Rock Costa Rica

Ticos crowd 4S stores for Apple's iPhone

2012-01-29T12:29:00.000-08:00

The countdown is over. As expected, dozens of people waited anxiously for several hours, to Kölbi stores, Claro and Movistar, opened its doors at midnight to first acquire the latest model of Apple, the iPhone 4S.

ICE shops were quite attendance, despite the unusual hour.In San Pedro, near midnight, about 150 ticos waiting to buy the new phone. In Multiplaza Escazú, at the same time, there were approximately 80 people, which amounts to the store at Plaza Real Kölbi, Alajuela. Different case was in the store on Paseo Colón course, where there were fewer than ten people for sale from 12 am Meanwhile, at the local awaited Second Avenue Movistar cell by about 15 people.

The store in Mulitplaza Kölbi Esazú, sold its first iPhone 4S, white at 12:10 am today to Cindy Hidalgo, who queued for hours ifs. "I'm too excited and could not wait until tomorrow to buy it," said Hidalgo. Those who lined up outside branches of Kölbi, claimed that ICE offers the best pricing packages.

"ICE is all they have best prices and I do not trade it for the world," said Adrian Zamora, who was at the shop in San Pedro. Moreover, Thomas Ferrara, who waited to open the doors of Movistar, argued that the store plans are more comfortable and the products are of better quality. Buyers also lined up at branches course. For Erick Ostaszynski, the new phone in the store is "a gift".

The 4S has a more powerful processor, and the new operating system i0S 5, an 8-megapixel upgraded camera, storage and the icloud Nueba with new voice recognition system known as Siri.

Another advantage offered by the new Apple cell phone is that users will not have to worry about being charged the phone frequently, as this consumes little battery.

Those wishing to Acquire the new phone, the common requirements in the various telephone companies are reporting to an original salary and employer's copy of the order, automatic debit membership (PAR) credit card the monthly contracted plan and a record card Credit.

Fresh bread and cookies from Hanna's home in El Castillo, Costa Rica

2012-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Hannah is a local artist here in El Castillo, Costa Rica. What a great place to live.

'Tis the season to duck the municipal inspector

2012-01-05T17:36:00.000-08:00

Deck the halls with boughs of holly and don't forget the chain saw. For it is the season to do all those construction jobs while municipal inspectors are on vacation.

This is the season to whack down that tree in the wrong place or put a quick addition on the home.

Municipal inspections are spotty at best, but this week in residential areas all over the country, homeowners are doing those jobs without benefit of municipal permits.

According to one set of instructions for what is called minor jobs, municipalities require permits for even painting a home. Also needed are permits for doing sidewalk reconstruction and rebuilding portons or those metal fences that protect most homes.

The permits even are required for construction of private mausoleums in cemeteries.

For even the most minor work some nine documents are required and special insurance is required after the permit is issued. So what is clear is why residents sidestep the law when the inspector is away.

Most municipalities this week are open for payment of bills or other indoor work. Meanwhile, outside, workers are feverishly mixing concrete, digging drain lines and chopping down trees.

Heaven help the homeowner who wants to do major work legally, such as add a carport. That requires far more additional paperwork, including disclosure of from where the money is coming to do the job.

So in keeping with the Costa Rican tradition that it is better to seek forgiveness than permission, the Christmas holidays and Holy Week are not vacation times for day laborers who mix the concrete, repair the roof or install a new porton.

The only danger is if an unhappy neighbor filed a complaint with the municipality when inspectors are again on the job. Still most understand that there is a big gap between the law and practice. They are likely to overlook the indiscretion if the work is done correctly.

Highway expansion will create delays in Peñas Blancas

2012-01-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

Work to expand the access road to four lanes at the border crossing of Peñas Blancas will begin next week, and is expected to cause delays while the $1 million construction project continues. Work is expected to be complete during the first half of the year and will eventually reduce backups of 7 kilometers that often appear at the border.

Costa Rica exports the most pineapple in the world in 2011!!

2011-12-31T06:57:00.000-08:00

Exports of the fruit totaled $743 million.

Costa Rica finished 2011 as the top exporter of fresh pineapple in the world, after increasing the value of its exports by 8 percent, according to a statement from the National Chamber of Pineapple Producers (Canapep).

Sales of the fruit generated a total of $743 million, including $63 million in concentrates and another $19 million in juice.

Pineapple production has been criticized for alleged environmental contamination of groundwater and rivers and streams due to the use of pesticides, the Canapep statement acknowledged. Producers are being trained in best farming practices to support sustainable agriculture, the statement said.

Executive branch pulls measure to tax corporations

2011-12-29T07:33:00.000-08:00

Just 24 hours after including a proposed tax on corporations in the legislative agenda, Casa Presidencial inexplicably withdrew the measure.

The action means that owners of corporations will not face a $300-plus assessment in the first 15 days of January.

Casa Presidencial withdrew the measure Thursday by means of a decree signed by President Laura Chinchilla Miranda. The day before a similar decree added the proposed tax to the legislative agenda.

During periods when the legislature is not obligated to meet under the Costa Rican Constitution, the executive branch controls the agenda.

Six traffic officers detained on suspicion of bribery

2011-12-29T07:23:00.001-08:00

The Judicial Investigating Organization detained traffic policemen Monday morning on the allegation that they were extorting drivers who they pulled over and asked them for bribes in place of facing a hefty fine.

The group of six detainees, five men and one woman, operated primarily along Route 27, the San José-Caldera highway, and were stationed in Orotina in Alajuela.

The accused officers had anywhere between two and 10 years experience working as traffic officials. Included were a pair of brothers.

In an effort to disclose the supposed scam, judicial agents launched an investigation and discovered
that transit officials supposedly stopped drivers and accused them of going at high speeds on the road.

Typically that carries a fine of about $600, but the transit officials are accused of instead offering to settle with a bribe.

The investigation began after one of the victims reported a similar incident to judicial police in September. According to the investigators, the bribes varied by driver, depending on the on-the-spot amount each person could pay. Investigators claim foreigners and locals were targeted equally without discretion.

Monday agents raided the local transit patrol center in question and confiscated radar guns and record logs and made arrests of the officers.

Plan to transfer money by text message, great idea!!

2011-12-22T07:13:00.000-08:00

The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) and the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) are designing a plan to facilitate money transfer using a simple text message. This tool is already used in other countries such as Kenya, the Philippines and the Dominican Republic, among others. Users would need to have both a cell phone and a bank account.

Florida Beverage Corporation acquires Musmanni Bakeries

2011-12-22T07:10:00.000-08:00

Costa Rican company Florida Ice and Farm Company (Fifco) has acquired the Musmanni corporation, which operates a chain of great bakeries. According to a press release from Fifco there will be no immediate changes to the chain of 30 company-owned and 150 franchise stores. La Fortuna has one of these bakeries and all the locals seem to love it and buy fresh bread there every day.

Renew my passport

2011-12-21T06:35:00.000-08:00

I had to renew my passport this week. It’s one of those tasks that demand time and energy and are easily put off. But don’t!

If your children have passports, check them for expiration. If it was first issued at 16 years or under, passports are issued for only 5 years instead of 10. You don’t want to be surprised the week of your trip that your child’s passport has expired!

Throughout the process of renewing my kids’ passports, I was reminded of tips to make it go smoothly:

1) Remember your check book and ID. There is an $80 fee for each passport renewed and the Dept of State doesn’t take credit cards. If you need it expedited, it will be another $60 per passport – that adds up to a lot of money for a family so allow yourself at least 8 weeks before your trip. I was told we would get our new passports within 4 weeks since it is a slower time for passport processing.

2) Check your local libraries for passport processing. Post offices are always busy, and the larger the institution, the more misinformation and confusion. Plus - some libraries process passports on Saturdays.

3) Call to find out the hours for the passport office lunch break. Really. These government workers are serious about their lunch hour. It is often posted, but call ahead and make sure the person in charge of passport processing knows you are coming so you coordinate with their hungry stomachs.

4) This past April the U.S. Department of State began requiring the full names of the applicant’s parent(s) to be listed on all certified birth certificates to be considered as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship.

5) Make sure both parents are with present, or one has had a notarized letter… If one parent is deceased, the remaining parent has to bring proof.

6) Minors under age 16 must apply in person – they can’t renew by mail.

And while you are at it… you may want to check your own passport if you are planning a trip. Some countries require that your passport is valid up to six months past exit date… Asia…and even in Europe there are places that require three months validity past exit date. Travelers have been turned away because of insufficient passport updating and you don’t want to be one of them.

If yours has expired, this is a good time. travel.state.gov/passport/

I hope you get to use it to visit exciting places , in good health and happiness, in 2012!

What is the best Internet Service in Costa Rica

2011-12-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

Costa Rica WIMAX, WIFI, Cable, DSL, Satellite, and 3G Internet

People ask us on a regular basis what is the best Internet Service in Costa Rica? First off you need to look at the types of Internet Service Providers (ISP) available. DSL or ADSL is typically provided by a phone company in which your Internet service comes through your phone line and then is connected to a modem. Cable TV companies can provide you Internet in your home by way of a cable modem. WIFI, WIMAX, and satellite typically use an antenna of some type located on the outside of your home to get the Internet signal. That service is passed into your home through a network or RF cable. 3G service comes directly to your fingertips through your cell phone, USB stick, router, or similar device. With exception to 3G all of these systems are extremely fast providing Broadband Internet to people around the world.

So What’s the Best?

Now that comes down to determining who is the best Internet Service Provider. Here is what you want to know.

1. What is the Internet uptime guarantee for service? In other words, how often is the system down? 2. Are the speeds guaranteed all the time, or does the Internet get really slow during peak usage? 3. How is customer support? Are they multilingual, technically inclined, and respectful? 4. Are they licensed by SUTEL (with proof) to legally provide you Internet in Costa Rica? 5. Can they provide any form of special services? Voice quality, firewall, VPN’s, bandwidth management. 6. Do they offer a money back guarantee? 7. Do they charge you for system downtime? 8. Is a vacation status available with a reduced rate, or no monthly fee? 9. Can they provide QOS (quality of service) at your home or office?

These are a few of the points you need to know up front. If your provider can not give you good answers or solutions to any of the above questions then maybe you should consider a different Costa Rica ISP (internet service provider).

CRWIFI Ltda. - Commercial and Residential Internet

Our company was built from the ground up based upon North American engineering and design. We put the client first by backing our residential Internet service with a 30 day money back guarantee. You can checkout our customer testimonial page if you want proof that our customers just love our service. Many clients praise us as one of the best companies they have ever worked with here in Costa Rica, and that's not only pertaining to Internet service

Wireless Internet General Coverage Areas include:

Grecia, Atenas, Western Central Valley, Alajuela, Heredia, San Ramon, Santa Ana, Puntarenas, Miramar, Orotina, Naranjo, and many other locations.

Wine Aficionados In Costa Rica

2011-11-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular wines currently consumed by Costa Ricans is Two Oceans, a South African wine that is available at a reasonable price point. As the market opens up to different suppliers, price point is key to the success of importers. While there is a growing wine connoisseur community, the average Costa Rican spends about $10 on a bottle of wine, according to Expo exhibitor Distell.

