guillermo Bonilla explained that as far opted to have a small inventory in each complex of two or three houses.
The prognosis for the coming months and for next year is booked. Some see opportunities like Gonzalez. For him, prices will rise due to low supply of new houses.
Costa Rica Eco Tourism
Hotel has received environmental approval
Wed, Jun 24, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
The Costa Rica hotel project Les Cascades received environmental approval from the National Technical Environmental Secretariat (SETENA).
The complex would consist of about 20 villas on a plot of two hectares. Only 4% of the land deal for this type of construction and no more than 10% in order to preserve the nature of the place.
Also build a social area with spa, conference center, stables and restaurants. This site is surrounded by trails.
Property within the two streams converge and a waterfall of 30 meters of drop. As a protected area and forest recovery process in the firm that owns Amarin has worked for three years to obtain all permits from the municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Setena in Costa Rica, among others.
This project is located in the province of Cartago, at the East Area of the Central Valley of Costa Rica in a country side and lush area called “La Estrella”, which means “The Star”. The Project has the approvals as a 4 star ranked eco-destination.
This is a natural protected area of +-118.462 sqm2 (1,274,650 sq. ft), aprox. 30 acres with a forest in one part, an abundance of fruit trees in another, and a river with pure natural and fresh drinkable water ( with certified analysis made by the National University laboratories ) which has been developed for taking care of the preservation of the flora and fauna of the region of Costa Rica.
This small river that runs on the property has a beautiful 25 meters or -+ 80 feet. drop waterfall facing the tropical gardens of the proposed hotel site.
It is also engaged in various professional fields to undertake environmental impact studies, marketing and operational viability.
This company is not responsible for the development project but it will sell all the permits to do so a second, held in this regard Evelyn Lindeperg, co-owner.
Wed, Jun 24, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
The Costa Rica hotel project Les Cascades received environmental approval from the National Technical Environmental Secretariat (SETENA).
The complex would consist of about 20 villas on a plot of two hectares. Only 4% of the land deal for this type of construction and no more than 10% in order to preserve the nature of the place.
Also build a social area with spa, conference center, stables and restaurants. This site is surrounded by trails.
Property within the two streams converge and a waterfall of 30 meters of drop. As a protected area and forest recovery process in the firm that owns Amarin has worked for three years to obtain all permits from the municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Setena in Costa Rica, among others.
This project is located in the province of Cartago, at the East Area of the Central Valley of Costa Rica in a country side and lush area called “La Estrella”, which means “The Star”. The Project has the approvals as a 4 star ranked eco-destination.
This is a natural protected area of +-118.462 sqm2 (1,274,650 sq. ft), aprox. 30 acres with a forest in one part, an abundance of fruit trees in another, and a river with pure natural and fresh drinkable water ( with certified analysis made by the National University laboratories ) which has been developed for taking care of the preservation of the flora and fauna of the region of Costa Rica.
This small river that runs on the property has a beautiful 25 meters or -+ 80 feet. drop waterfall facing the tropical gardens of the proposed hotel site.
It is also engaged in various professional fields to undertake environmental impact studies, marketing and operational viability.
This company is not responsible for the development project but it will sell all the permits to do so a second, held in this regard Evelyn Lindeperg, co-owner.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Costa Rica Birdwatching
Birdwatching and sighting exotic tropical butterflies are two of the most popular pastimes of the many Natural History enthusiasts who visit Costa Rica. From my experience, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample the rich diversity of the tropics including the wildlife from the comfort of your own hotel, especially if you’re staying out in the countryside. From your own verandah, chances are you’ll see many species of birds and colorful butterflies, iguanas and the like, and if your hotel is located in a heavily wooded area, you may even be visited by a howler monkey troop. Whoop, whoop…
At night, if you listen carefully you may even hear the chirping of the resident gecko (or two) who lives in your room. Don’t be afraid, they won’t harm you. They earn their room and board by keeping the room free of small insects.
Now if you’re into exotic insects (of the non butterfly variety), you’ll be in “Seventh Heaven” as many of the ‘little buggers’ will be crawling around the hotel grounds doing their thing – sight unseen of course. It was just the other day that I was leisurely enjoying some hot Costa Rica coffee on the veranda of the Guayabo Lodge in Turrialba Valley in Costa Rica, when I had an encounter with a large, rather ferocious looking beetle. The creature was making his journey across a small table; unfortunately it didn’t see the table edge and the poor beetle took a dive overboard, landing unceremoniously upside down of the floor. With a little prodding, I flipped the bug over allowing it to continue it’s daily rounds. Strange but true! Costa Rica Awaits your visit.
At night, if you listen carefully you may even hear the chirping of the resident gecko (or two) who lives in your room. Don’t be afraid, they won’t harm you. They earn their room and board by keeping the room free of small insects.
Now if you’re into exotic insects (of the non butterfly variety), you’ll be in “Seventh Heaven” as many of the ‘little buggers’ will be crawling around the hotel grounds doing their thing – sight unseen of course. It was just the other day that I was leisurely enjoying some hot Costa Rica coffee on the veranda of the Guayabo Lodge in Turrialba Valley in Costa Rica, when I had an encounter with a large, rather ferocious looking beetle. The creature was making his journey across a small table; unfortunately it didn’t see the table edge and the poor beetle took a dive overboard, landing unceremoniously upside down of the floor. With a little prodding, I flipped the bug over allowing it to continue it’s daily rounds. Strange but true! Costa Rica Awaits your visit.
Costa Rica Medical
Vandenberg Medical Team to Work With Costa Rica Doctors
A medical team from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, arrived in Costa Rica Saturday, as part of a medically-oriented humanitarian aid mission in the country.
Along with three specialists from other US Air Force units, medical personnel from Vandenberg’s 30th Medical Group will visit areas in Costa Rica that do not currently have medical facilities.
Working alongside Costa Rica medical professionals, the goal is to treat more that 4,000 patients while at the same time projecting a positive image of the United States and its military forces.
The team will be in Costa Rica for about two weeks.
A medical team from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, arrived in Costa Rica Saturday, as part of a medically-oriented humanitarian aid mission in the country.
Along with three specialists from other US Air Force units, medical personnel from Vandenberg’s 30th Medical Group will visit areas in Costa Rica that do not currently have medical facilities.
Working alongside Costa Rica medical professionals, the goal is to treat more that 4,000 patients while at the same time projecting a positive image of the United States and its military forces.
The team will be in Costa Rica for about two weeks.
Costa Rica Eco Tourism
How Green Is My Costa Rica?
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Share Print CommentsBack in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on environmentally, ecologically and culturally sensitive travel, and I was proud to be a part of it.
Now that style of travel also goes by other names, such as "sustainable" and "ethical."
But 15 years ago, ecotourism was a radical idea. Even those of us who came from and subscribed to the John Muir approach -- "take only pictures, leave only footprints" -- had to admit we expended tons of fossil fuel to fly to remote and pristine corners of the planet, and stayed at hotels that washed their laundry using soaps containing ingredients I didn't even want to know about, discharging waste waters into places I also didn't want to know.
The country that set the bar on what ecotravel meant and how to walk the eco-talk was Costa Rica. One reason was that the country had a lot at stake. It's a living zoological museum, a geographic terrarium. While the country represents only about 0.1 percent of the world's land mass, it contains 5 percent of the world's biodiversity -- it's home sweet home to more than 500,000 species, among the top 20 countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. Now more than 25 percent of Costa Rica is composed of protected forests and reserves. There are 32 national parks, 8 biological reserves, 13 forest reserves, and 51 wildlife refuges.
As I said, it has a lot at stake, as in $take: In 2000, Costa Rica earned about $1.25 billion from ecotourism, and it is estimated that 70 percent of the country's tourists visit natural protected areas.
In February The New York Times sent me to Costa Rica to write a story about real estate developments in the northwest corner of the country that's nicknamed the Gold Coast.
That 60-mile stretch of the Guanacaste Province had been the target of rampant brand-name hotel and residential development that, in the estimation of several peopIe I interviewed, threatened the very nature of what made Costa Rica appealing. Luckily the economic downturn may have inadvertently been an environmental saving grace. Jim Preskitt -- senior vice president of Peninsula Papagayo, a 2,300-acre luxury development anchored by a Four Seasons Hotel with its own collection of homes and lots for sale, the destination club Exclusive Resorts and a 180-slip marina that opened in December -- underscored that idea, pointing to a hillside across Culebra Bay from his executive offices. The forested hill dropped into the white-sand beaches of villages named Panama, Hermosa and Coco.
"That hill would have been dotted with a Rosewood, a Miraval and a One & Only hotel. But all those projects are stalled," he said. "Though we welcome the competition and the regional buzz, this slowdown may be nature's way of saying, 'Protect what you have.'" From where he stood, literally and figuratively, it struck me as a bold and courageous thing to say.
While overall the country still scores high green points Ethical Traveler, an organization dedicated to educate travelers about the social and environmental impacts of travel, recently recognized Costa Rica as one of the top 10 ethical destinations for 2008 -- I found that all that glitters is not necessarily green. For example, one of the country's most famous beaches, Tamarindo, featured in the 1994 film Endless Summer 2, the sequel to 1966's landmark "Endless Summer," last year had been stripped if its Ecological Blue Flag, a distinction granted by Costa Rica's water and sewage utility to beaches with excellent or very high sanitation and cleanliness. It was one of eight beaches that lost such certification. Tamarindo has since regained the blue flag.
Next week I return to Costa Rica, partly because I fell in love with the country, partly because I fell in love with its gentle people (and am falling for one particular sweet Tica, as the locals are called). Back in February, while I interviewed real estate developers and realtors, I jealously watched tourists leave for zip-line tours over canopied rainforests, nature hikes, spas and beach experiences. This time my Tica friend Veronica and I will indulge in some of that cool stuff, while I offer a green report card on Costa Rica, honest and personal reportage on how well this Central American country lives up to its claim as eco-tourism capital of the world.
If you have been to Costa Rica, you will understand why this is critical. If you have not been, but are simply a concerned custodian of the planet, you will also understand. In either case, I welcome you to join me here at HuffPo, with your comments and own experiences -- in Costa Rica, or anywhere that flies its eco flag. Pack your bags, bring your camera. We will leave only foot -- and blog -- prints behind.
Travel
Back in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on envir...
