Most of you know by now that Costa Rica is not an island, but situated in Central America between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south…

However for the millions that have visited Costa Rica, or for the happy residents that live here, Costa Rica is indeed an island of peace and tranquility in the sea of Central American political turbulence and poverty. Plus the fact that it's so close to the U.S. helps to ensure interest in Costa Rica by North Americans forever and ever, no matter how bad the U.S. economy!

This “developing” nation has it’s reputation continually and romantically enhanced by:

• The lack of a military and a Nobel Peace Prize winning President, Oscar Arias. 
• The evolving ecological consciousness, large quantity of natural reserved and protected areas, and now "biofuel" and algae growth and development possibilities. 
• The absolutely amazing amount of spectacular scenery (from its beautiful beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, to the endless variety of flora and fauna).
• The wealth of activities ranging from adventure sports both day and night, or the leisurely moments spent sipping sunrises during spectacular sunsets.
• The fact that all foreign property purchasers have the same legal rights as the Costa Ricans.
• But most of all, Costa Rica is a great place because of the incredibly friendly and warm-hearted people known as Ticos (males) and Ticas (females).

WHY THIS AREA ALONG THE PACIFIC?

    The New Freeway:  It is now a reality that will be experienced as you drive to Jaco from the western suburbs of San Jose.
Having waited for more than 30 years for this miracle to take place, the highway was inaugurated by the President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias on January 27, 2010. The driving time has now been reduced to one hour or less from the International Airport Juan Santamaria. More importantly, the stress of driving to Jaco has been greatly reduced as one no longer has to deal with curvy mountainous terrain.  Hooray!             

Will this result in another "real estate boom" ?  
Things are selling again, so our answer is yes, now is the time to buy!               

   WHY JACÓ?

 Jacó, (pronounced ha-CÓ) has always been one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica due to its great infrastructure and proximity to San Jose, AND NOW with the new road, Jaco is only one hour away.
Jacó Beach and Playa Hermosa are world reknowned favorites with the surfing crowd thanks to the consistent waves, invitingly warm water, scenic mountain backdrops, tropical temperatures, and availability of surf instructors.
Jaco is located in Garabito, the eleventh canton in the province of Puntarenas in Costa Rica. The canton covers an area of 316.31 km² (1), and has a population of 12,259 (2). Its capital city is Jacó.

Breaking News March 25, 2009!
JACO & HERMOSA REPRESENTATIVES RECEIVE BLUE FLAG. For the second consecutive year, the city of Jaco recently received the Blue Flag award along with the surfing beach of Playa Hermosa, the site of the BILLABONG ISA 2009 WORLD SURFING GAMES. In order to receive the Blue Flag award, the quality of water, the solid waste management systems, the signaling of roads, the environmental education and public safety are all evaluated. The city council, local businesses and members of the community all worked together to ensure that the requirements were met and that Jaco was able to renew their accreditation.

The population of 10,000 for the Jaco beach area insures the vast quantity of services year-round just not found in other Costa Rican beach communities. 
The shape of Jaco Bay is unique and brings us cooler breezes and temperatures than either in the north or south Costa Rican beaches...

For many years, the Jaco area offered Costa Rica's only marina, in the beautifully designed upscale Los Suenos Golf & Marina Resort, in Herradura, (5 minutes from Jaco and host to a super modern grocery store-Auto Mercado).  

Yes we have Cable and Satellite TV with all your favorites including CNN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, HBO, Sony, WB, National Geo., Bloomberg, Disney, etc.... 
   Yes we have high speed and wireless internet!  
   Yes we have land lines and 2 cellular phone services.

    Yes we have modern grocery stores, fast food from Quiznos, Subway, Pizza Hut, KFC; hardware stores, Radio Shack, 2 Sushi bars, lots of "typico" restaurants with full meals (casados) for under $4, gelato ice-cream, & all types of restaurants serving the freshest fish caught in area waters, to satisfy most "foodies."  As a former restaurant owner, I am thrilled at our options here in Jaco!

Jaco has a Chamber of Commerce now, called CENPAC!

We are so thrilled with this group that we will post their monthly newsletters, (scroll below) so all of you can be updated with all the wonderful activities and special events going on in our ever-growing community.  They and Daystar Developers are the driving force behind the new beach-cleaning equipment that is currently operational and the soon? to be developed Jaco beachfront boardwalk!

For those that have not been to Jaco in the last few years, 

you will be shocked at the changes:

First: the newly paved roads entering our town.

Second: the high rise towers showing the dramatic growth.

Third: the small modern shopping centers;

Fourth: the presence of tourist police & the municipal police in

new cars and motorcycles.

Fifth: fewer low lifes, now replaced by tourists and cool people like you!

HOW NICE TO LIVE IN A COUNTRY THAT RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL TOURIST AWARDS! 
 

  1. Travel Weekly ranks Costa Rica as the best Latin American Destination      05-Jan-09
Travel Weekly Magazine, a specialized travel trade magazine, recognized Costa Rica as the best Latin American travel destination. The publication highlighted among the assets of the country, its many leisure activities and the friendliness of the Costa Rican people. 
This is the 5th year in a row that Costa Rica has been ranked this high while competing on this occasion with destinations such as Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Belize. The selection of Costa Rica was the result of a voting process in which 180 thousand travel industry readers in the United States representing travel agencies, hoteliers, corporations and suppliers, actively participated.  
Source: National Press 

2.  COSTA RICA IS AN ECO PARADISE ACCORDING TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC     July 11, 2008,   "the tropical jungles, rivers and the country`s beautiful white beaches were reason enough for the National Geographic Channel to rate Costa Rica as the closest thing to heaven on earth."  

3.   Condé Nast Traveler recognizes Jaco Costa Rican Hotel

25-10-08   A recent edition of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, mentions Costa Rica among their Best Hotels of Central America awards. Each year, the readership of the magazine selects the Top 100 - Destinations, Hotels, Resorts and Islands (among other categories), to be recognized by the publication. Costa Rican hotels included in the listing are Lapa Ríos Ecolodge, ranking in 2nd place; Hotel Grano de Oro, in 5th place; followed by the Costa Rica Marriott in sixth and Villa Caletas in seventh.  In the category of Central American and South American Resorts, Hotel Punta Islita ranks 1st while the Four Seasons Resort took fourth place. Source: La República  

4.   U.S. TV Networks and Internet sites recently promoting the virtues of Costa Rica

07-03-09 Reports aired on U.S. networks such as CNN, CNBC and ABC (available on You Tube), highlight Costa Rica as one of the most attractive destinations for Health related tourism, Real Estate and leading edge Technology. For Medical Tourism, foreigners have selected Costa Rica for the combination of its low cost services, modern technology and highly trained health professionals.  

5.   The World Bank has ranked the Costa Rica as the world’s fourth exporter of technology, ranking first in all of Latin America. With respect to leading edge technology, Costa Rica has been recognized as an ideal destination for the development of the industry.from Al Día

6.  The  2009 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games has been awarded to Hermosa Beach/Jaco, just 5 minutes south of Jacó on the Central Pacific coast. Some 35 countries are expected to be represented in the prestigious competition set for July 31 through Aug. 9, 2009. Improvements are being made to the Hermosa Beach Jaco area- right now!

11.  March 24, 2009 Playa Hermosa of Jaco has just been awarded its first Blue Flag beach designation. All of the Hermosa residents (including me) and international surf lovers are celebrating this award. Congratulations!

Prior Awards for Costa Rica: 

2008    Readers’ Choice Award:  Best Destination for Ecotourism & Adventure. 
2007    Travel Weekly voted CR:     Best Destination Latin America  

2006    Smarter Travel.com voted CR:  #3 Safest Destination for Women Travelers

2006    Magazine "Viajes y Turismo" granted Costa Rica 
           the award for  "Best Nature  Tourism Offered"

2004    Recommend  (one of the most read mags by employees of travel agencies),
           Readers’ Choice Award:  Best Destination for Ecotourism and Adventure. 
           Also Recommend Readers’ Choice Award: Best Selling Destination 
           for Latin America

2004    Modern Bride - Best Destination for Honeymoons (Culture) 
           Modern Bride - Adventure Destination for honeymoon

2004    Travel Weekly - Best Destination for Latin America Travel Weekly - 
           Best Destination for Tourism from the United States

2003    Recommend - Best Destination for Latin America.



   Bored in Jaco? Are you kidding me! Check out :   

 

 

CENPAC

JACO-CENTRAL PACIFIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CAMARA DE COMERCIO DEL PACIFICO CENTRAL

Telf: 2643-2853

www.jacochamber.com

Updated Feb. 17, 2010 

 

  

CAMARA DE COMERCIO DEL PACIFICO CENTRAL

Telf: 2643-2853  www.jacochamber.com

MULES FESTIVAL IN PARRITA WILL BE NEXT FEBRUARY 11 - 22. The National Mules Festival is an event that will take place every year in Parrita, this will be on February 11 to 22, with activities such as: Miss Parrita, bullfights, rodeo, kids activities, food sales, dances, concerts, bands parade, rallies, sporting events, festival rancher, and of course the famous mules and horses parade along with the extraordinary mules racer. Enjoy and collaborate with the Association of Parrita.