In addition to increasing wine availability in Costa Rica, schools providing sommelier classes are now available. Graduates of the courses are able to find jobs as the demand for sommeliers is growing in Costa Rica and countries such as Guatemala and Honduras.

Israel’s's participation in this year’s expo was a joint venture with the Israeli Embassy in Costa Rica. With exports to the U.S. and Europe, the goal is to expand their products to Costa Rica and the Latin American market.

In addition to wine, the expo would not have been complete without showcasing wine related products including cheeses, wine courses and even wine flavored ice cream. With more knowledgeable consumers and the demand for wine increasing, wine in Costa Rica is proving to be a growing marketplace. Uncork a bottle and enjoy the bouquet, the essence and clarity of wine in Costa Rica!

Beer is basic, economics ministry study determines

2011-09-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

In a pragmatic recognition of Costa Rican life, the economics ministry has listed beer in cans as one of the 53 products that make up the consumer basket on which the price index will be figured.

The Instituto Nacional de Estadistica y Censos selected 266 possible items, and the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio picked the 53, which also includes some non-food products and personal hygiene items. The price index is weighted toward the products that a low-income family would buy.

The economics ministry will use the index to monitor prices in the marketplace and seek out what it calls distortions.

The ministry said that the list is not supposed to be used for tax purposes or to motivate shoppers to buy items on the list.

However, a recent proposal for a value-added tax exempted certain products in the basic consumer basket, called canasta basica in Spanish.

The list appeared in the Sept. 9 La Gaceta official newspaper.

Costa Rica prepares its first export of sweet chilli pepper to the US

2011-09-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

The shipment is scheduled for the second half of December 2011
Costa Rica prepares its first export of sweet chilli pepper to the US

After two consecutive years of exporting fresh tomatoes to the US, Costa Rica now has the opportunity to export sweet chilli pepper to its North American neighbour through Del Monte, which has approximately 21 hectares in greenhouses in Buenos Aires de Puntarenas, Costa Rica’s State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) reports. Mr. Erik Cedeño, from the SFE, has announced that the first shipment is scheduled for the second half of December.

The SFE reports that in January 2009, following three years of intensive preparations, a protocol was signed permitting the export of fresh ripe tomato and chilli peppers to the United States. The first exporters to export according to this protocol were small producers from Zarcero, who shipped tomatoes in 2009, two weeks after the agreement was signed.

According to the SFE, as a result of the joint work undertaken by the State Phytosanitary Service of Costa Rica and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to identify areas of low prevalence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, it became possible to open the market for these products, and this could lead to opportunities for other tropical fruits and vegetables.

One of the regulations implemented by the United States for the export of chilli peppers and fresh tomatoes produced in Costa Rica was the requirement of having a government employee from the SFE permanently based at the packing plant and watching over production in the greenhouses.

Inspectors must supervise these crops on almost a full-time basis during the harvest season, which lasts three months, Mrs. Gina Monteverde, Head of Exports, declared.

In conjunction with Del Monte, the SFE´s Fruit Fly Programme is monitoring the presence of fruit flies in the greenhouses and in an area 500 metres wide.

Source: Peppers Today

Retire in Paradise on $32.25 a Day

2011-09-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Gringo Report

Millions of Americans have already fled the U.S. It’s true. According to an in-depth investigation by Money magazine, “250,000 Americans are leaving the country for good every year. And millions more are seriously considering it.”
Why? To be blunt, many people can no longer afford to retire in the U.S. and keep their lifestyle. U.S. Social Security reports that it's sending checks to 442,000 Americans overseas.
For millions of people, the American dream has simply been priced out of reach. The cost of living... health care coverage... gas and utility bills... real estate prices... are all going through the roof. And the ever-shrinking dollar has just multiplied the pain.
Maybe you are already retired and need some better options, or perhaps you aren’t anywhere close to retirement. Nevertheless, it is important to think about and plan for your future. Like every phase in your life, you’ll be surprised at how fast retirement creeps up on you.
Don’t resign yourself to living a dull, difficult, and routine life. There is no reason for you to struggle with a small pension, Social Security, miserable climates, high utility bills, and outrageous medical costs.
Broaden your horizons and you can dramatically change the way you live—for the better. These are places where $1,000 per month will buy you a comfortable home in a beautiful setting, pay for your food and utilities, a housekeeper, gardener, country-club dues...and even leave you with money left over for entertainment and travel...
Obviously we are not trying to sugar coat the fact that it will be tough. Moving abroad will require drive, determination, motivation, and above all else adaptability. This is why we recommend that you thoroughly research all the countries that interest you. Make sure you visit before you move. A destination can seem like it is completely perfect on paper, but when you move there you might discover that you just don’t like the feel of the place.
I hope this report has provided you with a good starting guide.
And we want you to remember that this report is only the beginning. If you think you would like to retire to a beautiful overseas haven...well it’s a big world out there...and opportunities for a better retirement overseas abound.

Retire in Paradise on $32.25 a Day

Bird Fight in El Castillo, Costa Rica

2011-09-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

This Chocuaco is ready to fight for his fish.

Property is registered in Zapote.

2011-09-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Property is registered in Zapote.
The Web page is www.registronacional.go.cr

Similar to the laws in the U.S. state of Louisiana,
real estate ownership under Costa Rica law is
divided into two elements. One person has the use
of the property and another has the ownership.
The person with the use is said to have an usufruct
(referred to as the in Costa Rica) of the
property, whereas the owner is called the naked
owner. When you own or purchase a piece of
property, you need to be sure you have the rights
to both.
Also, like in Louisiana, property can be held
indivision between one or more people. This
means each person can hold an undivided interest
in the property, none owning any particular piece
because each owns a portion of the whole.

The first item to know if a property has a title.........

2011-09-10T15:18:00.001-07:00

The first item to know if a property has a title, who owns the title and what type of property it is. The Registro Nacional keeps the records on titled property.

Real property has a finca number. Finca means farm in English but does not mean a country farm with chickens. The term means a section of real property. Even houses on lots in the city are parts of fincas. Finca numbers or farm numbers have two basic parts. The first digit defines the district in which the property is located. The last six digits is a unique identification number. For example a finca number (or lot number) in San José would look something like this: 1-000000. The one is for San José, and the zeros would be a real number identifying the property.

Property District Numbers:
1 – San José
2 – Alajuela
3 – Cartago
4 – Heredia
5 – Guanacaste
6 – Puntarenas
7 – Limón

Property Types
F – Filial
M – Mother
Z – Concession

Farms can also be further broken down into undivided interests. In these cases, an additional three-digit number is added to indicate the number of owners.

I do not believe in title insurance in Costa Rica.

2011-09-10T15:08:00.001-07:00

I do not believe in title insurance in Costa Rica. Theoretically, all the title insurance companies are illegal because Costa Rica has a governmentally owned insurance monopoly. More importantly, the contracts of title insurance are so restrictive in Costa Rica, I know no one ever receiving money on a claim. Title insurance is something popular in other countries and is sold here to people who just have to have it because of their beliefs coming from somewhere else. There are better and cheaper ways to protect your property in Costa Rica.

The World's Best Retirement Haven

2011-09-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Plus, "we've been extremely pleased with the quality of the health care offered in Costa Rica. In our experience, it is superior in almost every way to the U.S. Doctors here are more accessible and hands-on than doctors in the U.S. They are very well-trained and qualified. There are a number of new medical facilities in San Jose that rival anything available in the U.S.," says Peggy.

Front Curb needed the once over!!

2011-09-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

I gave the front yard the one over. Removed old car port, cut down two trees, pulled out all the old shrubs and plants too. Brought in lots of land fill, compacted and leveled everything in the front corner. Stuccoed the posts red and put up new wire around the front and down the side. The main idea being to open up the front to see the house from the road out front. This was harder than you think for 7 years I have been doing the opposite.

Costa Rica Filled With Baileys

2011-09-04T09:13:00.001-07:00

Costa Rica Filled With Baileys

Bailey bridges are very popular in Costa Rica, as more and more are erected in the country, taking the place of permanent bridges instead of being used as a temporary solution to a long term problem.
Related

Bridge Collapse, An Accident Waiting To Happen

The Bailey bridge is the quick solution to a continuing problem in the country, as the story repeats year after year, as bridges are washed out and the ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT) uses the Bailey system in lieu of erecting a permanent structure.

How many Bailey's are in use currently in Costa Rica? The simple answer is, lots.

The Bailey is in no doubt a practical solution for emergencies. Experts, however, are voicing concern over the use of the structure as a permanent solution that is repeated in San José and small towns across Costa Rica.

The advantages of the Bailey bridge are many. They are easy to assemble, are lightweight and in a matter of days they can be in use.

The Bailey is a modular system that is easy to install but was never meant to be a permanent bridge, a fact that is recognized by the executive director of the Consejo Nacional de Viabilidad (Conavi), Carlos Acosta.

But, what is happening in reality is that the MOPT, under the premise of employing the Bailey, has stopped building bridges - up to 70 at the last count.

What is happening repeatedly across the country, communities are having to live through "funnels" for the lack of two lane bridges or capacity constraints for fear of collapsing structures.

Bailey bridges are not anchored to the ground, using strongholds and reinforcements to hold them in place and more expensive to, in terms of linear cost, than a permanent bridge.

This is a fact recognized by the ministro of the MOPT, Francisco Jiménez, who defends the increased use of the Bailey system by saying, "there is a lower cost overall due to less requirements for infrastructure".

The reality of the lower overall cost is the lack of maintenance.

The reality is that moore than one Bailey bridge in use is becoming dangerous by the day mainly due to the lack of maintenance, a problem that has plagued the MOPT for almost two decades and the reason for the poor state of condition of most of the permanent bridges in the country.

What should an employer do?

2011-08-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

What should an employer do? Employees are usually a necessity in a business. The answer is to do things by the book as much as possible considering the labor laws are confusing to most expats. When in doubt, expats should ask a legal professional. Many of them do not know the answers either. The labor ministry is full of people who can answer questions, but few speak English. The ministry’s new Web site is very good. Many queries can be answered by a visit to http://www.mtss.go.cr/

Dailyshow

2011-07-05T20:13:00.001-07:00

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-june-30-2011/willie-geist---apology-chaperone?xrs=share_copy

The cost to ship my car to Costa Rica

2011-05-10T14:01:00.001-07:00

date Tue, May 10, 2011 at 12:49 PM
subject Re: Benz
mailed-by gmail.com
signed-by gmail.com
hide details 12:49 PM (1 hour ago)
Greetings,,,
If you deliver the car to port Mantee,It will cost $1070....this is
inside container all the way into San Jose.This price includes all
docs and stamps to leave the U.S.At this end you have Port
charges,Mobilization fees,bill of lading,and tranlastion of bill of
lading fee,which run another $300 to $450.......To process the
car,,Put in national regestiry,machambo,tags,title will run you about
$775.......and the duty is as follows,,,,,,take the kelly blue book
price,divide that in 1/2,,,then add 1/3 of the shipping cost,,,,,that
is about what the duty will be,,,,,,
Any other questions let me know,,,there are 2 boats a week out of the
port for here,,the entire process will take 21 days.
Regards,
Jimmy

environmentally sustainable agricultural

2011-05-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

La Gran Vista Agricultural Ecological Farm near El Valle de General is a non-profit project that aims to spread awareness of environmentally sustainable agricultural methods to other farmers in the region.