Back in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on envir...
digg Huffpost - stumble reddit del.ico.us ShareThis
Read More: Central America, Costa Rica, Eco-Tourism, Eco-Travel, Green, Travel, Green News
Be the First to Submit
This Story to DiggBuzz up! Get Breaking News Alerts
never spam
Share Print CommentsBack in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on environmentally, ecologically and culturally sensitive travel, and I was proud to be a part of it.
Now that style of travel also goes by other names, such as "sustainable" and "ethical."
But 15 years ago, ecotourism was a radical idea. Even those of us who came from and subscribed to the John Muir approach -- "take only pictures, leave only footprints" -- had to admit we expended tons of fossil fuel to fly to remote and pristine corners of the planet, and stayed at hotels that washed their laundry using soaps containing ingredients I didn't even want to know about, discharging waste waters into places I also didn't want to know.
The country that set the bar on what ecotravel meant and how to walk the eco-talk was Costa Rica. One reason was that the country had a lot at stake. It's a living zoological museum, a geographic terrarium. While the country represents only about 0.1 percent of the world's land mass, it contains 5 percent of the world's biodiversity -- it's home sweet home to more than 500,000 species, among the top 20 countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. Now more than 25 percent of Costa Rica is composed of protected forests and reserves. There are 32 national parks, 8 biological reserves, 13 forest reserves, and 51 wildlife refuges.
As I said, it has a lot at stake, as in $take: In 2000, Costa Rica earned about $1.25 billion from ecotourism, and it is estimated that 70 percent of the country's tourists visit natural protected areas.
In February The New York Times sent me to Costa Rica to write a story about real estate developments in the northwest corner of the country that's nicknamed the Gold Coast.
That 60-mile stretch of the Guanacaste Province had been the target of rampant brand-name hotel and residential development that, in the estimation of several peopIe I interviewed, threatened the very nature of what made Costa Rica appealing. Luckily the economic downturn may have inadvertently been an environmental saving grace. Jim Preskitt -- senior vice president of Peninsula Papagayo, a 2,300-acre luxury development anchored by a Four Seasons Hotel with its own collection of homes and lots for sale, the destination club Exclusive Resorts and a 180-slip marina that opened in December -- underscored that idea, pointing to a hillside across Culebra Bay from his executive offices. The forested hill dropped into the white-sand beaches of villages named Panama, Hermosa and Coco.
"That hill would have been dotted with a Rosewood, a Miraval and a One & Only hotel. But all those projects are stalled," he said. "Though we welcome the competition and the regional buzz, this slowdown may be nature's way of saying, 'Protect what you have.'" From where he stood, literally and figuratively, it struck me as a bold and courageous thing to say.
While overall the country still scores high green points Ethical Traveler, an organization dedicated to educate travelers about the social and environmental impacts of travel, recently recognized Costa Rica as one of the top 10 ethical destinations for 2008 -- I found that all that glitters is not necessarily green. For example, one of the country's most famous beaches, Tamarindo, featured in the 1994 film Endless Summer 2, the sequel to 1966's landmark "Endless Summer," last year had been stripped if its Ecological Blue Flag, a distinction granted by Costa Rica's water and sewage utility to beaches with excellent or very high sanitation and cleanliness. It was one of eight beaches that lost such certification. Tamarindo has since regained the blue flag.
Next week I return to Costa Rica, partly because I fell in love with the country, partly because I fell in love with its gentle people (and am falling for one particular sweet Tica, as the locals are called). Back in February, while I interviewed real estate developers and realtors, I jealously watched tourists leave for zip-line tours over canopied rainforests, nature hikes, spas and beach experiences. This time my Tica friend Veronica and I will indulge in some of that cool stuff, while I offer a green report card on Costa Rica, honest and personal reportage on how well this Central American country lives up to its claim as eco-tourism capital of the world.
If you have been to Costa Rica, you will understand why this is critical. If you have not been, but are simply a concerned custodian of the planet, you will also understand. In either case, I welcome you to join me here at HuffPo, with your comments and own experiences -- in Costa Rica, or anywhere that flies its eco flag. Pack your bags, bring your camera. We will leave only foot -- and blog -- prints behind.
Travel
Back in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on envir...
Back in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on envir...
Costa Rica Bridget
Bridget in Florida and Costa Rica
Bridget is in Miami and Costa Rica this week:
Miami:
By day it’s sun-soaked beaches and the smell of sizzling Cuban food, and by night it’s balmy winds, bright neon and the beat of Latin rhythms. Miami is truly the place where the days are hot, and the nights are even hotter.
Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches: Miami follows Bridget as she gets an inside look at the Miami Beach lifestyle from Miss Miami 2009, Jenice Fernandez, Miss Suncoast 2009, Rachel Todd, and famous sun worshipper, actor George Hamilton.
Highlights include yachting through the Miami canals, hanging out at 5th and Ocean, racing through the Everglades, and partying Miami-style at the Fontainebleau.
Miami airs at 10pm E/P on Thursday, May 21 on the Travel Channel.
Cost Rica:
Just two hours from Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose, on the central Pacific coast, you’ll find Playa Jaco, a world-class surfing destination – and the country’s most popular beach.
Bridget and her friend, Amber Campisi (Playboy’s Miss February 2005) head to Latin America to get a taste of the ‘pura vida’ – the ‘pure life’ – in Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches: Playa Jaco Costa Rica.
The girls explore the laid-back beach community of Montezuma, take a breezy ride to the white sand beaches of Isla Tortuga, hit the waves kayak surfing at Playa Hermosa Costa Rica, and face off with a fiery ‘flaming cucaracha.’
Playa Jaco airs at 10:30pm E/P.
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Bridget is in Miami and Costa Rica this week:
Miami:
By day it’s sun-soaked beaches and the smell of sizzling Cuban food, and by night it’s balmy winds, bright neon and the beat of Latin rhythms. Miami is truly the place where the days are hot, and the nights are even hotter.
Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches: Miami follows Bridget as she gets an inside look at the Miami Beach lifestyle from Miss Miami 2009, Jenice Fernandez, Miss Suncoast 2009, Rachel Todd, and famous sun worshipper, actor George Hamilton.
Highlights include yachting through the Miami canals, hanging out at 5th and Ocean, racing through the Everglades, and partying Miami-style at the Fontainebleau.
Miami airs at 10pm E/P on Thursday, May 21 on the Travel Channel.
Cost Rica:
Just two hours from Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose, on the central Pacific coast, you’ll find Playa Jaco, a world-class surfing destination – and the country’s most popular beach.
Bridget and her friend, Amber Campisi (Playboy’s Miss February 2005) head to Latin America to get a taste of the ‘pura vida’ – the ‘pure life’ – in Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches: Playa Jaco Costa Rica.
The girls explore the laid-back beach community of Montezuma, take a breezy ride to the white sand beaches of Isla Tortuga, hit the waves kayak surfing at Playa Hermosa Costa Rica, and face off with a fiery ‘flaming cucaracha.’
Playa Jaco airs at 10:30pm E/P.
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Costa Rica Allure
Sea Foam: Costa Rica university teaches students peaceful coexistence
David Lauderdale
dlauderdale@islandpacket.com
islandpacket.com/goincoastal
843-706-8115
Published Monday, May 25, 2009
Comments (0) | Recommend (0)Email Article | Print Article | Feeds | | Search the Archive
Thanks to June Cunningham of Hilton Head Island for sharing the story about her daughter's unusual graduate study in Costa Rica.
Catherine Wilson, daughter of June and the late Walt Wilson, grew up on Hilton Head Island attending Sea Pines Montessori school and graduating from Hilton Head Island High School. She was a Hilton Head Rotary international youth scholar in Bordeaux, France, her junior year and a Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar in 1996.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a NROTC scholarship. Upon graduation she was commissioned and served five years as a surface warfare officer and in the Navy's nuclear propulsion program. She was a lieutenant and Reactor Electrical Division officer on the USS Ronald Reagan.
After completing her service in the Navy, Catherine has traveled extensively; taught English as a second language in South Korea; lived, studied and worked in Cartagena, Colombia; and worked and received a graduate certificate from Florida International University in Miami.
June writes:
I just returned from a trip to Costa Rica visiting my daughter Catherine Wilson, and I wanted to share an experience that had quite an impact on me.
Costa Rica seems to be an alluring destination for many Americans these days, and I do not need to expound on the natural beauty and tranquility of this Central American country. Rather, I would like to shed some awareness on the school in which Catherine has chosen to pursue a master's degree in natural resources, environmental security and peace.
I was totally unaware of the existence of "The University for Peace" (La Universidad para la Paz) until Catherine brought it to my attention and told me she had applied there.
The university is authorized to offer academic degrees in the field of peace and conflict studies. Although the university system extends throughout 10 countries in North America, South America, Asia and Africa, "UPeace" has headquarters in Costa Rica, a country distinguished by a long tradition of democracy, the abolition of the army since 1948 and a strong interest in environmental conservation.
The school offers 11 master's programs ranging from international law and human rights to natural resources and sustainable development. The campus is situated in the mountains southwest of San Jose, and there are approximately 170 students from more than 60 countries in the world.
With the open air architecture of the school, students are able to study outdoors while enjoying the view of the Costa Rican Central Valley.
The university was established in Costa Rica in 1980 as a Treaty Organization by the United Nations General Assembly "to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence." What a wonderful mission statement in light of the complexities and challenges of our world as we know it today.
One of my first thoughts was to wish that every young adult could experience the connection and the feeling of peace I witnessed among the student body. As Catherine introduced me to one friend from Iraq, who stood next to a friend from Jordan, Egypt, Uganda, Kashmir, Korea, Cameroon, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Brazil, Darfur, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Turkmenistan, Sri Lanka, Iceland -- it went on and on -- I couldn't help but think how amazing it was to see the diversity and camaraderie among these young men and women.
Before the school closed for spring break, we were lucky to hear a lecture given by one of Catherine's professors and also attend a performance given by 10 students in the Human Rights and Peace program. The program was entitled "A Monologue, A Memory, A Rant and A Prayer." It addressed the abuse of women around the world and I found it most interesting in that some of the male students participated in the delivery of the monologues.
Oscar Arias, the president of Costa Rica, has a strong interest in the university and recently visited with the students. President Arias was a recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end civil wars then raging in many Central American countries.
