tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57262783343693965922024-02-29T12:32:48.777-08:00Eye on Costa RicaEnjoy a neutral perspective on life in Costa Rica from a North American Ex-pat who has lived on both coasts of this beautiful country for some 20 years. Just livin the life of "PURA VIDA"!!EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-9808747391570310522014-05-27T11:09:00.001-07:002014-05-27T11:09:51.642-07:00I'm "sweet" on Costa Rican Mangos! They're everywhere right now!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiFm8fZgEi2fyFAqHPbPq8csfWbkrTiYl0fMYfTu_by3mdJRhAjh9csJw_NLJB3wHSMWf2TKvOWks2DYEiBlvBfW57meX5jC_ds7AHqFLrYaRv9R0CvTNxHiybdGJgYkQBJ2FyqEHYhI/s1600/mango+main+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiFm8fZgEi2fyFAqHPbPq8csfWbkrTiYl0fMYfTu_by3mdJRhAjh9csJw_NLJB3wHSMWf2TKvOWks2DYEiBlvBfW57meX5jC_ds7AHqFLrYaRv9R0CvTNxHiybdGJgYkQBJ2FyqEHYhI/s200/mango+main+pic.jpg" /></a></div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Mangos (or tropical peaches) are among the most widely produced and consumed fruits around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Introduced to Costa Rica in 1796, limited exportation started in 1980, but this fruit still remains primarily grown for national consumption. Production estimates put mangoes between 40 and 50% of all the fruit in the world produced for juice, canning and fresh consumption. Originally cultivated on the Indian subcontinent, mangos are now produced along the equatorial band around the world, with Mexico currently holding the title as the largest exporter of fruit and Costa Rica boasting of a robust crop that is mostly enjoyed nationally. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The mango tree itself is a truly a remarkable work of Mother Nature, with cultivated specimens living for 300 years or more, and <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJSp6Mib4yJPXN92SQ7WLC-fpCCbKfcw7QG-L5iqmnuS6YZfDLLyQXS-2iCTCUvrqtzMJMfS-XjmG3rtE2DL2wdCPQLyrn14IeDFMONENqxfRB2ARlxDQmAGLEKuZcoY7HmTjLXbrU6k/s1600/open+mango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="163" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJSp6Mib4yJPXN92SQ7WLC-fpCCbKfcw7QG-L5iqmnuS6YZfDLLyQXS-2iCTCUvrqtzMJMfS-XjmG3rtE2DL2wdCPQLyrn14IeDFMONENqxfRB2ARlxDQmAGLEKuZcoY7HmTjLXbrU6k/s200/open+mango.jpg" /></a></div>reaching heights of 120 feet, with tap roots that can push 20 feet into the earth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fruit is also a wonder of tropical evolution with a large seed in the center, a thick protective exterior skin and a</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">juicy and wonderfully peach like flavor and texture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fruits with a more fibrous flesh often develop this less desirable texture when grown with hard water and/or chemical fertilizers.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">To be permitted into the USA, fruit must undergo a process called Hot Water Quarantine Treatment to kill any fruit fly larva or mature insects. This is a process where the fruit is submerged in 115°F water for 55 to 100 minutes. This treatment process is ideal for the growing trade in organic mangos as it adds no artificial ingredients or chemicals to the post harvest process. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some countries have opted for irradiation method instead, exposing the fruit to low levels of radiation to eradicate and possibility of existing fruit flies. These fruits will not qualify for the "organic" seal of approval.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">There are dozens of cultivated varieties of mangos that fall into three broad <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJbfTI_G2w4unmSLBwRSYJX7NoYnbZwDVmrEdW_U53MidPsfYh6QIUivy5kNa-xOCkiWzDyOIht49zjPrM2hIQj7SbAXwu6qBUIh8AoZk0x5WuQJptzvb8g_FxEom5HtuQR4qp2FNb0A/s1600/green+mangos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:left; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJbfTI_G2w4unmSLBwRSYJX7NoYnbZwDVmrEdW_U53MidPsfYh6QIUivy5kNa-xOCkiWzDyOIht49zjPrM2hIQj7SbAXwu6qBUIh8AoZk0x5WuQJptzvb8g_FxEom5HtuQR4qp2FNb0A/s200/green+mangos.jpg" /></a></div>groups in a typical USA produce department. The smallest group is the green cooking mango, which is used primarily in Southeast Asian recipes, or "Ticos" enjoy these sliced and dipped in salt...apparently an acquired taste. There is also a reddish green skinned variety which is generally quite large, as well as bright yellow skinned smaller fruits, the latter two which will start green but change coloring when the fruit is ripe and ready to eat. One popular variety is known as the Hayden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This reddish green skinned variety is plain in appearance externally but extremely flavorfully and less stringy and fibrous than most other varieties, so it is a top international seller.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Another popular variety of Mango is known as the Francique, common to the island of Haiti (Hispaniola). This yellow skinned <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjneXJ86DmOqVLOtxsVuPycMWVuQ4vOmspr2D4Y_b338uA2dtjUzu9lcsaDn1IgJ_sBs78JBRcs176JlYLDRHkoZ6DoctE6eATeGm9gy6sViDao9oIy89GTxQ5Misl7wA2jTnaXNoO4F4/s1600/mango+farmer+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:right;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjneXJ86DmOqVLOtxsVuPycMWVuQ4vOmspr2D4Y_b338uA2dtjUzu9lcsaDn1IgJ_sBs78JBRcs176JlYLDRHkoZ6DoctE6eATeGm9gy6sViDao9oIy89GTxQ5Misl7wA2jTnaXNoO4F4/s200/mango+farmer+market.jpg" /></a></div>variety is common throughout Costa Rica, and has a smooth melon-like texture and is widely regarded as the sweetest of all mangos. Harvested green, the Francique turns full yellow as it ripens, and provides an outstanding aroma and flavor. Mangoes are a key element of sustainable agriculture, providing soil retention on land and/or <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hillsides that are vulnerable to erosion, especially in challenging terrains like those found in Haiti. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">When selecting a good mango you should take advantage of your senses. The fruit should be uniformly firm to the touch with no soft spots or visible bruises. When completely ripe, the yellow varieties will be a uniform yellowish red color with no remaining green <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigudcEjdLFHvvRKtZzShfoGDa6OkLYfzItOAYqzXPSv7VBWp9_bFmqIHhvcLBRSh5FdAp7mw_LSbHS0fDl9Dt-64kpqE0EpELImmAdkBSuPLdjl4HNsvjvCzG7XJaAJgiZ9_XJxiTNCXg/s1600/specimen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="133" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigudcEjdLFHvvRKtZzShfoGDa6OkLYfzItOAYqzXPSv7VBWp9_bFmqIHhvcLBRSh5FdAp7mw_LSbHS0fDl9Dt-64kpqE0EpELImmAdkBSuPLdjl4HNsvjvCzG7XJaAJgiZ9_XJxiTNCXg/s200/specimen.jpg" /></a></div>areas, while the green varieties will retain some green, with a purplish coloring indicating it's level of ripeness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those that prefer a slightly tart Mango, the color does not need to be uniform from the stem to the flower end of the fruit, even the green coloring can provide a wonderful sweet surprise! The red blush on some varieties is due to direct exposure to sunlight and may not be a factor in the quality or ripeness of the fruit, so one has to learn which varieties suit them best and not just depend on color to pick the best mango. An important sense to engage when picking the perfect mango is the sense of smell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A ripe mango has a full, sweet fragrance easily indicating its readiness for consumption. Keep in mind that most tropical fruits, mangos included, can discolor and lose much of its flavor if refrigerated, so it is recommended to keep them at room temperature.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Most people would likely consume more mangos if they were not so difficult to <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF71x4rBtdA3dX_K6aDt_NaUjl747kC2OfujdBBaXMMYkp-K7WAckfRd-0i3VvvEO3j5uGzY-jffXRm4ZvBDVKioUL64aa-bpuWtr_NJWyavgVQSZkzD2HJLumm8S4nYtI7EzpR8FrWBk/s1600/cut+mango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF71x4rBtdA3dX_K6aDt_NaUjl747kC2OfujdBBaXMMYkp-K7WAckfRd-0i3VvvEO3j5uGzY-jffXRm4ZvBDVKioUL64aa-bpuWtr_NJWyavgVQSZkzD2HJLumm8S4nYtI7EzpR8FrWBk/s200/cut+mango.jpg" /></a></div>peel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cubed method is the easiest for quick and clean preparation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slice the mango along the flat part of each side of the large elongated center seed. You will end up with the flat seed center and two shallow cup-shaped pieces from each side holding the bulk of the delicious flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a sharp knife, cut criss cross lines in the flesh of the mango, being careful to cut all the way to the skin, but not through it. You then invert the skin inside out, and the flesh will pop up in cubes making them easy to cut off of the skin or eat right from the skin by scraping with your teeth. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have the space, Mango trees make handsome landscape specimens and huge, efficient shade trees. They are erect <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-46cfa5CCF22fCaW2NSkdGR6uyAM7dGLRo7pnGQzhu8YvsDcPYvbPkP1irHu6ExmVIGba0xAoCgln3LYP6PdM3gu18Z6XugHHNgqiIOwS4P8Sbi5zGqkUD__6TQdD_rEXMdBdT9Ppy0/s1600/mango+trees.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:left; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-46cfa5CCF22fCaW2NSkdGR6uyAM7dGLRo7pnGQzhu8YvsDcPYvbPkP1irHu6ExmVIGba0xAoCgln3LYP6PdM3gu18Z6XugHHNgqiIOwS4P8Sbi5zGqkUD__6TQdD_rEXMdBdT9Ppy0/s200/mango+trees.png" /></a></div>and fast growing and the canopy can be broad and rounded, even providing good overhead coverage in tropical zones inclined to sudden rainstorms. They are considered a rather large tree, often some 65 ft. across their canopy. The tree is long-lived with some specimens known to be over 300 years old and still fruiting. In deep soil the taproot descends to a depth of 20 ft, and the profuse, wide-spreading feeder roots also send down many anchor roots which penetrate for several feet and make this specimen very sturdy in otherwise normally unstable terrain. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The yellowish or reddish flowers of the Mango tree are borne in inflorescences, in dense clusters of up to 2000 tiny flowers. Pollinators are flies, hoverflies, and bees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally only a few of the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYr0M9bsCjbg-okCaxFvn30IiVfbYsQ4snX4tir5EOPs-a87hrfX6yak7er0js6IUkhYYfflOeKd8xiHq7Eun2HPOOhVRjJyysLM-4PwfPrfGsSt_gECdGn5aSvEX51x84C5XuxLIk4o/s1600/monkeys+and+mangos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:right;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYr0M9bsCjbg-okCaxFvn30IiVfbYsQ4snX4tir5EOPs-a87hrfX6yak7er0js6IUkhYYfflOeKd8xiHq7Eun2HPOOhVRjJyysLM-4PwfPrfGsSt_gECdGn5aSvEX51x84C5XuxLIk4o/s200/monkeys+and+mangos.jpg" /></a></div>flowers in each inflorescence are perfect, so most do not produce pollen and are not able to produce fruit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not worry, these trees still produce an abundance of eatable fruit over a prolonged period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be warned though, these flowers often cause allergic and respiratory problems for sensitive persons, so this should always be taken into consideration if planning on growing your own mango tree (or when living near them). </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Mango peel and sap contain urushiol, the chemical in poison ivy and poison sumac that can cause urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in susceptible people. Cross-reactions between mango contact allergens and urushiol have been observed.<sup id="cite_ref-18"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango#cite_note-18"></a></sup> Those with a history of poison ivy or poison oak contact dermatitis may be most at risk for such an allergic reaction. Urushiol is also present in mango leaves and stems. During mango's primary ripening season, it is the most common source of plant dermatitis. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To grow mangos from seed, remove the husk and plant the seed (before it dries out) with the hump at soil level. The <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RRnwYn6zh2CqbIcMz0I9lH5iLZjEG5WXXz9QOgYKZ2UeX_hOaEfVbz4zk_CNpbXVu8aouk99gveUMIJM0B3SG9zs7r_X5y3OwM1dO5rEBnsWAEbyLFOx0GmBRlnyYGRgK2PRRdNdFc4/s1600/planting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="148" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RRnwYn6zh2CqbIcMz0I9lH5iLZjEG5WXXz9QOgYKZ2UeX_hOaEfVbz4zk_CNpbXVu8aouk99gveUMIJM0B3SG9zs7r_X5y3OwM1dO5rEBnsWAEbyLFOx0GmBRlnyYGRgK2PRRdNdFc4/s200/planting.jpg" /></a></div>seeds normally germinate in two to four weeks, and will bloom and bear in only three to six years. Mango fruit matures in 100 to 150 days after flowering. The fruit will have the best flavor if allowed to ripen on the tree. Otherwise, the fruit ripens best if placed stem end down in trays at room temperature and covered with a dampened cloth to avoid shriveling. Mangos generally ripen in June from a January bloom, and October to November from an April bloom. The main nutrients in mangos are </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Calcium, Copper, Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin A, B6 and C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fruit can either be eaten by itself or paired with light meats like pork, chicken or shrimp, or added into desserts. Mango is also a nice addition to fruit salads, juices and smoothies. Pureed mango tastes delicious in muffins and cookies and is popular as baby food as well. The mango is also famous for processing into chutney, so you can see that it has many many wonderful uses!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">So the next time you find yourself wandering your local supermarket aisle, visiting your local farmers market, or even better, walking around Costa Rica at the right time of year......grab that mango and enjoy the world's most popular fruit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy eating, and remember that beauty can be more than skin deep!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe from this local <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Costa Rican Hotel</span></a> that keeps forever when well sealed in your freezer!<o:p></o:p></span></div><strong>Simple Mango Sorbet <o:p></o:p></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">2 fresh, ripe mangos<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt;">1 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt;">3 tbsp coconut milk<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt;">1 tsp lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt;">About 1 cup whipping cream </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Peel and deflesh the mangoes , chop roughly. Blend mango with sugar until well pureed. Add coconut milk and lemon juice. Remove from blender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pour whipping cream into blender and whirl until the cream forms<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stiff peaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the mango puree and </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt;">whirl for 10-20 seconds. Pour into container and freeze for 8 hours, stirring every 1/2 hour for the first 3 hours to prevent uneven freezing. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><b>Author:</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Kimberly Barron, originally from <st1:city w:st="on">Malibu</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state> has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com/" target="_blank">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Costa Rica</st1:place></st1:country-region> for 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Caribbean</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Coast</st1:placetype></st1:place> and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/" target="_blank">Byblos Resort & Casino</a> and owns and operates her own luxury Vacation Rental Home business <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com/" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com42Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica9.392308 -84.1369879000000089.3609759999999991 -84.177328400000007 9.42364 -84.096647400000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-15578023564280663262014-05-17T05:03:00.000-07:002014-05-17T05:03:31.114-07:00Costa Rica’s answer to Brown Sugar…..Tapa de Dulce!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9N54tNPRDdfHE9lj9RSPvylLdznk32-r2F6G4v5uGFemtc8AGc90fKOF_LlSCjr6G-S5Qfk3Pvhx4LDk-icJHJYLbue7pQvFC8bcOVErF8hNyPSwuRWW0A5rkqff-wyArlhvgJI4vNE/s1600/tapa+dulce+pile.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9N54tNPRDdfHE9lj9RSPvylLdznk32-r2F6G4v5uGFemtc8AGc90fKOF_LlSCjr6G-S5Qfk3Pvhx4LDk-icJHJYLbue7pQvFC8bcOVErF8hNyPSwuRWW0A5rkqff-wyArlhvgJI4vNE/s320/tapa+dulce+pile.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661138219288671282" /></a>Most people would think that the famous Costa Rican coffee would be the obvious morning drink, but actually, the traditional breakfast drink is called <em>Agua Dulce </em>("sweet water"). Made from the “typical” local ingredient <strong>“Tapa de Dulce”</strong>, these familiar (or not so familiar) molded small cakes of firm compacted brown sugar product are very similar to the North American "brown sugar" we buy in a bag. <br />
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Also known in many Costa Rican homes simply as “Bebida”, the sugary cane liquid is <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFI_xx6aE41le4801orVZCCd6fOp2fbgC5rU7F7iU-iIuD-u6367WWoWjh9xY2VS0JXkui36MVUbg6LyPzJ3gdAUAcwri7CD2ssihFiWgc6DSax5-m7fy2SYrSC3ojgN1QDhVpIxPjBc/s1600/hot+tapa.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 93px; height: 89px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFI_xx6aE41le4801orVZCCd6fOp2fbgC5rU7F7iU-iIuD-u6367WWoWjh9xY2VS0JXkui36MVUbg6LyPzJ3gdAUAcwri7CD2ssihFiWgc6DSax5-m7fy2SYrSC3ojgN1QDhVpIxPjBc/s320/hot+tapa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661138783902017714" /></a>extracted, boiled, evaporated and eventually poured into conical molds, which are cooled, at which time the tops are cut off making them <em>tapas</em> ("lids"). The traditional drink of “Agua Dulce” is made by cutting or scraping off a bit of the <em>tapa</em> and gently dissolving it in boiling water or hot milk. Delicious! <br />
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Know by many names throughout the world, Tapa de Dulce can also be called “Panela”, “AtadoDulce”, “Raspadura”, “Rapadura”, “Chancaca”, “Papelon”, “Piloncillo”, “Panocha”, “Empanizao”, “Melaza y Cuyo” and many many other varying names depending on the region and/or country you are in at any given moment. <br />
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Consisting completely of Sugar Cane juice, to make the popular molded Tapa disks old traditions held to using oxen or sometimes donkeys or mules to run the small rural <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZRP2dgu3I6bEX43hHq5CF8F_pkFA2uhck7US05YH5urU-cgai5RQBa6pPLZB3ewTNYpEwPkpsoEhwEjo6_r6lbYRIPvYL4iB2vll7nKy9VJBdoaEh3o8uBB_0iOe8Ae662nfivQVraw/s1600/trapiche.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZRP2dgu3I6bEX43hHq5CF8F_pkFA2uhck7US05YH5urU-cgai5RQBa6pPLZB3ewTNYpEwPkpsoEhwEjo6_r6lbYRIPvYL4iB2vll7nKy9VJBdoaEh3o8uBB_0iOe8Ae662nfivQVraw/s320/trapiche.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661140039648161234" /></a>processing “plants” better known as “Trapiches”. Not being easy to extract the sugary juice from the cane stalks, the animals were much more efficient back in those days, but alas…today it is almost completely a mechanized process being much more efficient and sanitary then using the animals. Back in the early 1900’s, Costa Rica had more than 1600 Trapiches, but today they have almost completely dissappeared, and a national cry has gone out to not let this tradition completely disappear. <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Costa Rica Hotels</a> and Tour Operators have projects in the works to incorporate the Trapiche Farms in to rural tourism centers, directly sharing the experience with visitors from around the world. Unfortunately, this idea is far from fruition at this point.<br />
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Not a totally empty calorie sugar product, <em>Panela</em> or <em>Tapa de Dulce</em> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVWnGkRKW912i8HeRPyUYthYFLtG6zz8m38BDzQPdYfun7RruX0WXNBpRzuDTrjwMkYj7BbE6dUJ5Fo376yi1NB0yDr-LMWWvTj6KMYqw42vqGPuID0lEs3peEnC2vqstFlTNTZIsifc/s1600/cheverria.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVWnGkRKW912i8HeRPyUYthYFLtG6zz8m38BDzQPdYfun7RruX0WXNBpRzuDTrjwMkYj7BbE6dUJ5Fo376yi1NB0yDr-LMWWvTj6KMYqw42vqGPuID0lEs3peEnC2vqstFlTNTZIsifc/s320/cheverria.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661140347793987762" /></a>differenciates itself from ordinary white sugar with measurable amounts of glucose, fructose, proteins, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorous, and trace vitamins such as absorbic acid. It’s said to have “medicinal” properties as well, but more on that below!<br />
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When preparing a cup of Agua Dulce, add a small chunk shaved off the molded Tapa de Dulce sugar block and mix with a small amount of hot water, working it until it’s <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaogytm-jp8xeiM9JSgycH7Q-mNiBCVE8MDZ1zygADWlNe5nU9EnpFGZmngkFwb4Pil8zpmDAFz9c7dqI0k9hHez5_e8a8zOMPwwCjEF5QGgZ5DmrMRBfwoEnsXwZad9OsiLLzq7KvXHQ/s1600/dulce+factory.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaogytm-jp8xeiM9JSgycH7Q-mNiBCVE8MDZ1zygADWlNe5nU9EnpFGZmngkFwb4Pil8zpmDAFz9c7dqI0k9hHez5_e8a8zOMPwwCjEF5QGgZ5DmrMRBfwoEnsXwZad9OsiLLzq7KvXHQ/s320/dulce+factory.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661140673416038130" /></a>the consistency of honey. Then either add hot water (“Agua Dulce”), or hot milk (“Bebida”) and enjoy! In the Atlantic region of Limón, the Agua Dulce is served cold and mixed with lemon juice and a hint of ginger. This is known as “Agua de Sapo” (Toad Water) or “Hiel” and is another refreshing way to enjoy sugar cane juice. But why stop there? Do you have a cold? Mix the Agua Dulce with lemon juice and an ounce of “Guaro” (Cane Liquor), which is said to be the best remedy in Costa Rica and sure to make your pains go away!<br />
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Colombia is the leader in the <em>Panela</em> industry, providing an important source of employment for that country with around 350,000 people working in approximately 20,000 Trapiches or Panela Farms.<br />
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In fact, the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmira">Palmira</a>, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL1zYHf8RGPVURwy7vAimwtwYGdU0sQI-0rAigANlStsIO4FMmJfeYxO050ltpVthCtjwrgdI5IE4UHneN4gBumPOb0irPjfJoX8DnN2ffNP3aX5dABZKNPxzcW9NklCHwrhp-bT8vgY/s1600/best+pic+old+factory+tapa.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL1zYHf8RGPVURwy7vAimwtwYGdU0sQI-0rAigANlStsIO4FMmJfeYxO050ltpVthCtjwrgdI5IE4UHneN4gBumPOb0irPjfJoX8DnN2ffNP3aX5dABZKNPxzcW9NklCHwrhp-bT8vgY/s320/best+pic+old+factory+tapa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661141031709581490" /></a>Colombia broke the world record in 2009 for the largest and heaviest Panela, with a molded sugar cake that measured 10 feet and 20 inches and weighing some 715 kilos! This required more than 70 tons of sugar cane, and 90 people working for 28 hours consecutively to complete.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwsHeBVCGHBwuZmlrskBUBIavcykjFykoDivn1E5l7Q3dBKNbk1-kXB1bwg8LkfWg5earY3kGBuzXLrhVjVOYRcmoAtYKMuS9C-41hEowkDPJPapNGnjdS2J_UfdcCcHbeOd3eVnlJls/s1600/tapa+dulce+on+stones.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwsHeBVCGHBwuZmlrskBUBIavcykjFykoDivn1E5l7Q3dBKNbk1-kXB1bwg8LkfWg5earY3kGBuzXLrhVjVOYRcmoAtYKMuS9C-41hEowkDPJPapNGnjdS2J_UfdcCcHbeOd3eVnlJls/s320/tapa+dulce+on+stones.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661141246079432130" /></a>So are you ready to try this tasty little treat? To buy your own Tapa de Dulce, head to your nearest typical “soda”, Costa Rican supermarket or the Pulpería (corner store). If you aren’t lucky enough to be in Costa Rica, you can buy Tapa de Dulce online at:<br />
http://costaricasuperstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1087 <br />
http://www.ticoshopping.com/Crude-Sugar-Tapa-de-dulce-21-2-oz<br />
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<strong>VIDEO FOR GRIPE (a cold):</strong><br />
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<strong>AUTHOR:</strong><br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino</a> and owns and manages her own Luxury Vacation Rental Business<a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
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<strong>SOURCES:</strong><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Rican_cuisine<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panela <br />
http://recetasdecostarica.blogspot.com/2009/05/agua-dulce.html<br />
EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com18Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica9.392308 -84.1369879000000089.3609759999999991 -84.177328400000007 9.42364 -84.096647400000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-81680466651334869482014-04-26T12:00:00.001-07:002014-04-26T12:00:09.831-07:00Costa Rica….the new Culinary Vacation Destination?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6vc9yIw_SDBxF8LY3KJT376d9wZ7Qqi3sNmUUVWiSQ2NBQa7QjbHFr5aNOXDYw-1Fw6GDPKdb3X56hBbmGb6YznlaycaGGIbZRrbexv99p1okm80qK-OQ58w538DkilaQTsdyGKq5TE/s1600/cordon+belue.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6vc9yIw_SDBxF8LY3KJT376d9wZ7Qqi3sNmUUVWiSQ2NBQa7QjbHFr5aNOXDYw-1Fw6GDPKdb3X56hBbmGb6YznlaycaGGIbZRrbexv99p1okm80qK-OQ58w538DkilaQTsdyGKq5TE/s320/cordon+belue.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697950558097702034" /></a>Recent efforts have been made to market Costa Rica as a culinary destination (<a href="http://www.periodismogastronomico.com/noticias/chefs-costarricenses-en-evento-gastronomico-junto-a-mikel-alonso/">see article</a>) for your next vacation. Known for its abundance of nature and biodiversity, Costa Rica has always been considered lacking in the culinary department. The first thought that comes to mind when someone mentions this country as a valid culinary destination is…..really? Seriously though…..Costa Rica has been slowly making a name for itself in food lovers circles and thanks to our friends at <a href="http://www.foodvacation.com">Food Vacation</a>, I’d like to share this excellent article on Costa Rican Cuisine!<br />
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<strong>Introduction: </strong><br />
"Costa Rican food is not especially memorable," so begins the Frommer's guidebook <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7-s9HT6EF9rD6wC1gTX5ABjdTKSs0VBDrrze9DtMtcO1IH4KlA9IN9DwjYTnnSLtIGGOQ8_X7DFGvqDOF7PNVMbY0Kd8biodbuAwV-ThVUSMqEAda3hQHzNxz_7ccyS96rSzs3Hfp5A/s1600/molcajete.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7-s9HT6EF9rD6wC1gTX5ABjdTKSs0VBDrrze9DtMtcO1IH4KlA9IN9DwjYTnnSLtIGGOQ8_X7DFGvqDOF7PNVMbY0Kd8biodbuAwV-ThVUSMqEAda3hQHzNxz_7ccyS96rSzs3Hfp5A/s320/molcajete.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697938780546653314" /></a>section on Costa Rican food & drink. Likewise, Fodor's 2004 Gold Guide quips, "Costa Rica is not known for its fine dining." First, is this reputation for being what Travel & Leisure magazine recently called a "food purgatory" deserved? In our opinion none of the Central American or most of the South American nations have anywhere near the culinary sophistication of, say, Mexico, which stands out as having one of the world's great cuisines. Chile and Argentina have inherited some excellent European culinary traditions, and had the economies necessary to support them, but otherwise most of Latin America cannot lay claim to being a culinary wonderland. <br />
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<strong>Cultural Considerations:</strong><br />
As suggested, there are economic reasons for this, and Costa Rica is no exception. Though richer than some of its neighbors, Costa Rica is a poor country and its <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEuoBhcE24TSlA3fc-IeX5FC8Nglis4Ml6caGL-w-m4kwwz6JSjCjDEtM5G7I5I5GXjmjBQanmwTflsR0OLWu1G_5jzRitiKV0IpsnyVArQF1GkKbnoMkjQLTaA9WP2jtr4W5Nonlo00/s1600/Food3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEuoBhcE24TSlA3fc-IeX5FC8Nglis4Ml6caGL-w-m4kwwz6JSjCjDEtM5G7I5I5GXjmjBQanmwTflsR0OLWu1G_5jzRitiKV0IpsnyVArQF1GkKbnoMkjQLTaA9WP2jtr4W5Nonlo00/s320/Food3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697939295809332962" /></a>native residents never had the money to elaborate a sophisticated cookery or dining tradition. To the extent that this occurred historically, Costa Rica belongs to the worldwide Creole culinary culture that encompassed not only south Louisiana, but also the Carribean, coastal and/or colonial areas of Latin America, and the sugar islands of Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean.<br />
In our opinion, therefore, Costa Rica does not deserve to be singled out for being particularly bad in culinary terms--it is simply within the general ambit of Latin cookery stretching from Belize to the Amazon. <br />
Second, Costa Rica does have its culinary highlights. These include a great wealth of high quality primary ingredients including seafood from two coasts, an abundance <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCfysfANzhu2mxSSJYPQ_w3hYZBd5BFX0iMrgSwJA8xhJ218Tj02dxLG8niahJLj7mewdh4wlRVaU59J6oHU-7E8e0SXJ6K2cZTpmIPysPXu5CbySfJe3NTF26KWnNMl6dihigmdsUxY/s1600/produce.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCfysfANzhu2mxSSJYPQ_w3hYZBd5BFX0iMrgSwJA8xhJ218Tj02dxLG8niahJLj7mewdh4wlRVaU59J6oHU-7E8e0SXJ6K2cZTpmIPysPXu5CbySfJe3NTF26KWnNMl6dihigmdsUxY/s320/produce.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697939562228952242" /></a>of different vegetables, a full array of culinary herbs and spices, and a treasure trove of fruit varieties. Costa Ricans are also very good farmers. Beef and other meat quality is not superior, but more than workable. Chicken is good quality and very popular, while tuna, red snapper, and mahi mahi (or their relatives) can be excellent. Needless to say, Costa Rica has some of the best coffee in the world. Due to Costa Rica's much tauted bio-diversity, its good soil, and abundant fresh water mean a full range of agricultural production as well.<br />
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As a Creole cuisine, Costa Rican cookery is a fusion of indigenous knowledge and ingredients, colonial European sensibilities (in this case mostly Spain, but also <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhX3i5vg6rQSXNyuPJsV9KkjBY7li4PkaSTHDOGO9C1k-v5iEV2ybgn0BAfGos5bmydhUcZRUDkAfARQ-8fVTkSmLUDOWSv8TS2O_a5XD8rYmIfa6kYU0VyznXUUhS-9gyZjfzMknVqM/s1600/fish+food.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhX3i5vg6rQSXNyuPJsV9KkjBY7li4PkaSTHDOGO9C1k-v5iEV2ybgn0BAfGos5bmydhUcZRUDkAfARQ-8fVTkSmLUDOWSv8TS2O_a5XD8rYmIfa6kYU0VyznXUUhS-9gyZjfzMknVqM/s320/fish+food.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697939875497040642" /></a>Italy), more recent U.S. influence, Afro-Caribbean techniques, distinct Chinese flourishes, and a mostly poor population with a relatively large (but still small) class of wealthy Creoles and European immigrants or their descendants who demanded some kind of fine dining.<br />