 

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FIESTAS CIVICAS QUEBRADA GANADO 2010 FROM FEBRUARY 25TH TO MARCH 1ST TO BENEFIT THE ASSOCIATION OF DEVELOPMENT. Quebrada Ganado is celebrating the QG Civic Holiday 2010 with bullfights, dances, fireworks, rides, sales of food, tope (horse ride), and more.

 

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COSTA RICA IS A SMALL COUNTRY IN POPULATION AND EXTENSION BUT STANDS OUT AMONG THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD THANKS TO ITS DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM. Costa Rica is governed by the Politic Constitution of November 7th, 1949, which established a presidential system and an unitary state. Under the terms of the Constitution of Costa Rica, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, irrespective of the powers of the Republic, is in charge of the organization, direction and supervision of electoral processes that take place every four years. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is responsible for conducting elections, consists of three principal magistrates and six alternates elected by the Supreme Court. The Costa Rica presidential elections of 2010 were on Sunday February 7th for the election of the president of our country for the next four years, between May 8th, 2010 and May 8th, 2014.

 

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THE COSTA RICAN FEDERATION OF SURF WILL HOST THE THIRD DATE OF THE NATIONAL CIRCUIT DAYSTAR 2009 - 2010 PRESENTED BY LIMECORAL. The 3rd Date of the National Circuit Daystar will be held on Saturday February 20th and Sunday February 17th, 2010 in front of the El Pilon Restaurant in WestfaliaBeach, Limon. The fourth date called Witch’s Rock Tournament will be in TamarindoBeach on March 13th and 14th. For more information please visit www.surfingcr.net, contact at 2235-6500 or send an email to info@surfingcr.net.

 

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! THE NEXT MEETING OF THE CENTRAL PACIFIC WOMEN'S GROUP WILL BE ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 2010, FROM 9-11 AM AT BALCON DEL MAR HOTEL. The Central Pacific Women’s Group is an inclusive, bilingual group whose purpose is to provide positive support to each other and the community under the auspices of the Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce. Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of each month from 9-11AM at Balcon del Mar. This coming Thursday Astrid Fischel, President of the Instituto de Altos Estudios will speak about their "STRENGTHENING CITIZEN SECURITY Program - A New initiative in Garabito, in which the Fuerza Publica, with support from the Instituto de Altos Estudios, will train neighborhood groups to recognize and prevent or deal with Criminal Activity, Domestic Abuse and Natural Disasters. Remember to bring a book for the book exchange program. For more information about the group, contact Norma Kahn at kahnnk@gmail.com.

 

 

ESCAPE CLOSER TO HEAVEN..... 2 x 1 A great opportunity to relax at the spectacular ZephyrPalace, part of Villa Caletas Hotel. Pay for one night accommodation and breakfasts, and enjoy two nights in a fantastic suite of the Palace. Rates start at $ 694. Valid from January 1st to December 20th, 2010. For more information please call at 2630-3000 or 2630-3030.  

 

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STARTING MARCH 1ST, 2010, THE YOGA STUDIO AT DOCELUNAS will expand their class schedule. Please watch the next newsletter for exact days and times. During February from the 14th through the 28th, the studio will be hosting two retreats with visiting teachers. You are welcome to take class with these groups. Check with Dee for all the details, send an email to dee@docelunas.com or call 8340-7502.

 

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CANCIONES DEL MAR HOTEL AND SACAGOMAS BAR IS FEATURING DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES TO EVERYBODY. Everyday they have Happy Hour from 5pm – 7pm in national beer, rum and cocktails. Every Friday they have life music at their bar with a variation of groups and artist. Every Saturday they have the best Paella in town at the style of Chef Olman Mejias just for $25 x 2 people, include a wineglass. Every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm you can enjoy the Bruch Domical. For more information please contact 2643-3273.

 

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THE GARABITO SPORTS COMMITTEE PARTICIPATED IN COSTA RICA NATIONAL GAMES 2010. The Delegation of Garabito participated in the National Sport Games and those are the results, but first thanks to all the young people who participated on behalf of the canton: 3 GOLD MEDALS, 6 SILVER MEDALS AND 6 BRONZE MEDALS obtained by youth from Jaco and Herradura in the following disciplines: Boxing: 13 medals - 2 Gold obtained by Noel Apu and Braulio Vargas, 6 Silver, 5 Bronze. Cycling: 1 Gold Medals in Mountain Bike Junior by Juan Carlos Fallas (was named the best in this discipline on Saturday will receive recognition ICODER in the National Gymnasium at 10:00 AM). Judo: 1 Bronze Medal obtained by Allan Madrigal - 60Kg.

 

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THE BEST RACE OF THE SUMMER IS COMING SOON: III JACO EXTREME CHALLENGE. The weekend before Holy Week will be taking place the Jaco Extreme Challenge 3.0 Jaco Beach, Garabito. On Saturday March 27th, the extreme athletic event sun + sand + asphalt will be held at 4:30 pm, starting in the Stadium of Jacó. The registration fee is ¢ 5000 at the registration center and ¢ 4500 by internet, the package includes shirts, medal, bonds, hydration, snacks, safety, product sponsors. The space is limited to 1300 athletes. Delivery of packages will be the day of the event during the Running Expo (exhibition of products and services for athletes) from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, you must submit registration password. In Jaco the entries will be made by the Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce located in the CommercialPacificCenter in front of the Cable Tica office, tel.: 2643-2853. Also enjoy on Sunday the 28th of the Second Date Road Triathlon Jacó. Fore more information please visit www.atletismoextremo.com.

 

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CARLOS MUÑOZ AND RONALD BROWN FINISHED THEIR PARTICIPATION IN HAWAII. For the first time Costa Ricans participate in a competition in Hawaii at the event called Volcom Pipeline Pro, with waves up to 7 meters, the representatives of Costa Rica gave their best. Congratulations to these brave young men who participated in this important event. To view the video series in the heats of Ronald Brown and Carlos Muñoz visit: www.volcompipelinepro.com/videos/heats-on-demand-2/.

 

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FURTHER SOUTH OF JACO IN ESTERILLOS OESTE, THE 2ND ANNUAL MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL KICKS OFF NEXT SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13TH! Parades and bead-throwing will all start at Barrilito Bar at 12:00 Noon on the southern end of town. For more information see website: www.playa-esterillos.info/Blog/ or for English contact Martha 2778-7371 email zenranch@hotmail.com for Spanish contact Steve 2778-7137 or Aaron 2778-7013. After returning from Mardi Gras, be sure to stop in Playa Hermosa to support Garabito's Sports Committee from the local municipality. Together with businesses in neighborhoods throughout the district, the committee is working to hold different sporting events. Out in Hermosa, the focus will be on Surfing and there will be a Communal Games Surf Tournament, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13th in front of Las Arenas in Playa Hermosa. For more information please call the Garabito Sports Committee at 2643-4020. Traditionally, every Saturday, the Backyard also features their surf series with Live Music. Tomorrow night's band will feature "dafunk" and next week's will feature "chepe blues." Maybe locals Carlos Muñoz and Ronald Brown will be back from their trip to Hawaii's Volcom Pipeline Pro on the North Shore of Hawaii earlier this month!

 

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NEXT SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13th WILL TAKE PLACE THE COMMUNAL GAMES TOURNAMENT. An event called Communal Games Tournament will be held on Saturday February 13TH, 2010 at Las Arenas in Playa Hermosa, includes several disciplines. The registration fee is 10 thousand colones. For more information please call the Garabito Sports Committee at 2643-4020.

 

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NEW MEMBERS THIS MONTH / NUEVOS MIEMBROS DEL MES

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO GOODS PROTECTION ADVISERS THEY ARE NEW MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL PACIFIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. This company was founded in 2006, provides all kind of insurances: Cars, Work Risks, Safe Home 2000, Comprehensive Home, Civil Liability, Global Life, Life In U.S Dollars, INS Medical, Equipment Contractors, Electronic Equipment, Business Fire Protection. Lda. Karla Campos is the insurance agent, her business is located in the Second Floor of Licorera Jaco, in Pacific Law & Consulting Firm offices on Pastor Díaz avenue

in JacoBeach. For more information, please contact at 2643-0127, 2643-2023 or send an email to kcampos@segurosscc.com o visit www.segurosscc.com.