Statues of various world leaders who have promoted peace, including Ghandi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Leo Tolstoy and Yitzhak Rabin, dot the campus grounds and a sign above a flourishing tree says "planted by Secretary-General Kofi Annan." Another sign above a Tree for Peace says: "In commemoration of the Rwandan Genocide -- We Will Never Forget."
The first student Catherine introduced me to was Blanesta. Her parents are Afghans, and she was born on a plane en route to Switzerland. Her family was fleeing Afghanistan during the war in hopes they could stay in Switzerland if she were born there. Because nature took its course and she was born mid-air, when the plane landed they had to be sent back to their homeland. They eventually fled to Pakistan, then to India and finally to Canada.
Another young man, Francis Wani from Sudan, had never seen a computer and was turning in handwritten papers. Since this is unacceptable at a graduate level, he now has the challenge of not only the rigors of the course material but how to use what we consider a staple in all of our homes.
Those are just two of the stories of the many backgrounds of this diverse student body. Perhaps the one thing that really stood out for me during this brief visit to the university was the multicultural approach to studying the challenges of world peace and our environment.
All of the students at UPeace have one thing in common and that is to improve and give back to the world in which they have been born in a positive and productive manner. What a refreshing concept.
I am in hopes that by writing this article, it may touch someone's child or grandchild who possesses the same hopes and dreams as the student body at the University for Peace.
The Island Packet appreciates all written and photographic submissions from readers. All submissions become the copyrighted property of The Island Packet, which may use them for any purpose, including in print and online, without compensation to the submitter.
David Lauderdale
dlauderdale@islandpacket.com
islandpacket.com/goincoastal
843-706-8115
Published Monday, May 25, 2009
Comments (0) | Recommend (0)Email Article | Print Article | Feeds | | Search the Archive
Thanks to June Cunningham of Hilton Head Island for sharing the story about her daughter's unusual graduate study in Costa Rica.
Catherine Wilson, daughter of June and the late Walt Wilson, grew up on Hilton Head Island attending Sea Pines Montessori school and graduating from Hilton Head Island High School. She was a Hilton Head Rotary international youth scholar in Bordeaux, France, her junior year and a Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar in 1996.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a NROTC scholarship. Upon graduation she was commissioned and served five years as a surface warfare officer and in the Navy's nuclear propulsion program. She was a lieutenant and Reactor Electrical Division officer on the USS Ronald Reagan.
After completing her service in the Navy, Catherine has traveled extensively; taught English as a second language in South Korea; lived, studied and worked in Cartagena, Colombia; and worked and received a graduate certificate from Florida International University in Miami.
June writes:
I just returned from a trip to Costa Rica visiting my daughter Catherine Wilson, and I wanted to share an experience that had quite an impact on me.
Costa Rica seems to be an alluring destination for many Americans these days, and I do not need to expound on the natural beauty and tranquility of this Central American country. Rather, I would like to shed some awareness on the school in which Catherine has chosen to pursue a master's degree in natural resources, environmental security and peace.
I was totally unaware of the existence of "The University for Peace" (La Universidad para la Paz) until Catherine brought it to my attention and told me she had applied there.
The university is authorized to offer academic degrees in the field of peace and conflict studies. Although the university system extends throughout 10 countries in North America, South America, Asia and Africa, "UPeace" has headquarters in Costa Rica, a country distinguished by a long tradition of democracy, the abolition of the army since 1948 and a strong interest in environmental conservation.
The school offers 11 master's programs ranging from international law and human rights to natural resources and sustainable development. The campus is situated in the mountains southwest of San Jose, and there are approximately 170 students from more than 60 countries in the world.
With the open air architecture of the school, students are able to study outdoors while enjoying the view of the Costa Rican Central Valley.
The university was established in Costa Rica in 1980 as a Treaty Organization by the United Nations General Assembly "to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence." What a wonderful mission statement in light of the complexities and challenges of our world as we know it today.
One of my first thoughts was to wish that every young adult could experience the connection and the feeling of peace I witnessed among the student body. As Catherine introduced me to one friend from Iraq, who stood next to a friend from Jordan, Egypt, Uganda, Kashmir, Korea, Cameroon, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Brazil, Darfur, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Turkmenistan, Sri Lanka, Iceland -- it went on and on -- I couldn't help but think how amazing it was to see the diversity and camaraderie among these young men and women.
Before the school closed for spring break, we were lucky to hear a lecture given by one of Catherine's professors and also attend a performance given by 10 students in the Human Rights and Peace program. The program was entitled "A Monologue, A Memory, A Rant and A Prayer." It addressed the abuse of women around the world and I found it most interesting in that some of the male students participated in the delivery of the monologues.
Oscar Arias, the president of Costa Rica, has a strong interest in the university and recently visited with the students. President Arias was a recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end civil wars then raging in many Central American countries.
Statues of various world leaders who have promoted peace, including Ghandi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Leo Tolstoy and Yitzhak Rabin, dot the campus grounds and a sign above a flourishing tree says "planted by Secretary-General Kofi Annan." Another sign above a Tree for Peace says: "In commemoration of the Rwandan Genocide -- We Will Never Forget."
The first student Catherine introduced me to was Blanesta. Her parents are Afghans, and she was born on a plane en route to Switzerland. Her family was fleeing Afghanistan during the war in hopes they could stay in Switzerland if she were born there. Because nature took its course and she was born mid-air, when the plane landed they had to be sent back to their homeland. They eventually fled to Pakistan, then to India and finally to Canada.
Another young man, Francis Wani from Sudan, had never seen a computer and was turning in handwritten papers. Since this is unacceptable at a graduate level, he now has the challenge of not only the rigors of the course material but how to use what we consider a staple in all of our homes.
Those are just two of the stories of the many backgrounds of this diverse student body. Perhaps the one thing that really stood out for me during this brief visit to the university was the multicultural approach to studying the challenges of world peace and our environment.
All of the students at UPeace have one thing in common and that is to improve and give back to the world in which they have been born in a positive and productive manner. What a refreshing concept.
I am in hopes that by writing this article, it may touch someone's child or grandchild who possesses the same hopes and dreams as the student body at the University for Peace.
The Island Packet appreciates all written and photographic submissions from readers. All submissions become the copyrighted property of The Island Packet, which may use them for any purpose, including in print and online, without compensation to the submitter.
Costa Rica Nicaragua
Nicaragua May Bypass Costa Rica On SICA Presidency Rotation
Nicaraguan president, Daniel Ortega, plans to hand over the presidency of the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) to Guatemala's president, Alvaro Colom, instead of Costa Rica president, Oscar Arias, come July.
The Nicaraguan vice-chancellor, Manuel Coronel Kautz, says the move is due to Costa Rica's differing position than that of the rest of Central America, evidenced by Arias' skipping meetings held over the last six months, three of which were held in Managua.
Thus, Nicaragua feels it should skip handing over the presidency to Costa Rica, avoiding risking Central America's integration.
Kautz made the statement on a local Nicaraguan television channel, saying that Costa Rica is neither a member of the Corte Centroamericana de Justicia (CCJ), nor of the Parlamento Centroamericano (Parlacen).
The vice-chancellor continued with "costa Rica does not subscribe to the free mobility of Central America, known as CA-4, nor is it part of the single visa agreement for Central America.
According to Kautz, Costa Rica is not part of the political dialogue and co-operation between the Central American governments and the European Union.
Arias said last week the Central American presidential summits are a waste of time and fail to address important issues, failing to address the principal problems facing Central America.
The Arias comments could have been seen by Ortega as an insult, as he is the responsible for setting the agenda of the talks.
Kautz said that Nicaragua has to "think things over carefully" before handing over the presidency to Arias, especially following the comments made by the Costa Rican president.
The rotation of the presidency is based on article 3 of the Reglamento de la Presidencia Pro Témpore del SICA, which was signed in Managua on March 25, 2009, which clearly states Costa Rica is next on the rotation come July 1, 2009.
Costa Rica reiterated that it is respectful of the legal system in force in Central America.
Nicaraguan president, Daniel Ortega, plans to hand over the presidency of the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) to Guatemala's president, Alvaro Colom, instead of Costa Rica president, Oscar Arias, come July.
The Nicaraguan vice-chancellor, Manuel Coronel Kautz, says the move is due to Costa Rica's differing position than that of the rest of Central America, evidenced by Arias' skipping meetings held over the last six months, three of which were held in Managua.
Thus, Nicaragua feels it should skip handing over the presidency to Costa Rica, avoiding risking Central America's integration.
Kautz made the statement on a local Nicaraguan television channel, saying that Costa Rica is neither a member of the Corte Centroamericana de Justicia (CCJ), nor of the Parlamento Centroamericano (Parlacen).
The vice-chancellor continued with "costa Rica does not subscribe to the free mobility of Central America, known as CA-4, nor is it part of the single visa agreement for Central America.
According to Kautz, Costa Rica is not part of the political dialogue and co-operation between the Central American governments and the European Union.
Arias said last week the Central American presidential summits are a waste of time and fail to address important issues, failing to address the principal problems facing Central America.
The Arias comments could have been seen by Ortega as an insult, as he is the responsible for setting the agenda of the talks.
Kautz said that Nicaragua has to "think things over carefully" before handing over the presidency to Arias, especially following the comments made by the Costa Rican president.
The rotation of the presidency is based on article 3 of the Reglamento de la Presidencia Pro Témpore del SICA, which was signed in Managua on March 25, 2009, which clearly states Costa Rica is next on the rotation come July 1, 2009.
Costa Rica reiterated that it is respectful of the legal system in force in Central America.
Costa Rica Patti Blago
Blagojevich's wife joins reality show
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Patti Blagojevich arrives at their home, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 in Chicago. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Nam Y. Huh)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The wife of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is headed to the Costa Rican jungle to compete on a TV reality show that he was barred from going on.
Her spokesman, Glenn Selig, says Patti Blagojevich is "on her way" to Costa Rica for her spot on NBC's "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here."
Selig says it'll be challenging for the "big city girl."
A federal judge barred her husband from going because it would send him out of the country.
Rod Blagojevich faces federal corruption charges.
Patti Blagojevich has said she's participating because of her family's financial situation.
Both she and her husband are unemployed.
The show airs on June 1.