With its cultural imperative to appear harmonious and somewhat homogenous, Costa Ricans like to sublimate the existence and strong influence of both indigenous (i.e. Native American Indian) and Afro-Caribbean slave influences. Costa Rica presents itself as out of the Central American norm in terms of not having a large indigenous <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_JealICP2le4d8nb9tf29afRvJfygXfxJhXAq-xL6BDQbwtUnzoewbHg_rpe2PEJzDxmUsx_VdE3hXlGQD9ttrrMDUPtfZ5AzoJBk7vTMLP02vjpNUF_CWUV6wlQjJjFAoKCnO3Fkfw/s1600/gallo+pinto.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_JealICP2le4d8nb9tf29afRvJfygXfxJhXAq-xL6BDQbwtUnzoewbHg_rpe2PEJzDxmUsx_VdE3hXlGQD9ttrrMDUPtfZ5AzoJBk7vTMLP02vjpNUF_CWUV6wlQjJjFAoKCnO3Fkfw/s320/gallo+pinto.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697951213259317698" /></a>or mixed indigenous-European or indigenous-African (mestizo) population, and this is simply not true. Likewise, though they still live largely in the Caribbean lowlands, there is a significant black population--descendants of plantation workers--in Costa Rica. Many of them speak Creole English. Too, the Chinese imported as slavery-level workers for the banana railroad in the late 19th century remain in Costa Rica, with their population suplemented by more recent migrants from Taiwan and mainland China. The Chinese have become fully integrated into Tico society, and their cuisine has made its mark as well. Finally, 20th century immigrants from Italy cannot be forgotten, nor can the Spanish colonial rulers and administrators, many of whom became coffee barons.<br />
Thought of in these cultural and historical terms, Costa Rica cookery becomes a bit more interesting. <br />
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<strong>Current Culinary Happenings:</strong><br />
Today, the biggest culinary influence probably comes from the tourism industry and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTAY-W5ypC2Sv-zCUhiNsCh7ob7J1QMZSbHP9CefCVVyShsdOCwzQawwRlyMBOTYaYUasde7RbhvBiSEzcgJgb67vZgQRMO7OX7fXTepSMh01_cRB6U6LR0q47HMI3M125V7VxwSfL5s/s1600/chefs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTAY-W5ypC2Sv-zCUhiNsCh7ob7J1QMZSbHP9CefCVVyShsdOCwzQawwRlyMBOTYaYUasde7RbhvBiSEzcgJgb67vZgQRMO7OX7fXTepSMh01_cRB6U6LR0q47HMI3M125V7VxwSfL5s/s320/chefs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697945512320845426" /></a>the advent of more upscale <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Costa Rican Hotels</a> and inns that have brought professionally trained cooks into the country to prepare menus that may or may not have much to do with native traditions. This has the tendency to produce what we call culinary school menus, where the chef tries to reproduce what he was taught at Cordon Bleu, the Culinary Institute of America, or in a Las Vegas hotel kitchen. Thus, you have lots of "international" <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/dining-casino/food-fun-at-byblos.htm">Costa Rican restaurants</a> and menus with no particular attachment to time or place, except for the strictures imposed by ingredient availability. <br />
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If any treasure trove of culinary creativity exists in Costa Rica, it lies not in these hotel dining rooms or the countries many area restaurants, but in the home <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72528qy_Su_rrp_mKD6Xv_15T_W1xF75q_4qMTs01bVNp03tiMTXhiQtwEAM5SnpNe6PJopGldixq4SkUfwOUgOh9G4YMUdtRMIrpmIIQaGc8SZ15WU7J3eFI2Y7P63MSPBuk2XJSbas/s1600/casado.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72528qy_Su_rrp_mKD6Xv_15T_W1xF75q_4qMTs01bVNp03tiMTXhiQtwEAM5SnpNe6PJopGldixq4SkUfwOUgOh9G4YMUdtRMIrpmIIQaGc8SZ15WU7J3eFI2Y7P63MSPBuk2XJSbas/s320/casado.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697940534809994706" /></a>cooking (including the wealthy elite homes) and the Sodas (family-run roadside or market eateries). This is not to say that all Soda food is good or creative. A Casado is just a rustic worker's lunch at a cheap price, marrying together all the courses of a European meal in one place and on one plate--the salad, the starch, the main course. <br />
Spanish influences--empanadas or brown sauces--exist alongside Indian ones--tamales--along Cantonese Rice and Chinese "chorizo" (chorizo chino) sausages and "Italian" macaronis. <br />
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Far above and beyond these cultural culinary elements, however, is the importance of Costa Rica's ingredient diversity, which is the basis for the making of any great cuisine.<br />
Given its equatorial location and its physical geography, Costa Rica has an inordinate number of zones within which food can be grown. These includes temperate <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwdmCEV4kG2Cpa3TdwXecIo61638jk8ogY56DKQfpbH8IpwcTWM88JuOhqlKytcWBUyEl7swG0p5YUG9ZAwnRRiYL04gCzXVMzd1zA5E_i5_7vxSMNw-uNnv8XeqiEkns-zSBTP0UIVw/s1600/coco+pina.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwdmCEV4kG2Cpa3TdwXecIo61638jk8ogY56DKQfpbH8IpwcTWM88JuOhqlKytcWBUyEl7swG0p5YUG9ZAwnRRiYL04gCzXVMzd1zA5E_i5_7vxSMNw-uNnv8XeqiEkns-zSBTP0UIVw/s320/coco+pina.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697943026384620978" /></a>fruits and vegetables such as apples, peaches, strawberries, asparagus, peas, artichokes, cauliflower, and cabbage as well as tropical exemplaries from jack fruit and bread fruit to innumerable varieties of mango, papaya, lychee, pineapple, avacadoes, types of passion fruit (maracuya, granadilla, etc.), anona, guayaba, banana varieties, coconut, chocolate, vanilla, chayote, mangosteen, husk and tree tomatoes, cashew, macadamia, coffee, etc. If a tropical fruit exists in the world, it is probably cultivated in Costa Rica. While travelling around the country, many want to encounter "typical" cuisine and to focus on what is local. This is great if you understand that Costa Rica has been a poor country with a fairly unelaborated culinary tradition. The most famous national dish is thus black bean and rice, known as "gallo pinto." It is flavored with sweet chilies, cilantro, salt, pepper, and usually Lizano Salsa. Costa Ricans <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWURjy112zOxFZjPOUNNaSqU-C5wYZYNYD3lkFNe1JfTnganW4gWZyseH_0V2RwdoVHb65zTmNsuqqK2pWft9WDEYgRBHX6VNs5xcUmV42AcAiAwaS8BUYbpAk8N1ePSAsicj3vAGYJ8E/s1600/tamal.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWURjy112zOxFZjPOUNNaSqU-C5wYZYNYD3lkFNe1JfTnganW4gWZyseH_0V2RwdoVHb65zTmNsuqqK2pWft9WDEYgRBHX6VNs5xcUmV42AcAiAwaS8BUYbpAk8N1ePSAsicj3vAGYJ8E/s320/tamal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697940724805618770" /></a>make very good empanadas (pastry stuffed with a variety of ingedients including beans, cheese, potatos, and meat, or any of them in combination) as well as tamales. Tamales are often made in the home at Christmas time, but can be purchased at sodas--small family run restaurants--at anytime of the year.<br />
Tamales are made of a corn meal masa similar to that found in Mexico and the rest of Central America. The masa has been treated with calcium carbonate and has a distinct flavor, with stock, lard, garlic, and seasonings often being added. This forms the outer shell, which is then stuffed with beef, beans, chicken, and/or vegetables and cilantro or culantro. The tamales are then wrapped in fresh banana leaves, tied up, and boiled or steamed until firm and fully cooked. They are excellent served with a fresh tomato salsa!<br />
Another typical Costa Rican meal is the casado or "marriage," which consists of portions of a number of different dishes served on one plate, usually as a kind of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9N-r3K_QFGLmHCrEj0KVWYxSQE-q2bW7lAqqVuNd5Er9x9io0vKAvp7HEV_LaSgSkr2UU33arae7zQV5Y7om9r6gOornDNudDfir2a4IItR8H1WhztI5b7czg5cFd8HFqLAqaI9HTesM/s1600/empanada.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9N-r3K_QFGLmHCrEj0KVWYxSQE-q2bW7lAqqVuNd5Er9x9io0vKAvp7HEV_LaSgSkr2UU33arae7zQV5Y7om9r6gOornDNudDfir2a4IItR8H1WhztI5b7czg5cFd8HFqLAqaI9HTesM/s320/empanada.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697941654283398530" /></a>worker's lunch. Typically you can choose from beef, chicken, or fish casados, and these main ingredients will be accompanied by a combination of cabbage salad, vegetables, fried yucca, beans, rice, or other available side dishes. <br />
Tacos al alambre, or barbed wire tacos, are another typical plato. These are not Mexican style tacos--instead it is a dish of braised chicken or beef cut into strips, usually cooked with sliced sweet chili peppers, and a mild sauce. It is served with fresh tortillas or tortilla chips and one or two sides and is delicious.<br />
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<strong>Markets:</strong><br />
Both the Mercado Central and Mercado Bourbon in central San Jose are very interesting from a culinary perspective, particularly to see the variety of fruits <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSH3BBt5p6uLWcrjF51jdaOMKItn568D06ixLkXNi-iTEKCzX6UKhFlBb09KQVckoMeqTqht5HbOdqwd8KcTk4EHtxvab_u40hbFMBSIE1BjLyVihrWqdR541ENPMSg0FAD46DetkHS9Q/s1600/central+market.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSH3BBt5p6uLWcrjF51jdaOMKItn568D06ixLkXNi-iTEKCzX6UKhFlBb09KQVckoMeqTqht5HbOdqwd8KcTk4EHtxvab_u40hbFMBSIE1BjLyVihrWqdR541ENPMSg0FAD46DetkHS9Q/s320/central+market.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697940974313898098" /></a>and vegetables grown in the country. However, the Central Market and particularly Bourbon are not in good neighborhoods and one should use their street smarts when in these areas. <br />
The weekly farmer's market in San Ramon (or most any town in this country), by contrast, are considered safe and full of local farmers selling and incredible variety of products. These are generally held every Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, just ask for "la feria", or you can inquire at your hotel.<br />
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
Cheeses: the level of cheesemaking sophistication in Costa Rica is not high and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-Vf7DgKVFt3hF1KDfXKMMGXcyvhOVYrWeTwFLESk0KH6uOyS6qt68nLoaYr-FFs6W4vy-U0GC4I-DK_2Ai0H384TOvxk2HxsCjb-GcGEd3MOXqzhu-tMGqH0TCAE5NO_XD5tDVD-l2E/s1600/biggest+cheese.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-Vf7DgKVFt3hF1KDfXKMMGXcyvhOVYrWeTwFLESk0KH6uOyS6qt68nLoaYr-FFs6W4vy-U0GC4I-DK_2Ai0H384TOvxk2HxsCjb-GcGEd3MOXqzhu-tMGqH0TCAE5NO_XD5tDVD-l2E/s320/biggest+cheese.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697941379758497138" /></a>sanitary standards could be questioned. We would personally recommend staying away from the fresh white cheeses, particularly those riddled with gas holes, unless they are cooked. An exception is Queso Palmito or any of the other pasta filata type (mozzarella type) cheeses, which have for all intents and purposes been heat treated in the production process. All cheeses made by the Monteverde co-op and by Dos Pinos are very sanitary if not particularly savory. <br />
The cheeses made by the Dutch-style factory at Barva can be quite good.<br />
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Tropical Fruits: Costa Rica's farmers grow an astounding array of tropical fruits, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc2voIAWpDlGlUDfhabKjXx9_ERrb2jx_S1smLLWIZckyLXqw_5586IauFuF4jRnkiD7xCcHlR9WdUX3-QgkJqnDjA3uyPEbTnwUWi4kA4DBHux8kvQ_DHfSeI1wsqPKtpnHB3kTYFIM/s1600/pretty+trop+fruits.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc2voIAWpDlGlUDfhabKjXx9_ERrb2jx_S1smLLWIZckyLXqw_5586IauFuF4jRnkiD7xCcHlR9WdUX3-QgkJqnDjA3uyPEbTnwUWi4kA4DBHux8kvQ_DHfSeI1wsqPKtpnHB3kTYFIM/s320/pretty+trop+fruits.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697941984737906306" /></a>from luscious golden and Creole pineapples, to passion fruit, lychee, and custard apple. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzRM-tAVS0KkY9qQm_Yh2VsMP5PGxLePXMQ1Ut7jSaOZahhjkGbfNdpdnO6d-8VTtkjprRouDEK5Su1miH31dhrzh4SWF9SsFCuxnjkwlKz3Fbf_sNGHqQ3EeO5e8cByUfBb4ND9YYIE/s1600/vino.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzRM-tAVS0KkY9qQm_Yh2VsMP5PGxLePXMQ1Ut7jSaOZahhjkGbfNdpdnO6d-8VTtkjprRouDEK5Su1miH31dhrzh4SWF9SsFCuxnjkwlKz3Fbf_sNGHqQ3EeO5e8cByUfBb4ND9YYIE/s320/vino.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697942783073683730" /></a><br />
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Wine: Although some European immigrants have been experimenting with wine grape cultivation in Costa Rica, no one has succeeded. The government did sponsor an experimental effort several years ago, but eventually most of the vines were ripped out. <br />
If you see Costa Rican wine for sale, it is almost surely from imported Chilean grape juice that is then processed in Costa Rica--the quality is terrible and it is--at least so far--not worth buying except as a total novelty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGCxz97wCv78yPoaFQnXzw-retkOIB_L_9RjutO-3pAr0pdM2tnKOm8sNYOq9HiZme0jX2LDkCbwk0tVe7FSE3cYwEj8v84Gt7OR9ixPCrPSdX6CUEk0Vzd5IJHDdAZHflFXLpVatZQ0/s1600/chef+marcel.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGCxz97wCv78yPoaFQnXzw-retkOIB_L_9RjutO-3pAr0pdM2tnKOm8sNYOq9HiZme0jX2LDkCbwk0tVe7FSE3cYwEj8v84Gt7OR9ixPCrPSdX6CUEk0Vzd5IJHDdAZHflFXLpVatZQ0/s320/chef+marcel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697954646223784594" /></a>So if you find yourself in Costa Rica, or will be traveling in the future to Costa Rica, take a harder look at the cuisine. Immerse yourself in the culture by eating “comida tipica”, visiting one of the many farmer’s markets, or befriending some of the friendly “Ticos” who are famous for inviting visitors to their homes for a meal. You will find that this country actually does have some fabulous food!!<br />
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<strong>Author:</strong> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and Hotel owns and operates her own Luxury Vacation Rental Home business, <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
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<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
http://www.foodvacation.com/id8.htmlEyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com12Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, Costa Rica9.392308 -84.1369879000000089.3609759999999991 -84.177328400000007 9.42364 -84.096647400000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-19071268500575473622014-04-11T05:39:00.000-07:002014-04-11T05:39:11.224-07:00Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria Day! Brave Martyr or Brazen Myth?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj664oN_PkAyLj-cntKxeI8Y0aMXgJ4lUVcQ8seaRGvKRE69SwU9Aeq30lR9najYGgLebhJ99aABkgNO5kpsXKK4T8vTy2qLL2O1UtPf_5GoOl8nCfRPrET1X-TUJ6wMDEpaYViL7RfOhQ/s1600/airport-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj664oN_PkAyLj-cntKxeI8Y0aMXgJ4lUVcQ8seaRGvKRE69SwU9Aeq30lR9najYGgLebhJ99aABkgNO5kpsXKK4T8vTy2qLL2O1UtPf_5GoOl8nCfRPrET1X-TUJ6wMDEpaYViL7RfOhQ/s200/airport-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458615785441416674" /></a> <strong>Juan Santamaría</strong>, an impoverished drummer boy, born of a single mother from the town of Alajuela, is easily the most famous martyr in Costa Rican history, and the only individual to have a National Holiday (April 11) declared in his honor. But was it really <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Santamar%C3%ADa">Juan Santamaria</a> that saved the day at the Battle of Rivas, or was it more to do with Costa Rica’s need to have a national hero? Read on….<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXOD5lXMxYfzltB8iNgVwH0kz4T2hxnofYwNvFhTk9BfJBpJVMLqRj2XTb5cnXRZhDrYdOMqbrni8giqVY74wpSZZLV6DYeuTpoTLq6SoJ1UlKTHtkccV16d49xoulnZNf-udOYTkUBM/s1600/battle+at+rivas.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXOD5lXMxYfzltB8iNgVwH0kz4T2hxnofYwNvFhTk9BfJBpJVMLqRj2XTb5cnXRZhDrYdOMqbrni8giqVY74wpSZZLV6DYeuTpoTLq6SoJ1UlKTHtkccV16d49xoulnZNf-udOYTkUBM/s320/battle+at+rivas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592910374934411234" /></a>If legend is to be believed, as a result of the <a href=" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_Rivas">Battle of Rivas</a> on April 11th, 1856, Juan Santamaria’s selfless act as his country's impromptu savior brought his eventual rise to glory, fame and martyrdom as he succeeded in saving Costa Rica against the infamous US sponsored invasion of the soldier of fortune style militia of William Walker. <br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Walker_(filibuster)">William Walker</a>, a lawyer, doctor and soldier of fortune from Tennessee, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieLdMNvvmGi3Thjj_ODgb5ET6-vQYF69ovtmZy1Sfwri43oUj8G0hOmOUOKqPgAfz638kB5Ut7J07YGzWhYl_Yh1Y58moXOyO0-n4T4qlxNeZc99OwLO8vlmdEF2Inihz0sLrKumf-qQ/s1600/william+walker.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieLdMNvvmGi3Thjj_ODgb5ET6-vQYF69ovtmZy1Sfwri43oUj8G0hOmOUOKqPgAfz638kB5Ut7J07YGzWhYl_Yh1Y58moXOyO0-n4T4qlxNeZc99OwLO8vlmdEF2Inihz0sLrKumf-qQ/s320/william+walker.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592925548996859314" /></a>hoping to not only exploit the commercial trade route between New York and the Southern tip of Nicaragua, Walker also hoped to conquer the five Central American States with the intention to annex them, extending the new Federation of Southern States, part of the US. Walker and his “filibusteros” (soldiers of fortune) with his new post as a shaky provisional President of Nicaragua planned to instill his political and financial power over the Central American territories, with the next logical step being the invasion of nearby Costa Rica.<br />
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Fearing Walker’s growing force in Nicaragua, Costa Rican President <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Rafael_Mora_Porras">Juan Rafael Mora</a> supported by the backing of wealthy American businessmen who wanted their important <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVkz_jkCvQV57Ioc3XX7RGjYmZu0UfvLpoEfOdmko-fXuKPpXWYM9Z6YYOYfQNuSoAKiF0PC6ZijfJeWwWJfeLGcmubhkVYBESCNbiNJb7so09oJzPOT5E1OosRqy6s4HNYa6dWKQrak/s1600/morras+guerra.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVkz_jkCvQV57Ioc3XX7RGjYmZu0UfvLpoEfOdmko-fXuKPpXWYM9Z6YYOYfQNuSoAKiF0PC6ZijfJeWwWJfeLGcmubhkVYBESCNbiNJb7so09oJzPOT5E1OosRqy6s4HNYa6dWKQrak/s320/morras+guerra.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592908246692397778" /></a>trading routes reopened, was urged to declare war not on Nicaragua, but on Walker and his filibusters. Furious, Walker ordered the immediate invasion of Costa Rica, crossing the border into the province of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanacaste_Province">Guanacaste</a>, while the Costa Rican army mobilized full speed ahead Northward from the Central Valley. This rag tag army, led by the President’s brother Jose Joaquin Mora and brother-in-law General Jose Cañas, with their contingent of three thousand men marched towards the Walker encampment said to be assembled near the now famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Rosa_National_Park">Hacienda Santa Rosa</a>, south of Nicaragua. Upon learning of their imminent arrival, Walkers men made a hasty retreat, taking the battle to Meson de Guerra in Rivas.<br />
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That is where Juan Santamaría prominently steps into the picture. <br />
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Walker's men, under the command of Colonel Louis Schlessinger, had no sentries posted in the Rivas fort, allowing Mora’s Costa Rican troops to surprise the small <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTezkVpAMqDEccsy5ci7B19ARKtBEKH-q4CqvkyS0Fdoj0fVNgtGV-kEMBZwtmt-9-wvdYegdWo-rcOvUdNLeLUXdTrGBADVTWgwOlZB6gYymBW7Ceosg9HgnyaRWfiVmsKi-fS4xgC4/s1600/santa+rosa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTezkVpAMqDEccsy5ci7B19ARKtBEKH-q4CqvkyS0Fdoj0fVNgtGV-kEMBZwtmt-9-wvdYegdWo-rcOvUdNLeLUXdTrGBADVTWgwOlZB6gYymBW7Ceosg9HgnyaRWfiVmsKi-fS4xgC4/s320/santa+rosa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592913614160027986" /></a>American militia, as Schlessinger himself retreated, leaving his troops in complete disarray. When a bloody battle ensued, the commanding Costa Rican officer asked for a volunteer to set fire to thatch roof of the El Mesón de Guerra; the filibusters' stronghold. Surely a suicide mission at best, it is said that Juan Santamaría, an impoverished mulatto drummer boy from the town of Alajuela, stepped up and with torch in hand, approached the hostel and through a hail of bullets, tossed his torch of fire onto the vulnerable thatched roof. This selfless patriotic act caused the enemy to flee, resulting in Juan Santamaria’s death, but leaving him a genuine National Hero. <br />
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The deaths of Juan Santamaría and more than a thousand other men saved Costa Rica<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUnwHCaFzD7a1OBw8SZBM0Cn2cVnNHw723NfIgEZK5ReID1AVpFcIuOS6x5VETdww7ED1aQOPIRUpKLvGUQD4l5QR1oVY5Hf_9IaQ35ql3lrphduVjKxdF_nOsRecTVhetk8Pu5UfNzk/s1600/juan+santa+statue+with+torch.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUnwHCaFzD7a1OBw8SZBM0Cn2cVnNHw723NfIgEZK5ReID1AVpFcIuOS6x5VETdww7ED1aQOPIRUpKLvGUQD4l5QR1oVY5Hf_9IaQ35ql3lrphduVjKxdF_nOsRecTVhetk8Pu5UfNzk/s320/juan+santa+statue+with+torch.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592911228797525698" /></a>and Central America from a complete collapse. The Battle of Rivas put great confidence to the Costa Rican Army in the fight against Walker, who before this battle believed himself undefeatable and unstoppable, and lead to his later assassination in Honduras, during his next attempt at staging a Central American coup.<br />
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Although Costa Rica was victorious in the Battle of Rivas, the country did not return back to normal by any means. The numerous dead bodies were not buried in Rivas but were simply thrown into the wells, causing the city a huge outbreak of cholera from the contamination. The troops then carried the disease home with them to Costa Rica where it ravaged the country, killing as much as one tenth of the population. Mora was eventually blamed for the outbreak, as well as other economic problems, and was taken out of power a few years later in 1859. <br />
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This is where the dispute of the true legend of Juan Santamaria begins. Heated arguments and several investigations suggest that the well repeated history of Juan Santamaria may not be all it’s cracked up to. According to Steven Palmer, a Canadian researcher, Juan Santamaria was possibly invented by the Liberalist Costa Rican government. Palmer’s study suggests that the government in the late nineteenth <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_kGM0D0sghJ15GxrXWqIAL9-eirA9TnVTTgJUgviQFxhmOv2axCmykjuXzsKbpffrqMIHDtzhXx3UdyEaNkAiR_Hq5KMQ1nqPi6wZYCRYbJ7FlPGym9v1-0n-i1HzH6lE5TedFp8W-w/s1600/long+live+juan.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_kGM0D0sghJ15GxrXWqIAL9-eirA9TnVTTgJUgviQFxhmOv2axCmykjuXzsKbpffrqMIHDtzhXx3UdyEaNkAiR_Hq5KMQ1nqPi6wZYCRYbJ7FlPGym9v1-0n-i1HzH6lE5TedFp8W-w/s320/long+live+juan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592912946950836770" /></a><br />
century was seeking to create a national identity in order to unify the disorganized country. Legends, heroes and battles, all helpful ingredients in the creation of a sense of national patriotism, the government set out to find something or someone that would serve its motivating purpose. Since Costa Rica lacks a history of warfare, the Liberalist government chose one of the few significant battles, the 1856 Battle of Rivas fought against William Walker. After choosing the famous battle, a brave hero was to be chosen as their new “symbol” for National unity. With this, Palmer says, Juan Santamaria was “born” or reborn after being dead and forgotten for many decades. That Juan Santamaria was a member of the lower classes, only served to inspire an even stronger sense of belonging to a nation that was coming of its own in world recognition, as Juan Santamaria showed anyone could become a National idol. <br />
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Further claims have been discovered that state Juan Santamaria actually died of cholera and not by the bullets of his enemies. Now granted, there are said to be listed four different Juan Santamarias amongst the some 9000 volunteer troops of Costa Rica, so this does open the door for some skepticism and confusion, but it is interesting to consider why Juan Santamaria lay buried for almost four decades, before being remembered and named Costa Rica’s National Hero. <br />
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Finally, other historical versions of the Battle of Rivas and the fight at the “Mesón de Guerra”, list the Lieutenant Luis Pacheco Bertora as the first to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCSvwsZWJtDbp3NHdTfEmzWUSABfp-ixpCtHBG1VQMK5kO87O62za-aCZ3bhRxANJC0K8bwDQmLZGIUC79Z7cHqMHRpFhAJg-qZTunePbmLltH0fE8CvsO3WuTHzlWnOUb-dI2YMw1Mo/s1600/old+time+pic+juan+santa.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCSvwsZWJtDbp3NHdTfEmzWUSABfp-ixpCtHBG1VQMK5kO87O62za-aCZ3bhRxANJC0K8bwDQmLZGIUC79Z7cHqMHRpFhAJg-qZTunePbmLltH0fE8CvsO3WuTHzlWnOUb-dI2YMw1Mo/s320/old+time+pic+juan+santa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592913404977600626" /></a>approach the fort with the idea of flushing out the enemy, but he was gravely injured by gunfire in his attempts. Lying unconscious, a Nicaraguan named Joaquín Rosales made a second attempt to burn the fort, but lost his life in the process. Finally, a third brave soldier stepped forward, the now well-known Costa Rican soldier, Juan Santamaría, who successfully set fire to the “meson” and saved the day for Costa Rica. None of these other brave soldiers have ever received the recognition due them as Juan Santamaria did, much less a National Holiday, statues or International Airports named after them, though the mystery behind the true history of these events lives on!<br />
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In the end, there is no attempt to minimize the participation of any of the soldiers <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkYs5f9-HGtkaTBooH0ZPH3eEzvdQ9Ue08yLvVRJFaNMtVBBJcCMvdbbSyQHIfVYUciufQ37I3sC5l679MTG52VdoOIGynnbG8CyqK2aKm0oxK5QG4PnULoR7CTzS3AilATEPo-H_XPg/s1600/coin+juan+santa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkYs5f9-HGtkaTBooH0ZPH3eEzvdQ9Ue08yLvVRJFaNMtVBBJcCMvdbbSyQHIfVYUciufQ37I3sC5l679MTG52VdoOIGynnbG8CyqK2aKm0oxK5QG4PnULoR7CTzS3AilATEPo-H_XPg/s320/coin+juan+santa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592910778579624802" /></a>involved in this battle, even less so Juan Santamaria. We only hope to give a shout out to all the valiant soldiers who gave their lives to win the liberty and sovereignty of Costa Rica, and to dispel of the rumor that Juan Santamaria was simply approaching the building, tripped and his fire torch accidentally started the fire that ended the battle.<br />
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Tell that later version out loud in Costa Rica, and you may be run out of the country even faster than William Walker was!!<br />
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<strong>Author:</strong> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns and manages her own Luxury Vacation Rental Home Business, Manuel Antonio <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Rental Homes</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
Lisa Tirmenstein tirmenlb@muohio.edu.<br />
www.Wikipedia.org <br />
http://afehc-historia-centroamericana.org/index.php?action=fi_aff&id=1947<br />
http://www.latindex.ucr.ac.cr/historia-51/10-Aguilar.pdf<br />
http://wvw.nacion.com/ln_ee/2006/abril/28/opinion8.htmlEyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com7Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, Costa Rica9.4020685 -84.1382368000000169.339404 -84.218917800000014 9.464733 -84.057555800000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-13517750183318227582014-03-29T04:56:00.000-07:002014-03-29T04:56:23.928-07:00Earth Hour 2014! Spend an Hour in the Dark and Help Save our Planet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGAaXHAsFM_lY-K_s-AGx-Im5MvaXPtqHbv80RygnOmaZPXZcCxfKMg9f_mIPI1Bf5CFL7kbQl3R7DsJ_hZmv6xOIb0hVJDU9ekEgApdT74ymiMG676enatJwoCHMib-IGyTwH536F0Ph/s1600/e+hour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGAaXHAsFM_lY-K_s-AGx-Im5MvaXPtqHbv80RygnOmaZPXZcCxfKMg9f_mIPI1Bf5CFL7kbQl3R7DsJ_hZmv6xOIb0hVJDU9ekEgApdT74ymiMG676enatJwoCHMib-IGyTwH536F0Ph/s320/e+hour.JPG" /></a></div><strong>Earth Hour</strong> is driven by the global community’s goal to protect the planet we share. <a href="http://www.earthhour.org/join-the-hour">Earth Hour’s</a> exponential growth – from a single-city initiative in 2007 to a global movement across 128 countries in 2010 to now in 2014 – is indicative of the growing desire for a cleaner, healthier world that is gathering momentum by the hour each year. Across the globe plans are underway to make Earth Hour 2014 a bigger event than ever!<br />
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At <strong>8.30pm on Saturday 29 March 2014</strong>, Earth Hour will mark a moment of global contemplation to go beyond just the hour; a collective commitment by individuals throughout the world to be the ongoing change they want to see in it.<br />
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At <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/">Hotel Byblos Resort & Casino</a>, an adventure boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, we too will be participating in this worldwide event by supporting Costa Rican sponsored events around the country as well as using minimum illumination during that specified hour (and throughout the year). <br />
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<strong>EARTH HOUR: FAQ's</strong><br />
<strong>1. What is Earth Hour? </strong><br />
Earth Hour is a global grass-roots movement encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive actions for the environment, and celebrating their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour. <a href="http://www.earthhour.org/join-the-hour">Earth Hour 2014</a> aims to show the actions that people, businesses and governments world-wide are taking to reduce their environmental impact. The highlight of Earth Hour 2014 will see the world’s most iconic landmarks go dark for one designated hour, as hundreds of millions of people transcend race, religion, culture, society, generation and geography, switching off their lights in a global celebration of their ongoing commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all – the planet.<br />
<strong>2. When does Earth Hour take place?</strong><br />
Earth Hour 2014 will be held on Saturday March 29 between 8.30PM and 9.30PM in your local time zone.<br />
<strong>3. What does Earth Hour ask people to do?</strong><br />