 

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CONGRATULATIONS TO NAZARETH MASSAGE CLINIC THEY ARE NEW MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL PACIFIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. This massage clinic was founded in 2006, offers all type of massage: Deep Tissue, Therapeutic, Prenatal, Lymphatic Drainage, Relaxing, Swedish, Aromatherapy, Special Therapeutic, Hot Stone and Nazareth. Nazareth Clinic has 3 massage rooms, 4 certified therapists with extensive experience, besides Warner Bonilla, the owner of this clinic, is a certified therapist with 10 years experience and is offering to all members of the Chamber of Commerce a special rate in relaxing massage just $ 25 for 60 minutes massage with preview appointment. Warner’s clinic is located next to IllGaleoneCommercialCenter. For more information or appointments, please contact at 8869-3131 or send an email to clinicanazareth@hotmail.com.

 

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CONGRATULATIONS TO SOLUTIONS AGENCY TRAVEL THEY ARE NEW MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL PACIFIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Since 2002, Solutions Tourism and Services located next to Ill Galeone in Local #5 Costa BravaCommercialCenter in Playa Jacó has been offering high standard customer service and relies on many years of experience in the international travel industry: travel and tourism agency, packages within and outside the country, travel clubs, Ticabus, private transportation, air tickets.. For more information, please contact at Rebeka Rodriguez at 2643-3485 or send an email to solutionsagency02@hotmail.com, also visit www.solutionsjaco.com.  

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CONGRATULATIONS TO CHAVES DENTRAL CARE CLINIC THEY ARE NEW MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL PACIFIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Chaves Dental Care is member of ADA (American Dental Association), America's leading advocate for oral health. Offers dental services in general dentistry, dental surgery, implants, cosmetics, root canal therapy, orthodontics, odontopaediatric, teeth whitening and alot more. The team of specialists include: Dr. Dario Chaves (owner and general dentist with several years of experience), Dr. Defin Barquero (prosthodontic, professor at Universidad de Costa Rica), Dr. Antonio Jalet (oral surgeon with extensive experience in implants), Dra. Tatiana Ramirez (specialist in Root Canal Therapy), among others. The clinic is located next to Plaza Coral, downtown JacoBeach. For more information or appointments please contact at 2643-3221, send a email to chavesdentalcare@yahoo.com or visit www.chavesdentalcare.com.

 

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NEWS FROM MCKEE PROJECT / NOTICIAS DEL PROYECTO MCKEE  

CASTRATION WEEK FOR STRAYS AND PETS BELONGING TO LOW INCOME FAMILIES will take place during the week of February 2nd to February 7th. If you know of any animals with no owners, or animal owners who cannot afford even the very low special price we offer in our monthly clinics, please contact me for an appointment. Please consider that pet owners who qualify for this surgery have no transportation possibilities either, and will need somebody’s help in order to bring their animals in.

 

 KIDS SUPPORT ANIMALS IN NEED. Joshua Thomas (10 years old) and his cousin Daniela Zamora (11 years old) from Herradura decided to go into business and make some money for a computer they both want to purchase. Joshua’s mom Laura prepared some of the yummy tuna dip she is famous for, and the two young entrepreneurs went out and hit the streets for a door-to-door-sale. Turns out the kids were very successful, the sale went great, after they paid the mom back for her expenses, they had 42,000 colones left! They decided that they will donate c18,000 ($32.) to the animals in need, (both are big time animal lovers) and split the balance of 24,000 colones 50/50 – Way to go Joshua, Daniela and Laura!

BUDDY STORY NOW ONLINE. We have so many animal stories — some of them with, others without a happy ending. You will love this one. Check it out under

http://www.mckee-jaco.com/casehistories.htm.  If you have a similar experience you’d like to share with us, please send us your story — there is a link to the form on the bottom of the “Case Histories” page.

 HERE IS A REAL OPPORTUNITY. The prominent Chilean artist and longtime Jaco resident Carlos Galli has donated to us this wonderful painting. It’s an original oil, untitled and signed. It truly captures the surfer’s point of view from “inside the tube”. The painting can be seen at the Vet Clinic in Jaco, Centro Commercial Plaza Boulevard

, local #20. The dimensions are:   83 x 64 cm (33” x 25”) - Value: $1,200. Minimum bid is $300.  Please submit your bids to the following email address: info@mckee-jaco.com. Minimum increments are $50. To see the most recent bids please check the following page: http://www.mckee-jaco.com/auction.htm.  

TREAT YOURSELF TO THIS GREAT GIFT, AND AT THE SAME TIME HELP OUR STRAY DOGS AND CATS!    100% OF THE MONIES RECEIVED FROM THIS SALE WILL GO TO OUR SPAY/NEUTER AND ADOPTION-PROGRAM.

 

Chamber of Commerce

www.jacochamber.com

(506) 2643-2853

AFILIADOS A CANATUR

 

 

Tourism Doesn't Come Cheap -- but Costa Rica Comes Awfully Close

So there you are: vacationing in Costa Rica -- ONE of, if not THE most bio-diverse location on Earth and home to panoramic beaches, rainforests and waterfalls, not to mention a seemingly endless variety of flora and fauna and you're looking for things to do in Costa Rica that are FREE?

Sure thing! Excluding the obvious free activities like hiking, walking on the beach and sunbathing, there ARE free things to do in Costa Rica. It depends on where you go and at what time of the year and above all HOW you want to spend your time. Having established that, here are some things to do in Costa Rica.

I. Festivals
Let it not be said that in Costa Rica the locals don't know how to party! Every month during the year there is at least one festival being held and like all great festivals they are FREE! Within the context of the festival you're going to have to pay for food and drink - but the music, dancing and fireworks that are invariably a big part of every festival in Costa Rica is free-of-charge. And as we all know -- FREE is a good thing. Here are some noteworthy free festivals held throughout the year. Take your pick and schedule your vacation accordingly:

JANUARY:
- Palmares Civic Fiestas - Lots of culture here: folk dances, music, amusements and bullfighting.
- Alajuelita Fiestas - Honoring the Black Christ of Esquipulas, Alajuelita's Patron Saint..
- Santa Cruz Fiestas - dancing, marimbas and bullfighting.

FEBRUARY:
- San Isidro del General Fiestas - annual agricultural and industrial fairs with bullfights and a flower exhibition.
- Fiesta of the Diablitos - annual recreation of the fight between Indians and the Spanish.
- Puntarenas Carnival - Masks, music and plenty of sangria.

MARCH:
- Escazu - Dia de los Boyeros (Oxcart Driver's Day) - parade of oxcarts and the blessing of the animals and crops by local priests. Not to be missed - especially if you're a farmer.
- National Orchid Show - more flowers than you can shake a stick at.

APRIL:
- Holy Week - processions galore in all parts of country.
- Juan Santamaría Day - Commemorating Costa Rica's national hero -- a simple barefoot soldier who gave his life in the battle against William Walker's troops.   

MAY:
- Puerto Limon - picnics, music and dancing. What more is there to life?
- Escazu - San Isidro Labrador's Day - another celebration honouring the Patron Saint of farmers
- Corpus Christi Day - May 29 - Religious celebration.

JUNE:
- Saints Peter & Paul Day - June 29 - More religion!

JULY:
- Puntarenas - Virgin of The Sea - fishing boat regatta which honors Puntarenas' Patron Saint, La Virgen del Monte Carmelo. Plenty of parades, dances and fireworks.
- Guanacaste Day - you guessed it: folk dances, bullfights, and music.
- Alajuela - Los Mangos Festival

AUGUST:
- Cartago - Virgin of Los Angeles - Honors Costa Rica's Patron Saint , "La Negrita" with nationwide pilgrimage and religious processions to the Basilica in Cartago.

SEPTEMBER:
Costa Rica's Independence Day is September 15th: witness the Freedom Torch as it is brought from Nicaragua by student relay runners the day before. Thrill to local "lantern parades" where kids carry home-made "faroles".

OCTOBER:
- Puerto Limon - Limon Carnival - Columbus Day is celebrated in style in the port city with week-long street dances, parades and music.
- Upala Corn Festival, Corn Queen contest.
- Tres Rios Virgen del Pilar's Day - celebrating yet another Patron Saint with parades and costumes made entirely of corn husks, grain, and silks.

NOVEMBER:
- All Souls day - Nov 2 - Day of the Dead.
- Central Valley Coffee picking contest, music and dancing
- International Arts Festival, plays, street theatre and other entertainment.

DECEMBER:
- Fiesta de los Negritos - very big event held in the Indian village of Boruca, and ancient Indian ritual is combined with honoring the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
- Nicoya Fiesta de la Yeguita - Processions, bullfights, fireworks, concerts.
- Festejos Populares (Year-end Festivals) - Dec 25-31
- Tope - Annual horse parade. Careful where you step!
- Carnival - Head to downtown San Jose for the biggest block party of the year!