The 12 acre farm is intended to provide an example of a farm that operates in a sustainable manner, removing the need to clear new areas of forest. The farm also aims to show others how the following methods can be employed successfully:
organic farming
soil regeneration and conservation
natural herbicides
natural pesticides
worm composting
biogas production

Lake Arenal

2011-05-09T08:23:00.001-07:00

Another location which is far more mysterious in origin can be found near the shores of Lake Arenal. Known for the majestic volcano that stands sentinel over the valley, Arenal became the focus of one Payson Sheets, an archeologist from the University of Colorado. Using NASA remote sensing technology, Sheets discovered the existence of remote footpaths both around and under the current Lake Arenal during these aerial surveys in 1985.
These footpaths, some dating back to 500 B.C., lifted a curtain on the life and culture of the ancients who used them as part of their daily existence. Sheets and other behavioral archeologists theorized that wandering bands may have lived around the volcano as early as 10,000 B.C. although a permanent settlement probably did not become established until around 2000 B.C.
These early settlers would move away during eruptions and then return to their crops and settlement when Arenal grew quiet. Much like the citizens of Guayabo, these lake residents vanished around 1400 B.C. The belief is that a plague, not the Volcano, is what ended their days.

Two decrees spur household electrical generation

2011-05-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Chinchilla administration has asked electrical distributors to come up with pilot plans so that customers can generate their own power and market the excess.

The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, known as ICE, has such a pilot project but the other electrical distributors, including the Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz, have not embraced the idea.

The request from the central administration was in the form of two decrees issued March 15 and published just before Easter in the La Gazeta official newspaper. The significance of the decrees was largely overlooked, according to industry sources.

"Their impact is potentially huge, but I fear this potential will only be realized if the population of the country, and the electricity consumers of the distribution companies, are aware, concerned and get involved," said Jim Ryan of ASI Power & Telemetry, S.A. in Liberia.

“The ICE pilot program for net-metering which was introduced last year is a superb example of how a program can be constructed and implemented to support small-scale renewable energy generation," he said. "It would be ideal if the other distributors would take the ICE pilot program contract and program regulations and merely change the name of the company from ICE to Distributor X. In fact last year ICE offered their technical and program support to any Distributors willing to adopt their model program – none accepted ICE’s offer ”

Six months ago the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad invited its customers to produce their own electricity and send the surplus to the national grid. The company restricted the offer to those generating systems that use renewable and clean sources, such as wind, solar, methane, and water. The inflow and outflow of electricity is measured as it comes and goes from the national grid, and the customer is credited with any electricity sent into the grid.

The few readers who took the energy company up on its offer reported that employees were helpful and anxious to make the connections.

Other readers complained that their electrical distributors were not allowing these types of connections. In addition to the Compañía Nacional, they are Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia S. A. and Servicio Eléctrico Municipal de Cartago. These firms were named in the decree signed by President Laura Chinchilla and Teofilo de la Torre, minister of Ambienta, Energía y Telecomunicaciones.

The decrees give the firms three months to come up with a plan.

There is one catch to the current program of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad. No money is returned to the homeowner who produces the electricity. Instead the company awards credits against future electrical use.

The Chinchilla decrees, however, gave the price regulator, the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, two months to come up with tariffs that would promote individual production of electrical power.

The president also asked the electrical institute to come up with as quickly as possible new financing options that would accelerate the development of this type of power generation.

The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad said six months ago that it expected to generate about 5 megawatts from customers. The Chinchilla decrees mention 20 megawatts. Costa Rican laws are believed to allow the household production of 30 megawatts. Although exact figures depend on usage, a megawatt usually is defined as enough electricity to power 1,000 homes.

Said Ryan:

“Renewable energy generation of all sizes, both large and small, is important for the economic future of Costa Rica and all developed countries. And if we want fewer dams built on our rivers and fewer overhead transmission lines in our communities, then we must also consider installing our own small generation systems to take some of the load off of ICE and the distributors for generating and distributing power. But to have that option, we must now get consumers energized enough to help drag the distributors into the present and future reality.”

New system provides those legal documents online

2011-05-02T12:47:00.003-07:00

There is nothing more frustrating in Costa Rica than to go to a bank, government agency or some store for a company purchase and the clerk asks: “Do you have a personería jurídica?”

The personería juridical is a legal document used in most Latin American countries to prove legal capacity or legal representation, mostly for companies, but there are certificaciones de poder, certifications of power — that are basically the same thing.

In the past, the only way to get one of these documents was to go to an attorney and pay him or her around $20. The attorney would print one on their fancy legal paper. A couple of years ago, the Registro Nacional allowed people to go directly to its offices and get a similar document for around 1,300 colons or $2.75 at the current exchange rate. A big difference from $20.

However, most people hate standing in the lines at the Registro Nacional and end up sending a messenger or using a messenger service. In the end this turns out costing about the same.

Now there is something new. And, most importantly it works, and it works great. The Registro Nacional has started something called the Registro Nacional Digital – the digital national registry.

Amazing, the digital system does work and it is easy to use if one can use a computer.

Here is the rundown for anyone needing a personería juridica and a multitude of other documents provided by the system:

Direct your browser here (http://www.rnpdigital.go.cr). In the middle of the page to on the right there is a box that states “Obtenga Certificaciones Digitales 24 horas del dia 7 dias a la semana.” This translates to “Get Digital Certifications 24 hours a day 7 days a week.”

Click on that box. On the top left there is a box that states “Registrarse por primera vez.” This translates into “Register for the first time.” The registration is a breeze. One is asked for only basic information, first name, last name, telephone number, email and a password. Once one registers, the system will send an email almost instantly. The test registration email for this article took 15 seconds to arrive.

There it is, no more fees to lawyers or long lines at the Registro Nacional. One can get mercantile and property information, personería juridicas, and believe it or not even catastros plat maps.
The system uses a very basic cart layout. The price for most documents is 2,500 colons plus tax or 2,798.50 which translates into $5.65 at today’s exchange rate. Some items are a bit more expensive. Compared to paying a lawyer or sending a messenger to get the documents one needs at the Registro National, the system is convenient and saves money.

The system can be used for more than one item at a time, too. All payments are done by credit. card. The shopping cart keeps a running total of purchases and does the math

Documents obtained at the Registro Nacional Digital are good for 15 days. They are provided in the worldwide PDF (portable document format) file system. Once the document is downloaded onto a computer, it is also sent to the email of record so it can be used over and over again.

This means the same document can be used for a variety of business without buying it again during the 15 days. This in itself is a real money saver.

The recipient can verify the document. The document provided by the Registro Nacional Digital has a key-code number that looks something like this “RNPDIGITAL- 123456-2011.”

Anyone questioning the document can access the same Web site and go to the section on the top right hand side of the page and click on “verificación de certificaciones” – vertification of certifications. The person questioning the document puts in the key-code number and the same exact document appears.

The world is turning quickly into a digital and live in the cloud world. Costa Rica is keeping up. The country is now also working hard on a new system called the Poder Judicial Digital, the digital judicial power. In a preliminary look, the system looks almost as good as the Registro Nacional Digital.

All this progress in Costa Rica is a bit frightening. It seems to be working. There is still one area that needs some serious help, the tax department. That Web site is still cryptic and does not work well most of the time. Their system to file tax returns using EDDI still does not work with Windows 7.

Fire Ants Form Rafts To Survive Floods

2011-05-01T17:06:00.001-07:00

Why, if a fire ant alone in water drowns, while it can survive and float for days when in a group? Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, have found that fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) create a kind of raft water resistant when floods to save the colony.

This is a tortilla-shaped structure, and almost half of the colony is submerged to keep afloat the rest, as explained in an article published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS).

To see how these highly invasive insects react to an emergency working together, the team led by David Hu threw between 500and 8000 ants to water. They noted that quickly gathered, clutching each other with their jaws and claws to form the structure.

According to the authors, the formation of air trapped under the rafts are likely to increase buoyancy and prevent the ants from the bottom layer from drowning. Gradually removing the ants from the top than the bottom found moved to keep the average thickness of the reservoir. According to the researchers, this cooperative behavior among ants could be based on coercion.

The red imported fire ant is one of over 280 species in the widespread genus Solenopsis. Although the red imported fire ant is native to South America, it has become a pest in the southern United States, Australia, Taiwan, Philippines, and the southern Chinese province of Guangdong.

There are also reports of ant hills in Macau, the former Portuguese enclave that borders the province of Guangdong. RIFA are known to have a strong, painful, and persistent irritating sting that often leaves a pustule on the skin.

The Solenopsis invicta are found colonizing in many area of Costa Rica. The red imported fire ant are more aggressive than most native ant species and have a painful sting.

A person typically encounters them by inadvertently stepping into one of their mounds, which causes the ants to swarm up the person's legs, attacking en masse. The ants respond to pheromones that are released by the first ant to attack. The ants then sting in concert, often inflicting death on smaller animals by overloading their immune systems

The red imported fire ant compete successfully against other ants.

Red imported fire ants have both a pedicel and postpediole. In other words, they belong to a group of ants that have two humps between the thorax and abdomen. The workers have ten antennal segments terminating in a two-segmented club. It is often difficult to distinguish between the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta and some other species in the genus. A number of characters are used, but are not always consistent between the black imported fire ant (Solenopsis richteri) or hybrids between the two species. Positive identifications can be made using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to distinguish differences in the cuticular hydrocarbons.

Many scientists and agencies are attempting to develop methods to stop the spread of the red imported fire ant. Traditionally, control of the red imported fire ant has been achieved through pesticide use. Red imported fire ants have virtually no natural biological control agents in the United States, China, Philippines, or Australia. Current research is focused on introducing biological control agents from the red imported fire ant's native range.

Taking your small dog to Costa Rica

2011-04-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

First ask your vet. if he or she is certified Internationale vet? Ask if they have the form APHIS 7001 from the USDA? Also this form can now be done on line too. Make an appointment get the shots and your certificate. Fill out the form 7001 carefully! They will return it unsigned if not correct!
Enclose money order for $36 made out to USDA and Also enclose copy of Vaccination certificate
Mail to:
USDA, APHIS
8100 NW 15th Place
Gainesville, FL 32606

Do not forget to enclose your return prepaid envelope. They said 2 to 3 days to process.

The certificate is good for 30 days and not one day more. I thought they would let me slide once on the 31st day but no they walked me and my little dog out of the airport in Costa Rica and said I was a heath problem and not to return until I had all current paper work so I missed my flight. I had to stay 3 more days in Costa Rica because I needed one day for the vet, one day for the government stamp and returned to the airport the next morning. Well that was more money and more time. Just a reminder no government stamps on weekends or holidays so do your planning.

Registry Web Site To Be Improved

2011-04-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

The national land registry promises a vastly improved Web site by the second quarter of this year, complete with plats, up-to-date data and high resolution maps.