Earth Hour encourages individuals, businesses and governments to use Earth Hour as a platform to showcase to the world what measures they are taking to reduce their environmental impact. <a href="http://www.earthhour.org/TakeAction.aspx">Earth Hour asks everyone</a> to take personal accountability for their impact on the planet and make behavioural changes to facilitate a sustainable lifestyle. <br />
<strong>4. Does this mean during Earth Hour I have to turn off everything in my home and use absolutely no electricity?</strong><br />
No. The main point of Earth Hour is to show the world that a solution to the world’s environmental challenges is possible if we work on them together – together our actions add up! Earth Hour only asks that you turn off non-essential lighting, safety and security lighting should remain on.<br />
<strong>5. How long has Earth Hour been held for?</strong><br />
Earth Hour began in one city in 2007 when more than two million individuals and two <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnioRY4crOfpFC0rtZ-SNV-ciQCcynYJgwx58je6yPXgPreaHDZdmT_dtXn2St-glEJRxhaPAjCzFkhUT5zheAe7g_GHj4tiWxU3VXTTsxeXXtBpVfwN4dCLNaGe4pS6-rVGfsc0GkUYA/s1600/dare.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnioRY4crOfpFC0rtZ-SNV-ciQCcynYJgwx58je6yPXgPreaHDZdmT_dtXn2St-glEJRxhaPAjCzFkhUT5zheAe7g_GHj4tiWxU3VXTTsxeXXtBpVfwN4dCLNaGe4pS6-rVGfsc0GkUYA/s320/dare.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720618052772764114" /></a>thousand businesses in Sydney, Australia turned off their lights for one hour on <a href="http://www.earthhour.org/mediasite/history.aspx">Saturday 31 March 2007</a> to take a stand on climate change. In the space of three short years Earth Hour grew to become the greatest environmental action in history with individuals, businesses and governments across 128 countries coming together for Earth Hour 2010 to show the path to a sustainable future is a collective journey and the movement has continued to grow over the last few years. <br />
<strong>6. Isn't switching the lights off dangerous? What about public safety?</strong><br />
Earth Hour only asks people to turn off the non-essential lights for one hour - not lights that affect public safety. Earth Hour is also a celebration of the planet so it’s important to enjoy the moment in a safe environment.<br />
<strong>7. What lights can be safely switched off?</strong><br />
That is a decision that has to be made individually but usually the overhead lights in rooms (whether it is your house, hotel or a business), outdoor lighting that does not impact safety, computers, decorative lights, neon signs for advertising, televisions, desk lamps, the list goes on and on…. You are encouraged to make sure you have alternative light sources <a href="http://www.earthhour.org/howto/Guides.aspx">handy before Earth Hour starts</a>, like candles, torches or flashlights.<br />
<strong>8. What candles should I use for my Earth Hour event?</strong><br />
If you plan on burning candles during Earth Hour please be safe and choose natural, <a href="http://www.greenpromise.com/resources/organic-candle-suppliers.php">not petroleum-based products</a>. If you're using candles, make sure you take care. Please follow these tips:<br />
• Candles should only be used under adult supervision.<br />
• Candles should never be left unattended.<br />
• Candles should be kept away from children and pets.<br />
• Extinguish candles before going to sleep.<br />
• Keep candles away from flammable liquids and gas-combustible materials.<br />
• Candles should be kept clear of any combustible materials such as paper, curtains and clothing.<br />
• Candles should not be placed in windows as they can be blown over. Blinds and curtains can also catch fire.<br />
• Candles should be placed on a stable, dry, heat-resistant surface away from drafts.<br />
<strong>9. What is Earth Hour's position on safety?</strong><br />
Earth Hour wants everyone to be absolutely safe and never to turn off any lights or power that would in any way compromise the safety of any individual in a private or public space. <br />
<strong>10. Will my city go completely black?</strong><br />
Earth Hour is not a black out. It is a voluntary action by its participants to show their commitment to an act of change that benefits the planet. For many businesses in city skyscrapers or for many government buildings, the lights are turned off at the end of the business day the <a href="http://www.climatecareday.com/climate/what-is-it.aspx">Friday before Earth Hour</a>. So Earth Hour is more of a fade-out in some ways than a black-out. <br />
<strong>11. If everyone turns their lights back on at the same time could there be a power surge?</strong><br />
People celebrate Earth Hour in a variety of ways for different lengths of time, with many continuing to keep their lights off well beyond the designated hour. Therefore, it is highly improbable that everyone will switch their lights back on simultaneously. <br />
<strong>12. Is Earth Hour an annual event?</strong><br />
Though Earth Hour began as a public statement for action on climate change, it has <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eIYrdd8QOm0fNL-xjQP8YVn5n7GYp8_OXQQrtu3U7lrrsdP-yNOOr0pOPnrIJNQ-T_bbkGJXLT9z_4S2ZYnuhAmPHGWKcbADmClHGmW5CfBeMA68yTzggOaH8SakWBXEooJ_btSksIs/s1600/Hong%252520Kong%252520Earth%252520Hour%2525202010%252520launch.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eIYrdd8QOm0fNL-xjQP8YVn5n7GYp8_OXQQrtu3U7lrrsdP-yNOOr0pOPnrIJNQ-T_bbkGJXLT9z_4S2ZYnuhAmPHGWKcbADmClHGmW5CfBeMA68yTzggOaH8SakWBXEooJ_btSksIs/s400/Hong%252520Kong%252520Earth%252520Hour%2525202010%252520launch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583637075264456194" /></a>come to symbolize a commitment to broader environmental solutions. Earth Hour’s ‘lights out’ campaign will continue to evolve in accordance with the environmental concerns of a growing global community driven by the pursuit of a better, healthier world. Earth Hour, is as much a <a href="http://www.earthhour.org/mediasite/history.aspx">celebration of the planet</a> as it is a commitment to environmentally sustainable action, so as long as the global community wants to share a unified moment of celebration and contemplation of our planet, 8.30PM – 9.30PM on the last Saturday of March will always be Earth Hour.<br />
<strong>13. Why is Earth Hour held on the last Saturday of March?</strong><br />
The last weekend of March is around the time of the Spring and Autumn equinoxes in the northern and southern hemispheres respectively, which allows for near coincidental sunset times in both hemispheres, thereby ensuring the greatest visual impact for a global ‘lights out’ event.<br />
<strong>14. How many cities/countries/landmarks took part in for example....Earth Hour 2011?</strong><br />
4616 cities, towns and municipalities took part in <a href="http://earthhournews.blogspot.com/2011/03/global-icons-join-in-monumental-action.html">Earth Hour 2011</a> across 128 countries, including 89 national capitals and 9 of the world’s 10 most populated cities.<br />
<strong>15. What is the criteria for registering city, town or municipality participation in Earth Hour 2014?</strong><br />
For a city, town or municipality to be officially recognized as a <a href="http://www.earthhour.org/page/get-involved/how-organisations-can-help">participant in Earth Hour 2014</a> it must meet at least one of the following three criteria:<br />
1. Have the official support of its governing authority. (e.g. Governor or Mayor)<br />
2. Have confirmed participation of a significant landmark or icon.<br />
3. Have the support of an official Earth Hour ambassador.<br />
<strong>16. What does a commitment to Earth Hour mean?</strong><br />
By registering to Earth Hour 2014, individuals, communities and businesses are making a commitment to turn their lights off for an hour at 8.30PM on Saturday 31 March in acknowledgement of an act they will undertake for the benefit of the planet. Participation in Earth Hour is a sign of your commitment to show leadership amongst your friends, family, colleagues and competitors in finding solutions to our environmental challenges by adopting environmentally sustainable lifestyle habits and business practices on an ongoing basis.<br />
<strong>17. Who can join or participate?</strong><br />
Anyone! Anyone who wants to unite with the <a href="http://www.earthhour.org/howto/Organisers.aspx">global community</a> in a worldwide celebration of the planet; anyone who believes a solution to our environmental challenges is possible through the aggregate of our actions.<br />
<strong>18. What energy/carbon reductions have resulted from Earth Hour in previous years?</strong><br />
Earth Hour does not purport to be an energy/carbon reduction exercise, it is a symbolic action. Therefore, we do not engage in the measurement of energy/carbon reduction levels. <br />
<strong>19. How can I help with Earth Hour in more ways than just turning out my lights?</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27d3WpcoFRb5y3onKt2S4CIAar7FezX9eXxk9YXbCih5TsTvcOH0roi9KDxS3sgCykw2hCyh6KnV4acmHiJs535A_68h91eAlTTVPZIQjGT_B6LMTPb0njppL3Il98LMWV7wR2pW43Rga/s1600/eath+hour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27d3WpcoFRb5y3onKt2S4CIAar7FezX9eXxk9YXbCih5TsTvcOH0roi9KDxS3sgCykw2hCyh6KnV4acmHiJs535A_68h91eAlTTVPZIQjGT_B6LMTPb0njppL3Il98LMWV7wR2pW43Rga/s320/eath+hour.JPG" /></a></div>For Earth Hour 2014 we are asking people, businesses and governments to go beyond the hour, to make a commitment to an act of ongoing change that benefits the planet. There are limitless things you can do on top of switching off your lights to take <a href="http://www.beyondthehour.org/">Earth Hour beyond the hour</a>. Have a look at the ‘How to…’ guides <a href="http://www.earthhour.org/howto/Guides.aspx">page</a> on this website for some ideas.<br />
<strong>20. What does Earth Hour hope to achieve?</strong><br />
Earth Hour aims to unite communities around environmental issues by creating a forum where individuals can discuss ecological resolutions with like-minded people, by creating a channel though which businesses can exchange sustainable practices with their competitors, by building a platform that enables governments to showcase environmental leadership, and by ultimately establishing a global network of individuals, corporations and governments who are committed to the collective resolve of tackling the world’s environmental challenges.<br />
<strong>21. How is Earth Hour 2014 different from other Earth Hour Celebrations?</strong><br />
Earth Hour 2011 saw individuals, communities, businesses and governments across the globe come together in a moment of unity for the planet, to show the world what can be done through collective action. Earth Hour 2012 asks participants to change by committing to an act that benefits the environment and celebrating their commitment to the planet with the people of the world by participating in Earth Hour. Fast forward and Earth Hour 2014 is not the culmination of a climate campaign, it’s the start of a journey of behavioural change for individuals, sustainable practice for businesses, and leadership of governments on the path to global environmental reform.<br />
<strong>22. Aren't you using a lot of electricity and resources to promote this event?</strong><br />
Earth Hour operations are run in a cost effective manner and apply donors' funds according to the highest standards of accountability and sustainability. We also consider and/or incorporate other climate or environmental issues as determined by the Earth Hour team and its partners.<br />
<strong>23. Whose idea was Earth Hour?</strong><br />
Earth Hour came from a think tank initiated by Earth Hour Executive Director and Co-Founder, still a degree of scepticism and denial about the issue of climate change. Earth Hour came as the inspiration to rally people to the reality of climate change and start a dialogue about what we as individuals can do to help address the greatest problem facing our planet today.<br />
<strong>24. What is Earth Hour’s relationship with WWF? Does WWF own Earth Hour?</strong><br />
WWF Australia co-founded Earth Hour in Sydney in 2007, facilitating Earth Hour’s rapid worldwide growth through its connection to WWF’s global network. With a presence in more than 70 countries, <a href="http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/about_earth_hour/">WWF</a> continues to play a valuable partner role, ensuring a solid foundation and support network on which to deliver a truly global environmental message throughout the year.<br />
<strong>25. Who are the Earth Hour partners?</strong><br />
Earth Hour began as a WWF-led initiative in Australia in 2007 in partnership with brand co-owners, Fairfax Media and Leo Burnett. All three partners decided from the beginning, however, that expanding Earth Hour’s global reach would require working in partnership with any organization. Earth Hour’s message has spanned the world with the help of many global partners.<br />
<strong>26. Do you have requirements or regulations about who can or cannot partner with Earth Hour?</strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjpTGhm6iPnv08uqC-jyWNBg8Nd1SozWF7nyZuq4JXsMd0_GzxVV4f-gpQU94zLRyNdk-VqHVVc3D-q4F4OlKkerEnZJdQk0oBNhX9KeNYOmZGZjTPs8Lo9Ukmb0YWECk-2ZlSpbwa4A/s1600/black+out+buildings.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjpTGhm6iPnv08uqC-jyWNBg8Nd1SozWF7nyZuq4JXsMd0_GzxVV4f-gpQU94zLRyNdk-VqHVVc3D-q4F4OlKkerEnZJdQk0oBNhX9KeNYOmZGZjTPs8Lo9Ukmb0YWECk-2ZlSpbwa4A/s400/black+out+buildings.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583637761800759586" /></a><br />
Any partner must uphold and support the aims and principles of Earth Hour. These include encouraging individual and community engagement on environmental issues. Encouraging conscious decisions to change the way we live in order to affect environmental reform, without the use of scare tactics or shaming.<br />
<strong>27. Does Earth Hour welcome the support of other NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) and NFP's (Not for Profits)?</strong><br />
Absolutely. In fact, the success of Earth Hour would not be possible without the support of other NGOs and NFPs. Global organizations such as the <a href="http://scout.org/en/about_scouting/partners/civil_society/wwf/earth_hour">World Organization of the Scout Movement</a> and the <a href="http://girlguides.org.au/attach/APROG%2007_2010_%20%20AOA%2004_2010_%20%20Attachment%202%20-%20earth%20hour%20press%20release%20template.pdf">World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts</a> have been pivotal in spreading the Earth Hour message, while in some countries where there is no WWF presence, Earth Hour campaigns are orchestrated entirely by other NGOs and NFPs who share the same non-aggressive, guilt-free approach to addressing environmental issues taken by Earth Hour..<br />
<strong>28. Are there any other social media outlets or forums for Earth Hour?</strong><br />
Yes, here is the most comprehensive list we have right now:<br />
Current Earth Hour Global Social Media Profiles<br />
• <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/earthhour">Facebook Group </a><br />
• <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Earth-Hour/6867084435?ref=mf">MySpace</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/earthhour_global">Flickr Photostream</a><br />
• <a href="http://twitter.com/earthhour">Twitter</a><br />
More global profiles on additional networks are developing everyday.<br />
<strong>29. What does the Earth Hour logo mean?</strong><br />
The standard Earth Hour '60' logo represents the 60 minutes of Earth Hour where we focus on the impact we are having on our planet and take positive action to address the environmental issues we face. For Earth Hour 2014 we have continued the ‘60+’ logo representing a commitment to add to Earth Hour a positive act for the planet that goes <a href="http://www.beyondthehour.org/">beyond the hour</a>. Please publish the logo and pass the word wherever you can and show your support for our Planet!!<br />
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<strong>20 THINGS TO DO WITH THE LIGHTS OFF!</strong><br />
If you are not sure how you should be celebrating Earth Hour this year, here are some helpful suggestions on what to do:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyrYNrtq9dIxQ2JwYFV4gaAuCAsnJoK6-2NQMD8oPduh0Fy91ecEoTbo1dbZVNRoE3WdreEetZTC668vHy-RlQsF51t5k-rE-95goDJtlBK6q8L1qpRz6J7ANklxVfvwow1-aX9HBiU8/s1600/lights+what+to+do.jpg"><img style="float:lt;leftmargin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyrYNrtq9dIxQ2JwYFV4gaAuCAsnJoK6-2NQMD8oPduh0Fy91ecEoTbo1dbZVNRoE3WdreEetZTC668vHy-RlQsF51t5k-rE-95goDJtlBK6q8L1qpRz6J7ANklxVfvwow1-aX9HBiU8/s400/lights+what+to+do.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583634091144146370" /></a><br />
1. Invite your friends over for a earth friendly cocktail hour and candlelit dinner.<br />
2. Get those board games out and have some game time with friends & family in the dark.<br />
3. Lie down and star gaze. Stars are more easily seen the less lighting there is.<br />
4. Do something "crafty" by candlelight: paint, mould, stick, knit, quilt, paint, or?<br />
5. Got kids? Get out the camping gear! Set up a tent and tell stories of when there was no artificial lighting, how it must have been to live in that time.<br />
6. Play a real game of hide & seek with the kids. It has to be even more of a challenge in the dark!<br />
7. Go to sleep early! You never get enough sleep, so here is the perfect excuse to catch up on some zzz’s.<br />
8. While the lights are off, it’s the perfect time to change any old bulbs for new energy saving ones.<br />
9. Why not eat all the ice-cream that's sitting in your freezer? If you've turned your appliances off along with lights for Earth Hour, then it's just melting anyway!<br />
10. Soak in a warm tub and enjoy the silence and solitude you rarely get.<br />
11. Plant a tree to serve as the center of next year’s celebration of Earth Hour.<br />
12. Meditate to encourage an inner peace & tranquility in your life throughout the year.<br />
13. Exercise. You don’t need lights to workout!<br />
14. Read a book like they did in the old days with no distractions from television.<br />
15. Take the dog for a walk with a flashlight. You’ll both benefit from the activity.<br />
16. Make a list of ways you and your family can carry on the commitment to be more earth friendly throughout the year.<br />
17. Write a personal letter to a loved one. No impersonal email this time!<br />
18. Sing around the campfire and roast some marshmallows.<br />
19. Arrange a candlelit massage. Your eyes are closed anyway!<br />
20. Take advantage of that dark, alone time to spend some “amorous” time with that special someone.<br />
Or great advice is to check out your local Earth Hour site and see if there's a place near you that will get plunged into darkness at 8.30pm on March 31st and go there to celebrate!<br />
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Let us know what you will be doing during this year's Earth Hour, we’d love to know what creative ideas you have to share with us!<br />
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<strong>SUMMARY:</strong><br />
Be a part of Earth Hour 2014; add your voice and take action, encourage others to join the hundreds of millions across every continent who have already spoken as one on behalf of the planet. Together we can make a difference! <br />
<br />
Check out this inspiring Earth Hour 2014 video to see what our planet’s voice looks like. It’s an awesome power when we are work as one!!<br />
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<b>EARTH HOUR 2014 OFFICIAL VIDEO</b><iframe width="560" height="315" data-cke-saved-src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sFIL0l-e1j4?list=PLmvfmQwUzzREgz1k8YQqKOR66DVj3QTpJ" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sFIL0l-e1j4?list=PLmvfmQwUzzREgz1k8YQqKOR66DVj3QTpJ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<strong>AUTHOR:</strong><br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com/">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns her own vacation rental home business <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com/">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>SOURCES:</strong><br />
www.earthhour.org<br />
www.wwf.org<br />
http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/global/wagggs/<br />
http://scout.org/<br />
EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com2Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, Costa Rica9.4020685 -84.1382368000000169.339404 -84.218917800000014 9.464733 -84.057555800000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-6107694054710980792014-03-12T05:59:00.001-07:002014-03-12T05:59:43.917-07:00"Mamon Chino", A Healthy Sweet Treat from Costa Rica!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTDLiIAup_rkKI3KZx0shmN-8rfJ2UMU2T9dFCiLVioai3IO_VncGnTyB69ceoexHkiftSA1U0Wij1T_hFHjct2GFiOTstUgtUjZyFqlb-kk42YIXizWoeqeBy5Y7q02Etwvnlf3dMX8/s1600/mamones+chino+bunch.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTDLiIAup_rkKI3KZx0shmN-8rfJ2UMU2T9dFCiLVioai3IO_VncGnTyB69ceoexHkiftSA1U0Wij1T_hFHjct2GFiOTstUgtUjZyFqlb-kk42YIXizWoeqeBy5Y7q02Etwvnlf3dMX8/s200/mamones+chino+bunch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548003686597919954" /></a><br />
The <strong>"Mamon Chino"</strong>, also known as <strong>“Rambutan”</strong>, is a colorful and interesting exotic fruit found on medium-sized tropical trees producing one of the most popular convenience snacks found in Costa Rica. Thought to be native to Malaysia, this fruit is also commonly found in Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambutan">Mamo Chino</a> is closely related to several other edible tropical fruits including the Lychee, Longan, and Mamoncillo. The name <em>rambutan</em> came from the Malay word <em>rambut</em>, whose literal translation means hairy, logical when you see the distinctive “hair” that covers the skin of this small fruit.<br />
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<strong>Description:</strong><br />
A hearty tree growing to an average height of 30-60 feet, the flowers are small and emit a faintly sweet pleasant scent. Mature trees in fruition brim with oval shaped fruit bunches that grow in a loose hanging clusters of around 10-20 specimens. The rather thick and clean peeling skin is generally reddish, orange or yellow in color and is covered with a thick hairy texture, making this fruit easy to identify. The coveted flesh of the fruit is translucent, whitish or a very pale pink, with a sweet, slightly acidic flavor, similar to that of grapes, but with it’s own uniquely <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjaWbxxT-m1Sk12M8hCTD4xZzOscS7vSb2ndCEo-l9Yrw1CY9HM7qVNgS5ss3TlsPzYuAgKTrCPb3UYxoiaLkCswlPv808AMEWJvNhIP9YA4R7BlzvGsjJT7WZA2YOAxRs3FRn4faq40/s1600/mamones+chino+tree.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:5 5 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjaWbxxT-m1Sk12M8hCTD4xZzOscS7vSb2ndCEo-l9Yrw1CY9HM7qVNgS5ss3TlsPzYuAgKTrCPb3UYxoiaLkCswlPv808AMEWJvNhIP9YA4R7BlzvGsjJT7WZA2YOAxRs3FRn4faq40/s200/mamones+chino+tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548004417048531938" /></a> tropical flavor. Be careful not to ingest the large single seed found buried within the sweet fleshy part, as it can be mildly poisonous when raw, but can be eaten when cooked properly. (I have personally never tried that, so anyone who has, feel free to chime in on how that works!) The seed is also said to be high in certain fats and oils valuable for industrial uses, as well as the oils are used to manufacture soap products. Beyond that, the roots of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambutan#Cultivation_and_uses">Rambutan tree</a>, as well as the bark and leaves are touted to have various medicinal uses and have been used in the production of certain dyes and coloring compounds.<br />
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<strong>What to do with the fruit:</strong><br />
A mainstay at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmers_market">Farmer’s Markets</a> countrywide, roadside fruit stands are another great place to find the freshest Mamon Chino. Traditionally eaten by easily peeling the fruit with your fingers (it practically peels itself into two pieces) or you can often see locals open them with a quick flick of their teeth, popping the fruit directly into their mouth. The sweet creamy pulp of the fruit is easily enjoyed by putting the whole <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsIYYvplc5YaLg2jkz_GjjIKZCS0FYf06xT0bL0VVKNy7pD2BztFYXKdidG3l6Sxuj_4_HaW5AQEUyj9Nqe_RoE5XHR4HkWhScpooN_yepyTZ0Z0Av-MJnim33w271_LCAsw9-9qpQWM/s1600/1_1250879107_mamon-chino-xspikey-lycheex.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsIYYvplc5YaLg2jkz_GjjIKZCS0FYf06xT0bL0VVKNy7pD2BztFYXKdidG3l6Sxuj_4_HaW5AQEUyj9Nqe_RoE5XHR4HkWhScpooN_yepyTZ0Z0Av-MJnim33w271_LCAsw9-9qpQWM/s200/1_1250879107_mamon-chino-xspikey-lycheex.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548015845590711778" /></a> fruit inside the mouth and sucking on the pulp, remembering not to swallow the large seed. Disposing of the seed takes a practiced spitting launch, or better educated friends discreetly discard it into their hand or the bag the fruits came in. Despite the light color of the fruit's flesh, remember to be careful, as the juice will stain a dark brown color, the reason indigenous Indians used to use Rambutan to dye cloth. Though most commonly eaten fresh in Costa Rica, you can find Mamon Chino jams and jellies, and it is now even canned in some locations. It would be important for me to mention……when using the common Costa Rican name (Mamon Chino), its important to know that the word <strong><em>“mamón”</em></strong> in some Spanish-speaking countries can be slang for a “person who sucks”, or more commonly it can refer to a “large breast”. Just giving a fair warning to my friends before you go to the Farmers Market yelling “I want Mamones”!<br />
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<strong>Production:</strong><br />
When <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAFTA">CAFTA</a> (Central American Free Trade Agreement) was in negotiations throughout the region, Costa Rica noted that this new agreement presented an excellent opportunity to expand the production of this little known fruit to International markets. Costa Rica, having little actual data on the production of this fruit within the country had the government entity known as <a href="http://www.mag.go.cr/">“MAG”</a> (Ministerio de Agricultura), launch a nationwide in-depth study to find out more about the cultivators of this crop, with the hope of bringing them the economic benefits that would result from expansion to an International marketplace. The results of this extensive study, primarily conducted in Costa Rica’s <a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regi%C3%B3n_Brunca">“Brunca and Atlantic Región”</a>, was the first stage of a strategic crop development plan conducted by Ingienero Leonte Llach Cordero for the National Program of Tropical Fruits, a division of MAG. The initial results are listed below:<br />
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<strong>Results of Study (Dec 2003)</strong><br />
• Total Cultivators 354<br />
• Estimated Hectares in Production-720<br />
• Approximate Total Production per year-5.5 millon kilos<br />
• Number of Adult Trees (over 4 yrs)-46,365<br />
• Number of Trees under 4 yrs-49,839<br />
• Amount of Cultivators with less than 20 Hectars-350<br />
• Amount of Cultivators with more than 20 Hectars-4<br />
• Most productive season-July to September<br />
• Percentage of Local Market Production-+90%<br />
• Estimated number of trees per Hectar-100 trees<br />
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The <a href="http://www.mag.go.cr/biblioteca_virtual_economia_desarr_sociolog/rambutan_censo.pdf">results of this study</a> were extremely helpful in furthering the development of this tropical fruit to be competitive in an international market. As the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS4-922Mww3Dl1rN7nC5j7MxNIALZomoGs43wQbTR4aE3OkO2UDX_oSyj8OUJruxW_t9JG-XQhi29H5fsVBkNahXR_0kNNX8aFs5cmBgcRHGqgaNuWLNL0n0Q-dzNG09eDJrG3Wl6rJY/s1600/peeled+m+chino.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS4-922Mww3Dl1rN7nC5j7MxNIALZomoGs43wQbTR4aE3OkO2UDX_oSyj8OUJruxW_t9JG-XQhi29H5fsVBkNahXR_0kNNX8aFs5cmBgcRHGqgaNuWLNL0n0Q-dzNG09eDJrG3Wl6rJY/s200/peeled+m+chino.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548008448882389474" /></a> Ministerio de Agricultura (MAG) began a program to distribute some 40,000 tree starts to farmers, their enthusiasm, pioneer attitude and excellent farming practices, helped to dramatically increase overall production by a staggering 20% in only 6 yrs. This impressive number converted Costa Rica to be the top producer of Mamon Chino in all of Central America. Costa Rica now exports an incredible 1800 tons of this popular fruit yearly. <br />
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So my friends, the next time you see these cute little hairy fruits at your <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Costa Rica Hotel</a>, the local Farmer’s Market, local “Pulperia” (market), or a roadside fruit stand…… Stop! Buy!! Eat!! Don’t be afraid of them!!! Not only are these tropical delights delicious and convenient to snack on, but they also have specific <a href="http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl">nutritional qualities</a>, as well as ancient medicinal uses that might come in handy one day. Just please remember no yelling “I want Mamones!” while in Costa Rica when you go shopping, or you might end up with a black eye!!<br />
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<strong>Author:</strong> Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns and operates her own Vacation Rental Home business <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
http://www.mag.go.cr/biblioteca_virtual_economia_desarr_sociolog/rambutan_censo.pdf<br />
http://www.simas.org.ni/revistaenlace/articulo/1091<br />
http://costaricahoy.info<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambutan<br />
http://nal.usda.gov<br />
EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com5Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica9.4020685 -84.1382368000000169.3394055 -84.218917800000014 9.464731500000001 -84.057555800000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-82227624561933172102014-02-25T04:42:00.000-08:002014-02-25T04:42:01.898-08:00A Bug with a Chastity Belt? Costa Rica's Walking Stick Insect!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4soPVoFazgoQOHbOd8Z4dic542DR9j7mMdA6MREADEqm6q8O2m2eL6xtg0JJgb82zEE0QDwrnM_50sfAs2L1OVvCRemBTQEqQoncR0aOvErpbcf0GNIpc9PdlIGvtpjO6Cyc25dyfoIQI/s1600/stick+matches+perfect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4soPVoFazgoQOHbOd8Z4dic542DR9j7mMdA6MREADEqm6q8O2m2eL6xtg0JJgb82zEE0QDwrnM_50sfAs2L1OVvCRemBTQEqQoncR0aOvErpbcf0GNIpc9PdlIGvtpjO6Cyc25dyfoIQI/s320/stick+matches+perfect.jpg" /></a></div>When visiting Costa Rica, it is always wise to double check anything before grabbing it! Bugs, snakes, plants.....all have potential for a dangerous encounter if you are not careful! However, one of the most popular discoveries, if you even notice it while hiking, are the ubiquitous <b>Walking Stick</b> insects. Generally found in varying hues of green or brown, with some 3000 different species found around the World, a few species are actually able to change color slowly as needed to blend into their environs. These unique bugs have one of the best camouflage systems available in the wild, since these insects resemble the twigs and branches among which <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FW_YniOwjKQ52OmFMfFrkydhd_4re4enO8-dqljyW0Al3l4SBBvFRkhGf3UH0EU8ZAYhUceoRGeE3e_hB-IraEUkKbUbbeDUNmjg91MROFRUR5z7Do6zKtPFD-RekKKN_AqHQ3iDPKz5/s1600/stick+with+wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FW_YniOwjKQ52OmFMfFrkydhd_4re4enO8-dqljyW0Al3l4SBBvFRkhGf3UH0EU8ZAYhUceoRGeE3e_hB-IraEUkKbUbbeDUNmjg91MROFRUR5z7Do6zKtPFD-RekKKN_AqHQ3iDPKz5/s320/stick+with+wings.jpg" /></a></div>they live, providing it with one of the best natural camouflages found on Earth. <br />