II. Free Museums
- The Museo de Oro Precolombino (Museum of Precolumbian gold) is located under the Plaza de la Cultura in downtown San Jose. This impressive underground building houses the exhibit that creates a mysterious and dark background for the gleaming beauty of the golden pieces, which seem to float because they're suspended by transparent strings.The Museo de Moneda, or the Coin Museum, is located in the same building, and its exhibit includes information on coins, as well as interesting samples. And it's FREE.

- The Museo de Jade, or the JadeMuseum  Located in the INS building in downtown San Jose, (in the National Insurance building). The exhibit in this museum is the largest American jade collection in the world. The collection is extremely valuable because of the rarity of the mineral and of the religious and historical significance that it has for the Indian population and for the Costa Ricans in general. Like the golden pieces, the jade artifacts also depict animal shapes.

- The Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle (Natural science) This museum is located in La Sabana, across from the park thru a gated entrance to a college.   They present a taxidermy collection of various animals, preserved fish, reptile exhibit, and tons of colorful costa Rican butterflys and bugs.  Fun, cheap, easy to get to…
The small EntomologyMuseum in the University of Costa Rica. The small university museum houses a large collection of insects of Central and South America, including beautiful butterflies.  

 

III. Free Markets
The most popular market in Costa Rica is Mercado Central (Market Central) and has to be seen to be believed. A variety of craft work , leatherwork and crafts not to mention some of the cheapest meals in San Jose town. Come to think of it, almost every town of any size in Costa Rica has a mercado central, where in addition to produce, fruits and meat, there are booths selling everyday items.

IV. Other Free activities
The Hummingbird gallery
Next to the Monteverde Reserve entrance. Feeders outside attract dozens of hummingbirds representing about 7 species.

V. Art & Artisans
Traditional Costa Rican artisans in Guaitíl hand throw Chorotega pottery while you watch, and the wood carvers of Sarchí transform rainforest hardwoods into every imaginable shape. Drums, baskets, textiles, and pre-Columbian reproductions are just a few of the things you'll want to take home with you.

VI. Bird Watching
Botaurus pinnatus, Tigrisoma fasciatum, Tigrisoma mexicanum, Egretta thula, Egretta caerulea, Agamia agami, Cochlearius cochlearius- and that's just the most common Aredeidae. Avid birders know that Costa Rica is one of the top spots in the world, but you don't have to spend hours with binoculars glued to your eyes to see fascinating bird life in Costa Rica.

VII. Waterfalls & River Hiking

The number of spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica reflects rainfall averages of over 20 feet a year and the sheer drops of some of the mountain ranges. Some are visible from paved roads as you travel from place to place, but others require significant effort to reach. The surest way to find a falls with a deserted swimming hole at the bottom is to start walking upstream.

So there you have it: some truely fun things to do that are free! You're no doubt going to discover many more free things to do and see once you set foot in beautiful Costa Rica. Follow your instincts & you'll come up with your own list of free activities!  

 

 

  

 

 . 

 

 

 

 

"LET'S GO SURFING NOW, EVERYBODY'S LEARNING HOW
C'MON TO HERMOSA WITH ME"

SURF SERIES 2009 EVERY SATURDAY IN FRONT OF BACKYARD BAR AND HOTEL AT 4P.M IN PLAYA HERMOSA. The Backyard Surf Series is an event held every Saturday at 4 pm. It is an open surf contest in "expression session" format. No entry fee and cash prizes for the competitors. In the water you will see some most progressive surfing in Latin America from members of the Costa Rican national team. Everyone is welcome to come and compete. 5 pm we start with a great band and have a beachfront B.B.Q.! Organized by Cesar Vargas Producciones. Sponsors: La Joya Residences, Le Loft, Mango, Rovercam.com, Loma del Mar Surf Camp, Backyard Bar & Hotel
 ************   

Hermosa Break Description:

Powerful and consistent beachbreak that sticks out into the Pacific, assuring constant swell. You will rarely be surfing under head high here.

It can be perfect sometimes, delivering a nice barrel, but at other times you might see the barreling waves all over the place, but have trouble finding that perfect wave for yourself! 

Hermosa is actually a several miles long stretch of beach, and you can go surfing anywhere along beach. There are a few distinct areas people surf:

Cabinas: right behind the cabinas that line the beach, Cabinas Las Olas being an example.

The Gate: if you are coming from Jaco, right after you pass Cabinas Las Olas, turn right onto the dirt road.

The Tree: Drive down a little more past the gate, and you will see a huge tree on your right, probably with few surfer's cars parked underneath.

Tulin Rivermouth: Continue driving past The Tree for a while, and your surfing at Tulin. VERY powerfull rivermouth beachbreak, usually a little bigger than the rest of Hermosa. Park at the Minae offices, watch out for alligators and sting rays.

Catching it Good

It closes out more at low tide, but can still produce a barrel. Better to go surfing Mid-high tide. Bigger during the rainy season (May-December).

Getting There

Take the paved road out of Jaco going south. After you pass Cabinas Loas olas, turn right onto the dirt road. Remember, CR Beach Investment Real Estate has some fantastic homes for sale in this area, including the Hermosa Bungalows, almost directly in front of The Tree. Prices start at $232,000 for a 1000 sq.ft, 2 bedroom, check our Home listings! I live there and its FANTASTIC!

Recommended Hotels/Surfcamps in the Area

Loma Mar Surfcamp: These guys have the entire area wired, and they run ROVERCAM.COM. They take you surfing everyday to the best breaks in the area (hint: not just Hermosa!), and then video your surf session! Very cool, 3 meals a day included, Highly Recommended!!!  

Famous Fabulous Fishing

is here in the Jaco, Central Pacific area of C.R.

  Why Retire in Latin America?    By Rosemary Rein

(Jeff will offer his opinion after each category!)

That was this week's headline on AOL News that caught our attention with this description of Costa Rica:

"It's got the good weather of Florida, but a much cheaper cost of living. And it's a lot more adventurous than Daytona. Politically stable, Costa Rica has a thriving industry of recruiting American retirees. Thousands of Americans are spread throughout Mexico, Panama and the rest of the region."

As residents of Costa Rica for 10 years, we are often asked the reason why we moved here in the first place .. so here's our Top 10 list for those of you contemplating your own adventure, living, working and or retiring in paradise.

10), Climate, Climate, Climate.. You can almost pick your preferred temperature in Costa Rica and we selected 72 degrees year round at our home in the Central ValleyMountains. But what about the Rainy/Green Season? Sure, we have about 2 hours of rain during our "winter" months each day, but most mornings are beautiful and sunny. That sure beats Fargo in Winter and Phoenix in Summer! We also happen to delight in that expected afternoon rain in green season for a few hours. In fact if you haven't experienced the sound of rain falling on a tin roof, with a good book, frankly, you haven't lived.

Jeff: Here at JacoBeach we experience daily averages of about 78 degrees with only a few days yearly over 90. What I love about this area is that I am able to go with short sleeve shirt, sandles and shorts,  ALL year-round. And at home, day and night, I keep all the windows open. At night it cools down to 65. The rains keep Jaco green year-round and begin in May generally with about 2 hours of sporadic rain until October. That's the rainiest time of year in this area and when most Ex-pats like to go visit the States.

9) Nature Lover's Paradise: From rain forest to crisp mountains to experiencing the "Gifts from the Sea', Costa Rica is a Nature Lover's Paradise. Each morning Barry and I hike out our front door to the countryside where following a cow on the road is as common and much more delightful than interstate traffic.

Jeff: I love living at the beach, where I can leave my house unlocked, walk-out barefoot to the sand, and enjoy the peacefulness that Playa Hermosa offers. Obviously Costa Rica is a nature lovers paradise and you will discover the joys of the beach, the forest, the mountains all in a single moment if you so choose. The quality of surfing and fishing is of course world renowned.

8) Health Care: As Business Owners in the United States faced with staggering insurance costs, we sought out a location for retirement that would provide, quality, affordable health care. Costa Rica has U.S. Trained Dr's with state of the ArtHospitals and Medical Facilities. It also has a thriving medical tourism industry. When we first moved to Costa Rica, private insurance cost $1400 annually for the two of us covering most of our medical costs and prescriptions. What this meant was state of the art care when hospitalized. Third World? I don't know about that. In my private hospital room, I had a flat screen t.v. dining menu options and a companion bed for my husband to stay with me. While our insurance has increased slightly as we have aged, I believe the care in Costa Rica unbeatable.

Jeff: When we hear all the horrors of the U.S.-Canadian medical system we smile, especially regarding the costs! Of course one must have the private insurance to insure care with respect!
Overall Costa Rica is a medical-dental destination for U.S.-Canadian residents due to the highly professional services offered here from 50% to 75% off the costs of similar treatments at home! Some Costa Rican hospitals are now working with U.S. medical plans-ask your provider! Another great advantage here is being able to go to a pharmacist without a prescription, and 90% of the time receiving what you need. And you can even buy just a couple of pills, not the entire box!!! 