Called BID-Catastro. workers are plowing their way through the 56 cantons on the site with 23 well advanced. The maps will be 1:5000 for all territory and 1:1000 for urban areas.

It will be accessed by Google at Sistema Nacional de Informacion Territorial.

It is hoped eventually that the information will indicate hazardous zones in which to build and aid in zoning, which is currently all but non-existent in some important areas of Costa Rica.

Help with Car Buying in Costa Rica

2011-04-23T05:50:00.001-07:00

Great web site read below about this great service!
http://wheelscr.com

Help with Car Buying in Costa Rica
In 2005 we started our first car site at www.fijatevos.com . The objective was to help used car dealers offer their vehicles to the local market. As the site progressed, we began to see that it was difficult for foreigners in Costa Rica to buy a vehicle for a number of reasons. We began offering assistance to people contacting us through the site and the PASS service was born.
The fee for the PASS service is $280, click here: Contact Us (opens new window) to make your reservation now. The PASS service includes the following steps:
Preliminary consultation by email on suitable vehicles, methods for funding the purchase, and answering any questions you may have about the technical inspection or registration process. This step is very important in saving time in the purchase process.
A day or two before your arrival we will call our pool of dealers and importers to locate vehicles matching the agreed upon specifications. Some are dealers listed on the www.fijatevos.com web site, others are reputable dealers that do not advertise there. While some we have encountered through referrals, for the most part we have personally visited their lots and driven their vehicles. Often we have had clients that have purchased a vehicle there. Working within this pool of dealers is vital for your peace of mind, you can be sure that these are reputable business owners who bring in quality vehicles and stand behind their product.
Once you arrive, we pick you up at your residence or hotel in San José.
We visit each dealership and you will test drive the vehicle(s). We will interpret for you with the dealer to answer any questions you may have about the vehicle.
In our years of experience in providing this service, after you have seen 4-6 vehicles one will stand out as a particularly superior purchase. Either for overall condition, a better price, or for features and extras you like. In rare cases you may need to see more in order to come to a decision, and that is no problem.
The next step is to complete the purchase. If you brought cash that’s fine, otherwise we will take you to the bank assist you with getting the money out. Often the lawyer will come to the dealership, otherwise we then go to the lawyer’s office to complete the paperwork. We will help you review the sales contract and translate for you to clear up any questions on the registration process.
Once this is done you will take delivery of the vehicle. Often the same day, but in many cases this is done a day or two after the purchase for varying reasons.
Our clients our very happy with our service, read what they say here — Testimonials. Our customers are normally very happy about not having to drive in San José traffic, or navigate themselves to the dealerships. Having a reliable translator is also a big plus, and they are also reassured by being able to deal with an importer that we consider trustworthy. Altogether, everyone feels that the $280 fee is a very fair price and well worth paying.

Costa Rica is also an ecological hotspot.

2011-04-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

Gliding weightlessly through a white tunnel with the view obscured by a soft, billowing mist must surely be what it feels like to die. Except, in the final moments before shuffling off this mortal coil, I shouldn't be seeing monkeys gibbering away metres below me. And that fine spray of mud angling annoyingly onto my face was certainly not a fitting way to enter the afterlife.

A splodge of mud in the eye does wonders to bring you back to reality. Of course I wasn't dying - I was zip wiring, careering high above the Costa Rican cloud forest.

The extreme sport is fast becoming as synonymous with Costa Rica as bungee jumping is with New Zealand.

Costa Rica is also an ecological hotspot. Its position as a land bridge linking two continents, its climate and over-active geology, combine to create one of the world's leading environmental destinations.

Wildlife lovers and more intrepid travellers have known this for years, flocking to the cloud forests, reefs and volcanoes to glimpse its seemingly endless variety of wildlife.

Costa Ricans, or 'Ticos', are fiercely proud not only of their ecological riches but also of their country's stability and prosperity in the unsettled Central American region.

People walk past a cow sculpture on display in front of the National Theater during a Cow Parade art festival in San Jose
REUTERS
A telling boast is that Costa Rica employs more teachers than police. And, even more remarkably, it has no army.

These factors make Costa Rica, or the 'rich coast' as its Spanish translation testifies, a unique tourist spot and now the larger travel companies are cottoning on to its vast potential.

Packages by tour operator First Choice are centred on the magical Guanacaste region, straddling Costa Rica's north west Pacific coast.

One of the first surprises about Guanacaste (it's named after a tree whose seeds look like a human ear) is that it is cowboy country. Despite the profusion of jeeps, the horse is king. We got into the saddle at the Hacienda Guachipelin, a working farm in the foothills of the Rincon de la Vieja national park.

The ecological richness of the country doesn't take long to surprise and delight. We took a horseback ride through butterfly-strewn meadows, the tropical giants littering the grassland like cobalt and crimson confetti.

Costa Rica is actively volcanic and Rincon boats devilish-looking mud pools, that blister and spit at temperatures hot enough to strip flesh from the bone.

We retreated from the sulphurous stink into a jungle that quickly began to reveal its secrets.

Capuchin monkeys screamed indignantly from high in the canopy. An agouti - a sort of giant, swollen hamster - crashed in the undergrowth metres from our feet.

Following our exertions on horseback, an afternoon by the river had been promised. Relaxing it was not. The Hacienda, like much of Costa Rica, specialises in terrifying outdoor activities. We were to 'tube' down the Rio Colorado.

Tubing, like zip wiring, requires the temporary abandonment of one's sanity. Arriving alongside the raging torrent, we were presented with crash helmets, life vests and a large rubber ring.

The ring, it transpires, is a giant inner-tube, hence the term “tubing”. We were instructed to sit upon it and abandon our fate to the current.

Despite the ever-present and deeply alarming sensation of terror, tubing down the river was utterly exhilarating.

You plunge down the steeply descending, boulder-strewn river, the ferocious, frothing flow often twisting and turning you backwards, the impending roar of the water and screams of your companions the only clue that you are once again about to plunge down the next set of rapids.

Respite came the next day in the guise of cocktails, coatis and lava. We were heading inland towards Costa Rica's volcanic spine.

Dramatic bursts of rainforest bulged from the roadside as we rose higher. The journey was momentarily curtailed by a group of badger-like coatis commandeering the road.

An inquisitive male, furious at being denied entry to our van, lifted his metre-long tail imperiously into the air at us before haughtily stomping off.

The brooding Arenal Volcano dominates this part of the country and provides a patchwork of volcanic pools, some of them cool enough to enjoy without needing immediate first aid.

From one such oasis, the Ecotermales Hot Springs, we supped sundowners made from the local fire spirit - guaro.

Steam rising up from the pools added to the Jurassic feel of the place as the vapour mingled with the dripping muddle of tropical vegetation before twisting off into the darkness.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest, high in the mist-wreathed mountains, is a haven for both scientists and tourists. The former attracted by the mind-boggling variety of species, the latter by the numerous ways of terrifying themselves.

But before we went zip wiring like latter-day Tarzans, we met some of the forest's more spectacular inhabitants.

Costa Rica is a hummingbird hotspot, boasting more than 40 species, with evocative names such as mangoes, emeralds and sabrewings.

A small clearing of Selvatura Forest Park was set aside and decorated with small bird feeders luring in what on first glance seemed to be a squadron of flying jewels.

The hummers, resplendent in emerald and turquoise plumage, buzzed in to gorge on the sugary solution laid out for them. Despite being wild, they came close enough for you to feel their wing beats on your face.

But it was no good trying to put it off any longer, it was time for zip wiring. We were to shoot down 10 different wires, some two kilometres in length, with only a thick leather-gloved hand as a brake.

We traipsed like condemned men up the iron scaffold start point, high above the treetops.

Being a cloud forest the view was, well, pretty cloudy. The wire in front of me disappeared into the impenetrable mist.

As you sit in your harness, there is a sudden jarring contact of metal on metal, gravity takes you and, slowly, you edge out of the platform and into the abyss.

Then you're transplanted into a wildlife documentary as the forest presents itself from a totally unexpected angle.

Below my feet, tops of jungle giants loomed momentarily as I sped by, their branches gloved in slime-green lichen and decorated with luxuriant bromeliad plants, nestling in crevices like elaborate, leafy nests.

All too soon the final zip wire was completed. I realised I couldn't stop smiling. I wanted to do it again.

But Costa Rica is not just about adrenalin hits in the great outdoors. A catamaran voyage out from the black sands of Potrero Beach into the inky Pacific had started our trip in style.

And it was back to the coast for recuperation at our final destination, the jumbo-sized RIU hotel on the butter-coloured crescent of Playa Matapalo beach.

I sat in the surf supping guaro as a damson sunset bleached into the sea. Thirty metres away, pelicans dived into a bait ball of fish hiding below the surface, the giant birds joined in the inky water by the occasional flippers of dolphin joining the feast.

Heaven seemed very close at hand.

If You Go...

Liam Creedon was a guest of First Choice and flew on Thomson Airways' weekly flight ex-Gatwick to Liberia, Costa Rica

eco-tourism and peaceful, tropical living, is proving to the world...

