What is it Like to Live in Costa Rica?

I would like to thank  www.internations.org  for this informative article related to living in Costa Rica.   Click here to see how you can link up with expatriates in the city you are living.

 LIVING IN COSTA RICA ---"Tico at Heart"  - Costa Rica’s Population
Costa Rica is becoming more and more popular among travelers and expats alike. This is not surprising, as its beautiful beaches, vast rainforests, and its flora and fauna, turn this country into a paradise. What people residing in Costa Rica   often appreciate the most, however, is the country’s local population: the Ticos and Ticas. The origin of this rather affectionate nickname lies in the locals’ usage of the diminutive form: unlike what is common in the Spanish language, they would end more or less every word with the suffix “tico” instead of “ito” (i.e. poquitico, instead of poquito). The name stuck.
Ticos share a strong cultural identity and show pride in their nation and their society. In fact, a classic folk song boldly states that “I’m Latino inside, but Tico at heart.” This cultural pride also reflects in the attitude towards Costa Rica’s cultural treasures. 26% of the country’s landscape is protected by law and the population takes great interest in preserving the local rain forests with its unique flora and fauna.
Costa Rica’s society consists of a multitude of ethnic groups and minorities. Most people who live in Costa Rica are either Creole, i.e. descendants of the Spanish conquerors, or mestizo which means that they have both Spanish and Indio ancestors. However,  part of the society is also made up of Indios, of descendants of African slaves, and of Asian and European minority groups. All in all, the population of more than 4.6 million people forms a society which is aware of its different cultural influences. Approximately 800,000 of these people are  Nicaraguans who presently live and work in Costa Rica.
In general, Ticos are incredibly friendly, open, and welcoming people. Joy of life is prevalent in Costa Rica, just like the motto “Pura Vida”. One thing that might occasionally throw travelers and expats off is that Ticos seem to have a different perception of personal space than people from Western Europe, for instance. Touching is much more common among acquaintances, for instances. At the same time, people like to take the time to chat and find out more about you. The family is a popular topic of conversation, as it is considered very  important in Costa Rica. Other favorite points of discussion are dancing and soccer, two of the Ticos’ favorite pastimes.
On the downside, machismo is still very common in Costa Rica, both in rural areas and bigger cities. While it may take quite some time to get used to, it might be best for women to ignore the constant staring and whistles  and  take it with humor. In general, Ticos value a peaceful coexistence. Thus, they often beat around the bush and do not like getting into a confrontation of any kind.  With time, however, you will get used to their “yes but no” attitude and learn to appreciate the Ticos for their welcoming, friendly character.

What would a foreign person living in Costa Rica like best about this small country?  Probably it would be the gentle, warm friendliness of its people.  Second is the weather-"forever spring"  Never to hot and never to cold.  A rainy season which brings warm breezes and afternoon rains  and is from around  May  15 through  around November 30th.

The dry season of mid December through April is sunny with  clear deep blue skies.  Tourism is very popular during this time, when thousands come to explore the  mountains and rainforest and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Costa Rica is filled with gorgeous flowering tropcial plants.  This is in the Heliconia Family.

 

Adventure Travel in Costa Rica

 

Adventure Travel Is Good for You          ADVENTURE TRAVEL IN COSTA RICA, THE NUMBER ONE DESTINATION FOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL

"One wilderness just doesn’t seem to be enough; your soul quickly calls for more"

When you get dirty, you improve your physical health. Scientists have recently reported that our modern obsession with cleanliness might be leading to a rise in allergies, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. Getting dirty could just be the best path to developing a strong immune system.  Getting out there into the GREAT OUDOORS can get the cobwebs out of your brain, strengthen your muscles,  boost your curiosity, and keep you young.

Outdoor activities can prevent (or treat) a wide range of health problems.  Obesity, mental lethargy, and the worst of them all depression.

3) There are no age limits on adventure. Anyone can make nature a playground. Adventure travel is an activity you can stick with for life.

4) Take a hike, get a bigger brain. Research indicates that hiking or walking grows brains. Typically, your hippocampus gets smaller once you hit your mid fifties, leading to memory loss.