7) Adventure: We probably saw too many Raiders of the Lost Ark movies, but we wanted the next chapter in our life after the rat race to be a "True Learning Adventure!" Flying through the Forest Canopy, White Water Rafting are just two examples and we have a long list of adventures still on the list. Every day, daily living in Costa Rica is an adventure from exploring exotic fruits to rescuing a sloth. I have to say it beats going to Wal-Mart.

Jeff: Whether being a couch potato, surfer, boatsman, golfer or an extreme adventurer, the Jaco area offers more options than almost any other area in Costa Rica!  Driving for many in Costa Rica is also an adventure and we love the fact that Jaco has no traffic signals!

6) Social Community: We could keep ourselves entertained 7 days and nights a week with Costa Rica's busy and diverse ex pat community. There's a club for every interest (Birding, Hiking, Bridge, Gourmet Food and Wine, Volunteer Opportunities) just name it and it's here. Foreign residents find each other at social centers and hubs and groups like the Newcomers Organization that help with the transition of moving to a foreign country.

Jeff: Jaco has a great community of Expats from the States and Canada and there is no reason to be bored with all the groups and events going on. Don't believe me, just check www.cenpac.net or the Costa Rica Living group, or the Tico Times groups announcements.

 5) Safety: While we now look back to the good old days when there was virtually little crime when we came to Costa Rica. Sadly we are not immune to the increasing crime rates that you find almost everywhere in the world, much linked to the growing drug problem. Still crime tends to be more property related than violent and so we have added precautions like a home security system. What should be noted is there is more violent crime in most major U.S. Cities in one day, yet the media will spotlight any violent crime against U.S Citizens that occurs outside of her borders. Costa Rica, it should be noted, is also a peace-loving and stable country with no Army, often referred to as the Switzerland of the Americas.

Jeff: The world has gotten to be a more violent place, but I still feel safer here than I did in California. You just gotta be smart, and know that robberies occur more often here against Gringos because they know-believe that we will immediately replace all the stolen goods (whether we can afford them or not!)  Years ago guns were never used, now unfortunately they are more common.  HOWEVER, I feel extremely fortunate that in my 16 years of living here, I have not been robbed nor burglarized!  (yes I am knocking on wood!).  Jaco has increased dramatically the presence of police so now in their new cars and trucks you will see the Municipal force, the Transit police, Tourist police and the OIJ,(FBI wannabees). It ain't perfect but its getting better all the time!

4) Cost of Living: Indeed there are financial benefits of being a U.S. citizen living in Costa Rica. One of the attractions for us in selecting and moving to Costa Rica was the (tax-free foreign earned income benefit --currently $82,400 for each person) Another? property taxes on our new contemporary home in Escazu, Costa Rica were a whopping $100.00 a year. That sure beat $6,000 a year property taxes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We indeed would pay more for better infrastructure and suppport to the people of our host country. There was also no heating or air-conditioning expenses to contend with and the real kicker indulgence for me was massages were $10.00 an hour. I remember saying "I'm so there" There is no doubt, that we could not afford our current lifestyle in the United States and while Costa Rica is unfortunately being increasingly discovered and developed, there are still affordable options for creating a quality lifestyle at a fraction of U.S. prices.

Jeff: Yes Costa Rica is the most expensive place to live in Central America. Yes gas costs almost double here compared to the States. However-how much do you pay for a maid or an electrician or plumber or mechanic or secretary? Maids average $2 an hour parttime or $250 MONTHLY  for a live-in. An electrician, plumber, or car mechanic will generally charge $10-$18 an hour for small jobs, and a bilingual secretary in Jaco will cost between $600 to $1000 monthly.

Regarding utilities: cell phones are incredibly cheap here, regular phones are much less than the States, electric has just gone up tremendously, water is cheap, and gas is double the States (although still cheaper than Europe!) 
Food costs: "As a foodie" I have always been aware of what we have and don't have here in Costa Rica. A huge difference of imported goods has occurred over the past 16 years, to satisfy the most discriminating palate: from organic granola and soy milk to imported "hot links" and New Zealand rack of lamb.
Fruits and vegetables are of course "dirt" cheap with great fresh picked flavors; the basics of rice, beans, breads, milk, chicken, eggs are similar to the States, and yes we do pay more for imported goods. Fish is widely available at almost half the U.S. price, although lobster and shrimp are not. Quality beef is not readily available, except to the discriminating shopper.   The newly passed free trade agreement with the U.S. should reduce all imported food costs-soon!

The really big savings is in the unbelievably low property taxes for your home, and the fact that there still are no capital gains taxes in Costa Rica!!! 

 3) Warm and Hospitable Costa Rican People. Pura Vida! "That's a Costa Rican expression that means "pure life". Sunday morning is our favorite day for walking in the barrio...Mothers and Fathers walking hand in hand with their children to church reminding us of our own childhood. "It's like the United States in the 1950's" . There is tranquility and a commitment to family.

Jeff: Ah, this is one of the great benefits of living here. There is NO overt "Gringo" resentment and the Ticos are genuinely friendly! The ones in the countryside will offer you all kinds of assistance when you are in need. "Salt of the earth kind of folks."  The ones from the city will look you in the eye, as the "fear" factor is so much less than the States! Smiles are easy to come by and the Ticos take great pride in their teeth, and in their clothes.  In the tourist areas Ticos are generally eager to demonstrate they know some English.

The Costa Ricans know that they are the "land of peace", the nation without an army, and they are fiercely proud of this fact. They are also incredibly patriotic although always distrustful of their government, and they resent any Gringo that comes down here thinking that Costa Rica is a territory of the U.S.  They know they have something special going on, especially compared to their neighbors!

 2) Connected: Today's Ability to Work and Live Anywhere. Yes, we have wireless Internet and low-cost phone service in Costa Rica that enables us to work from home on the deck with parrots flying overhead. It's not everywhere in the country and certainly not deep in the rain forest, but technology has enabled us to work and stay connected with our offices and families and friends. Just 2.5 hour flight from Miami and 3 .5 hour flight from Houston, we are closer to many relatives and clients than they are with others living within U.S. borders.

Jeff: At my beachfront place in Hermosa, I have a phone, cable t.v., high speed internet, and a Satellite dish. The picture quality is generally better than the States, (this should change for the U.S. with the digital switch) and there are plenty of channels in English, and one in French, Italian, German, Chinese, and jibberish!

1) The Mangos, The Monkeys, The Magic: I love to watch visitors in our learning retreats discover their own magic here while staying amidst the jewels of the Costa Rican rain forest. Forever changed from their journey to paradise, their discovery is almost child-like. I developed the brand for my speaking and retreat business from the voices of those who have discovered their own passion here. On seeing lava flow from an active volcano, a child-like WOW would be uttered competing only slightly with the volcanic rumble.

Jeff: I drive along the beach to get to work, with beautiful greenery all around me. The mountains serve as a beautiful backdrop to the entire Jaco area and the Sunsets are Spectacular.
Is this paradise? For some it is, and for others like me, its close enough!!!.   C'mon down.............................

  Rosemary Rein is the author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" and a new book to be published in January 08 with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard entitled "The Blueprint for Success and Survival".  Rosemary speaks internationally on Leadership, Customer Service and Creativity and sponsors personal growth and discovery retreats of Costa Rica. For additional information write Rosemary at rosemary@gowildgogreat.com

New immigration law may mean higher fees  
August 6, 2009 Tico Times     
A new immigration law in Costa Rica provides for fines of up to $100 to be levied against undocumented residents for their “irregular” status and the issuance of sanctions against employers who hire them. 

 
Miscellaneous Tips: 

No we don't take "siestas" like in Mexico!

Most Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and do not close for lunch. Some Banks in tourist areas are open 9-6 everyday and saturdays 9-1, however this varies greatly with the bank and branch.

 Steps away from our office is a very good bank, Banco BAC for changing money. The rates are great, the hours 9 to 6 plus Saturdays and it is MANDATORY you bring your passport. Don't bother arguing because even the recommended plasticized passport copies (available at the Jaco copiers across from our office) won't work. Also, sorry to say, Traveler's Checks are not that convenient here. Credit-debit cards are widely used with many tellers near our office. (Yes it seems many things are near our office-since we are in the center of Jaco!)