2011-04-22T11:00:00.001-07:00

The Central American country of Costa Rica, well-known as a haven for eco-tourism and peaceful, tropical living, is proving to the world that being a small nation in the developing world is no barrier to sustainability, happiness and ecological consciousness.
As host to the recent II International Planted, People, Peace Conference, which was held for three days in November with a focus on sustainable ecotourism both nationally and internationally, Costa Rica has been recognized as a leader in ecological travel and sustainability.
Despite being one of the smallest countries on the planet, the country has been announced as the highest-ranking nation in the Happy Planet Index, showing the rest of the world what it really means to live sustainably and happily.
Latest News - Environment
Costa Rica: Living sustainably and happily
Earth Day organizers call for ‘a billion acts of green’
Solo, around-the-world sailing race goes green
Green auction earns $ 2.4 million for environment
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
The Happy Planet Index 2.0 released earlier this year ranks countries according to the triple goals of long life, high well-being and a sustainable ecological footprint. Costa Rica, long known for being a peaceful haven in a troubled region, tops the index for producing over 99 percent of its electricity from renewable resources as well as maintaining great living standards for its population, which reports the highest life-satisfaction in the world and the second-longest life-expectancy in North America.
According to the New Economic Foundation, Costa Rica’s impressive achievement of 99.2 percent renewable energy is made up of around 50 percent sustainable energy, compared with many other nations in the region who use primarily hydroelectric dams or wood-burning as a source of energy that is, while renewable, not sustainable.
The sustainable energy matrix in Costa Rica is made up largely by geothermal energy, sugarcane waste and biomass generation.
Costa Rica also comes closest to achieving the “holy grail” of sustainability – a concept popularly known as One-Planet Living: the tiny nation has an ecological footprint of only 2.3 hectares per person, which is only slightly above the goal of 2.1 hectares per person worldwide in order to live with the Earth sustainably.
Geothermal energy
A significant portion of electricity in Costa Rica is generated by geothermal energy, with the country currently investigating plans to increase its current capacity of 152 megawatts in four geothermal plants. A new volcano-power generation plant is due to come on line in early 2011, with two more planned for the near future.
Despite requiring a significant investment, geothermal electricity generation plants are generally considered to be one of the most sustainable sources of energy and can provide a reliable, long-term power source without doing significant damage to the region’s ecosystem.
The Costa Rican government is also aiming to be the first nation to be completely carbon neutral, with recently-announced plans to reduce the country’s net greenhouse gas emissions and offset all carbon by the year 2030.
This is in sharp contrast to other leading countries such as Norway, which plans to become carbon neutral by 2050. According to Costa Rican Environment Minister Roberto Dobles, the plans include not only reducing emissions by cleaning up fossil fuel power plants and switching to more sustainable energy, but also by promoting hybrid vehicles and tree-planting to offset emissions.
The program, which is being funded by a 3.5 percent tax on gasoline, which is hoped to provide an extra benefit of discouraging gasoline use though extra costs, is so successful that the U.N. has called for other countries to follow Costa Rica’s example.
Biodiversity
Costa Rica is also well-known for its lush forests and beautiful topical landscapes which happen to be some of the most important wildlife areas in the world in terms of biodiversity. It is estimated that the small nation, which accounts for only 51,000 square kilometers is also host to around five percent of the world’s biodiversity.
Home to a vast array of endangered, protected and rare animal and plant species including exotic birds and frogs, the Costa Rican government works closely with conservation groups to ensure a sustainable future for the flora and fauna found in the country. Around one quarter of the nation is National Park reserve land where animals and plants are protected.
A strong emphasis has been placed in recent years on the benefits of ecological protection, which include ecotourism – a substantial part of Costa Rica’s economy; fishing, medicinal plants and environmental service payments. The government supports a comprehensive legal framework for biodiversity conservation which includes protocols for sustainable use and practices regarding biodiversity.
Eleven conservation areas have been defined by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy and is administered by a department of the ministry called the National System of Conservation Areas.
One recent win for animal conservationists was the move by President Oscar Arias to protect endangered leatherback sea turtles which nest in the beaches in a small area of the Pacific coast in the north-western region of the country. According to one turtle protection group, the move is a great step towards restoring the population of leatherback turtles that has been decreasing rapidly in recent years, mostly due to human activities such as fishing and egg-poaching.
Mr. Arias also made significant progress in the reforestation of degraded areas in recent years, having created programs for the planting of many millions of trees. Mr. Arias himself planted the five millionth tree in 2007, and around seven million trees were planted in Costa Rica in 2008 alone.
Largely as a result of the tree planting programs, forest cover in Costa Rica has grown from around one quarter of the country to over fifty percent. This is hugely inspiring as an example for other nations, and even for individuals all over the world. Through abundant tree-planting, Costa Rica has managed to significantly offset its carbon emissions and take a step in averting the predicted climate crisis.

Yes you can now find me on twitter too.

2011-04-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

My public profile: http://twitter.com/GringoMichael

Start Twitting ;-)

Inauguración del Nuevo Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica [Juego de Pólvora]

2011-03-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

~ Arenal Volcano : Zipline Locos ~

2011-03-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica's Tomatoe War Tomorrow

2011-03-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Calling on all tomatoe lovers, the annual Tomatoe Fest "VI Feria Nacional del Tomate" in Trojas de Valverde Vega, Alajuela, kicked off on Friday.

The event includes the sale of typical Costa Rican foods and contests, all with a tomatoe theme.

On Sunday, at 3pm, the traditional "guerra de los tomates" (tomatoe war) is the focus of the event.

The fair is aking to Spain's La Tomatina (Valencian pronunciation: [la tomaˈtina]), a festival that is held in the Valencian town of Buñol, in which participants throw tomatoes at each other. It is held the last Wednesday in August, during the week of festivities of Buñol.

Trojas is near Sarchi, northwest of Grecia.

If you cannot find it on the map, just point your car in the direction of Sarchi and then follow the trail of people headed to fight the war with tomatoes. If that doesn't help, just ask "donde es el tometazo?"

The tomatoe, tomato, a fruit or vegetable?

For those of you who don't know what a tomatoe is, Wikipedia describes it as "a savory, typically red, edible fruit, as well as the plant (Solanum lycopersicum) which bears it".

Originating in South America, the tomato was spread around the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas, and its many varieties are now widely grown, often in greenhouses in cooler climates.

The tomato fruit is consumed in diverse ways, including raw, as an ingredient in many dishes and sauces, and in drinks. While it is botanically a fruit, it is considered a vegetable for culinary purposes (as well as by the United States Supreme Court, see Nix v. Hedden), which has caused some confusion. The fruit is rich in lycopene, which may have beneficial health effects.
The tomato belongs to the nightshade family. The plants typically grow to 1–3 metres (3–10 ft) in height and have a weak stem that often sprawls over the ground and vines over other plants. It is a perennial in its native habitat, although often grown outdoors in temperate climates as an annual.

New National Stadium - Costa Rica - Views

2011-03-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

This link is to a great 360 view from the seats point of view.
http://isaacmartinez.com/stadium/octubre2010.html

Costa Ricans can Cook!!

2011-03-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

One Easter season food can spice up scrambled eggs

2011-03-22T07:20:00.001-07:00

One Easter season food can spice up scrambled eggs
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

If it's the Easter season, the time has come to cut some flor de itabo flowers for a slightly bitter addition to the daily diet.

In anticipation of the approaching rainy season, trees are abloom. The red llama de la selva and the pink blossoms of the roble de sabana tree can be seen all over the Central Valley. But it is the white flowers of the flor de Itabo (Yucca elephantipes) that country-born Costa Ricans seek.

The one problem is that the trees frequently are 30 feet high. Someone, probably not a chubby, has to reach the top and chop off the flower, perhaps with a handsaw. The trees are highly valued because they grow quickly and frequently are used as a perimeter fence. Those not comfortable scaling an ill-supported extension ladder can find the flowers at the various weekend ferias.

The petals are separated from the stems, washed and drained. There is a multitude of uses. Two men harvesting flowers in San Pedro Monday noted that the flowers make a good addition to scrambled eggs, despite a slight bitterness. But they also planned to use the petals with onions, peppers and other chopped vegetables in tortillas.

Eating flowers is not always a good idea. The blossoms of the reina de la noche can put someone to sleep forever. The flor de itabo is so unique and easily identified that there really is no danger. Columnist Jo Stuart reported that she tried the flower once but found it to be too bitter. Here is the editor's recipe for flor de itabo a la Johnny.

Ingredients:

One cluster of flor de itabo blossoms
half liter Johnny Walker red label
half liter of water
two medium glasses

Preparation:

Put the flor de itabo blossom in the glass with the water. Admire it. Pour the Johnny Walker into the other glass and drink it.

Pavas where most of the criminal gangs are headquartered.

2011-03-21T14:46:00.001-07:00

Criminals typically break into the home late at night or when the home may be open for guests. Usually they have checked out the area intently and may have local help. There has been a sharp increase in such crimes along the central Pacific coast and even in the Nicoya Peninsula. There have been murders. Still, places like Escazú, Santa Ana, Moravia, San Pedro and Curridabat are more frequent targets because of their proximity to Pavas where most of the criminal gangs are headquartered.

Visit Tomas at Finca Artisana in El Castillo, Costa Rica

2011-03-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

AT Finca Artisana radishes grow to the size of softballs in this country — I can't believe it! The amazing radishes at Finca Artisana are just one of the vegetables grown in Tomas' Pre-Columbian garden. Finca Artisana is a must-see tour for tourists who want to get the true feeling of the connection between Mother Earth and Costa Rica. Every time I go to Rock Costa Rica in El Castillo, Alajuela, Costa Rica, I always leave my car behind and make time to take the tour, and visit Tomas at Finca Artisana El Castillo Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Looking for paradise (Feat. Alicia Keys) (video clip)

2011-03-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Always looking for paradise

Costa Rica creates 2.47 million acre marine park

2011-03-04T16:28:00.000-08:00

By Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY

Costa Rica on Thursday created a massive new marine protected area in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, which conservationists hope will offer endangered marine species such as hammerhead sharks and leatherback turtles a place of respite to recover from increasing pressures from humans.

The protected area, called "Seamounts Marine Management Area" or Area Marina de Manejo Montes Submarinos, extends close to 2.47 million acres around the Cocos Islands. This extends by five times the existing National Park, which is currently a fully protected non-fishing zone and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The new sea park is larger than Yellowstone National Park in the United States.

Cocos Island lies 342 miles off the coast of Costa Rica in the Pacific Ocean. Just 12 miles around, it's sometimes called "Shark Island" because of the white tipped reef sharks, whale sharks, and scalloped hammerhead sharks that live near there.

The decree creating the marine reserve was signed by Costa Rican president Laura Chinchilla Miranda on Thursday March 3.

Costa Rica decreed a "day of national pride" for the announcement. "Creating a protected seamount area sets an important precedent. Sea mounts host endemic species, and the deep water that upwells along their sides brings nutrients that support rich feeding grounds for sealife on the surface. Seamounts serve as stepping stones for long-distance, migratory species, including sharks, turtles, whales and tuna. So we applaud the vision of the Costa Rican President, Laura Chinchilla Miranda, as well as the Minister and Vice Minister of Environment in making this historic move," Costa Rican Marine Program Coordinator for Conservation International, Marco Quesada said in a release.

The area is home to leatherback turtles, listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Costa Rican population has declined 90% in the past 20 years, due in part to the loss of eggs to illegal harvest in nesting sites. Scalloped hammerhead sharks, also on the globally endangered species list, also live in the waters. They are targeted by fishermen for their fins.

Chayote: The all-purpose MesoAmerican treat

2011-02-28T17:00:00.001-08:00

Chayote are peeled easily and the large seed inside comes out easily.

A.M. Costa Rica file photo

Chayote: The all-purpose
MesoAmerican treat

By Saray Ramírez Vindas
From the A.M. Costa Rica archives

The chayote looks like a big, wrinkled green or white pear. But it really is a gourd and a type of squash.

You can eat it creamed, buttered, fried, stuffed, baked, frittered, boiled, mashed and pickled, food experts note. And in Costa Rica it is the all-purpose veggie.

The chayote (Sechium edule) has a long history associated with the pre-Columbian peoples of Central America, and you can’t be here for long without finding one on your plate.

The vegetable can weight up to a pound, and there is a big seed inside that is not eaten. Once the skin and seed are removed, the white flesh remains and is the part that is eaten. The vegetable is so much a part of Costa Rica that to visit or live here without trying it is like never trying gallo pinto or Cerveza Imperial.

Perhaps the best way to eat chayote is chopped up in a mixture of other foods, a picadillo with sausage, chicken, carrots, corn, potatoes, onions and other MesoAmerican staples.

The final dish, eaten with small tortillas, not only is tasty but also colorful. Plus the dish always is a success because proportions of various ingredients are highly variable. Use what you have!

The recipe for picadillos is not exact. Mostly anything goes.

You need:

5-6 chayotes
2-3 carrots
1 full sausage
two ears corn kernels (or small can)
2-3 medium potatoes
2 heads of garlic
5-6 sprigs of basil

Chop up in small pieces the chorizo or sausage and brown in a fry pan along with chopped garlic.