Adventure travel feeds your dreams .    DREAM - PLAN-  GO -  SHARE   Experiencing one wilderness just doesn’t seem to be enough; your mind and body  quickly calls for more.

COSTA RICA is the perfect playground for natural outdoor adventure.

1. Hike the national parks


2. Snorkel or scuba dive in the wonders of 2 oceans.  The Pacific and the Caribbean Sea


3. Fishing


4. Improve your vocabulary with new words such as “pura vida”  or pure life.  This is a Costa Rica saying which means a life with less stress, living closer to nature, eating more natural foods, plenty of fresh air and out door activities.


5. Not living in a big hurry all the time.  Putting friends and family first.


6. Rainforest excursions


7. 7. Horseback riding


8. canyoning


9. ATV adventures


10. kayaking


11. white water rafting

 For an Adventure Vacation in Costa Rica contact Ann.  She will help you design your itinerary to fit just your needs.    anncreed23@gmail.com

 

Doka Coffee Tour, Alajuela Costa Rica

DOKA COFFEE TOUR ALAJUELA COSTA RICA

Let’s take the Doka-Four Generations Coffee Tour and learn how coffee is grown, processed, marketed.  The Vargus Ruiz family has been growing great tasting coffee for Three  generations right here on the slopes of the Poas Volcano in the central Valley of Costa Rica.

Climate and altitude affect the taste of coffee and here at the Doka Coffee Tour the altitude is just about perfect at 4,000 feet above sea level and the eternal spring weather is just what coffee needs to grow.  The guided tour takes about one and one half hours.

You will learn about the different varieties of coffee cultivated here and how it is processed and then roasted to get the different blends.  You can buy these blends here at the tour to take home with  you as gifts or for your own consumption.

If you visit in December thru mid February you can see first hand how the coffee is processed.

Some of the coffee beans are roasted and sold within Costa Rica and other beans  are exported.   Star Bucks buys some of their coffee beans from Doka Three Generations coffee plantation.

We tasted three different roasts  of the bean.  Dark roast, light roast, and French blend.
My favorite is the dark roast.

I highly recommend this tour.  It is truly an education on coffee obtained in a very fun way. You can see up close the beautiful green coffee bushes with their red beans  (mid November through mid February)  In the month of May the plant has a sweet smelling small white flow.  The field looks like snow has fallen.
And then comes the green coffee bean and in mid November it starts to turn red and is ready to pick.  Coffee is picked entirely by hand and here in Costa Rica mostly by Nicaraguans who come during the picking season just to pick the coffee.  All ages arrive at daylight to pick, even small children.  All seem to enjoy picking and make a social event of it.

Entrance fee to the tour is approximately $14 per person.

Car Rental in Costa Rica

I have many inquiries related to renting a car in Costa Rica.  If one goes on the web sites of the different car rental companies, you will find the total cost of the car rental is not well explained.  Especially the cost of the insurance.  There are two types of insurance you have to purchase.  1. Liability (you can buy 80%  liability or for a little more money you can buy 100% liability insurance.)    2.  The collision insurance  which is the more expensive of the two.  Call the car rental company or send them an email and ask them to explain these two insurances and  the total cost of renting the vehicle.  Also you are required to leave a credit card voucher signed for what they call "the deductible" in case of an accident.  This can be up to $1000 depending on how expensive the vehicle is that you rent.  This voucher is torn up when you turn the vehicle in and there is no damage.

Insurance in Costa Rica will not pay if you are caught drinking while driving, consuming illegal drugs, or driving into and across rivers or large puddles of water   (reckless driving)

You will need to rent a SUV type of vehicle if you plan to drive in remote areas where the roads are dirt and gravel and have a lot of potholes.

You need to have your passport and your drivers license from your home country with you while driving.

Observe all speed limits, esp going thru small towns.  The police are usually sitting in these areas and traffic tickets are EXPENSIVE.  Do not pay a traffic cop for the ticket.  Take it back to the car rental agency and they will help you get it paid.

In case of accident dial 911  and a police will arrive.  Also call your rental car agency. Do not move the vehicle.

"Best Deals for Costa Rica Car Rentals"  This is a car rental web site that is very good if you are thinking of renting a vehicle in Costa Rica. Click here www.costaricacarsrental.com