Government offices are open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. usually.  Most commercial businesses open from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m, (malls not found in Jaco are open 10-8),  but in tourist towns 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. until 7 or 10 p.m.   Most restaurants open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm but closed between 3-5.
However most Costa Ricans eat early breakfasts with "Gallo Pinto", lunches between 12-3 usually are "casados"- beans, rice, salad, vegies, drink, and choice of chicken, or overcooked meat or fish for only $4  *gourmands need to say "termino medio" for fish, lobster, shrimp or meat at EVERY restaurant-because most Ticos prefer "bien cocido". Ticos often have dinner after 7:00 and rarely are there early bird specials. However both sushi bars in Jaco have "happy hours" with reduced prices and great fish!   
There is a 13% general sales tax applied everywhere but grocery stores, and most restaurants do add a 10% service tax. It has been brought to our attention that the entire 10%  may not go to your waiter or waitress. So be aware of this when you see the propina line on your credit card slip. If you had great service, please tip generously (because great service isn't common here). Oh another tip: you have to ask for the check! The culture here feels it is rude to ask the Client if they want the check- so if you are in a hurry, ask for "la cuenta por favor."

 Communication & Language:  National or official languages:  

1^st Spanish spoken clearly

2^nd Spanish slang “pachuco”    3^rd Gringos butchering Spanish

4^th Ticos butchering English     5^th many Chinese dialects
6^th Italian   7^th German    8^th French

Literacy rate (2009): HIGHEST LEVEL IN CENTRAL AMERICA!

96% can at least read stop signs however 95% ignore them.

50% go to Colegio.  (colegio is called high school here, when they graduate they receive a “bachillerato”)  

Land lines with direct-dial telephone services, fax, telex, radio (119 commercial and 17 public service institutions)  

Approx. 90 TV Stations including Cable and Satellite 

Bilingual operator assistance for international calls dial:116

Local information dial: 113

Long distance information dial: 124

Emergency dial: 911

Internet cafes are available in most towns and hotels, high speed available in many locations.  
 

 HAVE A NEED TO READ AND LEARN ALL ABOUT COSTA RICA?
WE RECOMMEND THE YAHOO GROUP, COSTA RICA LIVING.

I love this group because they have 4000 members  that either have lived or currently live in Costa Rica or are thinking about it. Their archive list is incredible with the information that can be derived.http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CostaRicaLiving

Subscribe:  CostaRicaLiving-subscribe@yahoogroups.com   
 

   The Ten Things I Have Learned As an Ex-Pat in Costa Rica

(There are many more but these are the highlights): By Alexandra L.

1) Patience is more than a virtue here. It is necessary in order to be happy here.

2) Resourcefulness: because I love it here I have found ways to "make do", to "create", and to substitute (while working in the kitchen,) that I never would have learned had I not moved here 13 years ago.

3) Awareness: because life moves slower here I have learned to look at the faces of people, at the roadside stand of flowers, at the landscape, and find new perception.

4) Through frustration and hardship, at times, I have learned to stick things out. The borders are close together here and I have learned to confront life because it is closer to me than any other place I have lived.

5)Listening. Spanish is not my native language. Therefore I have trained my inner ear, the one that not only listens to words, but listens to the meaning behind words...the hearing "eye". Thus communication for me has changed and deepened.

6) Affection: In the States, where my life was more hurried and more anonymous, I drew back from people more. The Costa Ricans have taught me it is ok to pause, to hug, to touch with kindness in a way I would have feared doing in the States. This affection is a tonic for me in my village, San Isidro de Heredia...that I crave when I am feeling down. Go buy a cucumber and get a hug and a quick joke from the vendors.

7) Letting go: A few years ago I stopped harping about things like Potholes, long lines, a lack of things I thought I needed to have here in order to be happy: Now I try to focus on what I can change and I leave the potholes alone and stare at the small houses, people walking, the far mountains with endless varieties of green.

8) Mystery: The occult and peculiar nature of a culture that I will never fully understand: I have come to more or less (!) realize that it is this very mysterious quality that gives the country its charm. I believe I will never come to grips with some of the attitudes here and I no longer try.

9) Humor. The Costa Ricans have great humour and wit, which is accessed of course through their language, so I don't catch it all. But I try to understand with my heart and thus I laugh with them and sometimes we are laughing about the same thing.  Except for when they drive, they carry the "pura vida" attitude.

10) My priorities. When I visited for two months in the States recently, and observed how life has become there, I came back to Costa Rica and saw what has become important to me here: Clean air, love in its myriad manifestations, a lifestyle less spent on pursuing money, family life (my employees on the finca, I came to realize, are my nuclear family, good health (which the U.S. cannot give me since I am one of the great Un-insurables in the U.S), quiet time apart from the bustle that one becomes acustomed to in a society like the U.S. where upper class people barely even raise their own children. Every Ex-Pat here will have his or her own list. Hopefully, there is something to be gleaned from all.

Written  in Escazu, Costa Rica 2007

  ADOPT A TICO ATTITUDE AND ADAPT TO THEIR CULTURE  Posted by: "Tom"   Tue Apr 10, 2007

People spend hours on the internet learning about real estate, healthcare, transportation, and restaurants, but they often fail to invest in learning about the culture. This is a grave error because the majority of people who decide to go back home, don't do it because they couldn't find their favorite beverage or a suitable appliance. They leave because they couldn't adjust to the culture.

Those planning to live permanently in Costa Rica need to learn how to adopt a new attitude and adapt to the culture. The term "Culture Shock" has been used to describe the anxiety and feelings of disorientation experienced when people have to operate in a different cultural environment. That's when a person finds that the ways that things always have been done no longer work in a new culture. For example, the currency exchange, language, traffic and even the sense of humor change when a person enters another country.

Visitors to Costa Rica are often struck with how familiar things appear on the surface, and upon this assumption many make plans to stay permanently. However, the unexpected trials and wide differences in cultural understanding often make the transition much more difficult than expected. As North Americans, we have become accustomed to things such as promptness, efficiency and courteous drivers. That's our baggage from up north.

The expectation that these things exist in Costa Rica is our problem not the Tico's. I you're expecting things to be the same as in your home country in another then you're bound to get disappointed. A move to another country allows you to start over with a new life and experience a new culture in a new environment. That's why people move to Costa Rica.

A good percentage of North Americans planning to stay in Costa Rica go back. They cannot deal with the inefficiency. Obtaining residency usually takes much longer than expected. You need to hire a consultant to get a drivers license. The list of frustrations goes on and on. The bottom line is they are not able to slow down and adapt to the culture.

Culture shock affects people differently according to the coping strategies each individual employs in order to successfully adapt. After 15 years, I still have to remind myself; "If you don't expect much, you won't get disappointed" Then I step back, take a second look at the situation that is beginning to frustrate me and remind myself where I'm at, whom I'm dealing with and why I'm here. Then the situation at hand doesn't seem so irritating. Expats who do manage to stay for a long time in Costa Rica do so because they possess patience and flexibility.

Years ago I noticed several cultural differences that used to make my life in Costa Rica frustrating. Concept of time, expectations of efficiency and understanding the local language. North Americans are continually bothered by what we view as a lack of punctuality on the part of Costa Ricans. Costa Rican's will say, "I'll come over tomorrow", but they usually don't. Often they are not hours late, but days late, with no excuse, no phone calls, no apology. This used to bother me, and sometimes it still does. But I get over it much more quickly after living here 15 years.

For North Americans, a person is considered late if he/she arrives 10 to 15 minutes after the scheduled time. For Latin Americans, a person is considered late if he/she arrives 30 minutes after the scheduled time. North Americans often begin to feel tension if a person arrives 15 minutes late, while Latin Americans begin to feel tension if a person arrives 30 minutes after the deadline. These differences in concepts of time often cause misunderstandings between Costa Ricans and North Americans.

The cultural differences in comprehending time can be attributed to the fact that Costa Ricans and North Americans place different value on time. In the U.S., people live to work and time is money. Here in Costa Rica, time is gold. Tico's live for the moment and occasionally during the week take the time to accomplish some work. In Costa Rica, if you run into a friend, you stop and talk and ask "how's the family". Time is for you and not for you to be bound by it. Expats who can slow down and adjust to Tico time, have a much better chance of successfully acculturating.

For new expats arriving to Costa Rica, one of the most frustrating obstacles is dealing with what they view to be a lack of efficiency. In North America there is more efficiency, primarily in the services sector. This makes it particularly hard for North Americans to adapt to life in Costa Rica because they have grown accustomed to the speed and efficiency of services in their home country. If you have the financial ability to hire a consultant to complete these frustrating tasks for you, then you won't have to go through it and will probably be happier for it.

Culture is embedded in the language, and misunderstandings often arise due to the ways in which people of distinct cultures express and understand language content. North Americans are more direct.

In Costa Rica, the Tico's don't say things up front. It's part of their culture and is considered bad manners. Therefore if you don't understand the culture you get frustrated and some folks become angry and this offends the Tico's. Misinterpretations therefore arise because Costa Ricans view their North American counterparts as "rude" while North Americans find Costa Ricans to be "indirect" or even "dishonest."