Other contestants include actor Stephen Baldwin and former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar. Costa Rica Awaits her arrival.
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Patti Blagojevich arrives at their home, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 in Chicago. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Nam Y. Huh)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The wife of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is headed to the Costa Rican jungle to compete on a TV reality show that he was barred from going on.
Her spokesman, Glenn Selig, says Patti Blagojevich is "on her way" to Costa Rica for her spot on NBC's "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here."
Selig says it'll be challenging for the "big city girl."
A federal judge barred her husband from going because it would send him out of the country.
Rod Blagojevich faces federal corruption charges.
Patti Blagojevich has said she's participating because of her family's financial situation.
Both she and her husband are unemployed.
The show airs on June 1.
Other contestants include actor Stephen Baldwin and former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar. Costa Rica Awaits her arrival.
Costa Rica Indigenous
COSTA RICA: Indigenous People Sidelined in Plans for Dam
By Daniel Zueras
SAN JOSÉ COSTA RICA, May 27 (IPS) - The Diquís dam, the largest hydroelectric project in Central America, is worrying indigenous communities because Costa Rica’s state power company has excluded them from the decision-making process, in spite of international treaties that stipulate that they must be consulted.
Indigenous people in Térraba in the southern district of Buenos Aires, which has the highest population density for five of the country’s eight Indian tribes, complain that the national utility, ICE, has never consulted them about the project, as it is required to do under International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries.
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which held a session in mid-May, reminded governments of the need to cooperate with native communities as the owners of natural resources in their territories.
This is not the first project of its kind that the state electricity monopoly has tried to push through in the southern part of Costa Rica.
The first, the Boruca hydroelectric complex, began to be discussed in the 1970s but was brought to a halt by strong opposition from local communities, and by doubts about its location in an area of seismic activity.
The plan was for a dam that would have flooded an area of 25,000 hectares to generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity. In the 1990s, the Veragua project met with a similar fate. Both projects were located on the Río Grande river in Térraba.
The projected Diquís dam on the El General river would have a planned capacity of 622 megawatts that would supply the energy needs of one million people. The projected cost is 1.85 billion dollars, making it the largest public investment in infrastructure ever undertaken in Costa Rica. If everything goes ahead as planned, ICE expects the plant to come onstream in 2016.
The dam would flood 6,000 hectares, displacing 1,100 people. Within the affected area, 800 hectares is indigenous territory belonging to the Térraba people, which is why the tribes are requesting consultation on the project.
The huge plant was declared to be of national interest in February 2008 by the government of President Óscar Arias. It is part of ICE's strategy for expanding the country's energy capacity, now estimated at 2,100 megawatts, which it wants to double in the next 10 years.
This month the constitutional court turned down an appeal for protection, presented in February by community leaders who claimed the right to be consulted. The final text of the ruling has not yet been released.
Genaro Gutiérrez, leader of the Térraba indigenous Integrated Development Association (ADI), told IPS he was disappointed at the position taken by the constitutional court and said that if there was no change in 15 days' time, "we won't let the ICE workers into the site."
In his view, ICE is breaking the law in going ahead with the work. He said the ADI of the Térraba Indigenous Reserve in Buenos Aires is, by law, "a separate government, and consultation is necessary."
ADIs were set up on every indigenous reservation by the state National Commission for Indigenous Affairs (CONAI), and act as local governments, but they have been criticised as not being representative or participative enough, of imposing ways of organising different to indigenous people's own ways, and of being vulnerable to political manipulation.
The ADI headed by Gutiérrez presented a proposal to ICE requesting 10 percent – a "negotiable" proportion - of the profits of the hydroelectric plant, for development in the reserve. "We don't want to let them do good business and leave indigenous people out in a discriminatory way," Gutiérrez said.
The Térraba are divided over the project. Gutiérrez said they are not opposed to the dam being built. "What we want are reliable benefits for the development of the district and the indigenous community," he said.
"It's the government's project, not ours, and if they don't give us anything we won't let it happen on our territory," he added.
A different position is taken by Ditsö, a non-governmental organisation supporting indigenous peoples that helped lodge another appeal for protection, this time with respect to the environmental impact of ICE operations in the community of Térraba, which is still being processed.
Ditsö's communications officer, Marvin Amador, told IPS there are two opinions about the dam among the Térraba indigenous community. On the one hand are those who "have informed themselves" and are against the project, and on the other hand those who are for it, who "either are not informed, or are hoping to get something from it."
There is no consensus on the issue. Amador maintains that Gutiérrez cannot make the decision to negotiate with ICE "unless he consults the community; that involves the state, and Genaro is no longer a legitimate representative, he only still holds his position because of a series of flawed procedures."
He said both the ADI and its leader were discredited within the community.
The Ditsö spokesman was extremely critical of the constitutional court, and said that its dismissal of the first appeal for protection had "a very simple" explanation. "Ever since the government started to exert an influence, the court has systematically made decisions that openly run counter to" the country’s laws, in line with "vested interests," he said.
Ditsö is against the building of the dam, but Amador said the group’s goal was for consultation to take place and for the indigenous community to decide. Its opposition is due to the indigenous people being, once again, sidelined and forgotten.
"It is said that 80 percent of the energy generated will be exported," although ICE denies this. But even if the power is used for domestic consumption, "the indigenous people are being asked to give us their resources and heritage, in exchange for so-called development that will not reach the poorest of the poor," he said.
Ditsö says the Diquís project will have an enormous impact, socially and culturally, on the Térraba way of life. According to Amador, the dam will flood 50 archaeological sites, among them "ancient burial sites with a major spiritual significance."
ICE of Costa Rica did not respond to IPS requests for comment on the matter.
The mayor of the district of Buenos Aires, Feliciano Álvarez, told IPS that he supports the construction of the Diquís plant.
Álvarez said it would have a great impact on the area, and that the municipality is advocating "for the labour to be drawn from the local area." He also said he was confident that the project would increase local trade and lead to improved infrastructure.
Amador, however, was critical of that stance. "Agreeing with this kind of project depends on one's vision of what constitutes development," he said. (END/2009)
By Daniel Zueras
SAN JOSÉ COSTA RICA, May 27 (IPS) - The Diquís dam, the largest hydroelectric project in Central America, is worrying indigenous communities because Costa Rica’s state power company has excluded them from the decision-making process, in spite of international treaties that stipulate that they must be consulted.
Indigenous people in Térraba in the southern district of Buenos Aires, which has the highest population density for five of the country’s eight Indian tribes, complain that the national utility, ICE, has never consulted them about the project, as it is required to do under International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries.
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which held a session in mid-May, reminded governments of the need to cooperate with native communities as the owners of natural resources in their territories.
This is not the first project of its kind that the state electricity monopoly has tried to push through in the southern part of Costa Rica.
The first, the Boruca hydroelectric complex, began to be discussed in the 1970s but was brought to a halt by strong opposition from local communities, and by doubts about its location in an area of seismic activity.
The plan was for a dam that would have flooded an area of 25,000 hectares to generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity. In the 1990s, the Veragua project met with a similar fate. Both projects were located on the Río Grande river in Térraba.
The projected Diquís dam on the El General river would have a planned capacity of 622 megawatts that would supply the energy needs of one million people. The projected cost is 1.85 billion dollars, making it the largest public investment in infrastructure ever undertaken in Costa Rica. If everything goes ahead as planned, ICE expects the plant to come onstream in 2016.
The dam would flood 6,000 hectares, displacing 1,100 people. Within the affected area, 800 hectares is indigenous territory belonging to the Térraba people, which is why the tribes are requesting consultation on the project.
The huge plant was declared to be of national interest in February 2008 by the government of President Óscar Arias. It is part of ICE's strategy for expanding the country's energy capacity, now estimated at 2,100 megawatts, which it wants to double in the next 10 years.
This month the constitutional court turned down an appeal for protection, presented in February by community leaders who claimed the right to be consulted. The final text of the ruling has not yet been released.
Genaro Gutiérrez, leader of the Térraba indigenous Integrated Development Association (ADI), told IPS he was disappointed at the position taken by the constitutional court and said that if there was no change in 15 days' time, "we won't let the ICE workers into the site."
In his view, ICE is breaking the law in going ahead with the work. He said the ADI of the Térraba Indigenous Reserve in Buenos Aires is, by law, "a separate government, and consultation is necessary."
ADIs were set up on every indigenous reservation by the state National Commission for Indigenous Affairs (CONAI), and act as local governments, but they have been criticised as not being representative or participative enough, of imposing ways of organising different to indigenous people's own ways, and of being vulnerable to political manipulation.
The ADI headed by Gutiérrez presented a proposal to ICE requesting 10 percent – a "negotiable" proportion - of the profits of the hydroelectric plant, for development in the reserve. "We don't want to let them do good business and leave indigenous people out in a discriminatory way," Gutiérrez said.
The Térraba are divided over the project. Gutiérrez said they are not opposed to the dam being built. "What we want are reliable benefits for the development of the district and the indigenous community," he said.
"It's the government's project, not ours, and if they don't give us anything we won't let it happen on our territory," he added.
A different position is taken by Ditsö, a non-governmental organisation supporting indigenous peoples that helped lodge another appeal for protection, this time with respect to the environmental impact of ICE operations in the community of Térraba, which is still being processed.
Ditsö's communications officer, Marvin Amador, told IPS there are two opinions about the dam among the Térraba indigenous community. On the one hand are those who "have informed themselves" and are against the project, and on the other hand those who are for it, who "either are not informed, or are hoping to get something from it."
There is no consensus on the issue. Amador maintains that Gutiérrez cannot make the decision to negotiate with ICE "unless he consults the community; that involves the state, and Genaro is no longer a legitimate representative, he only still holds his position because of a series of flawed procedures."
He said both the ADI and its leader were discredited within the community.
The Ditsö spokesman was extremely critical of the constitutional court, and said that its dismissal of the first appeal for protection had "a very simple" explanation. "Ever since the government started to exert an influence, the court has systematically made decisions that openly run counter to" the country’s laws, in line with "vested interests," he said.
Ditsö is against the building of the dam, but Amador said the group’s goal was for consultation to take place and for the indigenous community to decide. Its opposition is due to the indigenous people being, once again, sidelined and forgotten.