Found predominantly in the tropics and subtropics, stick insects thrive in forests and grasslands, where they feed on mostly leaves. Mainly nocturnal creatures, they spend much of their day motionless, hiding under plant leaves from the hot sun or the strong rains that can come suddenly in the Tropics.<br />
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Local Walking Sticks can be as small as 1" and reach lengths of 4”s, with males generally smaller than the females. The largest <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAIXozdn4t_2nwsFalS24IofA_t3Akbx3S4hj6krpiA-UTRiEuQhiMb5tFN5y7qvRSCZ2rcRICNn2QhhTlkJ_RUoNmApwss0zYKSxIYzWG99_T7YtIRwvMYcA8LIvTjNewp4ft_k5NdRF/s1600/stick+huge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAIXozdn4t_2nwsFalS24IofA_t3Akbx3S4hj6krpiA-UTRiEuQhiMb5tFN5y7qvRSCZ2rcRICNn2QhhTlkJ_RUoNmApwss0zYKSxIYzWG99_T7YtIRwvMYcA8LIvTjNewp4ft_k5NdRF/s320/stick+huge.jpg" /></a></div>North American species can grow to lengths of 7 inches, and there are recorded tropical species that can reach a whopping 22 inches! The insect's legs and wings are attached to the middle section, or thorax, comprising the majority of the body, but a Walking Stick that loses one of those delicate legs is actually able to regenerate it, either completely or partially at its next molting.<br />
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Nocturnal and a bit on the shy side, the Walking Stick grazes on leaves of forest trees and if an area is invaded by a plague of <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfD_shzD12pwuy58HR8k75D1TEBJQHzNkqbiQzmD6Q7yfXZ_A8B5P98yUMvPSlzVv8pj54Cq_E1vN-y5SClIAZFEW3snkOSN8iomBypzVaIZ1L3Ec8Ua1UorpNLAJDQNugL1H0C93JdzP/s1600/stick+destroy+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfD_shzD12pwuy58HR8k75D1TEBJQHzNkqbiQzmD6Q7yfXZ_A8B5P98yUMvPSlzVv8pj54Cq_E1vN-y5SClIAZFEW3snkOSN8iomBypzVaIZ1L3Ec8Ua1UorpNLAJDQNugL1H0C93JdzP/s320/stick+destroy+garden.jpg" /></a></div>these insects, they can actually do major damage. With their incredible ability to hide themselves, these bugs have two reasons to use their camouflage – to hide and to hunt. Although their natural physical appearance aids in protecting them, Walking Sticks also <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53UEUQT3N_XPQ6Dnatph6_wIRgcpOm3PV31DJ1ipVQ54Vg5qDlIzh1b_pEOxrHT8AOfpHWhn5d1_dVFhdvnt4Nb1rZyX2x4OxcQ8mYKR3EYcUjT2rmqE3dOTPbli9yvPV9uhG-51KHeeE/s1600/stick+legs+forward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53UEUQT3N_XPQ6Dnatph6_wIRgcpOm3PV31DJ1ipVQ54Vg5qDlIzh1b_pEOxrHT8AOfpHWhn5d1_dVFhdvnt4Nb1rZyX2x4OxcQ8mYKR3EYcUjT2rmqE3dOTPbli9yvPV9uhG-51KHeeE/s320/stick+legs+forward.jpg" /></a></div>practice “behavioral camouflage.” During the day these bugs will usually be found with their front legs extended, while they keep their rear legs to the fore and aft of their body and remain either motionless or they gently sway with the breeze helping them to appear like a "real" branch or twig. Despite Mother Nature’s incredible camouflage job, many predators aren’t fooled and these bugs can be eaten by a variety of birds, rodents and mantises. Several species of Walking Sticks have added chemical warfare as a form of passive defense, squirting a highly irritating liquid into the face of a potential predator that can burn and even blind their enemies. Others will drop their legs when a predator attacks, but can re-grow the appendages, while some winged species will flash their bright color patches under the wings to confuse their predators and aid in avoiding capture.<br />
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Not known for a particularly impressive Mother instinct, the female Walking Sticks will drop their eggs randomly on the forest floor with little care as to where the eggs end up. Before you think this to be too callous, the truth is this actually works to their <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRJUylj-IarbHhJRJDOJLA-Yv3sCMVUuhQyxMvRIshD2wfpp4T4ndg0eNffpS_esJWgqqKkhhXqNul1bUWviF6ziLU0Bm5US8EODWzi2OmMmt2cLJp1EdettWDM05-l5Z5n8lb03haPwT/s1600/stick+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRJUylj-IarbHhJRJDOJLA-Yv3sCMVUuhQyxMvRIshD2wfpp4T4ndg0eNffpS_esJWgqqKkhhXqNul1bUWviF6ziLU0Bm5US8EODWzi2OmMmt2cLJp1EdettWDM05-l5Z5n8lb03haPwT/s320/stick+eggs.jpg" /></a></div>benefit, as if a predator should happen upon a batch of insect eggs, they will eat them all, but with the mother Walking Stick strategy, there is a much better chance that at least some of the young will survive. Also, because a portion of the outside of each egg is edible, some species of ants will actually carry these eggs to their nests below-ground. The ants will only nibble the exterior of the egg, leaving the rest of the egg intact, enabling the tiny insect hatchlings to exit the ant hill to begin their lifecycle. From there, the Walking Stick's metamorphosis is rather simple – the newly-hatched young resemble the finished adult product, simply growing and adding adult parts as they molt and continue to grow in size. <br />
Formerly classified along with the Mantises genre and listed in the grasshopper Order (Orthoptera), Walking Sticks are now in their own Order, the Stick Insects or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phasmatodea">"Phasmatodea"</a>.<br />
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So if you've read this far, and are still curious about where is the bug with a chastity belt?......another interesting factoid <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrNFy-Dsnmo00FEBrah-PtJoYHQnDmuuxzPbPbEfoDmpQucxpzS2tuvrw9jZH73tSsZT3zIoZnXouJZTci2t-VHWQxEZ_yaj09Si_VtCUjG2fZ1NWflqR0qMnXxY9yqqWONJ35zvUc5q3/s1600/stick+chastity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrNFy-Dsnmo00FEBrah-PtJoYHQnDmuuxzPbPbEfoDmpQucxpzS2tuvrw9jZH73tSsZT3zIoZnXouJZTci2t-VHWQxEZ_yaj09Si_VtCUjG2fZ1NWflqR0qMnXxY9yqqWONJ35zvUc5q3/s320/stick+chastity.jpg" /></a></div>about the Walking Stick insect includes their sex life. Fidelity is rare in the insect world, and a strategy used by male Walking Sticks to ensure the object of their affections does not court others, is the male Walking Sticks will remain in the embrace of a female long after copulation, becoming what we would consider “living chastity belts”! In fact, the record for long lasting copulation in the insect world seems to be held by the Walking Sticks.......an incredible 79 days!!<br />
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In the end, little is actually known about stick insects, making it difficult to establish the vulnerability of their status in the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfaesqm5FFUTbgxutZjBAtdvAZc7sAqbNoRRwwJxN7WnzFTiYEgZ_eSXt7IpzZZ0oeH5hhgwNECgo08JTHTnuVcXxXDRepuizszPbSu5xPXKX-wEb3DwyeqrlzwQ06u3EvAuGGzL7HcDE/s1600/stick+on+person.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfaesqm5FFUTbgxutZjBAtdvAZc7sAqbNoRRwwJxN7WnzFTiYEgZ_eSXt7IpzZZ0oeH5hhgwNECgo08JTHTnuVcXxXDRepuizszPbSu5xPXKX-wEb3DwyeqrlzwQ06u3EvAuGGzL7HcDE/s320/stick+on+person.jpg" /></a></div>wild. The pet trade presents a potential threat, along with the popular practice of framing their carcasses, like butterflies, so if you find a Walking Stick around your Costa Rica Hotel, Vacation Rental Home, or while hiking on one of the many fun Costa Rica tours, please enjoy their unique appearance, take a few pictures to remember the encounter, but by all means move on and leave this beautiful creature to continue in its natural environment and living the life of Pura Vida! Mother Nature thanks you in advance!!<br />
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<b>Some interesting additional Walking Stick facts:</b><br />
1. Stick insects can shed and regenerate their limbs to escape attacks by predators.<br />
Should a bird or other predator grab a stick insect's leg, the stick insect simply gives up the leg, using a special muscle to break it off at the weaker joint. Juvenile stick insects will regenerate the missing limb at the next molt. In some cases, adult stick insects can even force themselves to molt again to regenerate a lost leg.<br />
2. Stick insects can reproduce "parthenogenetically", meaning without the need for males.<br />
Stick insects are able to reproduce almost entirely without males. Unmated females produce eggs that will become more females. When a male actually does manage to mate with a female, there's a 50/50 chance the offspring will be male. A female stick insect can produce hundreds of all-female offspring without ever mating and there are species for which scientists have never found any males. <br />
3. Stick insects not only look like sticks, they act like them, too.<br />
Stick insects are named for their highly effective camouflage among the varied plants where they feed. They're typically brown, black, or green, with stick-shaped bodies that help them blend in as they perch on forest twigs and branches. Some even bear lichen-like markings to make their disguise even more effective. Stick insects often choose to imitate twigs by swaying in the wind and rocking back and forth to look more genuine. <br />
4. Stick insect eggs resemble seeds scattered about the forest floor.<br />
Stick insect mothers aren't known for their maternal instincts. They typically drop their eggs randomly on the forest floor, leaving the youngsters to whatever fate awaits them. However, by spreading the eggs out, the female lessens the chance that a predator will find all of her offspring and eat them. Some stick insects will actually hide their eggs sticking them to leaves or bark, or placing them in the soil in an effort to thwart the predators. <br />
5. Nymphs usually eat their molted skin.<br />
Once a nymph (or juvenile walking stick) has molted, it's even more vulnerable to predators until its new cuticle darkens and hardens. The castoff skin nearby is a blatant giveaway to their enemies, so the nymph will quickly consume the dried exoskeleton to remove the evidence. The stick insect nymph also gets the benefit of the protein by eating its molted skin. <br />
6. Stick insects don't bite, but they aren't defenseless.<br />
If threatened, a stick insect will use whatever means necessary to repel its attacker. Some will regurgitate a nasty substance that will put a bad taste in a hungry enemies mouth. Others have a reflex bleed, oozing a foul-smelling hemolymph from joints in their body. Some of the large, tropical stick insects can use their leg spines to repel the enemies, and others may even direct a chemical spray, much like tear gas, at repel the offender.<br />
7. Stick insect eggs may attract ants, which then collect and store the eggs in their nests. <br />
Stick insect eggs that resemble hard seeds have a special, fatty capsule called a capitulum at one end. Ants enjoy the nutritional boost provided by the capitulum, and carry the stick insect eggs back to their nests to enjoy as a meal. Once the ants finish feeding on the proteins and nutrients, they leave the eggs to one side where they continue to incubate safely away from potential predators. As the nymphs hatch, they then make their way out of the ant nest to begin their life.<br />
8. Not all stick insects are boring brown.<br />
Some stick insects can change color, like a chameleon, depending on the background where they reside. Stick insects may also wear bright colors on their wings, but keep these flamboyant features tucked away until needed. When a bird or other predator approaches, the stick insect will flash the vibrant wings, which serves to confuse the predator which then has trouble locating its target. <br />
9. Stick insects can play dead.<br />
When all else fails, why not play dead? A threatened stick insect will sometimes abruptly drop to the ground, and stay very still. This behavior, called thanatosis, can successfully discourage predators who prefer live prey. A bird or mouse may be unable to find the immobile insect that matches quite effectively into the ground, or other predators prefer living prey and will move on if they think the insect is already dead.<br />
10. Stick insects hold the record for longest insects in the world.<br />
In 2008, a newly discovered stick insect species from Borneo broke the record for longest insect (which had previously been held by another stick insect, Pharnacia serratipes). The Chan's megastick, Phobaeticus chain, measures an incredible 22 inches when the legs are extended, with a body length of an average 14 inches. Ew!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiCpiN-OxCIiKZ_ieDwpti8T1vbhyxP2fVm_NU22S3-2PD25GNT0AqjFugnoc52Ze1GiTxrtT5FGwIGi_wGiUMztCRpQkSNODuyIh1cr-uDJj7971jQd1b9NyrxTpZ0Lo3QpDxb7I4SFF/s1600/stick+tourist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiCpiN-OxCIiKZ_ieDwpti8T1vbhyxP2fVm_NU22S3-2PD25GNT0AqjFugnoc52Ze1GiTxrtT5FGwIGi_wGiUMztCRpQkSNODuyIh1cr-uDJj7971jQd1b9NyrxTpZ0Lo3QpDxb7I4SFF/s400/stick+tourist.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Author:</b> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns and manages her own Costa Rica Vacation Rental Home business <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
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EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com3Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Costa Rica9.4045135563516791 -84.1559171676635179.4025555563516789 -84.158438667663518 9.40647155635168 -84.153395667663517tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-12988204068664076812014-02-08T04:47:00.000-08:002014-02-08T04:47:47.885-08:00The Tourist Tree? The Naked Indian Tree? It’s the Gumbo Limbo Tree in Costa Rica!Living in the rainforest in Costa Rica means being surrounded by an abundance of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij06f-CqOU2kpqaQ7wACEq0dAvzIZ2UeDuJCCL8zaSNdg2SdIzwWayq8Ox-R-HjC3aFyKTNE02v4XNNkdeI99hjNYLXDoNxm-mBHMbmZuHYlz0QSuuN-_NfF9jTFeoyM-oQ6EyBrckWcA/s1600/main.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij06f-CqOU2kpqaQ7wACEq0dAvzIZ2UeDuJCCL8zaSNdg2SdIzwWayq8Ox-R-HjC3aFyKTNE02v4XNNkdeI99hjNYLXDoNxm-mBHMbmZuHYlz0QSuuN-_NfF9jTFeoyM-oQ6EyBrckWcA/s320/main.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617091650071982210" /></a>interesting trees. One of my personal favorites is the <strong>Gumbo Limbo</strong> tree! A wildly popular tropical tree, it is native to the southeastern United States, but found widely throughout the Americas, West Indies and especially prominent in Costa Rica. This tree easily adapts to a variety of both dry and moist habitats, and is a fairly salt-tolerant species, enabling this tree to be found along most coastlines including around the <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Hotels of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. </a>Though consisting of a fairly soft wood, the Gumbo Limbo is considered a very wind-tolerant tree, making this species a good choice for hurricane or extreme weather areas. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxH1lXdQgR1qD4vrv24biBnIeQ8urDW1d8q4BH4unQX9yXh5UnxgXidE7VuoZN8ysexWRxjJS72bPgmYlWE4fLB8VuZjnvoNPpQFCeHTamtUF4l6f0ITkEcWhG4JH-mLMRpudcwUknuQ/s1600/peel+skin+red+gumbo+limbo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxH1lXdQgR1qD4vrv24biBnIeQ8urDW1d8q4BH4unQX9yXh5UnxgXidE7VuoZN8ysexWRxjJS72bPgmYlWE4fLB8VuZjnvoNPpQFCeHTamtUF4l6f0ITkEcWhG4JH-mLMRpudcwUknuQ/s320/peel+skin+red+gumbo+limbo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617090162662766514" /></a> <br />
This fast-growing canopy tree reaches heights of 50-60 feet and more, with a trunk that bears a striking color of green and red, with a thin paper like exfoliating bark. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bursera_simaruba">Gumbo Limbo</a> or <em>Bursera Simaruba</em>, goes by several aliases, such as the Spirit Gum, Birch Gum, Turpentine, Naked Indian, or more commonly named in popular vacation destinations…..the <strong>“Tourist Tree”</strong>, because of its red color and peeling skin! <br />
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The Gumbo-limbo is generally planted for shade and ornamental use in front or <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSME_tn3Zs5DPZpP_RRnahSBYPVSkjLqq_dx0exW6yidHi09FsLwtbEELz_YVGlyIJXuWQOfobNQ9H7YKd42q8PUOuDGzaxIvNlcaKgsUk3xhXGhR1bAZquljoFBqcVSTYKyPgV4ZVcMM/s1600/living+fence.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSME_tn3Zs5DPZpP_RRnahSBYPVSkjLqq_dx0exW6yidHi09FsLwtbEELz_YVGlyIJXuWQOfobNQ9H7YKd42q8PUOuDGzaxIvNlcaKgsUk3xhXGhR1bAZquljoFBqcVSTYKyPgV4ZVcMM/s320/living+fence.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617090458887179698" /></a>backyards, can be found along streets and highways, but it is also commonly used throughout Costa Rica as a <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21970597/Living-Fences">“living fence”</a> since it easily sprouts from cut branches that are stuck into the ground. With it’s naturally rapid growth, within no time farmers have a strong, natural, eco-friendly fence with which they can corral their livestock and mark their land.<br />
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The arils (or etable part surrounding the seed) provides an important source of food for winter migrating birds, including many migrants from North America, as well as <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV72gwNzUIQyaEb3XB7L_rrIkVPZunIWY0KK7t9dFSVYr6pFQ5aU9Jgpo_O5OR7-U-fUXdRLG3L-dT68RfR_hYwooABmczZN09L6KjYHHdccRcAqhr7IBDtxWHelU_M0bnctqyZ4yobQo/s1600/plant+tree.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV72gwNzUIQyaEb3XB7L_rrIkVPZunIWY0KK7t9dFSVYr6pFQ5aU9Jgpo_O5OR7-U-fUXdRLG3L-dT68RfR_hYwooABmczZN09L6KjYHHdccRcAqhr7IBDtxWHelU_M0bnctqyZ4yobQo/s320/plant+tree.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617090719146550082" /></a>local residents such as the Masked Tityra, Bright-rumped Attila, and Black-faced Grosbeak, the Baltimore Oriole, Dusky-capped Flycatcher and many species of Vireos. Additionally, Gumbo-limbo's rapid growth, easy and low cost of propagation, and it’s ecological versatility make this species an ideal "starter" tree for <a href="http://replantingtherainforests.org/site/index.php/Costa-Rica/manuel-antonio-playa-el-rey-project-description.html">reforestation projects</a>.<br />
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There are so many more natural benefits to this great tree, as the sticky, turpentine-scented resin has been used for centuries for making glue, varnish, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XT0FvPm90L9WFyax2IqpOBFWSEqZRps7ehhfmffUVhbZ37R7u6kfqKP6qanGcJfKmIlGrN-L5rN3yl-3jKA0qmi-qXKyA9hTR5gEdzIp17vjAaWCIXdPZ2dcz2svIhk1IYjrDL8J3o4/s1600/canoes.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XT0FvPm90L9WFyax2IqpOBFWSEqZRps7ehhfmffUVhbZ37R7u6kfqKP6qanGcJfKmIlGrN-L5rN3yl-3jKA0qmi-qXKyA9hTR5gEdzIp17vjAaWCIXdPZ2dcz2svIhk1IYjrDL8J3o4/s320/canoes.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617091327982701698" /></a>liniments, as well as a water resistant coating for dugout canoes. The aromatic sap is also used as an anti-inflammatory, a treatment for gout, a form of incense, as well as the leaves are brewed to make a medicinal tea for a wide variety of ailments. The bark is also considered a treatment against rashes caused by plants such as poison ivy and poison oak. Though the actual wood of the tree is rather soft and spongy, this versatile wood is traditionally used to manufacture the colorful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel">carousel horses</a> you see at county fairs, and other small wood products such as matchsticks, toothpicks, charcoal, boxes, crates, and interior trim have also been made from the Gumbo-Limbo wood.<br />
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Tribal or Native Indian medicinal uses include remedies for skin infections, skin sores, ingesting a bark tea for urinary tract infections, pain, colds, flu, sun <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59GcyK8ZWR9eMoCLvWFOyM2BHtseTzKkzyQw1c7Nbut8pQdE-SivE-_qHBZH09p9XQTWNSbvQ8xpVQ3l6zRKcRA-JuU1PHthtsRqklD6wR4msE7X0BY-tenXmkjNajuLcjYvvvRGNjJM/s1600/medicinal+teas.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59GcyK8ZWR9eMoCLvWFOyM2BHtseTzKkzyQw1c7Nbut8pQdE-SivE-_qHBZH09p9XQTWNSbvQ8xpVQ3l6zRKcRA-JuU1PHthtsRqklD6wR4msE7X0BY-tenXmkjNajuLcjYvvvRGNjJM/s320/medicinal+teas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617091008298884946" /></a>stroke, fevers and to purify the blood. A length of bark about 5 cm x 30 cm is boiled in a gallon of water for 10 minutes or so for these local remedies and then used topically or can be sipped as a tea 2-3 times per day. Not only is it touted to provide the above <a href="http://www.drkimcostarica.net/id69.html">medicinal remedies</a>, but it is also said to kill bacteria, stop excessive bleeding, increase urination, increase perspiration, cleanse the blood, neutralize various venoms, helpful as a cough expectorate, reducing fevers and my favorite remedy…..increasing libido!! <br />
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So when out hiking, exploring, or just taking a drive around Costa Rica, no more passing that Gumbo Limbo tree and not even giving it a second thought. Just look at how much one can do and “cure” with this beautiful and unique tree!<br />
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But my friends…..you have been warned!!!! None of these uses are FDA approved, so please do not try these remedies at home! At least not without a Shaman present!!<br />
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<strong>Author:</strong> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns her own Vacation Rental Home company on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica at <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Gumbo-limbo/gumblimb.htm<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bursera_simaruba<br />
http://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Burssima<br />
http://www.plantcreations.com/bursera_simaruba.htm<br />
EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com0Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Costa Rica9.4047368770482453 -84.15597517434399.4037578770482462 -84.1572356743439 9.4057158770482445 -84.1547146743439tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-10468369038837617452014-01-12T10:47:00.001-08:002014-01-12T10:47:16.938-08:00Sport Fishing in Costa Rica....Tips to Finding the Fish!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMusLfQsgHObSGl3SXh1Y0t7DbYWXWDrA9UlFcA5GHrgt36YEbddvAx7tOfh6bYfcogV1Ogy_q8TlhI3MA9Ig8tpLPB_TBmb9ar5sZ4DtcIf-aVvNDsFyaj6-qLEEC4G0Fk33Tead2j4/s1600/cover+bird+fishign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMusLfQsgHObSGl3SXh1Y0t7DbYWXWDrA9UlFcA5GHrgt36YEbddvAx7tOfh6bYfcogV1Ogy_q8TlhI3MA9Ig8tpLPB_TBmb9ar5sZ4DtcIf-aVvNDsFyaj6-qLEEC4G0Fk33Tead2j4/s320/cover+bird+fishign.jpg" /></a></div>With over 750 miles of coastline to explore, anglers fishing in Costa Rica have a multitude of options to try their luck for both inshore and offshore sport fishing in this marine rich part of the world. It’s a big ocean out there, and if you don't know what you are doing you can spend a whole day driving around burning expensive gas and finding absolutely nothing to put a bite on a hook! The main key to a successful day of offshore or inshore fishing is frankly knowing where and how to find the fish!<br />
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Naturally, there is no replacement for local expertise when it comes to finding fish, they live and breath the sport and no one <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXyszfGQQeXfOAMdWvF7KeyyPf_E2vKlJV3Iw8zIxHHyVUi9CdKUY0d1YlormDdMDkTEri0SIKVORgKBP6VthSTYlPWA_eVXsxvBc3IpVTSSPvGdIXwvFCdhNCcS-mbTyh1ZW5YiiXT0/s1600/dorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXyszfGQQeXfOAMdWvF7KeyyPf_E2vKlJV3Iw8zIxHHyVUi9CdKUY0d1YlormDdMDkTEri0SIKVORgKBP6VthSTYlPWA_eVXsxvBc3IpVTSSPvGdIXwvFCdhNCcS-mbTyh1ZW5YiiXT0/s320/dorado.jpg" /></a></div>wants you to have a good fishing day more than your Captain and First Mate, so lean on them for the best results! Every good captain knows where to find the fish, but if you are out for a day on your own, or if you are practicing to become the next best fishing captain for your next lifetime, you may find the following information helpful while exploring some new (or old) fishing grounds.<br />
The first and foremost important tip for finding the fish is watch for Variation. Variation can come in several forms, some of them very obvious and others more subtle, so here are some helpful hints for you in case you are headed out for a day of great fishing action!<br />
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<b>Los Corrientes (The currents)</b><br />
The most recognized tried and true method to finding gamefish in Costa Rica is fishing in “los corrientes”. These currents can be <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJiaO3T8XtXeriuxXtONAWW_8uIK1q8n39OjLDx4SAUn1qf6tKL9uXV8fVbD0jqeTg6ko61WggeFToyTRopNA_r8ynpVByzditx1a9SemOs4m6Kq0MtmJ4J5RIoY1LY75POZxDH74zqo/s1600/rock+formations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJiaO3T8XtXeriuxXtONAWW_8uIK1q8n39OjLDx4SAUn1qf6tKL9uXV8fVbD0jqeTg6ko61WggeFToyTRopNA_r8ynpVByzditx1a9SemOs4m6Kq0MtmJ4J5RIoY1LY75POZxDH74zqo/s320/rock+formations.jpg" /></a></div>spotted by a subtle change in color and in the temperature of the water. Baitfish and predators tend to be more plentiful in these currents, so an experienced captain will generally work the edges of “los corrientes” to see how the action is going before moving on to other options. When fishing from the areas of Quepos, Jaco, or Herradura, charters will find “los corrientes” about twenty-five to thirty miles offshore during peak billfish season and will generally head that direction to start their day. For that reason, it is almost always recommended to plan at least a 3/4 to Full Day of fishing to allow enough time to get into the really thick action!<b><br />
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Ocean Floor Geography</b><br />
Invisible to the naked eye, the underwater geopgraphic structures such as canyons, reefs and other natural formations can increase <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rdO-3cTQsKw-z2mL8V2MY5RvIqB3QHW3qc2aw0MfENYoAQrrMvxoGsL2fZj1CM8mx3c62VVzvQw9q0As3kINEHcjNuwG2Gctl9j7EJRT8_erQSgI5SvDjxus7ag3a8Nd3tyglTeiRlI/s1600/fish+feeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rdO-3cTQsKw-z2mL8V2MY5RvIqB3QHW3qc2aw0MfENYoAQrrMvxoGsL2fZj1CM8mx3c62VVzvQw9q0As3kINEHcjNuwG2Gctl9j7EJRT8_erQSgI5SvDjxus7ag3a8Nd3tyglTeiRlI/s320/fish+feeding.jpg" /></a></div>the flow of ocean currents, increasing the chance of good angling or even extreme angling in particular areas. The rapidly moving currents can trap bait fish allowing the large game fish to move in seeking an easy feeding session on the trapped bait. Similar to the seasonal currents, these fish rich currents are often spotted by looking for subtle changes in the water color or surface ocean temperatures. Professional and experienced Sport Fishing Charter Captains for the Costa Rican shores will always have one eye on the bottom (think GPS) and one eye on the surface looking for those subtle changes that are going to lead them to their prize.<br />
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<b>Floating Debris</b><br />
The rainy season in Costa Rica may not be the optimal months for hooking the larger Gamefish (though they are prevelent year round, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVPCEF2_kmLJmfVRiznWas74IuddTtahBi1L38eNI5pDZ7hrtnpqjx81pjBNrn817kP0KcChWVHKxixOWBaO3BY7p2U_DeA8sSyiElSElGp6cjgB7aTh24GCyV_8H7cKbKeo9yuyeB7Q/s1600/debris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVPCEF2_kmLJmfVRiznWas74IuddTtahBi1L38eNI5pDZ7hrtnpqjx81pjBNrn817kP0KcChWVHKxixOWBaO3BY7p2U_DeA8sSyiElSElGp6cjgB7aTh24GCyV_8H7cKbKeo9yuyeB7Q/s320/debris.jpg" /></a></div>so don't let the rainy season scare you away!), but it is the hottest time of year for Dorado, including Bull Dorado which can often times come in weighing over fifty pounds! Since the heavy rains in the mountains of Costa Rica run out the local rivers located in the Quepos, Jaco and <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWIlz4lGJLkxKXnqpzaF2tp9pSq-FNiU4wBndtYyBnNZFG991oIBMrDq7th6G9nPnC0h2o7p0jfoBtjENXLMn94WzxuoJFxlGwojdgJYYi4wUBipTWUWmBNwnnXZfJnymXe6rk1-vuhM/s1600/long+debris+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWIlz4lGJLkxKXnqpzaF2tp9pSq-FNiU4wBndtYyBnNZFG991oIBMrDq7th6G9nPnC0h2o7p0jfoBtjENXLMn94WzxuoJFxlGwojdgJYYi4wUBipTWUWmBNwnnXZfJnymXe6rk1-vuhM/s320/long+debris+line.jpg" /></a></div>Herradura areas, the experienced fisherman knows that fish love structure and obstacles, even temporary formations resulting from debris washing out to sea from the rain swollen rivers, so its always a good idea to head that way. Fishing deep around areas such as weed lines, floating pallets, or logs can yield a great Dorado hit, meaning a possible great dinner will be on the table that night! Other game fish can be found beneath the debris as well, so this is an area that is especially worth an anglers undivided attention!!<br />
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<b>Underwater Structure</b><br />
Wrecks and reefs provide structure or should we say a vacation home for large bottom fish including Cubera Snapper and Grouper. This so called structure is also home to plankton and other small organisms that serve to attract baitfish which in turn attract the bigger game fish on the prowl for an easy meal. Keep in mind.....the main structure area may be overfished, while potential surrounding "satellite" sites around the structure can often be teaming with life as well, so keep your eyes and your fishing lines open. Larger Gamefish often hang out at these quieter satellite sites, so work that whole area for best results.<br />
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<b>Slicks</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKviV4zuqADYQNdhl8DyY8LFGbmqXdgNtxxZmI8qgcK_YhkZvrFKZmRaDNLragpClUadPeMkSZoEJplQtXbYvO3bVWniaqrcNGh82h7vWkLZSviZsnFmRpcOmxlJLBpC1M1AbMGYeXmm4/s1600/bait+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKviV4zuqADYQNdhl8DyY8LFGbmqXdgNtxxZmI8qgcK_YhkZvrFKZmRaDNLragpClUadPeMkSZoEJplQtXbYvO3bVWniaqrcNGh82h7vWkLZSviZsnFmRpcOmxlJLBpC1M1AbMGYeXmm4/s320/bait+fish.jpg" /></a></div>Its a big ocean out there, but sometimes you can see obvious "slicks" on the surface, so keep your eye out for any and all oily slicks on the water's surface since these can often be a good sign for hungry for action anglers. Big game fish such as Dorado, Tuna, Marlin and Sailfish when feeding are chasing bait to the surface which releases fish oils, resulting in the "slicks" that you may witness. If you are lucky, this very slick could hold the trophy catch you have been seeking!<br />
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<b>Birds</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69ja9_VYhy3cgbJgjvUt4WJEls66a1KealTi-0I3pu8E2_7BEaEXVxjezq4bvMuTvJHwBj4pPCGdRbIgPyyqKsSnaP9Ackyha2Tx5ourpquGmGx1nPSBt_Ko20BnmCE_t4n5ceDuBDe4/s1600/frigates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69ja9_VYhy3cgbJgjvUt4WJEls66a1KealTi-0I3pu8E2_7BEaEXVxjezq4bvMuTvJHwBj4pPCGdRbIgPyyqKsSnaP9Ackyha2Tx5ourpquGmGx1nPSBt_Ko20BnmCE_t4n5ceDuBDe4/s320/frigates.jpg" /></a></div>Offshore birds are always fishing in Costa Rica, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the sky as well! Searching for bait pods, tuna feeding, or trolling Billfish, pay particular attention to the Frigate Birds who are great spotters, especially those that are circling in one particular location. The experienced fishing guide knows that even a lone Frigate Bird can lead you to a trophy Tuna, Marlin or Sailfish.<br />