Many expats feel that they have had to learn to decode what their Costa Rican associates and friends are really trying to say. It is not that Costa Rican's lie more, it is that they are trying to save face. Costa Ricans don't want to disappoint you. If they don't know the answer, they say to themselves 'I don't know but I want to give my best guess.' You have to learn to listen carefully and read between the lines. A simple word like "Ya" can mean "it's already done", "I'm doing it right now", or "I'll get to it soon.

Despite the numerous challenges and obstacles which expats face in Costa Rica, those who have stuck it out here are convinced that the benefits outweigh the hassles. The country's strong democratic tradition, innovative environmental programs, museums and cultural activities, and cheaper living costs continue to make Costa Rica a popular destination spot, particularly for tourists and retirees. And the option to live a lifestyle similar to that in a large North American city is here if you want it. Check out the selection and pricing in any of the major malls or at Super Saretto or Auto Mercado supermarkets. Most products that are imported here from another country incur duties. These duties are built into the price you pay at the cashier. If you want to live and consume the same products available in North America, they are available here. But in many cases those same products are less expensive in Florida. Perhaps if the new free trade agreement becomes a reality, this will change.

I prefer the old days before there were malls and Hooters. I don't miss any of what these new franchises have to offer. I patronize typical Costa Rican businesses and my budget is much more affordable. It's nice to have options and that's my new philosophy. Plans tie a guy down. Options offer freedom. You don't irritate someone because you exercised an option. But there are many times when plans did not materialize as expected and someone gets irritated. Keep your options open and your plans to a minimum.

Live like the Tico's, adopt their attitude and adapt to their culture. You'll probably live longer and happier! Pura Vida!

 You know you’ve become Tico (Costa Rican) when:

• You point with your lips.
• You snap your index finger against your second (bird) finger when you think something’s funny or incredible.
• You miss the chaos when you leave the country.
• You miss the way black beans in restaurants used to be whole and had a different flavor.
• Diay and puta come out of your mouth like you were born to them.
• You watch a Spanish language movie and you understand the body language that gives another layer of nuance to the acting.
• You start to prevaricate so somebody else can save face.
• You answer bien por dicha even when the other person doesn’t ask you how you were, but you were expecting them to, so you say it automatically.
• The sound of a gringo accent in Spanish makes your ears bleed.
• You get pissed off when your friend slams the door to your car.
• You go to an English speaking country and when you want to ask for a glass of water the first thing out of your mouth to a waiter in a restaurant is “mae, regalame….” and you don’t get why he’s looking at you funny.
• You are in shock and awe when someone shows up “on time”.
•  You are in shock and awe when YOU show up on time. You haven’t looked at your wrist in years to see what time it is.
• You forgot that there used to be a watch there…You haven’t had a tan line where the watch used to be in years….You don’t own a watch.
• You can even travel in other countries without a watch.
• You whip out the debit card for amounts less than a thousand colones…
• You call everyone “mi amor” or “cielito“.
• You know that 3 oçlock means 4, four oclock means 5 etc….
  thanks to: Christopher Howard M.A,    Author of The Guide to Costa Rican Spanish²*
  
  

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

Costa Rica is a Catholic country and it’s holidays are mostly church-related. Most businesses, including banks, close on official holidays. The country closes down entirely during the biggest holiday time, Easter Holy Week, but only during Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday, by Holy Sunday, some services might be available, but don't count on it in remote parts of the country. Buses stop running on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Banks and offices are closed. And hotels and car rentals are booked solid weeks in advance as everyone seems to head for the beach. Avoid the popular beaches during Easter week. Most Ticos now take the whole Christmas holiday week through New Year as an unofficial holiday.

New Year's Day -Jan 1

Mar 19   Feast of St Joseph (San Jose's patron saint)-

Apr 11 Anniversary of the Battle of RivasJuan Santamaria Day. Public holiday to commemorate the national hero who fought at the battle of Rivas against the American invader William Walker in 1856. -

10-13 April 2009 Easter (Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday)* (businesses will often close for the entire week preceding Easter weekend).

May 1 Labor Day -

Jun 10 Corpus Christi* -

Jun 29 St Peter and St Paul Day -

Jul 25 Anniversary of the Annexation of Guanacaste from Nicaragua

Aug 2  Our Lady of the Angels-

Aug 15 Assumption/Mother's Day-

Sep 15 Independence Day- with big patriotic parades celebrates Costa Rica’s independence from Spain in 1821

Oct 12 Columbus Day/Dia de las Culturas-

Dec 8 Immaculate Conception-  

Dec 24 Christmas Eve-

Dec 25 Christmas Day-  

Christmas/New Years Holiday - for public servants can be from Dec 20-

until Jan 7 or longerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica. It should be valid during the following 6 months from the entry date to Costa Rica. While in Costa Rica passport issues may be resolved at the U.S. Embassy.  

Depending on your country of origin you may enter Costa Rica without a visa. USA, Canada and most European countries have this privilege.

For U.S. Citizens a visa is not needed unless you stay in Costa Rica for more than 90 days. Other countries have different requirements so if you are not a U.S. citizen visit the Embassy of Costa Rica. Note: The government of Costa Rica after November 17, 2003 announced they will NOT accept U.S. driver licenses/IDs and U.S. birth/naturalization certificates as entry documents. 

A Ticket (plane, bus, etc.) for return or continued travel is necessary, either to return to your home or to go to another country. 

You can file for a stay extension at the Immigration Department of Costa Rica. Or, you may exit Costa Rica and re-enter. Most tourists visit Nicaragua or Panama — Costa Rica's neighbor countries — for 72 hours and come back into Costa Rica. 

Travelers must be at the airport two hours before departure. There is a departure tax of U.S. $26.00.

You do not need to apply for a visa or an endorsement by a visa officer for travel in Costa Rica. Your up to date Passport will be sufficient but it must be valid for six months after your return trip (Costa Rica does not want your passport expiring while you are visiting) otherwise you may not be allowed into Costa Rica at that time. (Also please note that a 'visa' is a certificate of identity which indicates that at the time of issue the holder of the passport or certificate of identity should be granted entry.)

$15 Airfare Tax Approved Nov. 22, 2008 Inside Costa Rica

Tourists flying into Costa Rica will have to now pay a $15 tax on their airline ticket, replacing the 3% tax on hotel rooms. Legislators approved the bill in second reading this week, converting it into law.

(Many hotels still charge the 16.3%!) Ask them!

The 3% tax applied to all hotel rooms occupied by visitors or nationals. However, with the growth in condominium and other private rentals, the government saw a drop in tax revenue and decided to apply a one time tax on all airfares for flights into Costa Rica instead. 

Tourism in Costa Rica is a multi billion dollar industry. Visitor number 2.000.000 for this year is expected to come across the San Jose airport sometime in the first week in December, a cause of celebration, as Costa Rica reaches a new tourism high.  

 Customs 

There are no customs duties charged on personal luggage, which includes items for personal and professional use, as long as they do not appear in such quantities that suggest commercial intent. Typically $500 worth of non-travel gear is allowed every 6 months per passport.  Costa Rican law requires ALL baggage to be examined thoroughly and that travelers submit to customs regulations listing all articles entering Costa Rica including fruit, vegetables, meat, meat products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc.
More travel tips and new airlines flying to Costa Rica can be found on our "Travel Tips & Specials" page, linked through the bottom of our Home Page!

 COSTA RICAN CHARITIES WE BELIEVE IN!

 1.  In the early nineties I met a former Peace Corp worker who spoke of her involvement with many foundations and charitable groups. Finally in 1997, Gail Nystrom realized her dream with the founding of the              

Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF)

(CRHF) works to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations in Costa Rica and now manages more than fifty projects throughout the country, focusing on education, community development, primary and preventive health care, and extensive support services for women, at-risk youth and indigenous groups. All needs that the CHRF addresses are defined by the local populations, thus ensuring a high level of commitment to each of our programs.

The work of the CRHF is carried out by a diverse group of volunteers from all over the world. Through the friendship and support of our volunteer network, the people in the communities that we serve learn to believe in themselves as they search for lasting solutions to their daily problems. CRHF volunteers are involved in projects ranging from counseling abused women and children in the greater San Jose area to helping indigenous groups protect their cultural heritage in remote mountain villages. Individual volunteers and volunteer groups from Canada, Europe, and the United States are placed in homestay families and provided with cultural orientation, work support, training and background, and logistical support for their individual needs as they complete projects of their own design.