Peel and cut up chayote, carrots and potatoes into small pieces and boil until tender. Drain and set aside.

Do the same with corn: Boil the kernels gently.

Chop up basil, too, and add to the nearly browned sausage.

Put all ingredients into one big pot, put on heat and stir.

Arrange attractively with garnishes of carrots or other handy vegetables. Don’t forget the basil.

Serve with warmed small tortillas or rice a su gusto.

Slide show

2011-02-26T10:45:00.001-08:00

El Castillo, Costa Rica Slideshow: Gringo’s trip from San Jose, Province of San Jose, Costa Rica to El Castillo was created by TripAdvisor. See another El Castillo slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

Slide Show

2011-02-25T18:27:00.001-08:00

El Castillo, Costa Rica Slideshow: Gringo’s trip from San Jose, Province of San Jose, Costa Rica to El Castillo was created by TripAdvisor. See another El Castillo slideshow. Create your own stunning free slideshow from your travel photos.

Driving Costa Rica the HAZARDS

2011-02-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

Video of the Real Driving Conditions in Costa Rica.

Quadruple Backflip off 235ft cliff

2011-02-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

Arenal Volcano Zip Line, Costa Rica - Half MileZip Line

2011-02-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sweet puzzle for botanists

2011-02-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

Others can Snicker, but some will want to guess the name of this flower.

It grows on a tree. It is a Central American native and one of the first domesticated tree crops.

Scientists have just sequenced its genome. The tree is vital for Kisses. But liquor is quicker.

By the Pennsylvania State University news staff

The production of high quality chocolate, and the farmers who grow it, will benefit from the recent sequencing and assembly of the chocolate tree genome, according to an international team from 20 institutions.

The team sequenced the DNA of a variety of Theobroma cacao considered to produce the world's finest chocolate. The Maya domesticated this variety of Theobroma cacao, criollo, about 3,000 years ago in Central America, and it is one of the oldest domesticated tree crops. Today, many growers prefer to grow hybrid cacao trees that produce chocolate of lower quality but are more resistant to disease.

"Fine cocoa production is estimated to be less than 5 percent of the world cocoa production because of low productivity and disease susceptibility," said Mark Guiltinan, professor of plant molecular biology at Pennsylvania State University.

The researchers report in the current issue of Nature Genetics "consumers have shown an increased interest for high-quality chocolate made with cocoa of good quality and for dark chocolate, containing a higher percentage of cocoa, while also taking into account environmental and ethical criteria for cocoa production."

Currently, most cacao farmers earn about $2 per day, but producers of fine cacao earn more. Increasing the productivity and ease of growing cacao can help to develop a sustainable cacao economy. The trees are now also seen as an environmentally beneficial crop because they grow best under forest shade, allowing for land rehabilitation and enriched biodiversity.

The team's work identified a variety of gene families that may have future impact on improving cacao trees and fruit either by enhancing their attributes or providing protection from fungal diseases and insects that affect cacao trees.

"Our analysis of the criollo genome has uncovered the genetic basis of pathways leading to the most important quality traits of chocolate — oil, flavonoid and terpene biosynthesis," said Siela Maximova, associate professor of horticulture, Penn State, and a member of the research team. "It has also led to the discovery of hundreds of genes potentially involved in pathogen resistance, all of which can be used to accelerate the development of elite varieties of cacao in the future."

Because the criollo trees are self-pollinating, they possess two identical forms of each gene, making this particular variety a good choice for accurate genome assembly.

The researchers assembled 84 percent of the genome identifying 28,798 genes that code for proteins. They assigned 88 percent or 23,529 of these protein-coding genes to one of the 10 chromosomes in the criollo cacao tree.

"Interestingly, only 20 percent of the genome was made up of transposable elements, one of the natural pathways through which genetic sequences change," said Guiltinan "They do this by moving around the chromosomes, changing the order of the genetic material. Smaller amounts of transposons than found in other plant species

Pennsylvania State University/Mark Guiltinan
Maturing cocoa pods on a tree
could lead to slower evolution of the chocolate plant, which was shown to have a relatively simple evolutionary history in terms of genome structure."

Guiltinan and his colleagues are interested in specific gene families that could link to specific cocoa qualities or disease resistance. They said they hope that mapping these gene families will lead to a source of genes directly involved in variations in the plant that are useful for acceleration of plant breeding programs.

The researchers identified two types of disease resistance genes in the criollo genome. They compared these to previously identified regions on the chromosomes that correlate with disease resistance. The team suggests that a functional genomics approach, one that looks at what the genes do, is needed to confirm potential disease resistant genes in the criollo genome.

Hidden in the genome the researchers also found genes that code for the production of cocoa butter, a substance highly prized in chocolate making, confectionary, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Most cocoa beans are already about 50 percent fat, but these 84 genes control not only the amounts but also quality of the cocoa butter.

Other genes were found that influence the production of flavonoids, natural antioxidants and terpenoids, hormones, pigments and aromas. Altering the genes for these chemicals might produce chocolate with better flavors, aromas and even healthier chocolate.

Costa Rica And Brazil Sign Tourism Co-operation Agreement

2011-02-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

Costa Rican and Brazil have signed an agreement to boost tourism. The agreement allows Brazilian and Costa Rican airlines* to fly to and from Costa Rica, including making stops in other countries to pick and drop off tourists.

According to Costa Rica's Tourism minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, this is a big boost to Costa Rica's tourism industry, Brazil being one of the markets with growth even during the global economic crisis.

The initiative is called "cielos abiertos" (open skies). And although aviation and immigration laws in each country stand as is, flying to and from Costa Rica and Brazil is being made easier by the agreement.

Also, Brazil is host to the 2014 Olympic games and this could be a boost to Costa Rica's tourism industry.

The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) - Costa Rica's tourism board - said that though the agreement must be ratified by the congresses of both countries the benefits of the pact will apply immediately.

*Though many believe TACA is a Costa Rican airline, it is not. TACA is El Salvador's flag carrier.

TACA is the trade name "brand" comprising a group of five independently IATA - coded and - owned Central American airlines, whose operations are combined to function as one and a number of other independently owned and IATA-coded regional airlines which code-share and feed the TACA brand system.

TACA, originally an acronym of Transportes Aéreos Centroamericanos (Central American Air Transport), now stands forTransportes Aéreos del Continente Americano (Air Transport of the American Continent), reflecting its expansion to North, Central, South America and the Caribbean.

It flies to 44 destinations in 22 different countries. In 2009 TACA received three Skytrax World Airline Awards crowning the airline as "Best Airline in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean", "Best Crew in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean", "Best Regional Airline in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean".

The five airlines are:

- TACA International (TA) (El Salvador)

- Aviateca (GU) (Guatemala)
   - Regional (GU) - Formerly Inter, it operates under Aviateca's code.

- LACSA (LR) (Costa Rica) Lacsa is the only airline of the group that still operates international flights with its own flight numbers. Its hub is at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, Costa Rica.
   - Regional (RZ) SANSA

- Islena Airlines (WC) (Honduras)

- Nicaragüense de Aviación (6Y) (Nicaragua)
   - Regional - La Costeña

- TACA Perú (T0) (Peru) is now an important part of Grupo TACA.

http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews

NYC museum is giving antiquities to Costa Rica

2011-02-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK – The Brooklyn Museum is preparing to give about 5,000 pre-Columbian artifacts in its collection to Costa Rica as part of a housekeeping move to trim its vast holdings.

Costa Rica Has Become Unaffordable For Many Expats

2011-02-21T16:44:00.001-08:00

By John R. Holtz

Again the dollar has hit sub-bottom measured against a very limited global currency, the Costa Rica colon, resulting in business losses, government losses and excessive costs of living on all but the basics.

An interesting comparison in perspective is Guatemala which similar to Costa Rica, very much depends on a dual currency system between the Quetzal and USD.

Contrary to Costa Rica, Guatemalan economic headlines call for the critical need to readjust the exchange rate since the Quetzal appreciated 2.1% against the USD resulting in a slowdown in exports and increased inflation.

Those are two things that the government is not willing to tolerate.

Meanwhile, here in paradise, with the same scenario and with a far more extensive depreciation of the USD causing far greater economic harm, we seem to drift along on the high seas without a defined direction and daily become less and less competitive while more and more expensive.

The ARESEP, the official Costa Rican price fixer, has approved the second raise of the year in gas prices because oil is touching on us$87 a barrel (not colones per barrel) and the dollar, the only accepted currency to OPEC, has been devalued here resulting in a need to increase wholesale and pump prices. What we have is a two headed snake.

In turn, this inflates transport prices which obviously impact the costs of goods and services in Costa Rica, right down to you and me.

Imagine; even while having this amazing windfall profit of an artificially strong national currency, importers are claiming the need to raise prices because of increased costs of transportation.

Why is inflation in Costa Rica within limits and a reported a mere 5.8% in 2010?

Because the government counts what it wants to count and almost never considers water, electricity, imported finished foodstuff, gasoline, prescription drugs, etc.

The Central Bank model is designed to support the forecast and does not quite reflect reality. In truth, during the last four months our Consumer Price Index (CPI), when annualized, comes to about 7.65% inflation and growing towards a 2011 finality of 8% to 10% if change is not imminent.

We all know the downside but the real question is what can we do about it?

Certainly the foremost and definitive option is move out and take your money with you. All of it! Don’t leave a dime behind.

Then there is stay, but stash your money outside CR, especially when people are talking taxes which I see coming in one form or another.

Of course, another good option to consider is to downsize and spend less!

But then again, most expats came here to downsize and spend less but are having to spend more to live comfortably.

Also there is the possibility to start some sort of non-profit organization that hosts tours to Panama in order to purchase medicines, household goods, even food products at 40% to 70% cheaper prices than Costa Rica.

And why not? I like that option!

“Yeah”, it is haul to Panama, but I have found from people I know that it seems worth the trip. Maybe we can get surrogate “buyers” on our behalf and cheat the cheaters?

Or, for some, heading south of the boarder it is a one way trip.

Panama is not all that crime free as most expect. It is a corrupt country but it has its values as well.

What Panama is not is the woeful never ending bureaucracy that Costa Rica fosters. That does not make it bureaucracy free, just less woeful.

Fixed income people on USDs are saying, over and over again, that Panama is a better deal all around.

Costa Rica has become unaffordable to the average expatriate.

People, including many Costa Ricans, moving from here to Panama are doing so mainly for two reasons.

First, after adding up the tab, the cost of living in Panama is considerably less expensive than Costa Rica, especially if their senior discounts are factored in, which CR also has, but not nearly to the same extent.

Duty free import of cars every two years, furniture/appliances also come in duty free, and a 20 year exemption on real estate taxeseach contribute to a significant economic difference. This is how Costa Rica was, but is not today. Then we got rich and dumped the welcome mat.

Secondly, and perhaps even more important, expatriates indicate that they feel more “welcomed” in Panama where in Costa Rica they feel only tolerated as well as alienated from the government.

There is nothing worse than the feeling of alienation!