"It is said that 80 percent of the energy generated will be exported," although ICE denies this. But even if the power is used for domestic consumption, "the indigenous people are being asked to give us their resources and heritage, in exchange for so-called development that will not reach the poorest of the poor," he said.
Ditsö says the Diquís project will have an enormous impact, socially and culturally, on the Térraba way of life. According to Amador, the dam will flood 50 archaeological sites, among them "ancient burial sites with a major spiritual significance."
ICE of Costa Rica did not respond to IPS requests for comment on the matter.
The mayor of the district of Buenos Aires, Feliciano Álvarez, told IPS that he supports the construction of the Diquís plant.
Álvarez said it would have a great impact on the area, and that the municipality is advocating "for the labour to be drawn from the local area." He also said he was confident that the project would increase local trade and lead to improved infrastructure.
Amador, however, was critical of that stance. "Agreeing with this kind of project depends on one's vision of what constitutes development," he said. (END/2009)
Costa Rica Jaguars
Jaguar Mums Give Up Baby Secrets
Ongoing study in Costa Rica has revealed that females in the wild give birth every 22 to 24 months
By Matt Walker, Earth News
Jaguars are one of the most elusive of large animals, reluctant to be filmed or tracked in their natural habitat. But now biologists have finally managed to learn one of the big cat's secrets; how often it gives birth.
An ongoing study in Costa Rica, one of the last strongholds of the jaguar, has revealed that females in the wild give birth every 22 to 24 months.
Knowing the reproductive behaviour of the species will be vital information in helping to protect the species.
Numbers of jaguars, the third largest of all cat species and the largest in the New World, are declining.
The big cat is occasionally sighted in Arizona and New Mexico in the US, and populations remain within Mexico and south through Central America and into South America, including much of Amazonian Brazil.
But the species is listed as Near Threatened by the World Conservation Union.
If conservationists are to estimate how the last remaining populations of jaguar might grow, they need to know three things: how many cubs females have in each litter, how many of those cubs survive on average, and how often females give birth to new litters.
But most information about the reproductive habits of jaguars comes from observations in zoos, which may not reflect how jaguars reproduce in the wild. Even in captivity, researchers have been rarely able to document how often females give birth to new litters.
So Eduardo Carrillo and Joel Saenz of the National University in Heredia, Costa Rica and Todd Fuller of the University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, US embarked on an ongoing study of jaguars living in the Corcovado National Park in west Costa Rica.
The study began in 1990 after Carrillo saw a female jaguar walking with a single cub across a beach in the park during the day.
"At that time there were few jaguar studies and the lack of information was an important issue when making management decisions about jaguar conservation," says Carrillo. "So in 1994 we decided to radio mark jaguars. In 2003 we began using camera traps."
During the study, they found that jaguars in the park feed mainly on peccaries and marine turtles.
The diet surprised the biologists because an adult jaguar is capable of eating any animal that crosses its path, including people, though there is no record of a wild jaguar ever having attacked a person in the wild.
They also managed to follow a single female jaguar for three and a half years, by using the radio collar to triangulate her position and identifying her particular paw prints left in the mud.
In March one year, they saw the female being attended to by an adult male. By late May or early June she gave birth, and was seen accompanied by a single cub in July.
That cub remained with its mother for 19 to 20 months. Then some 22 months after she had first given birth, Carrillo noticed she was again pregnant, and was seen with a new cub a month or two later.
That confirms that wild jaguars seem to give birth once every 22 to 24 months, and that juvenile jaguars leave the company of their mother after 18 to 24 months, the team report in the journal Mammalian Biology.
Jaguars are thought to give birth to more than cub on average, though it is unclear how many usually survive until adulthood.
"One of the main questions about jaguars is their natural birthing habits," says Carrillo. "We have little knowledge about this until now."
However, despite the team's camera traps recording pictures of adult jaguars, the mothers are still proving protective of their offspring.
"We have pictures of pregnant females, but we have never taken a picture of a female jaguar with its cubs." Kudos to Costa Rica.
Ongoing study in Costa Rica has revealed that females in the wild give birth every 22 to 24 months
By Matt Walker, Earth News
Jaguars are one of the most elusive of large animals, reluctant to be filmed or tracked in their natural habitat. But now biologists have finally managed to learn one of the big cat's secrets; how often it gives birth.
An ongoing study in Costa Rica, one of the last strongholds of the jaguar, has revealed that females in the wild give birth every 22 to 24 months.
Knowing the reproductive behaviour of the species will be vital information in helping to protect the species.
Numbers of jaguars, the third largest of all cat species and the largest in the New World, are declining.
The big cat is occasionally sighted in Arizona and New Mexico in the US, and populations remain within Mexico and south through Central America and into South America, including much of Amazonian Brazil.
But the species is listed as Near Threatened by the World Conservation Union.
If conservationists are to estimate how the last remaining populations of jaguar might grow, they need to know three things: how many cubs females have in each litter, how many of those cubs survive on average, and how often females give birth to new litters.
But most information about the reproductive habits of jaguars comes from observations in zoos, which may not reflect how jaguars reproduce in the wild. Even in captivity, researchers have been rarely able to document how often females give birth to new litters.
So Eduardo Carrillo and Joel Saenz of the National University in Heredia, Costa Rica and Todd Fuller of the University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, US embarked on an ongoing study of jaguars living in the Corcovado National Park in west Costa Rica.
The study began in 1990 after Carrillo saw a female jaguar walking with a single cub across a beach in the park during the day.
"At that time there were few jaguar studies and the lack of information was an important issue when making management decisions about jaguar conservation," says Carrillo. "So in 1994 we decided to radio mark jaguars. In 2003 we began using camera traps."
During the study, they found that jaguars in the park feed mainly on peccaries and marine turtles.
The diet surprised the biologists because an adult jaguar is capable of eating any animal that crosses its path, including people, though there is no record of a wild jaguar ever having attacked a person in the wild.
They also managed to follow a single female jaguar for three and a half years, by using the radio collar to triangulate her position and identifying her particular paw prints left in the mud.
In March one year, they saw the female being attended to by an adult male. By late May or early June she gave birth, and was seen accompanied by a single cub in July.
That cub remained with its mother for 19 to 20 months. Then some 22 months after she had first given birth, Carrillo noticed she was again pregnant, and was seen with a new cub a month or two later.
That confirms that wild jaguars seem to give birth once every 22 to 24 months, and that juvenile jaguars leave the company of their mother after 18 to 24 months, the team report in the journal Mammalian Biology.
Jaguars are thought to give birth to more than cub on average, though it is unclear how many usually survive until adulthood.
"One of the main questions about jaguars is their natural birthing habits," says Carrillo. "We have little knowledge about this until now."
However, despite the team's camera traps recording pictures of adult jaguars, the mothers are still proving protective of their offspring.
"We have pictures of pregnant females, but we have never taken a picture of a female jaguar with its cubs." Kudos to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Visit
Brazilian president arrives in Costa Rica for visit
+ - 10:26, June 03, 2009
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in Costa Rica Tuesday for his first state visit to Costa Rica with an aim to strength the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
"The visit of the Brazilian president to Costa Rica is due to the strong will from both countries to deepen their ties in political, trade and cultural cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels," said Vice Foreign Minister Edgar Ugalde Ugalde, who welcomed Lula at the airport in San Jose Costa Rica.
Lula will meet with his Costa Rica counterpart Oscar Arias on Wednesday and a joint declaration is expected to be signed after their meeting.
He is scheduled to leave Costa Rica on Wednesday afternoon.
+ - 10:26, June 03, 2009
Click the "PLAY" button and listen. Do you like the online audio service here?
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Just so so
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No interest
Related News
Brazilian president: bodies of likely plane crash victims can be found
Brazilian Navy sends more ships to help in Flight 447 search
Brazilian president expresses sympathy to relatives of missing airliner victims
Brazil sends planes, ships for Air France Flight 447 search
Dam break kills four, displaces 2,500 in Brazil
Comment Tell A Friend
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in Costa Rica Tuesday for his first state visit to Costa Rica with an aim to strength the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
"The visit of the Brazilian president to Costa Rica is due to the strong will from both countries to deepen their ties in political, trade and cultural cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels," said Vice Foreign Minister Edgar Ugalde Ugalde, who welcomed Lula at the airport in San Jose Costa Rica.
Lula will meet with his Costa Rica counterpart Oscar Arias on Wednesday and a joint declaration is expected to be signed after their meeting.
He is scheduled to leave Costa Rica on Wednesday afternoon.
Costa Rica Coffee
Costa Ricans have rich coffee history
June 3, 2009
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The law requires you to plant and grow coffee on your property. Not much, just a few shrubs that you will be asked to tend so that they produce coffee cherries.
Of course, that is not required of people in the United States. But at one time it was apparently the law of the land in Costa Rica.
While many citizens of Costa Rica would rightfully take umbrage at yet more government interference into their private lives and property, at least one nice thing did result from that old mandate in Costa Rica — the country and its citizens became very good at producing very good coffee.
Costa Rica is peppered with both large cooperative coffee plantations and small independent farms, big co-op mills that service the large farms and small micro-mills that the lone farmer and his family operate to process their own crops.
Costa Rica has an excellent climate and soil for growing coffee (along with fine cigar tobacco, a double bonus for the country). Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the country benefits from warm tropical winds and rain. Volcanic mountain ranges also bookend a central highland plain area of rich volcanic soil. You could hardly ask for better growing conditions.
I recently enjoyed a cup of drip-brewed Costa Rican from the Tarazzu region, more or less in the center of the country, south of San Jose. This region is dense with coffee farms and estates, as it is deemed one of the best locations for growing coffee in a country rife with ideal conditions. The high altitude, rich soil and shade conditions favor a slow growth that helps produce outstanding Arabica coffee.
Coffees from this region of Costa Rica are generally described by the coffee terms "classic" and "clean," meaning that they are silky smooth, without defects and extremely well balanced. Sometimes the best examples of a clean cup are also so clean as to be almost uninteresting, with nothing that stands out or grabs your attention. Of course, a lot can happen from tree to cup to influence the coffee you end up drinking.
The particular Costa Rican Tarazzu coffee that I was drinking was not what I would describe as a classic cup. It was, however, quite good. I spoke with the barista and asked about the coffee. They did not roast their own coffee on site, but purchased it from a well-known, high quality roasting company that supplies coffee shops all over the United States. It had been roasted to an upper medium or full-city roast and was only a week off the roast.