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With prices high and time limited during a Costa Rica visit, when fishing offshore in our gamefish rich waters of Costa Rica, the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv0ZEONf1QuyIhtIE_6D9-0qjH5z8efYm4RXZ2yVQ7XCwy925D7koWvV0vywkslHQIWo1pMUJrTw2N6zLM88xZu8dxrrYTPzWSQ2UolaNqdQUdTnlGFEdYx_XPbzwI0eQ2B694GchlU8/s1600/snapper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv0ZEONf1QuyIhtIE_6D9-0qjH5z8efYm4RXZ2yVQ7XCwy925D7koWvV0vywkslHQIWo1pMUJrTw2N6zLM88xZu8dxrrYTPzWSQ2UolaNqdQUdTnlGFEdYx_XPbzwI0eQ2B694GchlU8/s320/snapper.jpg" /></a></div>importance of local expertise cannot be overstated. Natural underwater geographic structures are consistent and well know and local Costa Rica Fishing Guides now have the ability to record the best fishing spots to GPS, giving them the edge when fishing for big game fish in these open waters.....something someone who does not live in the area is never going to know about. In addition, an experienced captain and mate will have developed keen eyes and experience, with some experienced Captains and First Mates able to spot schooling Tuna miles away just by looking for disturbed water and many of the other hints listed above.<br />
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So on your next Sportfishing outing while fishing in Costa Rica (or wherever!), keep the above hints in mind for best results, and <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy87xC59AhXRzm2g6yzUlr3X3w0Bq7MhQAoyyYGGT0tN6PNneVVumeHOI-Qay9L8PHuKxEAbo-0XpmYF5N9_hMbJbpJ-FQ8GifwbV3IiBt1GZYTsz53HZuooss050YfanehFyTxFXZw1o/s1600/charter+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy87xC59AhXRzm2g6yzUlr3X3w0Bq7MhQAoyyYGGT0tN6PNneVVumeHOI-Qay9L8PHuKxEAbo-0XpmYF5N9_hMbJbpJ-FQ8GifwbV3IiBt1GZYTsz53HZuooss050YfanehFyTxFXZw1o/s320/charter+boat.jpg" /></a></div>be sure to find out more about Pacific fish species, fishing seasons, fishing reports, and the local weather conditions beforehand by checking out our link on fishing in the Quepos, Costa Rica area via your local <a href="http://manuelantoniorentalhomes.com/world-class-fishing/">Costa Rica Vacation House Rental </a>or <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/activities/world-class-fishing.htm">Costa Rica Hotel</a>, where they are happy to steer you in the right direction for an unforgettable day of Game fishing in an area that still boasts some 17 IGFA World Records! You could be the next World Record Holder!! FISH ON!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLBMqJBhr2PBHwXGFIIAAmmSVCI0IE99SKtTAprokF5t5bx6cckD2SFjQq47Oqvb8Gk6tJvV8r-Wg4sFAI6gtGuQZ_PJL7syCyOeXUjsM2xSAaf0WMtmPdh8mpflYJjk9cW8vtjbqH-U/s1600/two+thumbs+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLBMqJBhr2PBHwXGFIIAAmmSVCI0IE99SKtTAprokF5t5bx6cckD2SFjQq47Oqvb8Gk6tJvV8r-Wg4sFAI6gtGuQZ_PJL7syCyOeXUjsM2xSAaf0WMtmPdh8mpflYJjk9cW8vtjbqH-U/s320/two+thumbs+up.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Author: </strong> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns and operates her own Costa Rica Vacation Rental Home business at <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>!<br />
EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com2Quepos, Costa Rica9.4245780018659389 -84.1693508460936649.4206620018659386 -84.174393346093666 9.4284940018659391 -84.164308346093662tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-78992385883471043272013-12-21T04:06:00.000-08:002013-12-21T04:06:51.843-08:00Christmas Season Shopping in Costa Rica? Try the Golfito Duty Free Zone!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEaIrkkx4p7h988SA94E-umlbPE6Xob9M3Y6APollMR2iSVVyA8LpkviydoNvi8Pz2McrlRELNnpUH8fbmZ6CTRuRT641hpgnyz9OTR_gySZlJiufT1bSf49n1_i6lVmQ7KGxQG95_Nk/s1600/duty+free+shops.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEaIrkkx4p7h988SA94E-umlbPE6Xob9M3Y6APollMR2iSVVyA8LpkviydoNvi8Pz2McrlRELNnpUH8fbmZ6CTRuRT641hpgnyz9OTR_gySZlJiufT1bSf49n1_i6lVmQ7KGxQG95_Nk/s200/duty+free+shops.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532505611285055218" /></a>Don’t let me be the bearer of bad news, but once again, Christmas is just around the corner. For those of you that have been lucky enough to survive another year of this recession, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. If you are considering some big ticket items, the duty free zone of <strong>Golfito</strong> might be just the place for you!<br />
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<strong>A Little History:</strong><br />
Once a bustling banana port, from 1938 to 1985, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golfito">Golfito</a> served as the headquarters of United Fruit’s banana operations in the southernmost part of Costa Rica. Creating an economy that had previously not existed, unfortunately the mid-1980s brought declining markets, higher export taxes, worker unrest and banana diseases forcing United Fruit’s departure from the area. Though some of the plantations <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO1Jk3p_WJUNPYu5Mf-SO6dYvtufch5Nwincvln0GxvSWjsl39jXB8Hb5vFWlkzRXkIBeTA1EWXsLrsm2G_6pfznICqQZKA34q5xgHxh0RRTxGV0IgSchyphenhyphenuOqOAPOJDGllEgYQ_xBKCM/s1600/map+of+golfito.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO1Jk3p_WJUNPYu5Mf-SO6dYvtufch5Nwincvln0GxvSWjsl39jXB8Hb5vFWlkzRXkIBeTA1EWXsLrsm2G_6pfznICqQZKA34q5xgHxh0RRTxGV0IgSchyphenhyphenuOqOAPOJDGllEgYQ_xBKCM/s200/map+of+golfito.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532505922382796866" /></a> successfully converted to the production of African Palm Oil, this move was not enough to sustain the job loss and economic blow caused when the company departed. Attracted by the World Class fishing within the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golfo_Dulce,_Costa_Rica">Golfo Dulce</a> region, Sport Fishermen have helped stimulate the development of new <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Costa Rica Hotels & Lodges</a>, creating a flourishing tourist industry in the area. Nonetheless, the Golfo Dulce region and more specifically, the town of Golfito, have continued to struggle for survival, even after close to 20 years of economic stimulus in the form of a Duty Free Shopping Zone. <br />
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<strong>Government Incentives:</strong><br />
In the 1990’s, in an attempt to boost the region’s economy, the Costa Rica government approved a duty-free facility (déposito libre) in the northern part of the Golfo Dulce zone. Just the mention of the town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golfito">Golfito</a>, brings the image of thousands of Ticos on any given day bustling around the rows of this fairly run down mega shopping complex, giving life to an otherwise dying town while shoppers hustle and hustlers shop. Keep in mind….the duty-free shopping is for Costa Rican <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz84kHhsCDP28olkSvR0yqMA3-mGfPDtLsCvUAt_Ks6XPGD1poWRrP43ogYPVXYpM74KOqnonXPRLy7KrAlesusxrd98qWg4vdHo6MoWUlvl_C1YpndD3yVe8ZvbYgs0maSF3zZZ5LeI/s1600/golfito+Duty+free.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz84kHhsCDP28olkSvR0yqMA3-mGfPDtLsCvUAt_Ks6XPGD1poWRrP43ogYPVXYpM74KOqnonXPRLy7KrAlesusxrd98qWg4vdHo6MoWUlvl_C1YpndD3yVe8ZvbYgs0maSF3zZZ5LeI/s200/golfito+Duty+free.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532506626229237666" /></a> Nationals and legal residents only, with the most popular purchases being the bigger ticket items. Unfortunately, as you will see below, this is not like a Sunday visit to the local mall, many restrictions apply which can complicate the shopping process, so be sure to read the details. <br />
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<strong>Rules and Regulations:</strong><br />
The Duty Free Zone was created to help stimulate visits to the region by giving Costa Rican residents a tax free zone to shop for their purchases. To get the most out of these visitors, specific rules were established in order to legally make these tax free purchases. First, exemption from sales taxes is only valid twice a year, with a total purchase amount that cannot exceed $1000 per buyer, per trip. Second, you must stay overnight in Golfito before taking advantage of the tax-free shopping, a requirement enacted to support the area’s family owned “cabinas” and <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">boutique hotels</a>. Third, as a guarantee of your overnight stay, a shopping authorization card (TAC) must be requested at the Customs Offices the day prior to shopping. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 8am-8pm, Mondays from 1pm-8pm and shoppers are required to present their valid Costa Rican “cedula” (identification card) when applying.<br />
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<strong>Hours and Shopping Limits:</strong><br />
When you begin your <a href="http://depositodegolfito.com/dlcg/">shopping at Golfito</a>, its recommended to get an early start. Stores open from 8am-4:30pm Tuesday-Saturday and 7am- 2pm on Sundays. Stores are closed on Mondays. When checking out, you will be required to show the store personnel your shopping <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs4i75cM7lF7CIEIFPofY8StXoUqZ-E5GFYBfV_s6gRpUw1gGEbc7RFcU-tAI2PXS9qFSYpBOP7vqTBUBD5gYwqrmZwflaMYGwAryLdC_5gnynm2gRU9xpJdXZBWu4X-Ds51Pst2VOnQ/s1600/shopping+zoo+golfito.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs4i75cM7lF7CIEIFPofY8StXoUqZ-E5GFYBfV_s6gRpUw1gGEbc7RFcU-tAI2PXS9qFSYpBOP7vqTBUBD5gYwqrmZwflaMYGwAryLdC_5gnynm2gRU9xpJdXZBWu4X-Ds51Pst2VOnQ/s200/shopping+zoo+golfito.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532507995091644146" /></a> authorization card, so keep that handy. Remember, one card gives you the right to make a purchase for up to $1,000, though you can combine two cards (no more) for a total of $2,000. The other card can only belong to first-degree relatives such as parents, children, siblings or spouses. Naturally, there are “gavilones” or “tipos” that hang around the area that can arrange that you have sufficient “TAC” cards from “family” to make as many purchases as you need while in the area. Of course, I don’t condone or recommend these services, though they are amazingly efficient and quite convenient:-).<br />
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<strong>Why go Duty Free?</strong><br />
Though Golfito is no short drive, and the entire process is not exactly convenient, keep in mind that products are not subject to most import taxes, nor the normal 13% Costa Rica sales tax, as well as most products are highly discounted, so thrifty shoppers from around the country can save up to 50% on certain items throughout the year. For those looking for smaller ticket items such as perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, cigarettes, small appliances, tires, computer items, and an assortment of household goods, you might want to save going thru some of these inconvenient restrictions and drive a little further South to the Costa Rica-Panama border. At the border crossing, shoppers can purchase duty-free goods on a mystery strip of shops located between the two borders in the town of Paso Canoas. (You enter one door on the Costa Rica side, and exit the other side of the store on the Panamanian side!) No restrictions apply in this area, and both duty free zones can provide affordable delivery of your purchases throughout the country, but be sure to negotiate the price first!<br />
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So if you are planning a shopping jaunt to the port town of Golfito, consider making<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK1Z2HxNIl-g4MqavQRaIcLSbMPQrD4xZC3-2VVaIc2br3J-q8hXwPgHfMLp8QlmjZgvSQ78S2ew9uIIIogqkcn69gxShCrqOWJcg6d8gF-LbEDJ3-SENX1zl6l2pXFKnIpawI90VyXg/s1600/banana+bay+sportfishing.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK1Z2HxNIl-g4MqavQRaIcLSbMPQrD4xZC3-2VVaIc2br3J-q8hXwPgHfMLp8QlmjZgvSQ78S2ew9uIIIogqkcn69gxShCrqOWJcg6d8gF-LbEDJ3-SENX1zl6l2pXFKnIpawI90VyXg/s200/banana+bay+sportfishing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532506896328599074" /></a> a short relaxing getaway out of the trip. (You’ll need it after the Golfito zoo.) With the new Costanera Sur highway, the drive is only around three hours from <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Manuel Antonio/Quepos Area Hotels</a>, and the entire area offers small marinas, yachting and boating services, excellent sport fishing, <br />
as well as easy access to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful National Parks and protected areas. Although much of the tourism in the Golfito area focuses on the sport fishing industry, other water sports and beach activities are also popular pastimes, with incredible surfing beaches to the south of Golfito such as Playa <a href="http://www.pavonescostarica.com/">Pavones</a>; best known as home to one of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1inB4dfZA_0GLISQ6j9Gv7j3r1BEe_v8-OQDkO8Yv0fI_r0Y0Ko2py0KhuE-qL-WrTiJLxItAo8mK9Xn5mZvPiueOWZB2W2ZOlRGZjLTmZ8rBHMxHorEVtFdBDYN3yUmERr6Y-Ab_aU/s1600/pavones.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1inB4dfZA_0GLISQ6j9Gv7j3r1BEe_v8-OQDkO8Yv0fI_r0Y0Ko2py0KhuE-qL-WrTiJLxItAo8mK9Xn5mZvPiueOWZB2W2ZOlRGZjLTmZ8rBHMxHorEVtFdBDYN3yUmERr6Y-Ab_aU/s200/pavones.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532507162701743858" /></a>Zancudo, Pilon and the famous the longest left hand breaking waves in the world. The friendly people of the area, and the fabulous natural wonders that abound make Golfito and the Golfo Dulce more than just a shopping excursion, the area is truly a <br />
beautiful and relaxing place to stop and see more of fabulous Costa Rica! Happy Shopping!<br />
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<strong>Author: </strong> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns and manages her own Vacation Rental Home Business<a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
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<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
http://costarica.com<br />
http://www.golfito-costarica.com/golfito/ <br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golfito<br />
http://depositodegolfito.com/dlcg/EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com5Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.40496444643404 -84.1561307424667589.40447494643404 -84.156761242466757 9.40545394643404 -84.155500242466758tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-12611976656992692972013-12-10T07:47:00.000-08:002013-12-10T07:48:05.269-08:00Celebrate a Feliz Navidad in that Special Costa Rican "Tico" Tradition!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mNFQzRPhoqydD-8F-_asmmX1CgqL4um-qHE63SPIIyofGKGW0aMsF2nP-p1fYezcQy5M00-qb0Q-5IwJKeIo7boGsqn1k5m0l_Nc-jCytxofIRaHlz7hSXU0RjDAZolro9BeD_vg_EkE/s1600/Nacimiento-Navidad-Costa-Rica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="183" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mNFQzRPhoqydD-8F-_asmmX1CgqL4um-qHE63SPIIyofGKGW0aMsF2nP-p1fYezcQy5M00-qb0Q-5IwJKeIo7boGsqn1k5m0l_Nc-jCytxofIRaHlz7hSXU0RjDAZolro9BeD_vg_EkE/s320/Nacimiento-Navidad-Costa-Rica.jpg" /></a>For those that haven´t noticed, Costa Rica Christmas decorations and discount sales began long before Halloween dates passed. This brings to mind some of our own special ¨Tico¨ Christmas traditions found in our beautiful tropical locale. Be it the kids that start their ¨summer¨ vacations in December, workers that receive their yearly ¨aguinaldo¨ (an automatic one month salary Christmas Bonus from their boss), or the massive preparations of the traditional Christmas Tamales……whichever it may be, ¨La Navidad¨ is just around the corner!<br />
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Is there a chance there will be snow? Well that is highly unlikely since Costa Rica is located only 11° off the Equator, but Costa Ricans are fascinated by snow, since few have ever<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5L1LW9PKja3e3ugFy5UUuV0FzTtOT4xY2_TK-lFHc11vY_mBJrwaFUFiaX9KphQjADGg9fRXDexo5YRW-C5iIJ_HcFLt6JcbB61jl2zVJ1MiyWUEcis4deKEAIEoL0z_nzTn-MhuBZA4/s1600/festival+luces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="184" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5L1LW9PKja3e3ugFy5UUuV0FzTtOT4xY2_TK-lFHc11vY_mBJrwaFUFiaX9KphQjADGg9fRXDexo5YRW-C5iIJ_HcFLt6JcbB61jl2zVJ1MiyWUEcis4deKEAIEoL0z_nzTn-MhuBZA4/s320/festival+luces.jpg" /></a>seen the real thing. Many of the floats in the yearly ¨Festival de la Luz¨ planned this year for Saturday Dec 14th at 6pm passes each year down the main street of Paseo Colon and Second Ave in San Jose. Floats are decorated in fluffy white cotton fabrics to give the impression of snow, and many holiday participants threw white confetti at each other, also meant to simulate snow. This year, the municipality once again is put a firm hand down on the throwing of this confetti due to safety factors, as well as the high cost of clean-up afterwards. In years past, there have been many complaints from innocent bypassers walking to work who were suddenly blanketed from head to toe in the white confetti.<br />
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Costa Rica´s animal and even more specifically the horse lovers wait anxiously each year for ¨El Tope Nacional¨ usually held the day after Christmas on December 26th. This parade includes marching bands, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivq4S7mftRKya4ZLXG2pLSaSB0rC5Vh1CoJABXmjOcyS5Xoh6iVgAcrSjddihLYImzPije0H3nGOVKRVkhnbhOUytBUKFqjmUIgcWplh_YLif2x72_votTxmGo5b25Kr7-UtE-wTlPe5wU/s1600/tope+sj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="210" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivq4S7mftRKya4ZLXG2pLSaSB0rC5Vh1CoJABXmjOcyS5Xoh6iVgAcrSjddihLYImzPije0H3nGOVKRVkhnbhOUytBUKFqjmUIgcWplh_YLif2x72_votTxmGo5b25Kr7-UtE-wTlPe5wU/s320/tope+sj.jpg" /></a>clowns and other strange characters, but is most popular for featuring some 6000 of Costa Rica´s most beautiful high stepping horses, as well as the famous colorful hand painted oxcarts. These fabulous detailed oxcarts were originally pulled by people, then by oxen, and now are rarely used in day to day work, but are considered historical works of art cherished by the Costa Rican people.<br />
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The traditional Christmas tree, most often decorated in hues of blue, gold, silver,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjHB9ufUE-KWAOFEF8bgi9n8_8cvH8I9WmWHwkofhC3HXDUScOINrX7sBcASzyK8wMpWUOvecqv-rpuz6LyAqal6H85isfNe5N5KFfqDmVZVua-PC7kWmuWlE3TTaz98XmmM0ZafxrbNg/s1600/1_1260316167_christmas-tree-at-fancy-resort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjHB9ufUE-KWAOFEF8bgi9n8_8cvH8I9WmWHwkofhC3HXDUScOINrX7sBcASzyK8wMpWUOvecqv-rpuz6LyAqal6H85isfNe5N5KFfqDmVZVua-PC7kWmuWlE3TTaz98XmmM0ZafxrbNg/s320/1_1260316167_christmas-tree-at-fancy-resort.jpg" /></a>white and maybe a little red, as opposed to the traditial gold, green, and red, is accompanied by another important decoration, the ¨Portal¨. The Portal is the representation of the birth of Jesus, with the figures of Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, the ox and the mule. The most important figure in Costa Rica is the Baby Jesus. In Costa Rica, Santa Claus doesn't bring the Christmas gifts, those are brought by Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. Called ¨La Nochebuena", it is said that while the family is sleeping, the Baby Jesus appears at the portal and the gifts magically appear beneath the tree for the morning of the 25th. That is when all family members typically gather around the tree and pray, thanking Baby Jesus for all the good that has passed that year, followed by the opening of the gifts Baby Jesus has bestowed upon them. <br />
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The Christmas menu can be extensive, but the focus is around the preparing and eating of typical Costa Rican "tamales". The true "tamal" base is of ground corn, which is<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjhyphenhyphenBemgs-CV29wLu3e9SvXZii5Q4qEh3-Sq73_Y0eVwg5zH37WD2jjEpm5sFCrIh__yBmuYo01QL9WVjG6XX78RX7eFGWotuG2MAgGVJ-N28TRVIeieQDK-3n16cs8yNKc3ijAYvyeru/s1600/xmas+tamales-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="235" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjhyphenhyphenBemgs-CV29wLu3e9SvXZii5Q4qEh3-Sq73_Y0eVwg5zH37WD2jjEpm5sFCrIh__yBmuYo01QL9WVjG6XX78RX7eFGWotuG2MAgGVJ-N28TRVIeieQDK-3n16cs8yNKc3ijAYvyeru/s320/xmas+tamales-.jpg" /></a>made into a thick dough or "masa" that is later filled with small amounts of rice, small slices of potatoes, vegetables, green olives, pork or chicken, and finally wrapped in fresh plantain leaves. They are then tied with string in pairs (known as ¨Piñas¨) and boiled until cooked through and through. Making "tamales" is a cherished tradition that involves the participation of many family members and friends, as this is a slow and laborious process taught by Grandmothers from one generation to another. I am lucky enough to have many Tico friends that take pity on my lack of knowledge (or motivation!) to make the tamales and each year give me the gift of the famous Tamal!<br />
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Easily, the most chaotic and perhaps crazy activity (and most entertaining by far)of the holiday season is the "Zapote Bullfights", held in the town of Zapote, just outside of downtown San<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAcwgg_4nwEIG7EeBVMWYGFC90C7AwGD3DxTHAXGAwzxD729XhyphenhyphenTfY62pqeQTviYXkAt9Hd0XnP4MQm32li0UqI-0JivkDh4eZbmXvtSamRhOIX7HNOwA0zSc4UEiC7QCnHI3hmbLK7H1/s1600/bullfighting_daily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAcwgg_4nwEIG7EeBVMWYGFC90C7AwGD3DxTHAXGAwzxD729XhyphenhyphenTfY62pqeQTviYXkAt9Hd0XnP4MQm32li0UqI-0JivkDh4eZbmXvtSamRhOIX7HNOwA0zSc4UEiC7QCnHI3hmbLK7H1/s320/bullfighting_daily.jpg" /></a>Jose. It is there that they build a special ¨Redondel¨ or Bull Ring, as well as erect a yearly improvised amusement park complete with carnival rides, amusement park games and a selection of "chinamos", or improvised food stands. It´s important to note that in the Costa Rican bullfights, the bulls are never harmed, or killed, though the “bullfighters” do not always fare so well (see videos below). The most prestigious cattle ranches provide the bulls for free and it is considered an honor to have their bulls included in this event. Beyond the actual riding of the large bulls (generally done in Costa Rica with NO hands), much more frightening are the bullfighters in the ring. These consist of ¨normal¨ people dressed in all kinds of crazy outfits, that willingly get into the arena in mass without any professional preparation to ¨fight¨ or spook the bulls, encouraging them to chase them around the arena. Incredibly, very few people get hurt or gored during this event, though the activity is definitely entertaining and a big headache for the local Red Cross which voluntarily provides it's emergency services during this yearly event. It´s interesting to note that this festival year after year draws Costa Ricans from all parts of the country and crosses all social classes.<br />
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The Holiday Season then officially ends on January 6th, the day the three wise men arrived and saw Baby Jesus for the first time. That day all the neighbors gather and say a special prayer for the Baby Jesus. This prayer is based on the rosary and traditional Christmas carols. Of course after the prayer, there's the indulging in<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuaO2KjW9Sb8PhuHgV9LqO6SSG7rzp1jeSbA7TOf4m8WFV5_ktcGyt1EaZZM7KBRiyQ_tNIOMzNJT4BQ-2W3GpVKwThpFALseD0H-s_v8isMMQyU4IKlb-tHGEQS3I9VewGTWTj0S5RQp/s1600/grapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuaO2KjW9Sb8PhuHgV9LqO6SSG7rzp1jeSbA7TOf4m8WFV5_ktcGyt1EaZZM7KBRiyQ_tNIOMzNJT4BQ-2W3GpVKwThpFALseD0H-s_v8isMMQyU4IKlb-tHGEQS3I9VewGTWTj0S5RQp/s320/grapes.jpg" /></a>the famous Costa Rica coffee, along with more "Tamales", "Rompope" (Costa Rican Egg Nog), "Aguadulce" (a Sweet Water like juice) and all kinds of typical baked goods and other traditional beverages. Don´t forget the grapes (no seedless ones here) and the apples, which are considered very special treats here, as they are not readily available or very affordable and kids love them!<br />
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Lastly, <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/">Costa Rican Hotels</a> and tourism operations around the country eagerly await the arrival of December to usher in their peak tourist season when winter weary snowbirds look to bask in the warm tropical weather and waters of Costa Rica, as well as enjoy the bounty of adventure tours and the beauty of Costa Rica´s incredible natural resources. I hope if you are reading this you are lucky enough to share in our bounty this festive Holiday Season!<br />
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<strong>MERRY CHISTMAS OR FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO ANO NUEVO!</strong><br />
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<strong>Author:</strong> Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in Parismina and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent another 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/">Byblos Resort & Casino</a> owns and manages her own Vacation Rental Home business <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com/">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com6Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.3997303126898863 -84.1537328476074449.3918978126898871 -84.163817847607447 9.4075628126898856 -84.14364784760744tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-33910258824297041492013-11-29T04:50:00.001-08:002013-11-29T04:50:57.532-08:00Alert!! Don't make a "Fool" of yourself this December when in Costa Rica!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRxdkMXvEtR6hwc-gF1kkOp_CVm2YTIUK9ZW722424hNc0-ZmvqMWAqdc-_arhyphenhyphenj8NVCfCHA_p5SS1aBH4L3lISisPvGMJN6SAiq3b8PD5XiLdTMx57d9SY18lilkoXeVXkbGnl9O751B/s1600/fool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRxdkMXvEtR6hwc-gF1kkOp_CVm2YTIUK9ZW722424hNc0-ZmvqMWAqdc-_arhyphenhyphenj8NVCfCHA_p5SS1aBH4L3lISisPvGMJN6SAiq3b8PD5XiLdTMx57d9SY18lilkoXeVXkbGnl9O751B/s320/fool.jpg" /></a></div>Are you a fool most days, just on April fool’s Day, or surprise!.... you could be proven a fool while in Costa Rica late dates in December! December 28th in Costa Rica is “Dia de Los Inocentes” (Day of the Innocents), commonly considered “Fool’s Day”, which to us North Americans is customarily celebrated on April 1st, also commonly known as April Fool’s Day in the United States.<br />
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Will you fall for any pranks or jokes on December 28th? Will you get caught off guard?? Costa Rican’s love to pull off large and small pranks on their friends and family on this yearly day of tom-foolery is a yearly event. Everything from the simplest of jokes, to the common gesture of putting a sign on your back that might reads “kick me” or “looking for love”, to more vulgar jokes such as wrapping dog poop in toilet paper, lighting it on fire and waiting for the nearest “Innocent” to stomp out the fire, or another favorite in our humid climate, leaving a melting chocolate candy on someone’s seat so when they sit down, it later looks like they pooped in their pants when they rise. All pretty funny, as long as you are not the innocent fool that the prank gets pulled on!!<br />
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The history of “Dia de Los Inocentes” dates back some 2000 years. The origin of the “Day of the Innocent Saints” is very different <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tWcRxjR_H-BqLrB5IPhsaFlxAHfegGTvusaueZaIPgDImY1vubzQ0w1p6tiUbmUT5iL2Rbrhnxlb442qsXtMqOa4Txo2E0ujgqH9nM01s6D3dB2fy_XrFto9COEuOX5ky5Ey2RE0DKk/s1600-h/Dia+de+Los+Inocentes-blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tWcRxjR_H-BqLrB5IPhsaFlxAHfegGTvusaueZaIPgDImY1vubzQ0w1p6tiUbmUT5iL2Rbrhnxlb442qsXtMqOa4Txo2E0ujgqH9nM01s6D3dB2fy_XrFto9COEuOX5ky5Ey2RE0DKk/s200/Dia+de+Los+Inocentes-blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727588398041010" /></a>in modern times from it’s previous inception as the day in which there was a slaughter of all male children of 2 years or younger. Ordered by King Herodes, he was voted King of the Jews by the Roman Senate, and was considered the Roman Client King of Israel. Not to be confused with his son, Herod Antipas, also of the Herodian dynasty, the elder Herod is known for his colossal building projects in Jerusalem and other parts of the ancient world, including the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, sometimes referred to as Herod's Temple. He was described as "a madman who murdered his own family and a great many rabbis.” Herod is reported in the Gospel of Matthew as personally ordering the Massacre of the Innocents. Most recent biographers do not actually regard this as an actual historical event, though the legend lives on and scripture has been found that could support the legend.<br />
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According to Matthew, shortly after the birth of Jesus, Magi (the three wise men) from the East visiting Herod to inquire as to the whereabouts of "the one having been born king of the Jews", as they had seen his star in the East and therefore wanted to pay him homage. Herod, who himself was considered King of the Jews, was alarmed at the prospect of a newborn king possibly usurping his rule one day. In the story, Herod assembled the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the "Anointed One" was to be born. Their answer, Bethlehem. Herod then sent the Magi to Bethlehem, instructing them to search for the child and after finding him, to "report to me, so that I too may go and worship him". However, after they had found Jesus, the Magi were warned in a dream not to report back to Herod. Upon realizing that they would not communicate the exact location of the birth of Jesus, an infuriated Herodes ordered the massacre of all boys two years and under in Bethlehem and its outlying areas.<br />
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In regards to the Massacre of the Innocents, although in reality Herod was certainly guilty of many brutal acts, including the killing of his wife and two of his sons, no other known source from that period makes any references to such a massacre. Since Bethlehem was a small village, the number of male children under the age of 2, would probably not have exceeded 20 or so. This could be one of the reasons for the lack of other sources for this questionable account of history, although Herod's order in Matthew 2-16 includes those children in Bethlehem's vicinity meaning the massacre area could have measured a significantly larger amount numerically and geographically more in the area of some 14,000 children. The infants, known in the Church as the Holy Innocents, have been claimed as the first Christian martyrs. <br />
