costaricalearn.com blog: March 2015

Monday, March 23, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

Finca Luna Nueva Rainforest Lodge Organic Farming

Posted: 22 Mar 2015 08:16 PM PDT

My friends Jessica and Grevin and I headed out of Alajuela. Our destination: Finca Luna Nueva Lodge.

(FARM OF THE NEW MOON). We stayed for 2 nights and really that was not long enough!

This is a rain forest Lodge located around 1 hour from San Ramon, Costa Rica on the road to La Fortuna. This area gets a lot of rainfall annually so crops grow fast.

The theme of Finca Luna Nueva is organic farming and preservation of the seeds of medicine plants which are grown organically. Here you can learn what methods they use and also learn the underlying science behind their methods. The preservation of these medicine plant’s seed is critical to future generations. Now tragically, many of our valuable seeds are being genetically modified so that their seeds will not reproduce. (GMO)

Also; You can also learn first hand: “How Chocolate is Made” from the cocoa plants grown organically on the farm. Ismael, a young Costa Rican, presents the skillful making of chocolate from the bean to the finished product-small chocolate teddy bears which were simply yummy!

In the small store you can purchase for $14 – 4 ounce bottle of organic ginger root juice mixed with honey straight from the bee hive. Take 1 tsp daily to improve the immune system. Also you can buy organic turmeric, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Ingesting daily along with black pepper will increase the stomach’s ability to digest turmeric.

read here about it: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03001/Three-Reasons-to-Eat-Turmeric.html

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge is a very relaxing place. Early morning the many tropical birds gather in the trees near our room. We see a flock of 5 toucans from the lodge’s look out tower, and a swarm of dozens of squeaking green parrots.

The large swimming pool and near by hot tub are just perfect for the late afternoon swim after a day of hiking around the farm. The restaurant serves mostly organic. My favorite was watermelon ceviche made with fresh watermelon from the farm mixed with finely chopped cilantro and sweet blue onions. Yummy! Also the green papaya ceviche was unusual and very tasty.

Farm Tour- presented daily at 9 am and 2 pm. Learn first hand how this organic farming is done. See the pigs and water buffalo. The knowledgeable guide points out many medicine plants as well as organically grown lettuce, ginger, and turmeric.

I was able to see up close for the first time in my life an organic TEA plant which was about 3 feet tall. I love tea and love to explore and drink different kinds of tea.

Night Tour- Experience the sights and sounds of the night creatures. Great for the kids!

Finca Luna Nueva is a model of Biodynamic farming. Definition: emphasizes the use of manure and compost and excludes artificial chemicals on soil and plants. Characterized a HOLISTIC understanding of the organic farming process. (Spiritual, ethical, and ecological ) approach.

If you would like to visit Finca Luna Nueva Lodge during you vacation to Costa Rica you can contact

Ann and she will set it all up for you. No additional cost to you.

click here to read all about how Ann works

http://costaricalearn.com

The post Finca Luna Nueva Rainforest Lodge Organic Farming appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

How Can I Use My Smart Phone or Ipad in Costa Rica?

Posted: 11 Mar 2015 03:41 PM PDT

You can use your smart phone or IPad in Costa Rica by doing the following: At both international airports- Juan Santa Maria, San Jose and also Liberia international airport:

After you pass thru customs where your suit cases are checked , you will see a small desk with big green signs ICE Kolbi Here is where you purchase a Prepaid “SIM” card.

You can put the amount of money you want on the SIM card. Rates for local calls .07 cents per minute and .26 cents per minute to call USA or Canada. I choose to spend $5 for 30 minutes to USA and $2 for 30 minutes within Costa Rica. However you can purchase more if you wish. Incoming call are free. Texting is .17 cents/text. Although this may not work with all networks worldwide.

Here is how the ICE Prepaid SIM Card works: the girl at the ICE Kolbi desk will remove the back of your smart phone, take out the small card located there and replace it with the PrePaid SIM card. (be sure you put the card she removed from your phone in a safe place because you will need to put it back in your phone upon arrival to your home country.

You will be assigned a Costa Rica phone number which will be given to you. So give this number to everyone who might want to call you in Costa Rica .

VERY IMPORTANT. Your smart phone must be UNLOCKED to receive and use the SIM card. So check with your carrier before departing your home country.

You can also purchase at the same time the use of the internet for $1 per day.

You can charge this to your credit card (does not except Amex.) or you can pay in dollars or colones.

So really, It is pretty easy to talk on your smart phone while vacationing in Costa Rica–call you family back home and also make calls inside costa rica.

To dial to USA just put 001 in front of the phone number you are calling.

Inside Costa Rica simply dial the Costa Rica phone number.

However for the call to be made, you must be in an area to receive a cell phone signal. And not all over Costa Rica do these signals reach.

ICE is the government agency which has a monopoly on the electricity and cell phone service via their towers.

Thinking of vacationing in Costa Rica?

Contact Ann. She owns “Costa Rica Learn Adventure Vacation Planning, specializing in custom vacation itineraries to Costa Rica for people of all ages .

Go to Ann’s web page to learn all about her and her company and read the testimonials of her clients.

www.costaricalearn.com

The post How Can I Use My Smart Phone or Ipad in Costa Rica? appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

What Months are Best to Visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica?

Posted: 11 Mar 2015 07:42 AM PDT

What Months are Best to Visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica?

What months are the best times to visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica. If you want more sunshine and less rainfall then mid December through late March are the best months to visit. If you want to see the most migratory birds then late November through mid March is the time to visit. This is the end of the heavy rainy season and the river is filled with rain water as well as the marshes surrounding the river. These wetland provide food for these many species of birds which migrate from the wintery cold of the northern hemisphere flying south in search of warmer weather and for food.

The post What Months are Best to Visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica? appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Which area of Costa Rica has the most rain?

Posted: 10 Mar 2015 06:06 PM PDT

Which area of Costa Rica has the most rain?

The area of Costa Rica which has the most rainfall is the Caribbean side. Rain falls here all year round and can rain up to 300 inches in a year.

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica has a very large number of tourist. They come to see the Tortuguero Canals with its rich biodiversity. Monkeys, crocodiles, sloths, Jesus Christ lizards and much more. Birds include several species Toucans. Tourist purchase a 3 night All inclusive package through a tour company in San Jose.

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