The aroma was pleasing, not overpowering at all but light and fresh and hinting of garden cucumbers still on the vine. The drink was smooth, yet displayed a little brightness or acidity. It also impressed with a note of citrus and even a little nuttiness, almost like a blanched, unsalted peanut. The aftertaste wasn't so great, being a little too acidic for me to give it five stars out of five (that is, if I used a star rating system).
Overall, it was a very good coffee.
It struck me that it might have been the perfect coffee for the warm, sunny spring morning we had that day. Gone (hopefully) were the last remnants of winter, when I seem to be drawn to heavier, heartier and bolder coffees. Spring calls for a change of attitude and a change in coffees. I guess serendipity was with me that spring day.
David Smith is a co-owner of Stumpjack Coffee Company in Two Rivers. E-mail stumpjack@gmail.com.
June 3, 2009
Post a CommentRecommendPrint this page E-mail this article Share Del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Buzz up!Twitter
The law requires you to plant and grow coffee on your property. Not much, just a few shrubs that you will be asked to tend so that they produce coffee cherries.
Of course, that is not required of people in the United States. But at one time it was apparently the law of the land in Costa Rica.
While many citizens of Costa Rica would rightfully take umbrage at yet more government interference into their private lives and property, at least one nice thing did result from that old mandate in Costa Rica — the country and its citizens became very good at producing very good coffee.
Costa Rica is peppered with both large cooperative coffee plantations and small independent farms, big co-op mills that service the large farms and small micro-mills that the lone farmer and his family operate to process their own crops.
Costa Rica has an excellent climate and soil for growing coffee (along with fine cigar tobacco, a double bonus for the country). Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the country benefits from warm tropical winds and rain. Volcanic mountain ranges also bookend a central highland plain area of rich volcanic soil. You could hardly ask for better growing conditions.
I recently enjoyed a cup of drip-brewed Costa Rican from the Tarazzu region, more or less in the center of the country, south of San Jose. This region is dense with coffee farms and estates, as it is deemed one of the best locations for growing coffee in a country rife with ideal conditions. The high altitude, rich soil and shade conditions favor a slow growth that helps produce outstanding Arabica coffee.
Coffees from this region of Costa Rica are generally described by the coffee terms "classic" and "clean," meaning that they are silky smooth, without defects and extremely well balanced. Sometimes the best examples of a clean cup are also so clean as to be almost uninteresting, with nothing that stands out or grabs your attention. Of course, a lot can happen from tree to cup to influence the coffee you end up drinking.
The particular Costa Rican Tarazzu coffee that I was drinking was not what I would describe as a classic cup. It was, however, quite good. I spoke with the barista and asked about the coffee. They did not roast their own coffee on site, but purchased it from a well-known, high quality roasting company that supplies coffee shops all over the United States. It had been roasted to an upper medium or full-city roast and was only a week off the roast.
The aroma was pleasing, not overpowering at all but light and fresh and hinting of garden cucumbers still on the vine. The drink was smooth, yet displayed a little brightness or acidity. It also impressed with a note of citrus and even a little nuttiness, almost like a blanched, unsalted peanut. The aftertaste wasn't so great, being a little too acidic for me to give it five stars out of five (that is, if I used a star rating system).
Overall, it was a very good coffee.
It struck me that it might have been the perfect coffee for the warm, sunny spring morning we had that day. Gone (hopefully) were the last remnants of winter, when I seem to be drawn to heavier, heartier and bolder coffees. Spring calls for a change of attitude and a change in coffees. I guess serendipity was with me that spring day.
David Smith is a co-owner of Stumpjack Coffee Company in Two Rivers. E-mail stumpjack@gmail.com.
Costa Rica Soccer
Costa Rica Kickaround
*My scene-setting, USA-Costa Rica story from San Jose Costa Rica. To see how it was presented on the front of the print-edition sports section, click here.
*TV Alert! Less than 24 hours before the USA-CR showdown, ESPN execs abruptly moved tonight's coverage from ESPN to ESPN2. The good news is that they've added a 30-minute pregame show starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. The reason: The College Softball World Series. [UPDATE: According to a USSF press release, "The programming change prevents potential conflicts with ESPN's baseball coverage running into the U.S. game's time slot and was made possible by the Women's College World Series ending early."] Alert your neighbors, reset your TiVo/DVRs, don't blame the incorrect TV listings in today's newspapers. The network also encountered production issues in Costa Rica and did not send the announcing crew to San Jose. (They'll handle play-by-play from Connecticut.)
*With Frankie Hejduk out, Ricardo Clark has been added to the USA roster.
*More than 47,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday's USA qualifier against Honduras at Soldier Field in Tegucigalpa Chicago. [UPDATE: It's now at 50,000-plus.]
*Happy 20th birthday (yesterday) to the USA's Freddy Adu.
*On a side note: After guiding Virginia Tech to its first NCAA College Cup semifinals in 2007, Oliver Weiss has resigned as coach. Hmmm.....
By Steve Goff | June 3, 2009; 9:28 AM ET
Categories: College Soccer , Costa Rica , TV , U.S. men's national team
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Previous: I'm Not a Celebrity, Where's the Marriott?
Next: The Wallaces of Costa Rica
*My scene-setting, USA-Costa Rica story from San Jose Costa Rica. To see how it was presented on the front of the print-edition sports section, click here.
*TV Alert! Less than 24 hours before the USA-CR showdown, ESPN execs abruptly moved tonight's coverage from ESPN to ESPN2. The good news is that they've added a 30-minute pregame show starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. The reason: The College Softball World Series. [UPDATE: According to a USSF press release, "The programming change prevents potential conflicts with ESPN's baseball coverage running into the U.S. game's time slot and was made possible by the Women's College World Series ending early."] Alert your neighbors, reset your TiVo/DVRs, don't blame the incorrect TV listings in today's newspapers. The network also encountered production issues in Costa Rica and did not send the announcing crew to San Jose. (They'll handle play-by-play from Connecticut.)
*With Frankie Hejduk out, Ricardo Clark has been added to the USA roster.
*More than 47,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday's USA qualifier against Honduras at Soldier Field in Tegucigalpa Chicago. [UPDATE: It's now at 50,000-plus.]
*Happy 20th birthday (yesterday) to the USA's Freddy Adu.
*On a side note: After guiding Virginia Tech to its first NCAA College Cup semifinals in 2007, Oliver Weiss has resigned as coach. Hmmm.....
By Steve Goff | June 3, 2009; 9:28 AM ET
Categories: College Soccer , Costa Rica , TV , U.S. men's national team
Share This: E-Mail | Technorati | Del.icio.us | Digg | Stumble
Previous: I'm Not a Celebrity, Where's the Marriott?
Next: The Wallaces of Costa Rica
Heidi Pratt Costa Rica
Heidi Pratt Rushed to Hospital
Hills star Heidi Pratt has been rushed to a Costa Rican hospital with an undisclosed medical emergency, Usmagazine.com has learned exclusively.
Pratt's husband, Spencer -- who is competing with his wife on NBC's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here -- is traveling with her to the hospital, a source in Costa Rica confirms.
No further details have been made available as to the specifics of Heidi's condition or what it means for the series.
NBC could not be reached for comment.
Story developing...
Source
From OK! Mag:
Sources tell OK! that Heidi is suffering from what appears to be an infection and is currently undergoing tests at the hospital. OK! can also confirm er husband and co-star Spencer Pratt went along with her in the ambulence to the hospital.
http://okmagazine.com/news/view/14726
From Stephanie Pratt's twitter:
Im really saddened to hear that nbc felt it was ok to punish speidi so harshly-and torture them as if they were criminals-that Heidi was Rushed to the Costa Rica hospital and has an IV in her arm after being locked in a dark room for 3 days w no food or water. Pls pray she will be ok
Her family is flying out to see her in the Costa Rica hospital. I know they pulled some shitty antics-but really nbc?? Too far.
http://twitter.com/stephaniepratt
Hills star Heidi Pratt has been rushed to a Costa Rican hospital with an undisclosed medical emergency, Usmagazine.com has learned exclusively.
Pratt's husband, Spencer -- who is competing with his wife on NBC's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here -- is traveling with her to the hospital, a source in Costa Rica confirms.
No further details have been made available as to the specifics of Heidi's condition or what it means for the series.
NBC could not be reached for comment.
Story developing...
Source
From OK! Mag:
Sources tell OK! that Heidi is suffering from what appears to be an infection and is currently undergoing tests at the hospital. OK! can also confirm er husband and co-star Spencer Pratt went along with her in the ambulence to the hospital.
http://okmagazine.com/news/view/14726
From Stephanie Pratt's twitter:
Im really saddened to hear that nbc felt it was ok to punish speidi so harshly-and torture them as if they were criminals-that Heidi was Rushed to the Costa Rica hospital and has an IV in her arm after being locked in a dark room for 3 days w no food or water. Pls pray she will be ok
Her family is flying out to see her in the Costa Rica hospital. I know they pulled some shitty antics-but really nbc?? Too far.
http://twitter.com/stephaniepratt
Costa Rica I Am a Celebrity
Report: I'm a Celebrity's Heidi Is Hospitalized; Execs Call Torture Tale "Untrue"
Jun 8, 2009 10:08 AM ET by Matt Mitovich 39 Comments
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Heidi Pratt on I'm a Celebrity
Heidi Pratt was hospitalized in Costa Rica this weekend for a stomach infection after she and her husband, Spencer, were sent to an isolation chamber as part of the reality competition I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! , according to reports.
After repeatedly vomiting, Heidi was rushed to a local Costa Rica hospital with a gastric ulcer, her sister-in-law, Stephanie Pratt, told E! "She thought she was dying," she said.
Neither NBC nor TVGuide.com's production insider would comment on Heidi's reported hospital stay, but producers denied that she was ever placed in jeopardy on the Costa Rica show.
Heidi checked out of the hospital on Sunday and is now recovering in a hotel in Costa Rica, a source told Access Hollywood.
Heidi and Spencer's isolation experience was videotaped in full and will be detailed during Monday's special two-hour episode — as will the couple's overall fate with the show.
Also to be revealed will be the surprise quitting of a third contestant, according to our production source.