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How this turned into an annual celebration of trickery remains a mystery throughout the country. It is said that during the Middle Ages, pagan rites were introduced in to the celebration that for some time came to be known as the “Celebration of the Crazy People” (“Dia de Los Locos”). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Y-BZVZVJyFLtGpvw0XPFwgrPpm_S1l9fEf-guFXo9JWgZHeS7l8IYJZBt7re1CpTHU_huolxsTJ5JttqIgwzBIVe5wpHWKNlnsLLE0CiXnaoPqpPWxpYzW5rjKSDXv8_KApFKl5XN1S/s1600/guy+fool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Y-BZVZVJyFLtGpvw0XPFwgrPpm_S1l9fEf-guFXo9JWgZHeS7l8IYJZBt7re1CpTHU_huolxsTJ5JttqIgwzBIVe5wpHWKNlnsLLE0CiXnaoPqpPWxpYzW5rjKSDXv8_KApFKl5XN1S/s320/guy+fool.jpg" /></a></div>It was celebrated between Christmas and New Year, a direct show of the significance of Jewish and Christian sentiments during the holy season. Out of this shift in sentiment, over time a new tradition began that combined the underlying pagan sentiment with and the light hearted Christian monks teachings, with the main purpose of the day being the moment to pull all types of pranks on unsuspecting family and friends. Pranks are known as “inocentadas” and their victims are called “inocentes”, or alternatively, the pranksters are the "inocentes" and the victims should not be angry at them, since they could not have committed any sin. It is still not understood how such a morbid historical event could be converted over the centuries to celebrate a completely opposite sentiment and will likely remain a mystery to all.<br />
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So if you find yourself in Costa Rica or most any Latin American country on December 28th, don’t be surprised if you are the butt of someone’s joke or prank. Be warned, the Costa Rican culture has a wonderful sense of humor, meaning no one is safe on this day, so don't be a FOOL!!<br />
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<strong>Author:</strong>: Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in Parismina and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino</a> and owns and operates her own Costa Rica Vacation Rental Homes business called<a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com"> Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com2Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.3867743005325011 -84.1466089004638899.3789413005325013 -84.156693900463893 9.3946073005325 -84.136523900463885tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-90792534246389028872013-11-12T04:22:00.001-08:002013-11-12T04:22:19.352-08:00“Peach Palm”, a sorry translation for the popular Pejibaye Fruit in Costa Rica<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2HkfuxSSGZ6X7cnr9_hLg8VAriYZWvjBdSKI8hCnXFFmjE838a7CUGNJV4JBdQ-hGu5qPN21j5L8zZ2Fvpuf_BO2vW8B6XlIH94MgXMzl5XubSS5UXA9gyKrpt6xSyd6nOKmzhvCjaM/s1600-h/pejibayes.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2HkfuxSSGZ6X7cnr9_hLg8VAriYZWvjBdSKI8hCnXFFmjE838a7CUGNJV4JBdQ-hGu5qPN21j5L8zZ2Fvpuf_BO2vW8B6XlIH94MgXMzl5XubSS5UXA9gyKrpt6xSyd6nOKmzhvCjaM/s200/pejibayes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442636121046807778" /></a><br />
When traveling or living in a foreign country, experimenting with foods, fruits and customs of the host country should be a part of your adventures. In this blog post, we are going to focus on a popular Costa Rican fruit, the “Pejibaye”. One of Costa Rica’s most readily available fruits, they can be found throughout the country’s farmer’s markets, supermarkets and street corners. It’s unique flavor, nutritional value and vivid colors, makes this fruit an interesting addition to any <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/restaurants-casino/food-fun-at-byblos.htm">Costa Rican cuisine</a>.<br />
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Pejibayes grow hanging in large clusters of 50-100 fruits, with some clusters having as many as 300 fruits, weighing 25 lbs or more, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7rUlr-or6UWl5GsWpgG0NvgIStMRAovZxK-8bOeadTXFhkoI3Cgego3kZ-0DFKVwU08UDATJiq3xfa2FMhX4B3uJ6HSUxNF5uJpVSkCYeFV7C7XwH_diyh3ZaQ-dZol5IEIzRfEa4Oo/s1600/p+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7rUlr-or6UWl5GsWpgG0NvgIStMRAovZxK-8bOeadTXFhkoI3Cgego3kZ-0DFKVwU08UDATJiq3xfa2FMhX4B3uJ6HSUxNF5uJpVSkCYeFV7C7XwH_diyh3ZaQ-dZol5IEIzRfEa4Oo/s320/p+tree.jpg" /></a></div>and located high upon very spiney Palm Trees that often attain heights of 65-100 ft. These Palms are the same species that produce Costa Rica’s famous Hearts of Palm, another very popular offering found throughout this country. Available in a variety of colors ranging from yellow to orange to red to green, the waxy generally orange colored skin of the Pejibaye fruit is a favorite throughout the country. <br />
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The starchy texture and potato like consistency of the Pejibaye, requires a certain amount of cooking and preparation in order to <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMds3KJlcHReJgnCOu8sIF-E8c9MNf-JzCtquqhiirUCczh8EUh5Yjwn-AAPGFUVL1WdCw33Wyo-_AeWEcDlyYQPkanIodW6NCleqJkKrFlBuz7JsKGKrS4C2iFS-ZFTImSiMXGG6DzDM/s1600/peji.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMds3KJlcHReJgnCOu8sIF-E8c9MNf-JzCtquqhiirUCczh8EUh5Yjwn-AAPGFUVL1WdCw33Wyo-_AeWEcDlyYQPkanIodW6NCleqJkKrFlBuz7JsKGKrS4C2iFS-ZFTImSiMXGG6DzDM/s320/peji.png" /></a></div>make them eatable, and to bring them to the height of their flavor. The preferred method of preparation is to place the entire fruits into large pots of well-salted boiling water, then cooking them for anywhere from 1-2 hours. Eventually, the pejibayes soften (to a certain extent), at which time you can then peel them, cut them in half, removing the large central seed, and place them on a plate in halves or quarters. At that point, the Pejibayes are most commonly served with a small dollop of mayonnaise (or sometimes dipped in butter) helping to contrast the natural dryness of the fruit, and bringing out their natural subtle sweetness. The brilliant orange fleshy color is maintained throughout the process and enhances the natural presentation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx0USSy5aKlSsMkWMgHm-XkP_u05KeJLJCqDDwdjhOk90l5xgInnEL0zr7QyOgcZLBENTKm4rFNNNoOC-gMdkTIC1g9Hrgiha0BY85p3jDRUO3qxLFDheP5JsKVxZIz71GV1pckvIP88/s1600/boil+p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx0USSy5aKlSsMkWMgHm-XkP_u05KeJLJCqDDwdjhOk90l5xgInnEL0zr7QyOgcZLBENTKm4rFNNNoOC-gMdkTIC1g9Hrgiha0BY85p3jDRUO3qxLFDheP5JsKVxZIz71GV1pckvIP88/s320/boil+p.jpg" /></a></div>Roadside vendors sell boiled Pejibayes at makeshift stands all across the country, as well as the weekend farmers markets offer the ready cooked fruits and raw “racimes” of the fruits weekly. Pejibayes are so popular, that even some of the most prestigious supermarkets throughout Costa Rica have the boiled fruits for sale at all hours in their vegetable sections. <br />
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The Pejibaye, Bactris gasipaes, is also referred to as the “Peach Palm”, and is thought to be indigenous to Amazonian areas of <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfEQuvT0dyRB0IqTyT-RTwt0zU7E-6BtO1sif0XJhXlecNpjhZottPX8SaULkRBNVZVsqFzlme5zoXgxW9GLR2yKWOyP9if2TM_HibdjKqaGdGdxLObG12PfHI8kcz0UeQuY1RTQbQ-I/s1600/p+seller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfEQuvT0dyRB0IqTyT-RTwt0zU7E-6BtO1sif0XJhXlecNpjhZottPX8SaULkRBNVZVsqFzlme5zoXgxW9GLR2yKWOyP9if2TM_HibdjKqaGdGdxLObG12PfHI8kcz0UeQuY1RTQbQ-I/s320/p+seller.jpg" /></a></div>Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil, and found in other tropical locales such as Trinidad, Panama, having been cultivated and distributed by Indians for centuries. The fruit is plentiful in a literally wild state on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica, as well as large farms that cultivate the fruit for national and international distribution can be found there. Although not as common in other areas of Central America, it is still found throughout Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala, as well as Panama since the Pejibaye fruit requires a tropical climate with the ideal average annual temperature ranging between 64°F and 75°F (18°-24°C). At low elevations with excessive rainfall, the palm will not produce viable fruits. <br />
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The biggest downfall of this hearty little fruit is that an average 100 grams of Pejibaye fruit contains a hearty amount of <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDJGyGxcB_h-fcAZ3k2oKIwxPJC9JkcDIJ2dZyfp7OHqzV_gCHVfpX4nPdYZmJ3t14ew_LsPqrixSJvmgBY6GXlhYvBZymw_1xfft5DaNq_zBbCYTZR1-ji8xArAxC9FuqcRGSUXXXko/s1600/p+nuj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDJGyGxcB_h-fcAZ3k2oKIwxPJC9JkcDIJ2dZyfp7OHqzV_gCHVfpX4nPdYZmJ3t14ew_LsPqrixSJvmgBY6GXlhYvBZymw_1xfft5DaNq_zBbCYTZR1-ji8xArAxC9FuqcRGSUXXXko/s320/p+nuj.jpg" /></a></div>calories, definitely eliminating them as an option for anyone watching their weight. Nonetheless, if you find that you just cannot resist the allure of this tropical gem, the following is one of the most popular recipes to make the most of your experimentation with the ever so popular Costa Rican “Pejibaye”. <br />
Sopa de Pejibaye Recipe (Palm Fruit Soup)<br />
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10-12 pejibayes<br />
3 cups chicken stock<br />
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil<br />
3 cups milk<br />
1 onion chopped<br />
3 cloves garlic chopped or pressed<br />
1 red, yellow or green sweet pepper.<br />
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste<br />
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Wash and boil the pejibayes in salted water until soft (about 1.5 hours). Remove from the water, and when able to handle, peel and core them. Puree the pejibayes with the chicken stock.<br />
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Sauté the onion, garlic, and pepper in the oil until the onions are clear, then combine all the ingredients in a stock pot and simmer for another 10 minutes or so. Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOQ6USdPQIbWln9YxeASytu8uFmKQJnS0ofWhdYz-EVXzJIuRdggtniFhUfc0qkz5uCUART_5bA8WNdD82WOsz6lqQMaVp4CkTHNdb9Azq7UDxdhyOUl754MDM8w4dmJRFGb-RegLKeM/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: center; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOQ6USdPQIbWln9YxeASytu8uFmKQJnS0ofWhdYz-EVXzJIuRdggtniFhUfc0qkz5uCUART_5bA8WNdD82WOsz6lqQMaVp4CkTHNdb9Azq7UDxdhyOUl754MDM8w4dmJRFGb-RegLKeM/s320/soup.jpg" /></a></div>Author: Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns her own Costa Rica Vacation Rental Home Business <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com1Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.4048797694707726 -84.1561066025856239.404634769470773 -84.156421602585624 9.4051247694707723 -84.155791602585623tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-33456550565535161792013-10-23T04:18:00.002-07:002013-10-23T04:18:29.027-07:00Geckos of Costa Rica.....Friend, Foe or a Little of Both?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX6mr5n2pOhhFpXFgbvpEHQMdGhfJl-Y4HLv0MEuhOr3eXnohoHWSl8JTBWL66aFglvOmaD7cCh9t-RKmFk3yaK7HA-HAJ2O2a6QBTQ6jGDTIa-lAEzy0RYcSOm8EDxg7GUYB8-fYV9w/s1600/gecko+eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX6mr5n2pOhhFpXFgbvpEHQMdGhfJl-Y4HLv0MEuhOr3eXnohoHWSl8JTBWL66aFglvOmaD7cCh9t-RKmFk3yaK7HA-HAJ2O2a6QBTQ6jGDTIa-lAEzy0RYcSOm8EDxg7GUYB8-fYV9w/s320/gecko+eating.jpg" /></a></div>If you are planning a visit or to live in Costa Rica, you had best make peace with the local <b>Gecko</b> population. Hearty little lizards, they are ubiquitous throughout the country and although they are not always a welcome sight to all, you need to rethink this as they are actually working on your behalf!<br />
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The first encounter I had with Geckos when I arrived to beautiful Costa Rica was at night as we sat quietly rocking our chairs on <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn4YYMFzlCSkqj2PnNlniX9B8x2g-D1-xNEdJvR73iKB9hB1i99P8hQHTGI5rGTwvO3tH3-zjcPgcUr2BYAx85fse9HwM-ucdnSZQkbf3Mp_7XKCyGyqNQTRfK4YzbPcLW_zht_py8qA/s1600/gecko+resting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn4YYMFzlCSkqj2PnNlniX9B8x2g-D1-xNEdJvR73iKB9hB1i99P8hQHTGI5rGTwvO3tH3-zjcPgcUr2BYAx85fse9HwM-ucdnSZQkbf3Mp_7XKCyGyqNQTRfK4YzbPcLW_zht_py8qA/s320/gecko+resting.jpg" /></a></div>the porch enjoying the warm evening tropical breezes. As we watched, the overhead lights literally became the local pub crawl for the Geckos who would happily belly up to the insect bar and make a quick meal of hapless species that sadly were lower on the food chain than these cute little lizards. Although considered nocturnal, that does not mean that these little guys don't work around the clock, as you will likely see them any time of the day or night working on lowering the abundant tropical insect population.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p1E7Q-F9Zb5KfZlHMfxvdPx8hFctvvy3Kf8dJDP6gr-8GEAbKw4lOBaqZNoSIDptFCwuoDHhTc4QooTrQs5Kt27rie8jQKaeZHTUIIXF-LFAiAnckBY2sdne5LzIslciFIUQZBKIFoE/s1600/geckos+en+force.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p1E7Q-F9Zb5KfZlHMfxvdPx8hFctvvy3Kf8dJDP6gr-8GEAbKw4lOBaqZNoSIDptFCwuoDHhTc4QooTrQs5Kt27rie8jQKaeZHTUIIXF-LFAiAnckBY2sdne5LzIslciFIUQZBKIFoE/s320/geckos+en+force.jpg" /></a></div>Not previously having planned on my life being inhabited by a flurry of tiny meat eating mini-dinosaurs, it took a little time to get used to my new found friends and embrace their helpful presence which includes them periodically making a sound that is distinctly like they are laughing at you, as well as their constant deposit of poopy gecko presents. I'm not particularly big on that part!<br />
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It is said that having Geckos in your house is actually a good omen. Whether that is true or not is up for dispute, but the fact that these lizards are handy little pest controllers is impossible to argue after you have seen them in action.<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I75zYaWRL8w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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These little lizards ability to scurry up a wall, hang upside down from a roof or beam, cling to all surface types including wood, glass, metal, plastic, fabric, etc, as well as maneuver on smooth, bumpy or even wet surfaces is bound to make even the biggest lizard skeptic find a new admiration for these versatile little critters.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9TaT5R2Sdwj-FmgXV2G9p5eUNg90Wp9WRVb0u4K9BI7b6toR538ncVF7Rbvi3H4MC0gtgrK-Ksi-zWr6zDyz4Ebjkp_W4bj84oQDLfP1Rew5ksLhiwLlo3cHEXaeDEBbI3pxYLhznvE/s1600/gecko+happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9TaT5R2Sdwj-FmgXV2G9p5eUNg90Wp9WRVb0u4K9BI7b6toR538ncVF7Rbvi3H4MC0gtgrK-Ksi-zWr6zDyz4Ebjkp_W4bj84oQDLfP1Rew5ksLhiwLlo3cHEXaeDEBbI3pxYLhznvE/s320/gecko+happy.jpg" /></a></div>Happy little guys, if you are sitting around and hear a surprisingly loud laughing sound.....incredibly, its the Geckos! How can you not fall in love with little lizards that laugh while they work? Its really quite astonishing the hearty chuckle that comes from these little reptiles! They are said to make this hee hee hee sound when defending their territory or for calling mates, but sometimes I suspect they are just laughing at me! (Do I sound paranoid?) <a href="http://youtu.be/pApRHfWZhzw">Click here</a> to hear one!<br />
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Geckos are also hearty little pro-creators. The females normally lay two eggs at a time in secure hidden places that can sometimes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz45XYZMW8rYy4OqP3RHp_lSZQF-mUpIVL4oyXWLlRGyGmEc8Hm1OSO7qrazUTUXs-twWxPY65vdu7cR_bUIAUN7UjTJbCG54Lcchmxru4aaGe0ywvBLaSHBxni1K9K8gC4xeXWrYS3vo/s1600/geckos+mating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz45XYZMW8rYy4OqP3RHp_lSZQF-mUpIVL4oyXWLlRGyGmEc8Hm1OSO7qrazUTUXs-twWxPY65vdu7cR_bUIAUN7UjTJbCG54Lcchmxru4aaGe0ywvBLaSHBxni1K9K8gC4xeXWrYS3vo/s320/geckos+mating.jpg" /></a></div>include inside an old pair of shoes, between clothes not worn for some time, covey holes of walls and closets, window moldings and any number of surprise spots that the little <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTet753GzMvJVa07TFKNaaY91G30cylQ5_rY1XwrzCP_kyWEqITQdBvZcZbgXAEA77eMwHfm4AOVOa7g5wW8yMBI7YiNwx1_Rgam4j1_ozXIscsFrOsk3wyPdZUShA7VGYdQssuDv5nOY/s1600/gecko+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTet753GzMvJVa07TFKNaaY91G30cylQ5_rY1XwrzCP_kyWEqITQdBvZcZbgXAEA77eMwHfm4AOVOa7g5wW8yMBI7YiNwx1_Rgam4j1_ozXIscsFrOsk3wyPdZUShA7VGYdQssuDv5nOY/s320/gecko+eggs.jpg" /></a></div>white eggs might tumble out of when least expected. Since they will often lay eggs in a community spot for more security, it can be quite a little scrambled egg mess when sliding an unsuspecting foot in the old shoe full of pebble sized eggs. Ew. Just another good reason (excuse?) to wear flip flops daily! Surviving Gecko eggs will take anywhere from 5-8 weeks to incubate, and these little guys can plan on a life span of around 7-9 years total.<br />
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Truly one of the most fascinating aspects of the Gecko life is their unique ability to climb and stick to just about anything! Most <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Tjf-iGAzGi43ZSQl3atlFj0B4HsZrc6HIVl5uSpAyZ1hfuOqTDSC9ZuNxn7oMKQAN90ccW5f2xIPwFCuVgVm-lhqid6SLi6tcraV8LYiyTuiEVpajF0mpWrZC1483ht-iaG8HpQSQ_A/s1600/gecko+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Tjf-iGAzGi43ZSQl3atlFj0B4HsZrc6HIVl5uSpAyZ1hfuOqTDSC9ZuNxn7oMKQAN90ccW5f2xIPwFCuVgVm-lhqid6SLi6tcraV8LYiyTuiEVpajF0mpWrZC1483ht-iaG8HpQSQ_A/s320/gecko+feet.jpg" /></a></div>people think or assume they have suction toes that allow them to cling. Although some species do, upon closer examination to many of the most common Geckos, they do not have cup shaped toes that allow them to push air out and stick. Okay, so you might think its the power of friction helping them stick to walls, However, that becomes hard to explain when they are hanging completely upside down from the roof and not making any friction. Sticky feet would seem like the most logical answer, however upon scientific study, Geckos don't have any glands to <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyIyUjEcf_l4WBhm3YrEjBXLk_v9mkwRTMlu2szd8vpW52H2xRIKaoKCfT1YmJQdCkvpKMMoqI5QDeXHy5vyrLOUIRNRt4S8q7iK4iHatI-sfIeUu2gRbWWlv1_snWXRoVOvHuLJ4kWs/s1600/gecko+foot+up+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyIyUjEcf_l4WBhm3YrEjBXLk_v9mkwRTMlu2szd8vpW52H2xRIKaoKCfT1YmJQdCkvpKMMoqI5QDeXHy5vyrLOUIRNRt4S8q7iK4iHatI-sfIeUu2gRbWWlv1_snWXRoVOvHuLJ4kWs/s320/gecko+foot+up+close.jpg" /></a></div>produce a sticky like substance, so rule that hypothesis out. So how do they do it? Scientists have wondered the same things for years and upon further study they have discovered that the magic lies in the interaction between molecules. Scientists call this the "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_der_Waals%27_force">Van der Waals Force</a>". Say what?? Through further examination, it would appear that each Gecko toe has a network of millions of tiny hairs (Setae) that are tipped with tiny little pads that produce <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EZc8JXyhpOBFjqTrTeWS3waiwEgnMHnBioKOIDf4GyhXJ85Ajc_EB2Ouzrop1-I6Yliv0Gr2TQ1_3qxopioPPdYnTAUsmXvbTdzE2MnLkrlD-uq2nS7OGDLqueOhY7UuGeStTJhvrzE/s1600/gecko+upside+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EZc8JXyhpOBFjqTrTeWS3waiwEgnMHnBioKOIDf4GyhXJ85Ajc_EB2Ouzrop1-I6Yliv0Gr2TQ1_3qxopioPPdYnTAUsmXvbTdzE2MnLkrlD-uq2nS7OGDLqueOhY7UuGeStTJhvrzE/s320/gecko+upside+down.jpg" /></a></div>a molecular reaction that makes those microscopic little pads work like little sticky hooks. Combine that with the recent discovery that these lizards have a special secretial gland that allows them to absorb and secrete liquid at the same time and this combines to make this little fellers even stronger than a steroid soaked bodybuilder training for the Olympics! In fact, Geckos are so strong they can even hang from a single toe!! Quite a feat for such a small creature and even more so for a reptile! I wonder if we should be harnessing this knowledge and ability for more useful purposes in our normal day to day life? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3PDt61R8Y7CEknRGtV5tZNGuP0JV5be3_PnQaVCEbfWHMgg_7cP-DntXQ2v3IMf2zCGtYDDDWqX8vdx4KTQB2qumfL_6idTo_swIO22Sd5gdkReS5uEyuTudDRog4lFadc87hiHz5Os/s1600/gecko+colored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3PDt61R8Y7CEknRGtV5tZNGuP0JV5be3_PnQaVCEbfWHMgg_7cP-DntXQ2v3IMf2zCGtYDDDWqX8vdx4KTQB2qumfL_6idTo_swIO22Sd5gdkReS5uEyuTudDRog4lFadc87hiHz5Os/s320/gecko+colored.jpg" /></a></div>If variety is the spice of life, then there is plenty of spice in Costa Rica! Geckos can be found on almost every continent except Antartica (they're not big on cold), but Costa Rica and its warm temps are definitely the perfect tropical home for these little guys. Of the 750 species found worldwide, Costa Rica boasts 9 Gecko species within its borders. Coming in a variety of colors, sizes and habitats, the only negative thing I can say about the Geckos is they are sadly not potty trained. Depositing their little (and sometimes not so little) white & black poopy pile wherever they desire is definitely one of the negative sides of the whole <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeZ1dPy5u8w7NdIlkQL_nh1ln7cPq7y2hk0x1fpu6GCFFkFqIDoorwZurFguac4kleTwb9HxbnlsmmFKaCzwzMsPS_WCKOP6lJ7pGuTeb3TCV_bVJHeMt4h6pmEXl6zIbrvUPrO2LdBE/s1600/gecko+poop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeZ1dPy5u8w7NdIlkQL_nh1ln7cPq7y2hk0x1fpu6GCFFkFqIDoorwZurFguac4kleTwb9HxbnlsmmFKaCzwzMsPS_WCKOP6lJ7pGuTeb3TCV_bVJHeMt4h6pmEXl6zIbrvUPrO2LdBE/s320/gecko+poop.jpg" /></a></div>Gecko experience. Be forewarned......they have no problem and I suspect may even aim to sometimes leave their "deposit" right on your unsuspecting person. I have been poo bombed by many a Gecko over the many years I have lived in Costa Rica, and though I am not happy about it, when you watch these cute litte guys and their insect killing ability, as well as hear that enthusiastic laugh they share, its hard not to find them to still be one of the more appealing members of the reptile family!<br />
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Beyond the Gecko's excellent insect control capabilities, they possess other distinctive characteristics that are rather endearing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1QIXm9ThLEDtSBXQJ0Eh0Ysg4ZmTIPOvVcW_0y2RRpA3c9h4uwsauqFlGE_J-iV0_nMHxyWKIysTcQPMPM-V4evYnk9DofXu7_Y3ATR6e26xYzGpcNk41SBSy78nuZwvx7LjLEZb_NI/s1600/gecko+see+thru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1QIXm9ThLEDtSBXQJ0Eh0Ysg4ZmTIPOvVcW_0y2RRpA3c9h4uwsauqFlGE_J-iV0_nMHxyWKIysTcQPMPM-V4evYnk9DofXu7_Y3ATR6e26xYzGpcNk41SBSy78nuZwvx7LjLEZb_NI/s320/gecko+see+thru.jpg" /></a></div>Geckos have the ability to camouflage themselves by changing their colors to help them blend into their environment while hunting for food. They also can change their colors to reflect emotions such as fear, excitement or anger. Therefore, if you see a red faced gecko....I guess it would be best to play it safe and give it a wide berth! Another rather impressive characteristic of the Gecko is their ability to detach their <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU42bLfCCqhyphenhyphenVhRn60zw7hZpjsNx4v_pUs_4z7UOLnfXMozt-aRRf0AdiIc7Kzmfy78Xr7IXFuCtnZXhhBjzkmWhpkFo-fRtJ-b48eAp91st4VII7lrIKFWcA2FG2otoe4scdvZMihPy4/s1600/gecko+eye+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU42bLfCCqhyphenhyphenVhRn60zw7hZpjsNx4v_pUs_4z7UOLnfXMozt-aRRf0AdiIc7Kzmfy78Xr7IXFuCtnZXhhBjzkmWhpkFo-fRtJ-b48eAp91st4VII7lrIKFWcA2FG2otoe4scdvZMihPy4/s320/gecko+eye+cover.jpg" /></a></div>tail. Got someone hot on your ass? Just detach that tail and leave them something to chew on while you escape to grow a new one. Must be handy, and crooks would love that ability! Lastly, the third amazing characteristic is the ability to change the aperture of the pupil of the eye while in bright <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG8hYsUFmey65fTBhIHzuog9vQWxA5UyygjsCjNjl8QJlBv-tv3ik7dyYRW_lxC6dLcOg9n7j3zsES2O2Ip7x8ITlU2htaqbbOkWNyevWVqdkqIduy0D_91p_QOE6BCnStiUYios2Z-E/s1600/gecko+no+tail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG8hYsUFmey65fTBhIHzuog9vQWxA5UyygjsCjNjl8QJlBv-tv3ik7dyYRW_lxC6dLcOg9n7j3zsES2O2Ip7x8ITlU2htaqbbOkWNyevWVqdkqIduy0D_91p_QOE6BCnStiUYios2Z-E/s320/gecko+no+tail.jpg" /></a></div>sunlight to be a single vertical row of pinhole openings making the iris resemble the color of their skin. In fact, the majority of Geckos actually lack eyelids and instead have a transparent membrane which they lick to clean. They also possess an incredible night vision capability with their eyes being some 350 times more sensitive to light than the human eye. Pretty handy abilities for increasing their overall Gecko warrior abilities and pretty cool stuff for a mini reptile looking to survive in the Costa Rican jungles (or in my house)!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvczcPbQk-z6-Yj7rmRNeYpyQapXzopNEsyhahDUZuSptrynmYx5ZHFE9k0c6yFZHv2kajV-v6_CUiEDbdEdzvGAbyeVA874CiX-8LIx10_d9FpLOIC_aTepUIWweFtD_Leg1K0t96Po/s1600/gecko+friendly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvczcPbQk-z6-Yj7rmRNeYpyQapXzopNEsyhahDUZuSptrynmYx5ZHFE9k0c6yFZHv2kajV-v6_CUiEDbdEdzvGAbyeVA874CiX-8LIx10_d9FpLOIC_aTepUIWweFtD_Leg1K0t96Po/s320/gecko+friendly.jpg" /></a></div>So are you impressed yet? Well you should be, as these little creatures have managed to evolve and perfect their talents to become some of the most efficient jungle inhabitats to be found! So on your next vacation, be sure to watch around your <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Costa Rica hotels</a>, <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">homes</a>, sodas or jungle areas for the opportunity to observe, befriend and photograph your new little lizard companions. Not only will they laugh along with you, but they will make every effort to keep you mosquito bite free! So it just goes to show....it's not just the "Ticos" that are friendly, their lizards are friendly too!! Now that surely is another sign of Pura Vida!!<br />
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<b>Author:</b><br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino</a> and owns her own Costa Rica Vacation Rental Homes business, <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.<br />
EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com10Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.40447226129511 -84.1559000724914779.40251426129511 -84.158421572491477 9.40643026129511 -84.153378572491476tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-23954995235811073542013-10-07T04:49:00.001-07:002013-10-07T04:49:23.200-07:00“Carnavales” in the City of Limon: An Annual Costa Rican Tradition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBztZCKdcRxheeE7-JDtP3m6BMfNfWBQjXSF8qfxtuegKI8E9NAsmD2M2Qcj80DFviiNYOJMaQZi-Uq0e2mFcWFczv4V9P3uJ6hYVxvuJSAnK8aJnanfv_EVBRtbroopYdyt2NUE6tpCU/s1600/limon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="163" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBztZCKdcRxheeE7-JDtP3m6BMfNfWBQjXSF8qfxtuegKI8E9NAsmD2M2Qcj80DFviiNYOJMaQZi-Uq0e2mFcWFczv4V9P3uJ6hYVxvuJSAnK8aJnanfv_EVBRtbroopYdyt2NUE6tpCU/s200/limon.jpg" /></a></div><strong>When:</strong> October 11-21, 2013 (annual event)<br />
<strong>Where:</strong> Limón<br />
<strong>Cost:</strong> Free<br />
<strong>Hours:</strong> All hours!!<br />
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If you are planning a visit or <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">vacation in Costa Rica</a> soon, in only days Costa Rica's port town of Limón on the Caribbean side of the country, converts to an all out party to celebrate “Carnavales”! Vaguely disguised around celebrating Columbus Day (October 12th) or “Dia de Las Culturas” (as it is known in Costa Rica), locals as well as every strange character you can think of join together in the overconsumption of alcohol, while dancing and parading the streets of Limon to the popular Latin beats of blaring Calypso, Reggae, Samba, Salsa and many other tropical rhythms! A good time is generally guaranteed, all in the name of history, culture and a legitimately good reason to Party!<br />
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<strong>Background of Limon:</strong><br />
Limon (Spanish for Lemon) is the largest “city” on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, as well as the center for Costa Rica’s largest commercial shipping port in nearby Moin. Serving as the capital city of the Limon Province, Christopher Columbus set anchor in 1502. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBpOc7pzk9wudPZBLGdih3JdCkYVlioxtUPFKMg9OKYPdE79qQ5pUyN2UrdGI4zARtEzppZd6feEBCGEGD6ObUOru7zZJ8QwLkOO_HCHoVIxkxI5g-Usz_mE_S-h-hCYj5Y6TCu8V3_Y/s1600/audio+pic+limon.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBpOc7pzk9wudPZBLGdih3JdCkYVlioxtUPFKMg9OKYPdE79qQ5pUyN2UrdGI4zARtEzppZd6feEBCGEGD6ObUOru7zZJ8QwLkOO_HCHoVIxkxI5g-Usz_mE_S-h-hCYj5Y6TCu8V3_Y/s200/audio+pic+limon.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522136518603694338" /></a> It is said that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lim%C3%B3n_Province">Limon</a> was named after the large lemon tree that used to grow where the City Hall is now located, but that rumor has not substantiated over the years. <br />
Also known at the Pearl of the Caribbean, Limon is an exotic province characterized by the friendly openness of its culturally diverse population, as well as the richness of its Afro-Caribbean customs. <br />
Limon’s economy is based primarily on banana, cacao and pineapple production and exportation, as well as the raising of cattle, though the yearly cruise ship season brings a large influx of tourism to the area. Considered to have the largest population of black people in all of Costa Rica, the Afro-Caribbean culture derives from mostly Jamaican descent. Originally brought to this area as slaves to build the railway connecting the Atlantic coastline with the Central Plateau (San Jose) for the shipping of goods by land, a large Chinese immigrant population also remains from this same ambitious project. <br />
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<strong>Highlights of “Carnaval”:</strong><br />
The first Carnaval (that is the correct spelling for Costa Rica), was held in 1949 and was the brainchild of the late <a href="http://www.costaricaway.net/artcaribe/pdf/gentecultura.pdf ">Alfred Henry King</a> and friends, who felt it was a good opportunity to unite the Costa Rican culture (originally descendents from Spain) together with the primarily black <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s6JwxMzHxWGVuk2miqN5SLjGORcW2E1DZPjh_ZyScF3UOFzxBT8-EAReVgzyI535gC1nyb0Fe9sLi31DlI30nBpFFsp-B1BqJryh6VdPbkRJvE1-VNE7f2Q1n4QcP6noCxQ0vyf0e2E/s1600/carnaval+fat.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s6JwxMzHxWGVuk2miqN5SLjGORcW2E1DZPjh_ZyScF3UOFzxBT8-EAReVgzyI535gC1nyb0Fe9sLi31DlI30nBpFFsp-B1BqJryh6VdPbkRJvE1-VNE7f2Q1n4QcP6noCxQ0vyf0e2E/s200/carnaval+fat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522136519736180034" /></a> Caribbean Culture (mostly African, Caribbean and Chinese descendents), which had suffered strained relationships throughout Costa Rican history. In just over 60 years, the Carnavales de Limon is now considered the most popular Festival in the entire country. It’s interesting that Costa Rica does not celebrate Columbus arriving to “America”; it celebrates the uniting of cultures. Pretty forward thinking!<br />