But do not jump from country “A” to country “B” based on Internet info! Costa Rica still has a lot to offer. While I do not agree that we are “the happiest country” on earth, somehow, when it is the bleakest of times, Costa Rica becomes one of the luckiest countries on the planet.

We have certainly a robust technology sector, excellent theatre, lots of well paying jobs, a solid cultural community, excellenteducation and scientific research that is first world. All of this has a social value worth paying for.

But then again, how much is it worth?

*John Holtz can be reached at jrh@modernmanagement.org

4th Annual Costa Rica Blues Festival

2011-02-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

When: Saturday March 12, 2011, 10am-11pm

Where: La Campiña Country Club, San Rafael de Montes de Oca, www.lacampiñacountryclub.com

Who: YOU, your friends, and these bands:
Sonny Boy Terry & Jonn del Toro, Donnie Walsh, Steve Arvey, Los Santìsimos Snorkels, The Blind Pig Blues Band, Robbie Clark, Blues Devils, 3 for Blues, The Known Associates

Price: Advanced sales 16.000 colones, Door: 18.000 colones

Tickets will be available on February 22nd, 2011

Where to purchase tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at www.crbluesfest.com or at any of these sales points: Santa Ana (Motorpsychos Bar & Grill and The Old West Steaks), San Jose (Instrumentos Bansbach, Chicharronera Rancho Alegre, Chubb´s Sports Bar, Dunn Inn Hotel), Escazu (Instrumentos Bansbach Multiplaza, Time Out Bar & Grill , Chi-Chis Bar & Restaurant), San Pedro (Bar Rocolas Plaza Real).

Costa Rica’s Only Blues Festival to Bring 5 International Acts, Original Blues Brother Included

The 4th Annual Costa Rica Blues Festival will be the largest to date with 5 international acts and four Costa Rican blues bands on the schedule. Due to the continued growth in attendance at the festival, the event will be held at a new location this year, La Campiña Country Club, San Rafael de Montes de Oca from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Bus service is available to and from the festival to accommodate attendees living in the western parts of the San Jose metro area.

The festival, a unique event in Central America, and significant to the diversity of music in Costa Rica, brings the tradition of blues festivals found in the U.S.A. and Europe to Costa Rica for the fourth consecutive year. Families and friends of all ages can come and enjoy the outdoor summertime concerts with traditional Texas BBQ and drinks.

This year’s festival features headliners Sonny Boy Terry & Jonn del Toro from Houston, Texas. Terry is one of the most respected harmonica players in the U.S.A. and del Toro is the winner of the first place of the Blues Challenge at the Blues Awards of 2005 and he is also the winner of the Albert King Award for most promising Blues Guitar Player in the same competition.

Also included in the lineup is ‘father of Canadian blues’ guitarist and vocalist Donnie Walsh, one of two brothers that Dan Akroyd modeled the famous movie Blues Brothers after. The remaining lineup includes Seteve Arvey (Chicago), The King of the North, SAB and The Electric Storm (Canada), Robbie Clark & the Live Wire Blues Band (Austin, Texas), Los Santìsimos Snorkels (Mexico), and 3 For Blues, The Blind Pigs Blues Band, The Known Associates and Blues Devils (Costa Rica).

Highly respected international figures and true blues legends such as Guitar Shorty, Texas Johnny Brown and Smoking Joe Kubek & Bnois King have played at past festivals.

Regular daily bus service from downtown San Jose drops fans directly at La Campiña County Club upon request (must tell driver or will be dropped off ½ mile from venue). The San Rafael de Montes de Oca bus stop is located 50 meters south of Hotel del Rey. Buses will also return from the festival to downtown San Jose downtown after the event.

There will be food and beverage service during the entire event, outside food and beverage are not allowed.

Guest House - Rock Costa Rica

2011-02-09T15:28:00.000-08:00

Guest House - Rock Costa Rica: "

3D model by Jax

Stay on the magnificent Arenal lakefront Enjoy the scenery and activities of the Arenal area at your own pace when you stay at the Rock Costa Rica guest house. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom home...

Welcome Center El Castillo

2011-02-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome Center El Castillo: "

3D model by Rock Costa Rica .com

Mr. Alonso Esquivel is owner and operator of this fine establishment. A Tourist Information Center and Booking Service.

Google looking at Costa Rica

2011-02-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

Google, the most popular Web search engine, is eyeing Costa Rica as a possible location for what would be the company's seventh Latin American site.

Earlier this month, Daniel Gertsacov, the head of new markets for Google in Latin America, visited Costa Rica to meet with government officials, advertising agencies and representatives of the tourism sector to discuss and appraise the country's capacity for online advertising. Gertsacov said Google is analyzing the possibility of opening a new office in Latin America, and that Costa Rica, Panama and Puerto Rico are considered as potential sites for the Internet search giant.

“We are looking to approach new markets to reveal some important tools that we have indentified that businesses are still unaware of,” Gertsacov wrote in a statement to The Tico Times. “More than 90 percent of Google's income comes from online advertising that is conducted in the search engine. We want to promote this in the region and assist companies to know the benefits of online publicity and see the Internet as an ally to conduct business.”

Gertsacov said the creation of a Google office in the region would allow a representative of the company to act as a Google “ambassador” to ensure that the company was communicating and working with companies that could benefit from the services offered. Currently, Google has Latin American locations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and will soon open offices in Peru. According to Gertsacov, Google is drawn to Costa Rica due to its stable economy and the presence of several multinational companies here.

The new destination for Google is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

Radishes are one of my favorite vegetables, raw or cooked.

2011-01-31T08:57:00.001-08:00

So what's the "secret" in a recipe that has just seven ingredients?
Let me answer that with another question: When was the last time you saw cooked radishes on the menu?
While sauteed radishes are nothing new, it's rare to find them at restaurants in any form other than topping salads or being served with butter and salt. But cooking them in butter brings out entirely different qualities. Radishes are one of my favorite vegetables, raw or cooked.
You can imagine my delight then when I saw that Bridget Batson had radishes sauteed in harissa butter on the menu at Gitane. Batson was the long-time chef of Hawthorne Lane, which morphed into Two. Last year she moved over to Gitane, an Iberian-inspired restaurant that has one of the sexiest interiors in San Francisco, what with its highly reflective polymer ceiling and corner booths occupied by nuzzling couples.
Batson is one of the few chefs I know who put lamb tartare on the menu. She also dusts sardines in semolina, fries them and serves the fish with hearts of palm, grapes and a verjus creme fraiche.
She draws from the flavors of Spain, Portugal, southern France and Morocco to create such dishes as a tajine with saffron tomato broth, braised oxtail, celery root noodles and pickled baby beets. The menu is accented by a wine list filled with selections from the area along with more than 30 sherries.
For the radish dish, Batson first quickly sautees the vegetable in water and then bathes it in butter flavored with harissa, a hot chile paste from northern Africa. A sprinkling of parsley and smoked sea salt, and the radishes are ready to serve.
They're simple, and simply delicious.
Gitane, 6 Claude Lane (near Kearny and Bush), San Francisco; (415) 788-6686 or gitanerestaurant.com. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday.

The secrets

Radishes: Most times we see these in salads; here they're sauteed and served hot. Breakfast radishes work best because they are a bit milder, but any radish will work.
Harissa: This hot chile paste adds a distinct element and brings out sweetness in the radishes.

Gitane's Rabanetes With Harissa

Serves 4
Harissa - a North African spice blend more commonly found as a paste - is known for its kick. While it is often used as a condiment, Gitane executive chef Bridget Batson combines it with butter to make this quick, unusual dish. The leftover compound butter is great to finish simply cooked chicken or as a sandwich spread. Smoked sea salt is available at specialty stores or well-stocked grocers.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1 tablespoon harissa spice (dry preferred)
-- Kosher salt, to taste
-- Black pepper, to taste
2 cups halved radishes, Flambo or French Breakfast variety, if possible
1 tablespoon minced Italian parsley
-- Smoked sea salt, for garnish

Instructions: Combine butter and harissa in a small bowl and mix well by hand or with an electric hand mixer until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a saute pan over medium heat, saute the radishes with a few tablespoons of water for 3 minutes, or until slightly soft. Toss in the parsley; add salt and pepper to taste. Add about 2 tablespoons of harissa butter and a pinch of smoked sea salt; cook until butter just melts. Add additional harissa butter to taste, if desired.
Per serving: 63 calories, 1 g protein, 3 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat (4 g saturated), 16 mg cholesterol, 15 mg sodium, 1 g fiber.

Arenal National Park

2011-01-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

Arenal National Park
The national park has several excellent trails that meander through the rainforest, secondary forest, savanna, and lava flows. Many of them are on the fairly flat flanks of the volcano. Take a hike down to the base of the La Fortuna Waterfall and you will be glad you made the 3.5 hour drive from San Jose.
Michael Copeland
RockCostaRica.com

RockCostaRica El Castillo

2011-01-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

Costa Rica's Teatro Variedades: Old, But Modern

2011-01-23T11:50:00.001-08:00

Costa Rica's Teatro Variedades: Old, But Modern
The Teatro y Cine Variedades in downtown San José is more than 100 years old, 119 in fact. But, on Friday it was the scene of modernization, with the showing of its first ever 3D movie.

Inside a theatre, consisting mainly of wood and metal construction, built in a different era is a contradiction of time and space when combined with apopcorn machine and three dimensional movie on the screen - like living a combination of various ages in one place.

And although on the screen is the latest technology in movie going, the structure holds the memories of another time.

The construction of theatre began in 1890 and the first phase finished in 1892, built as a showroom. The theatre today stands as it was n 1914, the last date of the major remodeling.

It was in the Variedades that Costa Rica first began showing movies, screening some of the best movies even seen in Costa Rica.

In 1917, Mario Urbini, an Italian lover of movies began to rent out the theatre and later buying it outright. He purchased the building from Tomás García, who at the time owned the entire block around the theatre. Today, it is still in the hands of the Urbini family, ownership passing to Mario's daughter, Nora.

The theatre, located one block north of the east side of the Teatro Nacional on Calle 3 and declared a "Patrimonio Histórico Arquitectónico" (Architectural Heritage) in 1999.

Gringo Pinto

2011-01-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

21 ways to lose your ass in Costa Rica. New ticket prices wow!!

2011-01-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

1. Speeding ¢ 316.200.00

2. Curved scratch ¢ 316.200.00

3. Unlicensed ¢ 316.200.00

4. ¢ 316.200.00 drunk driving

5. No seat or booster for children ¢ 316.200.00

6. Without marking ¢ 237.150.00

7. Disrespect for road marking ¢ 237.150.00

8. U Turn ¢ 237.150.00

9. Unbelted ¢ 237.150.00

10. Without RTV ¢ 158.100.00

11. Passing on the right side ¢ 158.100.00

12. Do not use the directional ¢ 158.100.00

13. Excess passengers ¢ 158.100.00

14. Badly parked ¢126.480.00

15. Motorcyclists without vest ¢ 126.480.00

16. Disrespect of restriction on heavy trucks ¢ 126.480.00

17. Window tinted 126.480.00

18. Expired license ¢ 94.860.00

19. Do not carry triangles, etc. ¢ 94.860.00

20. Do not carry documents Truck ¢ 63.240.00

21. No vehicle restriction ¢ 31.620.00

Costa Rica's yellow pages www.1155.cr

2011-01-18T19:52:00.000-08:00

Costa Rica's yellow pages,
Grupo ICE with its Radiográfica Costarricense S.A. also has put into service www.1155.cr, an interactive Web page where companies can be searched by name and category.