The Pratts were sequestered on Thursday in the "Lost Chamber" after they tried to quit the competition several times during the first week. The couple agreed to the punishment after they pleaded to come back to the show in which celebrities are dropped in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to test their survivor skills, before viewers get the chance to vote them out.
Spencer's sister, Stephanie, claimed via Twitter that Heidi had been "locked in a dark room for 3 days w no food." She later told E! News that bugs were lowered in through the roof and onto the couple in the pitch black. "They treated them like they were criminals or terrorists," Stephanie Pratt said.
Although the conditions were intended to be uncomfortable, a setside source said the Pratts only spent 14 hours in the chamber, with food and water. They also slept through most of their isolation time, and emerged from the chamber in good spirits.
I'm a Celebrity's production company, ITV Studios, said in a statement that "all allegations of the celebrities being deprived of food and water are completely untrue."
All "press reports at this time are untrue. ITV has been producing this format around the world for many years and the health of the celebrity participants are of the utmost importance," according to the statement. "A medic and a doctor are present at the location at all times for all participants."
Jun 8, 2009 10:08 AM ET by Matt Mitovich 39 Comments
email this Buzz up!add to Yahoo! buzz add to facebook
Heidi Pratt on I'm a Celebrity
Heidi Pratt was hospitalized in Costa Rica this weekend for a stomach infection after she and her husband, Spencer, were sent to an isolation chamber as part of the reality competition I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! , according to reports.
After repeatedly vomiting, Heidi was rushed to a local Costa Rica hospital with a gastric ulcer, her sister-in-law, Stephanie Pratt, told E! "She thought she was dying," she said.
Neither NBC nor TVGuide.com's production insider would comment on Heidi's reported hospital stay, but producers denied that she was ever placed in jeopardy on the Costa Rica show.
Heidi checked out of the hospital on Sunday and is now recovering in a hotel in Costa Rica, a source told Access Hollywood.
Heidi and Spencer's isolation experience was videotaped in full and will be detailed during Monday's special two-hour episode — as will the couple's overall fate with the show.
Also to be revealed will be the surprise quitting of a third contestant, according to our production source.
The Pratts were sequestered on Thursday in the "Lost Chamber" after they tried to quit the competition several times during the first week. The couple agreed to the punishment after they pleaded to come back to the show in which celebrities are dropped in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to test their survivor skills, before viewers get the chance to vote them out.
Spencer's sister, Stephanie, claimed via Twitter that Heidi had been "locked in a dark room for 3 days w no food." She later told E! News that bugs were lowered in through the roof and onto the couple in the pitch black. "They treated them like they were criminals or terrorists," Stephanie Pratt said.
Although the conditions were intended to be uncomfortable, a setside source said the Pratts only spent 14 hours in the chamber, with food and water. They also slept through most of their isolation time, and emerged from the chamber in good spirits.
I'm a Celebrity's production company, ITV Studios, said in a statement that "all allegations of the celebrities being deprived of food and water are completely untrue."
All "press reports at this time are untrue. ITV has been producing this format around the world for many years and the health of the celebrity participants are of the utmost importance," according to the statement. "A medic and a doctor are present at the location at all times for all participants."
Costa Rica Surf Competition
The Billabong ISA World Surfing Games 2009 will be hosted in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica this August 1-8, 2009. The event, which will bring together the best surfers in the world in an Olympic-style competition, is set to be the biggest surfing championship ever held in Central America. The honor of hosting the 8th ever World Surfing Games is expected to solidify Costa Rica’s reputation as one of the world’s best up and coming surf destinations.
Last year’s competition, which took place in Costa de Caparica, Portugal, saw a turn out of more than 200 competitors from 28 countries. The Costa Rican team shined with their highest ranking ever, coming in 5th place at the event. The number of surfers and skill level is expected to increase for this year’s competition, which was scheduled to correspond with Hermosa’s peak surf season with waves ranging from four to eight feet with perfect barrels. The team to beat is four-time ISA Surfing Games champion, Australia, who racked up Gold medals in the last three consecutive events.
In August, each country will be represented by up to four surfers in the men’s Open category, two surfers in the women’s Open category and two long boarders. Costa Rica’s national team of eight surfers will be officially announced two days before the competitions begin. They will be selected from a short list of the country’s best surfers that have already begun training for the event.
This list features Carlos Muñoz, the 16-year-old who just won his first national championship in the men’s open division at the National Surf Circuit finals that also took place at Playa Hermosa Costa Rica. Joining him on the list are Diego Naranjo, Gilbert Brown, Jairo Perez, Jason Torres, Juan Carlos Naranjo, Cristian Santamaría, Anthony Flores and Luis Vindas in the men’s Open and long board categories. Two of the following women will also have the honor of representing Costa Rica: current National women’s champion Nataly Bernold, Lisbeth Vindas and Mariana Samudio.
The Costa Rica team also racked up a Bronze medal in last year’s surfing games in a special tag-team event called “Aloha Cup”. After coming in 10th place in this year’s World Junior Surfing Games in Ecuador, it is clear that Costa Rica has a strong future ahead of it in international surf competitions.
The president of the Costa Rica Federation of Surf (FSC – the hosts of the event) Jose Ureña said “I’m really happy for the opportunity that ISA and Billabong have given to us. To be hosts of this event is a like dream, to have so many countries enjoying our waves. It’s a unique occasion for us.”
Ureña hopes the event will help to further promote Costa Rica tourism, and particularly surf tourism to the region by putting the country’s waves on display for the global press. He also commented that local press has not covered the country’s international competitions in the past, so hosting the Surfing Games will help to increase local exposure as well.
The fact that Billabong is sponsoring this year’s event for the first time was also a big break for Costa Rica and the surfing world. Brand representative Graham Stapelberg promoted the decision to host the games in Costa Rica, saying: “I believe it is vital to provide a platform for these emerging surf regions. It is the only event of its kind where you get such a large representation of so many different surf nations”.
Visitor Logistics
Playa Hermosa is seemingly endless volcanic sand beach set 5 minutes south of the popular tourist destination of Jaco, and about two hours from the capital city of San Jose and the country’s main international airport, Juan Santamaria (SJO). The town itself features low density development, with one side of the town’s only road left untouched. The nearby town of Jaco offers more plentiful lodging options, though reservations must be made in advance.
The cost of a taxi from the airport to Jaco can vary between $80 and $150. Private shuttles can be arranged in advance, or public bus tickets can be purchased in down town San Jose at the Coca Cola bus terminal.
The competition will take place on the beach break in front of Hotel Terraza del Pacifico, at the north end of Hermosa. August conditions feature southern swells with waves averaging 4 to 8 feet in the warm Pacific waters. The month is considered to be part of the Costa Rica rainy season, with sporadic rain showers expected throughout the week of competition.
Event Schedule:
July 28-30: Team registration
July 31: Parade of Nations/ Opening Ceremony
August 1: Competition begins.
August 5: Start of Open Longboard
August 8: Contest ends/ Closing Ceremony
Last year’s competition, which took place in Costa de Caparica, Portugal, saw a turn out of more than 200 competitors from 28 countries. The Costa Rican team shined with their highest ranking ever, coming in 5th place at the event. The number of surfers and skill level is expected to increase for this year’s competition, which was scheduled to correspond with Hermosa’s peak surf season with waves ranging from four to eight feet with perfect barrels. The team to beat is four-time ISA Surfing Games champion, Australia, who racked up Gold medals in the last three consecutive events.
In August, each country will be represented by up to four surfers in the men’s Open category, two surfers in the women’s Open category and two long boarders. Costa Rica’s national team of eight surfers will be officially announced two days before the competitions begin. They will be selected from a short list of the country’s best surfers that have already begun training for the event.
This list features Carlos Muñoz, the 16-year-old who just won his first national championship in the men’s open division at the National Surf Circuit finals that also took place at Playa Hermosa Costa Rica. Joining him on the list are Diego Naranjo, Gilbert Brown, Jairo Perez, Jason Torres, Juan Carlos Naranjo, Cristian Santamaría, Anthony Flores and Luis Vindas in the men’s Open and long board categories. Two of the following women will also have the honor of representing Costa Rica: current National women’s champion Nataly Bernold, Lisbeth Vindas and Mariana Samudio.
The Costa Rica team also racked up a Bronze medal in last year’s surfing games in a special tag-team event called “Aloha Cup”. After coming in 10th place in this year’s World Junior Surfing Games in Ecuador, it is clear that Costa Rica has a strong future ahead of it in international surf competitions.
The president of the Costa Rica Federation of Surf (FSC – the hosts of the event) Jose Ureña said “I’m really happy for the opportunity that ISA and Billabong have given to us. To be hosts of this event is a like dream, to have so many countries enjoying our waves. It’s a unique occasion for us.”
Ureña hopes the event will help to further promote Costa Rica tourism, and particularly surf tourism to the region by putting the country’s waves on display for the global press. He also commented that local press has not covered the country’s international competitions in the past, so hosting the Surfing Games will help to increase local exposure as well.
The fact that Billabong is sponsoring this year’s event for the first time was also a big break for Costa Rica and the surfing world. Brand representative Graham Stapelberg promoted the decision to host the games in Costa Rica, saying: “I believe it is vital to provide a platform for these emerging surf regions. It is the only event of its kind where you get such a large representation of so many different surf nations”.
Visitor Logistics
Playa Hermosa is seemingly endless volcanic sand beach set 5 minutes south of the popular tourist destination of Jaco, and about two hours from the capital city of San Jose and the country’s main international airport, Juan Santamaria (SJO). The town itself features low density development, with one side of the town’s only road left untouched. The nearby town of Jaco offers more plentiful lodging options, though reservations must be made in advance.
The cost of a taxi from the airport to Jaco can vary between $80 and $150. Private shuttles can be arranged in advance, or public bus tickets can be purchased in down town San Jose at the Coca Cola bus terminal.
The competition will take place on the beach break in front of Hotel Terraza del Pacifico, at the north end of Hermosa. August conditions feature southern swells with waves averaging 4 to 8 feet in the warm Pacific waters. The month is considered to be part of the Costa Rica rainy season, with sporadic rain showers expected throughout the week of competition.
Event Schedule:
July 28-30: Team registration
July 31: Parade of Nations/ Opening Ceremony
August 1: Competition begins.