During Carnaval, throngs of people line the streets to watch and cheer on the “beauty queens”, loud marching bands, and to see the brightly colored costumes of the “Comparsas”. Colorfully dressed and adorned coordinated dance troupes, the Comparsas wildly and skillfully shake their booties (booties of ALL ages and ALL sizes!!)to the loud tropical beats of mostly Brazilian Samba & Latin Salsa for miles and miles. It is quite a loud drum banging, hip swinging, cuchi cuchi type show, worth the 2.5 hour drive from San Jose!<br />
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<strong>My own Adventures at Carnaval:</strong><br />
Having lived on the Caribbean coast for 10 years, I have had the pleasure to personally attend Carnaval. Beyond the great live music throughout the 10 days of the event, one of my favorite parts (and there are many) is the Carnaval Infantil (Children’s Parade). Large macho men run around wearing large “muumuu” style dresses with HUGE handcrafted masks on their heads (see picture). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJxghe-7iegRCaSOsEGBOtfC1aOgl4LvqkjQCtZAl2oHIMmIaddMnebxoJV8a2uuK9KcEhYCgs-dvLQ1gqI86UDrtxtHhd4lP9exKVkPw98HV9lrocbghjSWSqnXWJcy0Th1QSRxoSPQ/s1600/mascaradas.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJxghe-7iegRCaSOsEGBOtfC1aOgl4LvqkjQCtZAl2oHIMmIaddMnebxoJV8a2uuK9KcEhYCgs-dvLQ1gqI86UDrtxtHhd4lP9exKVkPw98HV9lrocbghjSWSqnXWJcy0Th1QSRxoSPQ/s200/mascaradas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522136509551241794" /></a><br />
The <a href="http://alegresmascaradas.blogspot.com/">“Mascaradas”</a> as they are known, consist of men who play a game known as “Rass’em”. The lucky guy wearing the large mask (check out the peep hole in the picture, so they can see where they are going) chases the other men in the group, and when he is caught, the next guy has to put on the mask and dress and start parading around. A pretty amazing sight for this “macho” society, and really quite entertaining, if not a little creepy!<br />
At night, the Limón Carnaval really comes to life! It’s like an enormous block party with everything located outside in the warm tropical air, just like a county fair, only A LOT crazier!! Rows and rows of booths (or “chinamos” as they are called here) of food, drink, handicrafts, local delicacies (more on those later), and dance floors dot the area and there are always people dancing in the streets (literally)! I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHUPVvJ81A1uhWVYBUugpKFtfPmUODMLI72b81D75_qPu7T407e_t0HXdegVM64s_2lcZNmJU2fVJfWTrNSctCsTqWOMakgyztsGNZpkNS3Mnp9K9Bp22zjJUDPz6f4PvTN78VJ7t2ZM/s1600/limon+carnival.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHUPVvJ81A1uhWVYBUugpKFtfPmUODMLI72b81D75_qPu7T407e_t0HXdegVM64s_2lcZNmJU2fVJfWTrNSctCsTqWOMakgyztsGNZpkNS3Mnp9K9Bp22zjJUDPz6f4PvTN78VJ7t2ZM/s200/limon+carnival.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522138314527994498" /></a>personally love the Reggae music coming out of houses, offices and every corner of the city, that is my kind of music “mon”. My biggest challenge is trying to understand the Jamaican Creole dialect. I speak English and am fluent in Spanish, fortunately so are most of the inhabitants of Limon, as otherwise, I would be at a loss for much of what they are saying in their unique dialect. Whoppin? (What’s happening?) Watcha got? (What time is it?) Just a few examples that caused initial confusion on my part, but now seem a natural part of conversation!<br />
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<strong>The Food of Limon:</strong><br />
Visitors have not had the full Limon experience and definitely not the Carnaval experience without trying some true, authentic Caribbean style food. First and foremost, you must try the “Rice and Beans”. This is not your everyday “gallo pinto”, though it does look the part. This “rice and beans” is made with coconut milk, and if you are really lucky, has a touch of the super hot Panamanian Chilies thrown in for a surprise kick. Some other favorites of the area are the ubiquitous “Pan Bon”, similar <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0zhqYZly0vuxYiqjZ2S8sztMibWUPv5FCkWhlVgWLc_ozq-BqrxaR7Wka7xnCqycwz-In5aryefjIwhR_n5y-JpTXdQDqgoxZx2lgG_dP1CXFIdQs5bcYtXQfs9Ac95fYdqPzV3Mjtg/s1600/food+limon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="133" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0zhqYZly0vuxYiqjZ2S8sztMibWUPv5FCkWhlVgWLc_ozq-BqrxaR7Wka7xnCqycwz-In5aryefjIwhR_n5y-JpTXdQDqgoxZx2lgG_dP1CXFIdQs5bcYtXQfs9Ac95fYdqPzV3Mjtg/s200/food+limon.jpg" /></a></div>to Christmas Fruitcake in the USA and just as nasty to me, as well as “Pati”, a wannabe tasty empanada and Patacones (double fried Plantains), everything’s better fried!! Am I right? My very favorite has to be…… (drum roll please)…..<a href="http://recipeisland.com/blog1/recipe-island/central-america-recipes/central-america-costa-rican-coconut-fudge-cajeta-de-coco-2/">”cajeta”</a>. A delicious coconut candy with the texture of very firm fudge, this candy can be found sold on almost every street corner, store, bus stop or “chinamo” throughout the City. (I have some stashed in my refrigerator right now.)<br />
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<strong>In Summary:</strong><br />
If you haven’t had the good fortune to visit the Province of Limon during your <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Costa Rica vacation</a>, it’s not just about the beaches to the South, or the endangered Marine Turtles to the North! The actual City of Limon is worth a visit, and I can’t think of a better or more exciting time to visit the area then during the yearly celebration of Carnaval! <br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-thuJrxo-Yo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<strong>Author:</strong> Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>, a private luxury rental home business.<br />
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<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=166975 <br />
http://www.yourtravelmap.com/costarica/limon/index.php<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lim%C3%B3n_Province<br />
http://www.crtraveler.com/articulo.php?id=100<br />
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/28152_limn-carnaval-in-costa-rica-<br />
http://www.insiderslimon.com/CH1Page.html (Photo & Audio credits, please support their cause!) <br />
http://alegresmascaradas.blogspot.com/ <br />
http://www.costaricaway.net/artcaribe/pdf/gentecultura.pdfEyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com2Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.3803384542795936 -84.1466947311523659.3725054542795938 -84.156779731152369 9.3881714542795933 -84.136609731152362tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-7288462643111971802013-09-28T07:35:00.002-07:002013-09-28T07:35:48.833-07:00The Majestic Toucans of Costa Rica! A Fine Sight to See!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqKDGWnw0YF_rQPczltu23Om8zCFSx3bBDyjMyouVhyiN6zeb4W9R7-wFv2D7NTd-HfXxkx4MjhyEJ8o6RNoPwvauHX6DOZCZGSplYdN5YMOcckUh_VJQkzt8txVcWEip8y_HpMxMpW4/s1600/chestnut+madibilled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqKDGWnw0YF_rQPczltu23Om8zCFSx3bBDyjMyouVhyiN6zeb4W9R7-wFv2D7NTd-HfXxkx4MjhyEJ8o6RNoPwvauHX6DOZCZGSplYdN5YMOcckUh_VJQkzt8txVcWEip8y_HpMxMpW4/s320/chestnut+madibilled.jpg" /></a></div>I don't think anyone will argue the fact that Toucans are stunning birds! From their unique shape to their spectacular and brilliant coloring, these majestic flying wonders are one of the most popular "poster animals" for the tropical forests of the Americas as well as for visitors traveling to Costa Rica. The Toucan family, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toucan">Ramphastos Sulfuratus</a>, is classified with the woodpecker family and contains more than 40 species total. Toucans and the smaller species of Toucanets and Aracaris all mostly found in the tropic areas of the Americas with a total of six species alone being found in Costa Rica and commonly seen while driving or staying at your <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Costa Rica Hotels</a>. From the country’s Pacific slope to the Caribbean lowlands, visitors can observe the following Toucan Species: Keel-Billed, Chestnut-Mandibled, Emerald Toucanet, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Collared Aracari and the Fiery-Billed Aracari.<br />
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Sightings of toucans in the wild is always a thrill, and generally not difficult in Costa Rica with the large size of the bird, its <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ22VEHxtJjARSRECMBn_Z2rKm_5it1b1l_IcR5FDYUCiVxNby5aj3Xllb_XlhaBAcuwmApKplhaLXvhm8ePUdKoWMxEZ0-W5a7_v-QlN-dyDAw1T7vLqtQNN8mgxHeA49FJmfyJQeVk/s1600/fierly+billed.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ22VEHxtJjARSRECMBn_Z2rKm_5it1b1l_IcR5FDYUCiVxNby5aj3Xllb_XlhaBAcuwmApKplhaLXvhm8ePUdKoWMxEZ0-W5a7_v-QlN-dyDAw1T7vLqtQNN8mgxHeA49FJmfyJQeVk/s320/fierly+billed.png" /></a></div>bright colors, as well as the oversized and colorful bill that leads the way. Toucans are usually first noticed flying from treetop to treetop in mating pairs or in small groups. Easily recognized by the bird's most distinguishing feature the colorful, disproportionately large bill, this bird's bill is actually light, mostly hollow, and serves as their primary tool for manipulating the main staple of their diet fruits and seeds. However, once you learn to recognize the <a href="http://youtu.be/wLTGT9UZ7xQ">Toucans call</a>, this is often a much easier to first pick them out of the dense rainforest.<br />
Color and size variations can occur between species, but all Toucans are frugivores, eating fleshy fruits such as papaya, cecropia, berries and palm. They typically forage in the middle canopy layers of the forest and occasionally supplement their diet with eggs, small reptiles, insects and bird hatchlings they find.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GQbDlQs3ol-QnXAdaM0pH7irb4QGPk5bfEyGqj7AHrtiXB8tObrHIqc3RGc3EBdRdioQKjMexfaRNAI-zdotwx1e81XjaRTZ8kn1KKSDmUWlUZxFM9imW9f-iOcJ55YlpFA7se6ju5c/s1600/cover+photo+toucan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GQbDlQs3ol-QnXAdaM0pH7irb4QGPk5bfEyGqj7AHrtiXB8tObrHIqc3RGc3EBdRdioQKjMexfaRNAI-zdotwx1e81XjaRTZ8kn1KKSDmUWlUZxFM9imW9f-iOcJ55YlpFA7se6ju5c/s320/cover+photo+toucan.jpg" /></a></div>The Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos Swansonii) is the largest toucan in Costa Rica. Its multi-colored body is generally black with a yellow bib, and its bill is brown on the lower portion and bright yellow on the upper. The beautiful Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramphastos Sulfuratus) inhabits lowland and mid-elevation forests and is commonly spotted throughout the country. This vibrant bird has a black body, blue feet, a yellow chest and face, and a rainbow-hued beak with a scarlet tip.<br />
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<b>Populations and Habitat</b><br />
Toucans are relatively large active forest birds, usually observed in flocks of 2 to 12 members and sometimes even more. They follow each other from one <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtunYumTIQOp6UlV3x_7eJyUnSxz8Wn1x5IQqNDJzQsw33cj0Un_YKjQMxOwinNNAQI6YkVl10tSOB8jLyih-uhvF7vdwqnMMu3pK9K6CvEvCxxmdVEFHq3T0Qy1XaWFdOTTxZPszaHUM/s1600/emerald+green+toucanette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtunYumTIQOp6UlV3x_7eJyUnSxz8Wn1x5IQqNDJzQsw33cj0Un_YKjQMxOwinNNAQI6YkVl10tSOB8jLyih-uhvF7vdwqnMMu3pK9K6CvEvCxxmdVEFHq3T0Qy1XaWFdOTTxZPszaHUM/s320/emerald+green+toucanette.jpg" /></a></div>tree to another, usually staying towards the top of the canopy, though they will occasional come down to feed off a favorite shrub or to snatch an occasional lizard or large bug. The birds are playful, grasping each other's bills in apparent wrestling contests, as well as tossing fruit to each other or sharing their finds from beak to beak at feeding time. Despite its large size, the bill is surprisingly light, and enables the birds to thrust deep within tree holes in search of food or lodging.<br />
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It has been observed that individual fruit trees are sometimes defended by a mated Toucan pair from other scavenger toucans or other frugivorous birds, including the making of threat displays against other toucans such as the larger Chestnut Mandibled toucans (the largest in Costa Rica) which have been know to bully the slightly smaller Keel-Billed Toucan's by chasing them away after they successfully locate a fruit-laden tree.<br />
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Toucans are common residents in many regions of Costa Rica, threatened mostly by extensive deforestation in their natural <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo9TtRZ9xjEX9bYOh0wNSoJHdlUG9rjeBbvClMvtW6huJOn9sNgktPIJRTDfJoWbq-D5ou5SfWY1yytV1UoGk2EPXJMFqNmFPs8kP0hoJ17isWpOoFAQk-27hcsFQIqQOutyP2GtB8mQ/s1600/collared.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo9TtRZ9xjEX9bYOh0wNSoJHdlUG9rjeBbvClMvtW6huJOn9sNgktPIJRTDfJoWbq-D5ou5SfWY1yytV1UoGk2EPXJMFqNmFPs8kP0hoJ17isWpOoFAQk-27hcsFQIqQOutyP2GtB8mQ/s320/collared.png" /></a></div>habitats. Though none are currently considered a threatened species in Costa Rica, there are still many challenges for these spectacular birds as more and more regions are inhabited <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPqgqxtoNPSIeFvLlxI4bwyb07NAlBAu7fmQ4sW_h_lNMGhuW-sb0BivfSuyX7xfqNFGrN85YX2rqJCBlmbY9DWPiawwagqFBdiNvuLOtPO-aLkB5jZaR5vNsbWgbo_DIzBBjxcSu1Rg/s1600/throw+fruit+and+catch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPqgqxtoNPSIeFvLlxI4bwyb07NAlBAu7fmQ4sW_h_lNMGhuW-sb0BivfSuyX7xfqNFGrN85YX2rqJCBlmbY9DWPiawwagqFBdiNvuLOtPO-aLkB5jZaR5vNsbWgbo_DIzBBjxcSu1Rg/s320/throw+fruit+and+catch.jpg" /></a></div>by humans. Some toucans, such as the Chestnut Mandibled Toucan have suffered substantial population declines in heavily deforested areas of Central America, and others have been forced to adapt to living more and more in partially developed rural areas. These flamboyant birds can easily be spotted commonly in Carara National Park, Tortuguero, <a href="http://www.makanda.com/why-makanda/manuel-antonio-park.htm">Manuel Antonio National Park</a>, and many parts of the Central Valley and Guanacaste Province. <br />
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<b>Reproduction:</b><br />
Once a male Toucan partners with a female, they mate and remain together as a pair through the nesting season, foraging and parenting as a <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp7CNStvdl06u06IukuVhkXn4QPyIzQQi9iEn9N9C7Mliu3QCsub9v1PF5UY86ejPRZnu5U_KFIGiMrjkDeWPypVGSxoeWbavJBpBVPnr-I7I8AxJd75kGCIGQrWuqVBYB4H-HgT8P8I/s1600/hatchlings.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp7CNStvdl06u06IukuVhkXn4QPyIzQQi9iEn9N9C7Mliu3QCsub9v1PF5UY86ejPRZnu5U_KFIGiMrjkDeWPypVGSxoeWbavJBpBVPnr-I7I8AxJd75kGCIGQrWuqVBYB4H-HgT8P8I/s320/hatchlings.png" /></a></div>couple. Mating pairs dote on one another, feeding their companions fruit and preening their feathers. Toucans generally lay two to four eggs in a mating season. After 16-19 days of <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fNMr9UJ1jqTN-rlHU6NECU-8pSC8GcKUlGDf6l-IyzkFyncGCJW-Kd0YbDrfB4trKKjYaW4zppTtQBJiRRA_EsJkHs79oMEC7nsyG4Q9hhJqepjjm-QW6Onp7oHT3jV2G3r-uS5WosM/s1600/toucan+share+fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fNMr9UJ1jqTN-rlHU6NECU-8pSC8GcKUlGDf6l-IyzkFyncGCJW-Kd0YbDrfB4trKKjYaW4zppTtQBJiRRA_EsJkHs79oMEC7nsyG4Q9hhJqepjjm-QW6Onp7oHT3jV2G3r-uS5WosM/s320/toucan+share+fruit.jpg" /></a></div>incubation, the blind and naked nestlings emerge. The young are fed by both parents and remain in the care of the parent birds for six weeks while their beaks fully developed, their plumage comes in, and they are strong enough to fly. Toucans typically have two or three clutches a year; though it is not completely known if they keep the same mate or have a new one for each breeding.<br />
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<b>Summary of Interesting Toucan Facts:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGDN7OnicetqUzlonBM5h3MfVWhiZaAZmV5HlVGvKBJRUDuVIZbYEHeplR2vXhisrUFuG1NN3W-wTmndXtn66B7qeeeKNk2tNe_qUgtuPuwlnysTVQ3qtO0fARIdWJJkqqL0_7CX9VUU/s1600/keel+billed.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGDN7OnicetqUzlonBM5h3MfVWhiZaAZmV5HlVGvKBJRUDuVIZbYEHeplR2vXhisrUFuG1NN3W-wTmndXtn66B7qeeeKNk2tNe_qUgtuPuwlnysTVQ3qtO0fARIdWJJkqqL0_7CX9VUU/s320/keel+billed.png" /></a></div><b>What does the Toucan diet consist of?</b><br />
Toucans are frugivores, so they eat mostly fruits and nuts. However, they occasionally snack on insects and small lizards as well.<br />
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<b>What are the predator threats to Toucans?</b><br />
Snakes and lizards often raid bird nests, effecting the ability to reach adult numbers. Also, birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks can be a threat to the smaller or younger species. Felines, such as jaguars and margays will also eat a toucan given the opportunity.<br />
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<b>How do Toucans protect or defend themselves?</b><br />
Toucans nest and sleep in hollow tree holes. Toucan groups will often make a raucous chorus of noise should a predator approach the flock, usually serving to scare off the threat.<br />
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<b>When trying to spot Toucans, where should I be looking?</b><br />
Toucans generally live in the upper canopy layer, where they can build nests and better protect their young from understory and forest floor predators, as well as guarding against extreme inclimate weather.<br />
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<b>Beyond their natural beauty, why do we need Toucans?</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo91Cjb4kxmMw0yQz1guB_jcjSVNPngLjojnoG2YPrAqF-Qqd3J3o3Y8Qh5aiX5UOeC0ycKCBWEIwepfZMvKMJYXq8_eNA7S__SDkxEXvFLxNGxbPlmu-tT0hX0udsLCKB6MhyQml-jMc/s1600/toucan+eat+fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo91Cjb4kxmMw0yQz1guB_jcjSVNPngLjojnoG2YPrAqF-Qqd3J3o3Y8Qh5aiX5UOeC0ycKCBWEIwepfZMvKMJYXq8_eNA7S__SDkxEXvFLxNGxbPlmu-tT0hX0udsLCKB6MhyQml-jMc/s320/toucan+eat+fruit.jpg" /></a></div>Toucans are an integral part the rainforest eco-system due to their extensive spreading of fruit seeds. They eat the fruit, at which time the seeds pass through their stomachs unharmed and are later deposited in other parts of the rainforest to produce a new tree. In other words, many forest trees grow under a parent tree due to fallen or dropped fruit, but the Toucans have important work to disperse eaten fruit seeds ensuring a variety of fruit trees proliferate throughout the rainforest system as the birds travel.<br />
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<b>What purpose does the large Toucan bill serve?</b><br />
In the Journal of Science a team of researchers has discovered the primary purpose of the large Toucan bill… to stay cool. Apparently Toucans can regulate the flow of blood to their bill to stay cool throughout the day or to conserve heat as needed should the weather turn cold. With a bill that makes up 30% of their size it’s like having their own personal radiator system!<br />
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So the next time you spot one of these amazing creatures, not only will you be mystified by their pure beauty, but you will have a new appreciation for the important purpose they serve in the Eco-Systems of Costa Rica! Happy Bird watching!! <br />
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<b>Learn more about the Toucans of Costa Rica:</b><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kwu3pQWagRk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>Author:</b> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and owns and manages her own Vacation Rental Home business <a href="http://www.manuelantoniorentalhomes.com">Manuel Antonio Rental Homes</a>.EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com3Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.3800844052663432 -84.1466947311523659.3644179052663432 -84.166864731152359 9.3957509052663433 -84.126524731152372tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-63425747805104449072013-09-10T05:34:00.001-07:002013-09-10T05:34:58.387-07:00Get out the Red, White & Blue....It's Almost Costa Rica Independence Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEr3XjK6KWyrtR8bjGn3N6_9vESIazIRUwUi6gx6hUC7bD-DujV3BevyyVQvkyBcrXLJboixtlpKbH2qZ2lTudXtutl49epC-ttVsy7E-tX5c31860iBPHfbx8vBERi_VA8qM1bglaiTs/s1600/mega+seal.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEr3XjK6KWyrtR8bjGn3N6_9vESIazIRUwUi6gx6hUC7bD-DujV3BevyyVQvkyBcrXLJboixtlpKbH2qZ2lTudXtutl49epC-ttVsy7E-tX5c31860iBPHfbx8vBERi_VA8qM1bglaiTs/s320/mega+seal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650794415858374434" /></a>It’s September again and in Costa Rica that means <a href="https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=460571055794">“Mes de La Patria”</a> (Patriotic Month)! This colorful time finds the entire country in a month long celebration of their Independence from Spain with patriotic displays of their red, white and blue flag, colorful parades, thematic dances, concerts, the march of “Faroles” (more on that later) and any other number of celebrations throughout the country. Most events culminate around “Dia de Independencia” (Independence Day), which takes place on September 15th each year!<br />
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A country rich with national pride, Costa Rica encourages its citizens from a very young age to appreciate their Independence Day traditions which are to be celebrated <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbghfsh4IrMKO1K21DxuKVZplwnsU4Zwd59JuYfMoX8RFXJ2TilVXIJFjh-z8hyphenhyphenLYmU7W5ok0gVtIfkaWw8_wTOTgEY-IxC7ogMs5oRnadRPMyCtNLlK593s5nYt3puHl21x8_gcNDkBI/s1600/kids+of+jaco+on+parade.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbghfsh4IrMKO1K21DxuKVZplwnsU4Zwd59JuYfMoX8RFXJ2TilVXIJFjh-z8hyphenhyphenLYmU7W5ok0gVtIfkaWw8_wTOTgEY-IxC7ogMs5oRnadRPMyCtNLlK593s5nYt3puHl21x8_gcNDkBI/s320/kids+of+jaco+on+parade.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650794860882410482" /></a>and passed on to future generations. Schools plan elaborate patriotic displays and lively celebrations both the night of September 14th, as well as more parties, parades and civic marches on September 15th, an official <a href="http://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2011/costa_rica.htm">National Holiday</a>. For the school children, this month marks the culmination of many months of patriotic preparation, social studies on the importance of the date, as well as providing a special night to show off their artistic talents with the march of the “Feroles” (elaborate homemade paper lanterns).<br />
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Although September 15th is the official date to recognize Costa Rica’s independence from Spain in 1821, unlike independence battles common to many other countries, this actually wasn't a particularly significant event for Costa Rica at the time, as the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Glokx7JOf4pR8mrafK79wey-kAIphdmWkhFDpv4SlsgempdJPDFH7T4cnaQaJV3N3Dpr6JV0zR_eE7qVL0UdT1JZbW0bDrZL7iyKjHHbIrUBc_vNGtNzjpsz3KMTrNtIIPmB4L6pjfs/s1600/kids+in+dress.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Glokx7JOf4pR8mrafK79wey-kAIphdmWkhFDpv4SlsgempdJPDFH7T4cnaQaJV3N3Dpr6JV0zR_eE7qVL0UdT1JZbW0bDrZL7iyKjHHbIrUBc_vNGtNzjpsz3KMTrNtIIPmB4L6pjfs/s320/kids+in+dress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650795108356516930" /></a>country had basically functioned independently for years from the <a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitan%C3%ADa_General_de_Guatemala">Capitanía General of Guatemala</a>. However, after the final Spanish defeat in the Mexican War of Independence (1810 to 1821), the authorities in Guatemala declared Independence for all of Central America. So, even though the official date of independence is in 1821, Costa Rica had basically been on it’s own for some time due to Spain's lack of economical, political and even religious interest in this very poor region. <br />
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Nonetheless, the “Ticos” take a great sense of pride in their freedom and their <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCFsWcLKb-caIJY9XlW2GbHS8v6C9qU7HQlaprSYYh7hueW5_5SVJnNItdl-3gMWLJJx6xhQIxvdkQZPEynWj2V8Dc4zzyXbqR0XLLPREX9fBqjtLK3pI1JrZn7-9ySi8moJvHx7EEd0/s1600/feb+rep.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 126px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCFsWcLKb-caIJY9XlW2GbHS8v6C9qU7HQlaprSYYh7hueW5_5SVJnNItdl-3gMWLJJx6xhQIxvdkQZPEynWj2V8Dc4zzyXbqR0XLLPREX9fBqjtLK3pI1JrZn7-9ySi8moJvHx7EEd0/s320/feb+rep.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650849539499741634" /></a>official festivities actually begin on September 14th when a series of runners carry the “freedom” torch from Nicaragua (stopping for Costa Rica in the city of Cartago) and continue all the way to Panama. This is meant to be a re-enactment commemorating history when an official “news” runner ran from border to border of the then <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Republic_of_Central_America">Federal Republic of Central America</a>, notifying the people of the region of their official liberation. Costa Rica did not actually get the news until October 13th, 1821!<br />
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The runners, selected from local schools throughout Central America to carry the torch an average of 500 meters each, take on their task with great honor, as the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEVc8SHpKykIaMq9-4lRTzrEiXmR5bsz54TS4W0LBYq9Ca14F-NCyjlqtNGm6iOQlpKv10in8fQ86qDx3T727Q-HWJtFGLWT0HVnuBtYwtRDjxS1EaLSWgLKcCa5KmOhbBa7wr4gYJIs/s1600/torch.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEVc8SHpKykIaMq9-4lRTzrEiXmR5bsz54TS4W0LBYq9Ca14F-NCyjlqtNGm6iOQlpKv10in8fQ86qDx3T727Q-HWJtFGLWT0HVnuBtYwtRDjxS1EaLSWgLKcCa5KmOhbBa7wr4gYJIs/s320/torch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650849934152326930" /></a>mission serves as a great source of patriotic pride throughout the region. These runners cross the Nicaraguan border into Costa Rica each year on the eve of the day of independence arriving to the (then) capital city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartago,_Costa_Rica">Cartago</a>, where the torch is usually welcomed by the acting president of the country, presently…. Laura Chinchilla. At this same time, most of the country grinds to a halt as almost all TV and radio stations broadcast the national anthem, with most citizens singing along whether they be young or old, home or standing on a street corner, whether riding a bus or driving a car, wherever they may find themselves, their enthusiastic patriotism is both humbling and contagious. <br />
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This impressive event is soon followed in even the smallest of pueblos and including the large cities by the sound of the local fire truck sirens that announce the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeOF7_4gvqGxqTa_kVZ1ORsocd6TL5kUaq1xx-YnaAzOgYVOi-NYghQgpKA7YPV3Vc4M1fKOKQwdlnd6BjDt5KawsBWaizrTnsj9weA_HIP-8jgft7roy_9GIZKOj4vV2wi0DQ7pmjhk/s1600/kids+with+faroles.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeOF7_4gvqGxqTa_kVZ1ORsocd6TL5kUaq1xx-YnaAzOgYVOi-NYghQgpKA7YPV3Vc4M1fKOKQwdlnd6BjDt5KawsBWaizrTnsj9weA_HIP-8jgft7roy_9GIZKOj4vV2wi0DQ7pmjhk/s320/kids+with+faroles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650795644905052722" /></a>beginning of the “Parade of Faroles”. These often elaborate homemade paper lanterns (with candle or light source inside) are meant to symbolize the original torch run and are proudly carried throughout the streets overhead on short poles by children, with their parents <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMuToiWl6n3p4_Q3QFyDGJSYP8uSTW3VHqdu9acg1e7Bd45_jFAm7qGCzQ1xc90G1qqin11mPr4J0bK9b4vkeFRJAEf_-Gh0MqyuTQVMF3Fu33FUTXyMVLZmjz5CpwTm3OIUo5JWexRU/s1600/farole.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMuToiWl6n3p4_Q3QFyDGJSYP8uSTW3VHqdu9acg1e7Bd45_jFAm7qGCzQ1xc90G1qqin11mPr4J0bK9b4vkeFRJAEf_-Gh0MqyuTQVMF3Fu33FUTXyMVLZmjz5CpwTm3OIUo5JWexRU/s320/farole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650795985794265474" /></a>generally following closely along for safety purposes. The <a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farol_(iluminaci%C3%B3n)">faroles</a> are family projects and their design and size can vary greatly from child to child. Some resemble small “Tico” houses, others look like glittering globes, and others are elaborate “typical” scenes of churches or well known national symbols found in Costa Rica. The march of the faroles is often followed by a parade of children dancing traditional dances in adorable typical costumes….a sight that should not be missed!<br />
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Another daytime community parade takes place on the morning of September 15th which <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLPq7N1P3ZMPtXSuUGmv5EMotRqpIcjeoJEVTszO47w7_f-FDnIjj0Cl7XOhRJaIA5CRY0WoraBUU-f0fGVceC8XoefLXgmn_tDsetvpz1PiOR2zF3ilLRkm4zo-t1mhrRG_3FYmI1UQ/s1600/school+march.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLPq7N1P3ZMPtXSuUGmv5EMotRqpIcjeoJEVTszO47w7_f-FDnIjj0Cl7XOhRJaIA5CRY0WoraBUU-f0fGVceC8XoefLXgmn_tDsetvpz1PiOR2zF3ilLRkm4zo-t1mhrRG_3FYmI1UQ/s320/school+march.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650796264910175394" /></a>now includes the adults, important town functionaries, patriotic community members, and just about anyone who chooses to march along and show their pride for Costa Rica. Folks that live along the parade route generally have their houses and yards decked out with large Costa Rican flags and banners to celebrate the big day and they enthusiastically wave their flags as the parade marchers pass by.<br />
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So if you are lucky enough to live in or be visiting Costa Rica in the month of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqb2xBo6_Ts2TLAbjRFotm2WUa1hL92zP_mH7i1N7emgHJt6uHmOnKhpbXxnmM7OG8jRxGLgd1O7rhrIa5mHC4LXvpS7RKb-DzMLr_jiwtz9nVHiE8Pm9JEM-1rroy4P_RwDVfNp2UEk/s1600/ticos.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqb2xBo6_Ts2TLAbjRFotm2WUa1hL92zP_mH7i1N7emgHJt6uHmOnKhpbXxnmM7OG8jRxGLgd1O7rhrIa5mHC4LXvpS7RKb-DzMLr_jiwtz9nVHiE8Pm9JEM-1rroy4P_RwDVfNp2UEk/s320/ticos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650796851204325490" /></a>September, you are sure to take notice of the many festive displays of Tico pride and patriotism just about everywhere you go throughout the country. Therefore, don’t forget to join in and wear your own red, white and blue in celebration of Costa Rica’s <a href="http://www.mep.go.cr/mes_de_la_patria/index.aspx">“Mes de Patria”</a>, the Ticos will welcome you with open arms and their usual big smiles will get even larger as the whole country celebrates Independence and Democracy!!<br />
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Sing along to the <a href="http://youtu.be/qUVT63d2P8A">Costa Rica National Anthem</a>!<br />