Executive Director Gail Nystrom founded the CRHF in 1997 (Cédula Jurídica Número 3-006-204046) and has guided the organization since its establishment. Although the CRHF continues to evolve and adapt, our original Core Values remain unchanged:

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Our dream of creating an organization that works ethically and economically to solve real problems for real people has been developed with great care and made possible thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of many.  Over the years, we have been privileged to cause positive changes in the lives of thousands of people due to our combined efforts and creativity. Despite the many challenges that we have faced, we remain focused on our vision and committed to an unyielding standard of integrity and mutual respect. We have been strengthened by our work and are determined to continue growing and fulfilling our mandate. I would like to thank you for taking the time to learn more about our organization and express my heartfelt hope that you will join us.  Thank you for sharing our dream.  
Gail Nystrom, M.A. Ed. Founder and Executive DirectorPlease check out their website:    www.crhf.org    Telephone: (506) 8390-4192 or (506) 2282-6358    gnystrom@racsa.co.cr

2.  On the Caribbean side of Costa Rica Barry and his wife Nanci are doing really incredible things.!

The Bridge   http://www.elpuente-thebridge.org            

El Puente del Caribe, S. A., is a Costa Rican Corporation, with offices in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica, and a mailing address in El Cajon, California, USA. The Microloan Program, School Program, and Food Program are operating units of El Puente del Caribe, S. A., managed as a non-profit by design. Cash raised by sales of greeting cards and prints is immediately used for each of its projects,

SCHOOL PROGRAM

Purpose:       Assist families in placing and keeping children in school

Cost:            Approximately $150 for startup and $10 per month per student

Currently:    Assisted 27 children in 2008, expecting small increase in 2009

Next Steps: Work with the schools we impact and determine what we can do to help.

                    Make sure that schools get additional supplies as they are donated.

FOOD PROGRAM

Purpose:    Provide hot meals three days a week in a "Community Kitchen" format; provide one bag of supplemental food each week for qualifying families on a work-for-food program.

Cost: Hot meals: Approximately $1.39 per bowl of soup one bag of supplemental food: $19.22 per bag, up from $15.64

Currently:    Providing hot meals for 100 people a week, more or less

                        Providing bags of supplemental food for 5 families

Our screened-in porch and temporary outdoor space now accommodates up to 80 people, cooking facilities have been "tuned" and stretched to capacity. Construction of outdoor bathrooms and storage is complete.

Next Steps: Purchase additional land where a larger Bridge facility will be constructed.

MICROLOAN PROGRAM

Purpose: Make Microloans to help individuals become self-sufficient.

Cost:        Technically, the cost is zero. The interest rate on the loans is set to cover expenses and to provide some growth in the program.

Currently: 29 loans have been made; 20 have been repaid, with another written off due to death of borrower ...

Next Steps:   Hire a manager for the microloan program. Implement new Grameen-based Guidelines as part of expansion. Resume fund raising for microloan program, and expand to 100 loans.

CULTURAL PRESERVATION

Purpose: Assist where possible in preserving Bribri culture and language.

Duplicate and distribute language materials as appropriate; Develop and present a workshop in which 2-3 Bribri Curanderos work with 10-12 MDs to bring the Bribri knowledge of medicinal plants to the medical community.

Cost: Duplication language and culture materials for distribution costs $5 per copy, and copies have been made for distribution to interested people. Language materials are available from the University of Costa Rica website.

Currently: 5 copies of materials have been made and distributed.

Next Steps:   Continue working with people who could be interested in teaching the Bribri language, and with Curanderos and MDs interested in working together

on medicinal plants..

OUTREACH

Purpose:   Continue learning how we can be of service by connecting with additional community leaders. 

 El Puente--The Bridge consists of:  

BARRY STEVENS is a co-founder and corporate officer, with extensive experience in business. He is an author (How To write A Successful Business Plan, Life Planning Workbook.) He has worked extensively with startups, and has assisted in raising millions of dollars in startup capital. 

NANCI WRIGHT is a co-founder and corporate officer, and is a world-class wildlife artist. Her work continues to be sold around the world, and her new Costa Rica Jungle Series is proving popular in selected galleries as well as through the Internet. All profits from sales of her art are being donated to The Bridge. 

NON-PROFIT SPONSOR: Our Non-Profit affiliation is with the United Centers for Spiritual Living, a 501 (c) (3) based in Golden, Colorado. To see more about this organization and its Global Heart Outreach program, visit www.religiousscience.org Barry & Nanci are Co-Directors of a Study Group for UCSL here in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica.  

Sunday, October 18, 2009 

TO:                  Friends and Supporters of The Bridge
FROM:             Barry Stevens
RE:                   A  Report, and a Request – 

 First of all, Nanci and I want to say “Thank You!” to those of you who continue to support The Bridge. With your help, we continue to serve the mainly indigenous people who come here. Our subscription list is growing fast, and some of you may not have been in on earlier reports that were sent out, so very briefly:

• Education This year, we are assisting 38 children attend school who would not have been able to attend otherwise – many of these come here for assistance with homework, and the cash requested by the schools for copies of materials and food. For all, we continue to provide school supplies, backpacks and backpack repairs,.
• Food About 75 people a week come to the Community Kitchen for food and the community that has formed here – we continue to provide four families a week with a bag of food.
• Microloans We have made 29 microloans, and are working to restart the program.
• Other  We continue to meet emergency needs for support of this Community as they arise: helping people to the hospitals; standing up for the rights of the elderly and the abused; becoming involved with the community, primarily Bribri, and also Black, White, and Tico. .
  How do we spend the your donations? Come check us out here:

• People Served You can see an operating report for the first 6 months of this year by CLICKING HERE.
• Operating Budget See a report showing sources and uses of revenue by CLICKING HERE.     As you can see, we rely on donations to close the gap between our expenses and the revenue we receive. For the six years of our operation, we’ve been blessed with support from our donors who have made that possible. . Thank you again!

REALTORS'  SECTION :  

We like referrals! 

 CR Beach Commission/Purchaser Referral Policies:

Type 1:  Any non-realtor who walks in, calls or emails a referral to our sales office and that person purchases a property will receive:

A referral payment of 10% will be paid upon receipt of any or all of that particular commission by CR Beach. Referral payment will also be paid on any and all purchases made by that client with CR Beach Investment Real Estate up to one year from the date of introduction.  We always prefer to receive a factura timbrada from you to receive your part of the commission, however we can work this out.

Type 2:  A currently licensed realtor  living outside of Costa Rica:

  A referral payment of 25% of the total commission received by CR Beach will be paid for the notification that a specific client will walk in, call or email our office and subsequently that client purchases from CR Beach.  40-50% commission will be paid on our total received commission to the realtor who physically walks the purchaser into our sales office and will assist in communicating with the purchaser throughout the entire purchase process. We need to receive a factura timbrada from the referring agent for their commission. Due to the new tax laws some Costa Rican realty agencies are deducting 13% off the paid referral commission if the other Agency does not have factura timbradas. If their client purchases more properties within a one year period, and the referring Agency remains in the U.S., a referral payment of 15% of the total commission will be paid to that Agency for those extra sales.

Just added March 1, 2009.  CR Beach will pay to a currently foreign licensed Broker or Realtor from 10-15% of our commission if they themselves purchase any property through our Agency. Please bring documentation!

Type 3:  Referral by another Real Estate Agency inside Costa Rica-(please note that we expect the exact same commissions paid for our Referrals!)

Co-broke: 40-50% commission will be paid on the total received commission to the realtor who physically walks the purchaser into our sales office and assists in communicating with the purchaser during the purchase process.

25% referral fee of the total received commission will be paid to a Costa Rican Realtor-Agent who sends clients to CR Beach by phone or email, with the same 13% caveat. In the case of splits, this will be discussed prior to closing!

A Realtor and/or Broker operating in Costa Rica must be able to provide one or more of the following for proof of real estate status:

* Business Cards stating that you work in real estate.

* Factura timbradas and/or current certification through the CCCBR/CRGAR.

* Physical real estate office in Costa Rica.

* Website intended for Costa Rican real estate sales

* Display ads and/or professionally made exterior signage.

The co-broke and referral commission payments are made upon receipt of the commission by CR Beach.  CR Beach prefers that the contract will specify that a separate check or deposit be made to the other Agency receiving the commission, because of the new law regarding possible 13% taxes, for “professional services.”

WE PROMISE TO PAY ALL COMMISSIONS WITHIN 24 HOURS!

  In the event of disputes, we will use the bylaws of the CCCBR or AMCHAM in a friendly setting to sort this out.  Possibly a third party independent arbitrator may be sought out in certain cases.  
According to CCCBR Moral & Professional Ethical Code, article 29: 
“When a real estate agent shows a property or presents a buyer to another agent, Developer, or Seller: they must respect the rights of the first agent for one year from the date they have last contact (personal, email, phone call)  with said buyer or agent. 
This refers to any and all business that originates from this initial introduction.
This rule of one year from the last contact, also applies to any property, or Seller introduced to one agent by another. "