August 5: Start of Open Longboard
August 8: Contest ends/ Closing Ceremony
Costa Rica Art
New York School Fest Celebrates All Things Costa Rica
By Pat Kinney
MORAVIA (New York) - Millard Fillmore Elementary School's Costa Rica Festival today will celebrate biodiversity, Costa Rican culture and history and the effects of our choices on our world economy and environment.
The public is invited to the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the school. There will be two performances of Jan Brett's "The Umbrella," as well as Latin American dancing, at 9:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Throughout the day, second- and fifth-grade students will have displays and performances in their classrooms and in the hallways featuring the various ways they've explored Costa Rica.
Second-grade students have explored a unique Central American art form called molas. Each student created their own mola, using animal motifs found in Costa Rica. Students also created three-dimensional paper masks that explore the various adaptations of Costa Rica birds.
Second-graders have also been learning about the impact that non-sustainable choices have had on the rainforest of Costa Rica, creating displays that show the effects of damaging choices in land and water management on animals and the land.
Fifth-grade students in Trish Genson's class - who have been studying Costa Rican myths, fairy tales and fables - will perform two Costa Rican stories - "When Woman Becomes the Sea" and "The Sleeping Bread."
Jim VanArsdale's fifth-graders have been working with the school's stage band and teacher Chris Little to highlight the history of Costa Rican music, showing how the sounds and rhythms are present in our pop music today.
Jeff Porter's fifth-grade students researched pre-Columbian weapons and warfare, and they will explain what weapons that were used then. The class will also model costumes they have made and serve samples of typical Costa Rican food.
The Costa Rica project has been enriched by the talents of Holly Adams, a teaching theater artist, who has worked with the school for eight years on a variety of Arts in Education projects. Another guest artist, Jorge Cuevas, a teaching Latin American dance and music artist, helped the students learn more about the culture of Costa Rica.
The project was supported by an ArtStart Grant through Partners for Arts Education, the Millard Fillmore Elementary Student Council, the McDonald's Corp. through a MAC grant and Moravia Central School.
For more information about the June 10 event, contact the school at (315) 497-2670.
By Pat Kinney
MORAVIA (New York) - Millard Fillmore Elementary School's Costa Rica Festival today will celebrate biodiversity, Costa Rican culture and history and the effects of our choices on our world economy and environment.
The public is invited to the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the school. There will be two performances of Jan Brett's "The Umbrella," as well as Latin American dancing, at 9:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Throughout the day, second- and fifth-grade students will have displays and performances in their classrooms and in the hallways featuring the various ways they've explored Costa Rica.
Second-grade students have explored a unique Central American art form called molas. Each student created their own mola, using animal motifs found in Costa Rica. Students also created three-dimensional paper masks that explore the various adaptations of Costa Rica birds.
Second-graders have also been learning about the impact that non-sustainable choices have had on the rainforest of Costa Rica, creating displays that show the effects of damaging choices in land and water management on animals and the land.
Fifth-grade students in Trish Genson's class - who have been studying Costa Rican myths, fairy tales and fables - will perform two Costa Rican stories - "When Woman Becomes the Sea" and "The Sleeping Bread."
Jim VanArsdale's fifth-graders have been working with the school's stage band and teacher Chris Little to highlight the history of Costa Rican music, showing how the sounds and rhythms are present in our pop music today.
Jeff Porter's fifth-grade students researched pre-Columbian weapons and warfare, and they will explain what weapons that were used then. The class will also model costumes they have made and serve samples of typical Costa Rican food.
The Costa Rica project has been enriched by the talents of Holly Adams, a teaching theater artist, who has worked with the school for eight years on a variety of Arts in Education projects. Another guest artist, Jorge Cuevas, a teaching Latin American dance and music artist, helped the students learn more about the culture of Costa Rica.
The project was supported by an ArtStart Grant through Partners for Arts Education, the Millard Fillmore Elementary Student Council, the McDonald's Corp. through a MAC grant and Moravia Central School.
For more information about the June 10 event, contact the school at (315) 497-2670.
Costa Rica Weddings
Sears and Bong wed in Costa Rica
Special to the Register
Laura Elizabeth Sears of Irving and Robert Spolec Bong of Dallas were married at 4:30 p.m. February 28, 2009, at Tamarindo Diria Resort in Costa Rica, with DR. Brent Gentzel of Kaufman officiating.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. Larry and Katherine Sears of Gainesville. She is a 1998 graduate of Gainesville High School and a 2002 graduate of Baylor University with a marketing degree. She is currently employed as a sales representative for Reef and Element in Dallas.
The groom is the son of James and Lynn Bong of Dallas. He is a graduate of Lake Highlands High School and a 2002 graduate of Baylor University. He is currently contractor and owner of Star Landscaping in Dallas.
Grandparents of the couple are Anna Jo and Virgil Sears of Lake Kiowa, Dr. Norval and Elizabeth Smith of Tulsa, Okla., the late Harry Wood, Jean and the late Robert Spolec of Dallas and Sylvia and the late Robert Bong of Dallas.
On the lush grounds of the Costa Rica Tamarindo Diria Resort over looking the Pacific Ocean was tropical flowers decorating a white tulle canopy.
Musician was a classical guitarist from San Jose, Costa Rica.
Vocalist were Jason Lewis, Taylor Vieger and Julie Gentzel.
Music included the classical guitarist playing Bach’s “Cannon in D” “In My Life” was sung by groomsmen Taylor Vieger and Jason Lewis, “How Beautiful” was sung by Julie Gentzel and Rob Brewing of Dallas read a scripture from Philipians.
The bride was given in marriage by her father, Dr. Larry Sears.
The bride wore a Cymbeline Saltine strapless dress with a sweet heart v-neck, ivory silk organza and taffeta, hi-low skirt, corset bodice with lace-up back and layered ruffles. She wore a birdcage veil with flower and feather accents. She carried calla lilies and white orchids with peacock feathers.
Matron of honor was Susanna Stone Bailey of Red Lodge, MT, best friend of the bride.
Bridesmaids were Stephanie McElreath Weiss of Naperville IL, long time friend of the bride; Bonnie DeBorde of Dallas, long time friend of the bride; Rebeca VanEs of Houston, college roommate; Brittany Smith of Euless, college friend; Laura Bong, sister of the groom; and Nadine Grosse of Grapevine, friend.
The attendants wore turquoise tea-length sleeveless dresses with black sashes with peacock detail.
Best man was John Yocum of Houston, best friend of the groom in college.
Groomsmen were Jason Lewis of Austin, college friend; Brian Roach of West Hollywood, CA, high school friend; Chad Lemons of Dallas, college friend; Taylor Viegar of Dallas, school friend; Alan Sears of Austin, brother of the bride; and Brian Sears of Gainesville, brother of the bride.
Ushers were Brian and Alan Sears, brothers of the bride.
The reception was poolside at the Tamarindo Diria Resort. It was decorated with tropical flowers and palm trees in tall containers.
Rehearsal dinner was held, at Mar y Sol, overlooking Flamingo Bay at sunset. All sixty guest were included.
After a wedding trip to Arenal and Dominical areas of Costa Rica the couple plan to reside in Valley Ranch in Irving.
They will also have a local celebration June 13th at Moss Lake.
Special to the Register
Laura Elizabeth Sears of Irving and Robert Spolec Bong of Dallas were married at 4:30 p.m. February 28, 2009, at Tamarindo Diria Resort in Costa Rica, with DR. Brent Gentzel of Kaufman officiating.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. Larry and Katherine Sears of Gainesville. She is a 1998 graduate of Gainesville High School and a 2002 graduate of Baylor University with a marketing degree. She is currently employed as a sales representative for Reef and Element in Dallas.
The groom is the son of James and Lynn Bong of Dallas. He is a graduate of Lake Highlands High School and a 2002 graduate of Baylor University. He is currently contractor and owner of Star Landscaping in Dallas.
Grandparents of the couple are Anna Jo and Virgil Sears of Lake Kiowa, Dr. Norval and Elizabeth Smith of Tulsa, Okla., the late Harry Wood, Jean and the late Robert Spolec of Dallas and Sylvia and the late Robert Bong of Dallas.
On the lush grounds of the Costa Rica Tamarindo Diria Resort over looking the Pacific Ocean was tropical flowers decorating a white tulle canopy.
Musician was a classical guitarist from San Jose, Costa Rica.
Vocalist were Jason Lewis, Taylor Vieger and Julie Gentzel.
Music included the classical guitarist playing Bach’s “Cannon in D” “In My Life” was sung by groomsmen Taylor Vieger and Jason Lewis, “How Beautiful” was sung by Julie Gentzel and Rob Brewing of Dallas read a scripture from Philipians.
The bride was given in marriage by her father, Dr. Larry Sears.
The bride wore a Cymbeline Saltine strapless dress with a sweet heart v-neck, ivory silk organza and taffeta, hi-low skirt, corset bodice with lace-up back and layered ruffles. She wore a birdcage veil with flower and feather accents. She carried calla lilies and white orchids with peacock feathers.
Matron of honor was Susanna Stone Bailey of Red Lodge, MT, best friend of the bride.
Bridesmaids were Stephanie McElreath Weiss of Naperville IL, long time friend of the bride; Bonnie DeBorde of Dallas, long time friend of the bride; Rebeca VanEs of Houston, college roommate; Brittany Smith of Euless, college friend; Laura Bong, sister of the groom; and Nadine Grosse of Grapevine, friend.
The attendants wore turquoise tea-length sleeveless dresses with black sashes with peacock detail.
Best man was John Yocum of Houston, best friend of the groom in college.
Groomsmen were Jason Lewis of Austin, college friend; Brian Roach of West Hollywood, CA, high school friend; Chad Lemons of Dallas, college friend; Taylor Viegar of Dallas, school friend; Alan Sears of Austin, brother of the bride; and Brian Sears of Gainesville, brother of the bride.
Ushers were Brian and Alan Sears, brothers of the bride.
The reception was poolside at the Tamarindo Diria Resort. It was decorated with tropical flowers and palm trees in tall containers.
Rehearsal dinner was held, at Mar y Sol, overlooking Flamingo Bay at sunset. All sixty guest were included.
After a wedding trip to Arenal and Dominical areas of Costa Rica the couple plan to reside in Valley Ranch in Irving.
They will also have a local celebration June 13th at Moss Lake.
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