The 1155 telephone number will provide the same information, and phone users have the option of sending a text message via the same number. Each message costs one and a half colons.

What tax bill would do

2011-01-18T19:46:00.000-08:00

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Here is a basic outline of the Chinchilla administration tax proposal:

• No income tax increase for those earning 651,000 colons or less a month, about $1,300.

• Passive income like rents and interest would be subjected to a 15 percent tax.

• The current 13 percent sales tax would be replaced by a 14 percent value-added tax.

• Many now-exempt food products would be included in the new value-added tax

• Medicine would be exempt from the value-added tax

• A 14 percent value-added tax would be assessed on the services of professionals and contract workers, such as lawyers, accountants, physicians and dentists.

• A 14 percent value-added tax would be assessed on private health care.

• The tax would be assessed on utilities like water and electricity.

• Public transportation, buses and taxis, would be exempt from the 14 percent value added tax.

• Registered small- to medium-sized companies would pay from 10 to 25 percent income tax.

• A 3 percent tax would be assessed on the sale of property. That is twice the current rate.

• Tuition to accredited private educational institutions would be taxed at 10 percent. Tuition at unaccredited schools would be taxed at 14 percent.

Costa Rica where a surprising number of people live to be 100.

2011-01-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

The first ever health issue of International Living has just been released. In the June issue, we tell you the best places to go to lower your blood pressure…live longer…save thousands of dollars on orthopedic surgery…and lots more.

We investigate an area of Costa Rica where a surprising number of people live to be 100. In fact, scientists drawn to this northwest coastal region have declared it a “Blue Zone”—one of a small number of special regions around the world renowned to be hotspots of longevity.

The World’s Healthiest Places to Live
Optimism and purpose, a low stress level, a natural diet and an active lifestyle…experts say those factors are three times as important as your genetic makeup when it comes to enjoying a long and healthy life. Luckily, it’s easy to embrace those elements when you’re living in a place where they come naturally. And they do in our top picks for the world’s healthiest places to live.

In these enclaves, people tend to put great value on personal interaction and friendship—and that involvement keeps you engaged every day. A slower pace—often coupled with a much lower cost of living—relieves the pressure and anxiety that so often takes grip at home. In the U. S., the “locavore” movement—which advocates eating foods grown near where you live—is just gaining momentum. But in the places profiled here, the foods you find at the markets are always fresh, local and organic. In these destinations, the air is clean and the sun shines—so you tend to be outside more and therefore more active.

As American Lee Carper reported after a few months, “I haven’t felt this good in so long I can’t remember. I used to take pain medication, but here I rarely take an aspirin. I don’t pick up a phone or get on the computer. I used to be glued to all that at home.”

If you’re ready to escape to a place where you’ll feel better, look younger and live longer, here’s your list:

Centenarians in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula

“Blue Zones” have been determined by scientists as places where the world’s longest-living people reside. One of these is Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula on the country’s northwest coast. Researchers spent nine months there in 2007 to determine why so many people live well into their 90s and 100s—longer than anywhere else in Costa Rica…or the world, for that matter.

The scientists studying the centenarians of the Nicoya Peninsula found eight key reasons for this longevity:

Diet. The people here are heavily influenced by the indigenous diet of the Chorotega, consisting of high-fortified corn and beans—healthy and high in fiber.

Water. With loads of calcium, the hard water encourages strong bones and fewer hip fractures.

Family focus. The Nicoya centenarians tend to live as couples or with children and/or other family members from whom they get support.

Eating lightly. They eat a light dinner early in the evening. (Eating fewer calories is proven to add years to your life.)

Dry climate. Nicoya is the driest part of Costa Rica, and in dry climates food doesn’t spoil as quickly, the sun is more intense, and people get fewer respiratory diseases and more Vitamin D.

Social networks. The centenarians here get frequent visitors and they know how to listen, laugh and appreciate what they have.

Work. They’ve enjoyed physical work all their lives and find joy in everyday chores.

Purpose. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good.

Look and Feel Young Overseas

If you dream of moving to this destination that International Living writes about, you probably look forward to a low-stress, affordable lifestyle. It’s likely to be a healthier lifestyle, too. Here are some reasons why:
Warm climate: Most of us dream of retiring someplace warm. Snow and cold are things we gladly leave behind with our old 9-to-5 lives. And when the weather is warm and sunny, it’s easy to spend more time outside in the fresh air. Before you know it, you may ease into an active lifestyle with lots of exercise…which health experts agree is key to keeping us looking and feeling young.

Some expats actually choose an overseas destination because they can practice a favorite sport there, such as golf, hiking or fishing. Others take up a new activity once they move. If you’re near the sea, for instance, swimming or strolling the beach may become part of your new routine. If you live in a city, you may soon be walking to shops and markets, or just exploring your new home town on foot. When adventure or fresh discoveries lie around every corner, long walks don’t feel like exercise.

Social life: Fresh air and sunshine can also help you make friends. (Health experts say that social networking helps us live longer, too.) Ever stayed home from a social event because you couldn’t face a cold, wet night out? In your new warm-weather home, you’re more likely to ask, “Where’s the party?” and enjoy the evening stroll there and back.

Healthy eats: With a warm climate comes a long growing season for fruits and vegetables. Expats often praise the quality and freshness of the produce they can buy locally. You can choose to eat junk food if you want. But fresh, exotic produce can tempt you to eat more healthily. If you do, your health—not to mention your taste buds—will thank you.

Of course, in warm weather it’s also tempting to lie by the pool and just do nothing. That’s okay, too—it lowers all that unhealthy stress.

Price of Gasoline to Increase to ¢32 per Liter in February

2011-01-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

The price keeps going up.

The prices of petrol and diesel will increase by 4.3% on average next month. Super gasoline will rise from from ¢ 601 to ¢ 621 per liter, and diesel will see a ¢ 9 price increase. The new prices include two automatic adjustments that are processed by the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (Aresep). Both increases correspond to the variation in fuel prices in foreign markets and exchange rate fluctuations. ;-)

2011-01-15T15:03:00.000-08:00

TRAFFIC POLICE DEPARTMENT
MOPT
NEW FINES IN 2011
Violation and amount to pay:
1. Speeding ¢ 316.200.00

2. Curved scratch ¢ 316.200.00

3. Unlicensed ¢ 316.200.00

4. ¢ 316.200.00 drunk driving

5. No seat or booster for children ¢ 316.200.00

6. Without marking ¢ 237.150.00

7. Disrespect for road marking ¢ 237.150.00

8. Turn U ¢ 237.150.00

9. Unbelted ¢ 237.150.00

10. Without RTV ¢ 158.100.00

11. Passing on the right side ¢ 158.100.00

12. Do not use the directional ¢ 158.100.00

13. Excess passengers ¢ 158.100.00

14. ¢ parked 126.480.00

15. Motorcyclists without vest ¢ 126.480.00

16. Disrespect of restriction on heavy trucks ¢ 126.480.00

17. ¢ tinted 126.480.00

18. Expired license ¢ 94.860.00

19. Do not carry triangles, etc. ¢ 94.860.00

20. Do not carry documents Truck ¢ 63.240.00

21. ¢ 31.620.00 vehicle restriction
TRAFFIC LAW:
http://www.transito.go.cr/legislacion/leydetransito.html

Comprehensive reform progress in legislative committee Deputies plan to change the traffic law for the third time Low fines on drunks project and change the points system for licensing New proposal differs from the text that the Government sent last September
http://www.nacion.com/2011-01-03/ElPais/NotaPrincipal/ElPais2636300.aspx
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Schedule of Events | San Francisco Beer Week 2011

2011-01-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

It looks like I need to get in shape for this event!

Schedule of Events San Francisco Beer Week 2011

La Fortuna swimming hole, Costa Rica

2010-12-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

This is the way it is done at the local swiming hole.

This local swiming hole is just out side of La Fortuna. Just pull over and park on the side of the road near at the bridge. You can see the trail from the road down stream. Great place to hang out on a hot day. After school sometimes you see a lot of kids playing here.

The route to el Castillo in front of Volcan Arenal

2010-12-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

Stop The Environmental Damage!

2010-12-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

Pastora Says Canal Is Finished

While Costa Rica continues its diplomatic process of pressuring Nicaragua into removing its troops from the Isla Calero and stop the environmental damage, Edén Pastora, told Nicaragua's La Prensa that the canal is finished and small boats can now travel through the area.

Photo courtesy OAS

According to Pastora, the canal was built on the basis of the 1898 Alexander awards, a document that only "la Chinchilla", referring to Costa Rica's presidenta, Laura Chinchilla, has not seen it.

Costa Rica's vice-chancellor, Carlos Roverssi, said on Wednesday that although the canal work is advanced, he does not believe that is ready for use.

If you will recall, Pastora is the main character in the Nicaragua - Costa Rica dispute that began last October 21 and despite two OAS orders, Nicaragua continues to occupy the area with military troops.

The Pastora maneuver included the claim of using "Google Maps" to define the border between the two countries, although he did not directly admit it, he inferred it as a mistake.

However, since those early days, the former Sandinistra guerilla leader has been faithful to his boss, Nicaragua's president, Daniel Ortega, in maintaining that there was no mistake and that the disputed area is in Nicaragua and so is the canal work.

A hearing to determine the environmental damage caused by the actions of Nicaragua is slated for January 11, 2011, at the International Court of Justice at The Hague, where Costa Rica seeks an injunction up to the time the court hears the lawsuit, that could be a couple of more years away.

Pope calls on Costa Rica to fight against drug trafficking and defend th...

2010-12-08T20:10:00.000-08:00

New photos of land in El Castillo Costa Rica

2010-12-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

Price: $135,000
Area: El Castillo
Square Meters: 3500
Description:
This Arenal Lake front lot has great views of the lake and volcano from the top. It has large trees and room to build a large home.

Rock Costa Rica

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Costa Rica exports the most pineapple in the world in 2011!!

Executive branch pulls measure to tax corporations

Six traffic officers detained on suspicion of bribery

Plan to transfer money by text message, great idea!!

Florida Beverage Corporation acquires Musmanni Bakeries

Renew my passport

What is the best Internet Service in Costa Rica

Costa Rica WIMAX, WIFI, Cable, DSL, Satellite, and 3G Internet

So What’s the Best?

CRWIFI Ltda. - Commercial and Residential Internet

Wireless Internet General Coverage Areas include:

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Lake Arenal

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Registry Web Site To Be Improved

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eco-tourism and peaceful, tropical living, is proving to the world...

Yes you can now find me on twitter too.

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~ Arenal Volcano : Zipline Locos ~

Costa Rica's Tomatoe War Tomorrow

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Costa Ricans can Cook!!

One Easter season food can spice up scrambled eggs

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Slide show

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