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<strong>Author:</strong><br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino</a> and <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Hotel Makanda by the Sea</a>.EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com2Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.4017202454642632 -84.1611572021606669.3978037454642624 -84.166199702160668 9.405636745464264 -84.156114702160664tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-46610443213266507842013-08-24T16:35:00.000-07:002013-08-24T16:35:31.943-07:00National Park Day in Costa Rica! Why pay the entrance when you can go in FREE!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wpBfbAgaUzZNtk-43Awz-QqwGc8vCwRkLWxuaUF2OHC4Tg9aFccMnAA-sMpixUSDeimZyW5tqyGPMYTs_QyNWsOXxZuEhqm7BDu3JnlOqvLAfXJ5-JmbD3Pb5oYYIFWZrIQMlbDi640/s1600/CostaRicaParkMap.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509452349444766178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wpBfbAgaUzZNtk-43Awz-QqwGc8vCwRkLWxuaUF2OHC4Tg9aFccMnAA-sMpixUSDeimZyW5tqyGPMYTs_QyNWsOXxZuEhqm7BDu3JnlOqvLAfXJ5-JmbD3Pb5oYYIFWZrIQMlbDi640/s200/CostaRicaParkMap.png" border="0" /></a><br />
Did you know that August 24th is <strong>National Park Day in Costa Rica</strong>? Just another great reason to celebrate the beauty that surrounds us in this small Central American country, known as the land of Pura Vida! Parks will be offering freen entrance to all visitors, and many <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">Costa Rica hotels</a> hold special tree planting ceremonies, as well as <a href="http://makanda.com/en/sunspot-bar-grill/restaurant-sunspot-.html">area restaurants</a> often feature special dishes on their menus commemorating this important occasion, by focusing on all that is green and the abundance of natural ingredients that can be found throughout the country. School children take the day from school to learn more about protecting Costa Rica’s natural resources, and national flags, as well as the special <a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/mapas/areasurf.asp">Blue Flags</a> representing ecologically awarded beaches and areas, fly proudly. After all, without the parks, where would Costa Rica be on the World’s <a href="http://makanda.com/en/about-makanda/environmental-social-responsibility-mission.html">sustainable tourism</a> totem pole?<br />
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A National Park in Costa Rica is defined as a protected area that has been legally declared a National Treasure in order to protect and conserve the biodiversity it contains. These areas generally include diverse eco-systems deemed to be of National significance, generally showing minimal evidence of human impact, while offering important attractions for National and International visitors, as well as learning centers for some of the best scientists in their fields.<br />
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In 1888, with the founding of the National Weather Service (now referred to as the National Weather Institute), a century long genesis began of multiple governmental departments culminating in at least a dozen name changes over the years. Duties of protecting the natural resources of Costa Rica gradually expanded to include many diverse functions including specializations in water, hydrocarbons, gender, environmental education, citizen participation, biodiversity, wetlands, climate change, joint implementation, conservation, rational use of energy, environmental quality compliance, as well as the continued control of existing natural resources as previously mentioned. Eventually the morphing entities formed the current government segment referred to as the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications, better known in Costa Rica as <a href="http://www.minae.go.cr/acerca/info_general/historia.html">MINAET</a>.<br />
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Costa Rica’s system of Protected Areas consists of an impressive 9 different categories: 1) National Parks 2) Biological Reserves 3) Natural Reserves 4) National Monuments 5) Protected Zones 6) Forest Reserves 7) Wildlife Refuges 8) Wetlands & 9) Indigenous Territories. These wildlife and rainforest areas have been declared as such due to their unique eco-systems, the existence of endangered species and for their significant historical and cultural value as well. The total of these diverse 169 Protected Areas equals approximately 26% of Costa Rica’s territory, protecting an amazing 5% of the World’s biodiversity! This sacrifice of often some of the most valuable land is an incredible example of this country’s dedication to protecting the environment not only within its borders, but the entire continent, since Costa Rica serves as a land bridge between South and North America.<br />
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There are an impressive 28 <a href="http://proparques.org/content/view/93/76/">National Parks in Costa Rica</a>, with each park having its own unique features, making every and every one of them worth an in-depth visit. An excellent example is perhaps one of the most famous Costa Rican parks, Isla del Coco, an internationally recognized treasure. Located approximately 340 miles off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica on an uninhabited island (except for the Park Guard Station), this island has been declared a World Heritage Site, included on the List of “Wetlands of International Importance”, as well as nominated for the short list of 7 New Wonders of Nature, by the 7 Wonders of the World organization. Declared a National Park in 1978, Isla del Coco alone has identified some 235 plant species, 400 insect species (65 endemic), 100 bird species (13 resident, 3 endemic and multiple endangered). Its protected marine territory is home to a wide range of species of Shark, parrot fish, manta rays, among numerous other marine species. This particular park is considered one of the richest diving spots in the World, as declared by the famous Jacques Cousteau. Please see the list below, for an extensive list of Costa Rica’s National Parks, as to detail each one would be too long for one blog post.<br />
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<strong>List of Costa Rica’s National Parks:</strong><br />
1. Santa Rosa National Park<br />
2. Rincón de la Vieja National Park<br />
3. Guanacaste National Park<br />
4. Las Baulas Marine National Park<br />
5. Diriá National Park<br />
6. Barra Honda National Park<br />
7. Braulio Carrillo National Park<br />
8. Turrialba Volcano National Park<br />
9. Poás Volcano National Park<br />
10. Irazú Volcano National Park<br />
11. Tortuguero National Park<br />
12. Cahuita National Park<br />
13. Barbilla National Park<br />
14. Chirripó National Park<br />
15. Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte National Park<br />
16. Internacional de La Amistad National Park<br />
17. Corcovado National Park<br />
18. Ballena Marine National Park<br />
19. Piedras Blancas National Park<br />
20. <a href="http://makanda.com/en/about-makanda/environmental-social-responsibility-mission.html">Manuel Antonio National Park</a><br />
21. Tenorio National Park<br />
22. Carara National Park<br />
23. Los Quetzales National Park<br />
24. Palo Verde National Park<br />
25. Arenal National Park<br />
26. Del Agua Juan Castro Blanco National Park<br />
27. La Cangreja National Park<br />
28. Isla del Coco National Park<br />
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<a href="http://costa-rica-guide.com/travel/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=340&Itemid=563http://www.minae.go.cr/acerca/mapa%20de%20parque%20nacionales.jpg">Map of Costa Rica’s National Park & Protected Areas</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=Costa+Rica+national+parks&m=text">Flickr Photo Galleries of Costa Rica & it’s National Parks</a><br />
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The protected areas of Costa Rica generate extensive economic resources to support its dynamic eco-systems, as well as building centers for further ecological studies, stimulating scientific investigation to learn the proper handling of these delicate zones. Over the last 20 plus years, these Protected Areas have brought in some $1.92 billion dollars per year by promoting sustainable tourism to this country, meaning Costa Rica stands as the most visited nation in the Central American. Tourism now earns more foreign exchange than bananas and coffee combined, a previously unthought of statistic from this coffee and banana republic. Commerce, tourism and associated services now contribute some 68% of the country's GDP and represent more than 13.3% of direct and indirect employment. Not only have the National Parks served as a major economic factor for this developing country, but these important areas continue to serve as healthy and natural alternatives of entertainment, bringing a better quality of life to its citizens, as well as everyone that comes in contact with their unparalelled beauty.<br />
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Now isn’t that reason enough to raise a cold Imperial Beer and celebrate Costa Rica’s National Parks, as well as the laidback lifestyle we all call “Pura Vida”?<br />
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<strong>Author:</strong> Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com/">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">Hotel Makanda by the Sea</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
http://www.inbio.ac.cr/es/biod/24agostoDia.P.N.htm<br />
http://hogar-verde.com/dia-de-los-parques-nacionales/<br />
http://www.minae.go.cr/acerca/info_general/historia.html<br />
http://proparques.org/content/view/93/76/<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocos_Island<br />
http://costa-rica-guide.com (Park Map & Photos Courtesy of CostaRicaGuide.com)<br />
http://www.arenal.net/photo-gallery.htm (Photo Credit)<br />
www.naturalencounters.com/parrots_macaw.htm (Photo Credit)EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com0Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica9.3815028432093062 -84.1457076782348859.3795443432093055 -84.148229178234885 9.3834613432093068 -84.143186178234885tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-88125806394099533812013-08-14T04:38:00.000-07:002013-08-14T04:38:39.700-07:00The Tourist Tree? The Naked Indian Tree? It’s the Gumbo Limbo Tree in Costa Rica!Living in the rainforest in Costa Rica means being surrounded by an abundance of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij06f-CqOU2kpqaQ7wACEq0dAvzIZ2UeDuJCCL8zaSNdg2SdIzwWayq8Ox-R-HjC3aFyKTNE02v4XNNkdeI99hjNYLXDoNxm-mBHMbmZuHYlz0QSuuN-_NfF9jTFeoyM-oQ6EyBrckWcA/s1600/main.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij06f-CqOU2kpqaQ7wACEq0dAvzIZ2UeDuJCCL8zaSNdg2SdIzwWayq8Ox-R-HjC3aFyKTNE02v4XNNkdeI99hjNYLXDoNxm-mBHMbmZuHYlz0QSuuN-_NfF9jTFeoyM-oQ6EyBrckWcA/s320/main.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617091650071982210" /></a>interesting trees. One of my personal favorites is the <strong>Gumbo Limbo</strong> tree! A wildly popular tropical tree, it is native to the southeastern United States, but found widely throughout the Americas, West Indies and especially prominent in Costa Rica. This tree easily adapts to a variety of both dry and moist habitats, and is a fairly salt-tolerant species, enabling this tree to be found along most coastlines including around the <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Hotels of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. </a>Though consisting of a fairly soft wood, the Gumbo Limbo is considered a very wind-tolerant tree, making this species a good choice for hurricane or extreme weather areas. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxH1lXdQgR1qD4vrv24biBnIeQ8urDW1d8q4BH4unQX9yXh5UnxgXidE7VuoZN8ysexWRxjJS72bPgmYlWE4fLB8VuZjnvoNPpQFCeHTamtUF4l6f0ITkEcWhG4JH-mLMRpudcwUknuQ/s1600/peel+skin+red+gumbo+limbo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxH1lXdQgR1qD4vrv24biBnIeQ8urDW1d8q4BH4unQX9yXh5UnxgXidE7VuoZN8ysexWRxjJS72bPgmYlWE4fLB8VuZjnvoNPpQFCeHTamtUF4l6f0ITkEcWhG4JH-mLMRpudcwUknuQ/s320/peel+skin+red+gumbo+limbo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617090162662766514" /></a> <br />
This fast-growing canopy tree reaches heights of 50-60 feet and more, with a trunk that bears a striking color of green and red, with a thin paper like exfoliating bark. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bursera_simaruba">Gumbo Limbo</a> or <em>Bursera Simaruba</em>, goes by several aliases, such as the Spirit Gum, Birch Gum, Turpentine, Naked Indian, or more commonly named in popular vacation destinations…..the <strong>“Tourist Tree”</strong>, because of its red color and peeling skin! <br />
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The Gumbo-limbo is generally planted for shade and ornamental use in front or <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSME_tn3Zs5DPZpP_RRnahSBYPVSkjLqq_dx0exW6yidHi09FsLwtbEELz_YVGlyIJXuWQOfobNQ9H7YKd42q8PUOuDGzaxIvNlcaKgsUk3xhXGhR1bAZquljoFBqcVSTYKyPgV4ZVcMM/s1600/living+fence.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSME_tn3Zs5DPZpP_RRnahSBYPVSkjLqq_dx0exW6yidHi09FsLwtbEELz_YVGlyIJXuWQOfobNQ9H7YKd42q8PUOuDGzaxIvNlcaKgsUk3xhXGhR1bAZquljoFBqcVSTYKyPgV4ZVcMM/s320/living+fence.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617090458887179698" /></a>backyards, can be found along streets and highways, but it is also commonly used throughout Costa Rica as a <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21970597/Living-Fences">“living fence”</a> since it easily sprouts from cut branches that are stuck into the ground. With it’s naturally rapid growth, within no time farmers have a strong, natural, eco-friendly fence with which they can corral their livestock and mark their land.<br />
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The arils (or etable part surrounding the seed) provides an important source of food for winter migrating birds, including many migrants from North America, as well as <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV72gwNzUIQyaEb3XB7L_rrIkVPZunIWY0KK7t9dFSVYr6pFQ5aU9Jgpo_O5OR7-U-fUXdRLG3L-dT68RfR_hYwooABmczZN09L6KjYHHdccRcAqhr7IBDtxWHelU_M0bnctqyZ4yobQo/s1600/plant+tree.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV72gwNzUIQyaEb3XB7L_rrIkVPZunIWY0KK7t9dFSVYr6pFQ5aU9Jgpo_O5OR7-U-fUXdRLG3L-dT68RfR_hYwooABmczZN09L6KjYHHdccRcAqhr7IBDtxWHelU_M0bnctqyZ4yobQo/s320/plant+tree.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617090719146550082" /></a>local residents such as the Masked Tityra, Bright-rumped Attila, and Black-faced Grosbeak, the Baltimore Oriole, Dusky-capped Flycatcher and many species of Vireos. Additionally, Gumbo-limbo's rapid growth, easy and low cost of propagation, and it’s ecological versatility make this species an ideal "starter" tree for <a href="http://replantingtherainforests.org/site/index.php/Costa-Rica/manuel-antonio-playa-el-rey-project-description.html">reforestation projects</a>.<br />
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There are so many more natural benefits to this great tree, as the sticky, turpentine-scented resin has been used for centuries for making glue, varnish, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XT0FvPm90L9WFyax2IqpOBFWSEqZRps7ehhfmffUVhbZ37R7u6kfqKP6qanGcJfKmIlGrN-L5rN3yl-3jKA0qmi-qXKyA9hTR5gEdzIp17vjAaWCIXdPZ2dcz2svIhk1IYjrDL8J3o4/s1600/canoes.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XT0FvPm90L9WFyax2IqpOBFWSEqZRps7ehhfmffUVhbZ37R7u6kfqKP6qanGcJfKmIlGrN-L5rN3yl-3jKA0qmi-qXKyA9hTR5gEdzIp17vjAaWCIXdPZ2dcz2svIhk1IYjrDL8J3o4/s320/canoes.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617091327982701698" /></a>liniments, as well as a water resistant coating for dugout canoes. The aromatic sap is also used as an anti-inflammatory, a treatment for gout, a form of incense, as well as the leaves are brewed to make a medicinal tea for a wide variety of ailments. The bark is also considered a treatment against rashes caused by plants such as poison ivy and poison oak. Though the actual wood of the tree is rather soft and spongy, this versatile wood is traditionally used to manufacture the colorful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel">carousel horses</a> you see at county fairs, and other small wood products such as matchsticks, toothpicks, charcoal, boxes, crates, and interior trim have also been made from the Gumbo-Limbo wood.<br />
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Tribal or Native Indian medicinal uses include remedies for skin infections, skin sores, ingesting a bark tea for urinary tract infections, pain, colds, flu, sun <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59GcyK8ZWR9eMoCLvWFOyM2BHtseTzKkzyQw1c7Nbut8pQdE-SivE-_qHBZH09p9XQTWNSbvQ8xpVQ3l6zRKcRA-JuU1PHthtsRqklD6wR4msE7X0BY-tenXmkjNajuLcjYvvvRGNjJM/s1600/medicinal+teas.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59GcyK8ZWR9eMoCLvWFOyM2BHtseTzKkzyQw1c7Nbut8pQdE-SivE-_qHBZH09p9XQTWNSbvQ8xpVQ3l6zRKcRA-JuU1PHthtsRqklD6wR4msE7X0BY-tenXmkjNajuLcjYvvvRGNjJM/s320/medicinal+teas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617091008298884946" /></a>stroke, fevers and to purify the blood. A length of bark about 5 cm x 30 cm is boiled in a gallon of water for 10 minutes or so for these local remedies and then used topically or can be sipped as a tea 2-3 times per day. Not only is it touted to provide the above <a href="http://www.drkimcostarica.net/id69.html">medicinal remedies</a>, but it is also said to kill bacteria, stop excessive bleeding, increase urination, increase perspiration, cleanse the blood, neutralize various venoms, helpful as a cough expectorate, reducing fevers and my favorite remedy…..increasing libido!! <br />
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So when out hiking, exploring, or just taking a drive around Costa Rica, no more passing that Gumbo Limbo tree and not even giving it a second thought. Just look at how much one can do and “cure” with this beautiful and unique tree!<br />
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But my friends…..you have been warned!!!! None of these uses are FDA approved, so please do not try these remedies at home! At least not without a Shaman present!!<br />
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<strong>Author:</strong> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and Hotel <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Makanda by the Sea</a>.<br />
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<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Gumbo-limbo/gumblimb.htm<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bursera_simaruba<br />
http://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Burssima<br />
http://www.plantcreations.com/bursera_simaruba.htmEyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com0Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.4048215540464977 -84.156071733868439.4038425540464985 -84.157332233868431 9.4058005540464968 -84.154811233868429tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-18413470176300541192013-07-29T07:59:00.000-07:002013-07-29T07:59:18.976-07:00Costa Rica's "Romeria" to Cartago! Give thanks to the Virgin of Los Angeles!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnmxTuFUvC8PxuQFKFuYu4RmBTwhRyshtfHgMNPJy7VsPyclPQGvRn-CJbvegUeItRmZl2dMFc5zJpqhTQ-4ZMasedjc4cKdcBOl5cvWoINj7UJhxWCq98xrkr5Y7pT4swDEuudIBtiY/s1600/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnmxTuFUvC8PxuQFKFuYu4RmBTwhRyshtfHgMNPJy7VsPyclPQGvRn-CJbvegUeItRmZl2dMFc5zJpqhTQ-4ZMasedjc4cKdcBOl5cvWoINj7UJhxWCq98xrkr5Y7pT4swDEuudIBtiY/s200/church.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dia de La Virgin de Los Angeles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well it's that time of year again....the end of July and as August 2nd quickly approaches, the "Romeria" of pilgrims can be seen walking, riding, cycling and including other ingenuous means of transporation along the Pan American Highway and along other main roads of Costa Rica that lead to the city of Cartago where they will participate in the annual celebration of the <b>"Virgen de Los Angeles"</b>, this country's patron saint.<br />
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Legend proclaims that a young indigenous girl, Juanita Pereira, found the statue of the "Black Virgin" on Aug. 2, 1635, while gathering wood in the forest outside the city, which at the time was racially segregated. The young girl carried the unique <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEILbIyHQ4q56bnSE7HW8AlZCmTdW-yQJrdvKddoG8VQVyWPD-vSPfXcic1YrHbVWmtq7sGDwARnPlwxXxbQqaQmEE7mGAYETS089-QHit2-Iy0lZ7IIbOpuV_1eYUr9W1Pr6yG6YUtQE/s1600/virgen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEILbIyHQ4q56bnSE7HW8AlZCmTdW-yQJrdvKddoG8VQVyWPD-vSPfXcic1YrHbVWmtq7sGDwARnPlwxXxbQqaQmEE7mGAYETS089-QHit2-Iy0lZ7IIbOpuV_1eYUr9W1Pr6yG6YUtQE/s200/virgen.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replica of the Famous Statue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>stone said to resemble the Virgin Mary with child in her arms to her home and locked it up. It is said that the small 6 inch stone image almost immediately disappeared, only to mysteriously return to its original spot on the rock in the woods where it was originally discovered. This happened not once, but numerous times, including after giving the stone to a local prominent priest, who then proclaimed it to be a miracle and so began it's high regard throughout the country! The legend lived on, and in 1824, "La Negrita", as the black Virgin image is referred, was officially bestowed as the patron saint by the Costa Rican government.<br />
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Today, this small statue rests on a golden and bejeweled platform above the altar at the Basílica Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles in Cartago, some 14 miles east of San José, which was purposely built around the rock where the small figure first appeared. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8vDvgcdy8Z6QlKUZWE0gkFKpK4yg1M-FY1H8Pyedsd2FPLcMY750szdJth7X_HAxU_zZgHfxaXxUxNvkk_Db8ycPmzh2sFWqvdUp6i9G406cs6XCQeTwfR-qsJDtO93R4hKTXAHCLdY/s1600/walkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8vDvgcdy8Z6QlKUZWE0gkFKpK4yg1M-FY1H8Pyedsd2FPLcMY750szdJth7X_HAxU_zZgHfxaXxUxNvkk_Db8ycPmzh2sFWqvdUp6i9G406cs6XCQeTwfR-qsJDtO93R4hKTXAHCLdY/s200/walkers.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millions on the Annual Trek to Cartago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This religious holiday is a unique experience for both nationals and visitors of Costa Rica, as they get to experience the true culture and dedication of the Ticos to their beloved Patron Saint. Pilgrims can travel up to 2 weeks to arrive to the Basilica in Cartago to get a firsthand look at the statue of "La Negrita", which means "little dark one" in Spanish, as that is the color of this beautiful stone figure. Local legend proclaims that a small stream with curing powers is situated in proximity of the Basilica, and this "holy water" is said to cure all forms of sickness and physical ailments, so many pilgrims will collect small amounts of this special water during their annual pilgrimage.<br />
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The many "Ticos" from all over the country that spend days and even weeks to make their way to the Basilica, upon arriving will climb the steps of the church on their <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKMDYkRyMjoxTEV-BTsM5-N_eXBssiCBOXskuxX7UmiG1RDMlAh8V2qZ_tgr6WAJ_icQ1udpN5M5frQhfhdQDbPkwiOd3zCJ1KzotrmQ3BaC9S12WNHgSo-0TBA7avdVrH_4SVt6kEcI/s1600/knees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKMDYkRyMjoxTEV-BTsM5-N_eXBssiCBOXskuxX7UmiG1RDMlAh8V2qZ_tgr6WAJ_icQ1udpN5M5frQhfhdQDbPkwiOd3zCJ1KzotrmQ3BaC9S12WNHgSo-0TBA7avdVrH_4SVt6kEcI/s200/knees.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On bended Knee, some with Crosses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>knees, some with their last ounce of strength, as a means of thanking La Negrita for favors, as well as to pray for help to overcome their sicknesses and/or physical and mental disabilities. Since there can be some 2+ million annual visitors, some pilgrims choose to pray by the stone where the image was originally found, as the surrounding areas of the Basilica can be overwhelmed with people seeking a look at the "La Negrita" statue.<br />
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An example of how popular this yearly event is, in 2003, 1.5 million people descended upon the city of Cartago for the dedication to "La Negrita". At that time that number represented close to 40 percent of Costa Rica's entire population!<br />
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What was once 1.5 million people, has grown over the years to attract some 2.5 million pilgrims, so with the passing of time, this yearly trek has not lost its following. In response to the incredible amounts of garbage generated by such a large number of <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwrewyL7ZmvLlFAacli9344M83MAznY5OjH_lPsQ4wRR9bpv7K0_5q6-j95o4GtOlbuaZpGHBBmZJEnJYOGp3qkyKVdVixcrmmQPh90D0l2jKFhRT7WCu7ElfxyDG4_GZBHUgNKYGc1c/s1600/eco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwrewyL7ZmvLlFAacli9344M83MAznY5OjH_lPsQ4wRR9bpv7K0_5q6-j95o4GtOlbuaZpGHBBmZJEnJYOGp3qkyKVdVixcrmmQPh90D0l2jKFhRT7WCu7ElfxyDG4_GZBHUgNKYGc1c/s200/eco.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EARTH University going Eco!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>people, EARTH University created the program "Eco Romería" starting in 2011. A press release from the Health Ministry said that more than 80,000 plastic bottles and 27 tons of organic material were collected last year. This year, garbage cans will be placed every 500 meters along the main routes leading to the Basílica, as well as the Red Cross will be available along these same main routes and at the church to attend to folks with dehydration, blisters and other side effects of the long arduous trek.<br />
The Lumaca bus company has also committed some 270 buses to provide transportation from San José to the Basilica Church so visitors can enjoy the outdoor mass on August 2nd.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqCnZ1qcJFl7jDI4mIY1UQe1NOXeE-0nqdQ5Xg8JhX-FL0SryNwOesclRsrm98fMzGts2bIqzkdc6NtiXUV_5oaH10m6kFFZVXCXPRN2U-cjC_wNMt7fLGtYZs6vE1AzyvZTMMFthyphenhypheng8/s1600/Basilica_de_los_Angeles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="137" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqCnZ1qcJFl7jDI4mIY1UQe1NOXeE-0nqdQ5Xg8JhX-FL0SryNwOesclRsrm98fMzGts2bIqzkdc6NtiXUV_5oaH10m6kFFZVXCXPRN2U-cjC_wNMt7fLGtYZs6vE1AzyvZTMMFthyphenhypheng8/s200/Basilica_de_los_Angeles.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The Basilica was built in 1639 and was later partially destroyed by an earthquake. The restored Basilica offers an impressive mix of colonial architecture combined with 19th century Byzantine style and is consecrated to the Virgin of Señora de los Ángeles, it truly is an impressive church. <br />
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If you would like to see inside the Basilica on a normal day, just watch below:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vJdiQRet5cA" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Everyone is welcome to participate in the Romeria in Costa Rica. It is an excellent way to get to know the culture and the "Pura Vida" people of this country. The City of <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FdLlMdd8v9D0qtc1M4mU40MeanoQ7GE6vKuwLPEwumXTMg0_oexX0l3auFGwB1SQS1JvK2-ZzZOIc1Dx9J_UUxP2oX9OTzWWIFZTKfCrbfSlLt7bzUiZWYQ8fQEkbF8JMTTU4hrTRGk/s1600/preist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FdLlMdd8v9D0qtc1M4mU40MeanoQ7GE6vKuwLPEwumXTMg0_oexX0l3auFGwB1SQS1JvK2-ZzZOIc1Dx9J_UUxP2oX9OTzWWIFZTKfCrbfSlLt7bzUiZWYQ8fQEkbF8JMTTU4hrTRGk/s200/preist.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Adorned Virgin of Los Angeles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cartago is beautiful to visit and the climate is cool and refreshing. The display area at the Basilica de Los Angeles is worth a stop to see the Virgin statue and the rock she was found on which in truth is actually a replica, as the original Virgin statue is now held at the Vatican. The replica statue, sanctified by the Pope, is kept at the Cartago Basilica and is now what the "romeros" will see upon arrival. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDEbyqwgphNFe1SKbtPAskNhmtn6ikc7eLqmdpC6WA4PrL8khiormZ9RrRCfgtcEiBrwZ1Z8E90XWUip2Ll84_hyW4ZdQjFhiExQEzwZGAO3noWnnLcs8XpCKIclgF5UX9H3BJssn37E/s1600/drink+water" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDEbyqwgphNFe1SKbtPAskNhmtn6ikc7eLqmdpC6WA4PrL8khiormZ9RrRCfgtcEiBrwZ1Z8E90XWUip2Ll84_hyW4ZdQjFhiExQEzwZGAO3noWnnLcs8XpCKIclgF5UX9H3BJssn37E/s200/drink+water" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget the Holy Water!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Don't forget to bring a small container, so you can receive some free holy water that flows from a river that sits below the church and has been blessed by the Basilica's priest, its said to be the ultimate healer! <br />
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Feel free to report back to me if the holy water does in fact cure your sickness, physical or mental health......as it never hurts to have a firsthand account that is was worth the long arduous trek! Pura vida!<br />
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To see how the Costa Ricans celebrate this holiday and decide if you would like to participate too, check out the following video:<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XUowcSSRshk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Author:</b><br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com/">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/">Byblos Resort & Casino</a> and <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">Hotel Makanda by the Sea</a>.EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com0Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.4042393992649078 -84.1557927841308819.4022813992649077 -84.158314284130881 9.4061973992649079 -84.153271284130881tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-40761324061923257462013-07-14T05:45:00.000-07:002013-07-14T05:45:45.157-07:00Costa Rican Guaro! Belly up to the Bar and Party!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincSYUivuDodhFbaG3k8UGkiGOL5d_nmikDeeISu2OJUKEtdcjZItZ9THg7USE7i9Rg0MC-BwjAkfFr5bf23htdVEsIDXCt6EEQxPa3RLjldkWS-LaMghpP0HqDIZ2lo00r2LqUtc4bEg/s1600/main+pic+guaro.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincSYUivuDodhFbaG3k8UGkiGOL5d_nmikDeeISu2OJUKEtdcjZItZ9THg7USE7i9Rg0MC-BwjAkfFr5bf23htdVEsIDXCt6EEQxPa3RLjldkWS-LaMghpP0HqDIZ2lo00r2LqUtc4bEg/s320/main+pic+guaro.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612223984606516466" /></a>Popular throughout Central American countries, though not readily available in the USA, <strong>“Guaro”</strong> is a distilled liquor originating in Costa Rica. Manufactured from sugar cane juice, Guaro has a high alcohol content, clear coloring and a strong but slightly sweet flavor. Most commonly mixed with <a href="http://www.fanal.co.cr/recetas-de-bebidas.html">fruit juice or soda</a> (Fresca being a favorite), few people choose to consume this liquor in straight shots. Referred to as an “aguardiente,” the words “agua” and “ardiente” when combined translate to basically mean Guaro is “burning water”. A fairly accurate description if you ask me! Once considered the “moonshine” or “chicha” of Central America, Guaro is no longer a product of homemade stills, but an almost patriotic part of Costa Rican popular culture. <br />
<br />
<strong>History:</strong><br />
In an attempt to end the kitchen sink production of clandestine “Guaro”, the Costa <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXvrCiXRJ12CC_cyBAjNvB0jhM1eHHGMlPs8RdPDengybppirqPP-z1C7b_Sy_0ik1LMv3CyPtS1aoAawOu4xdTB2P11ur6S29kyceh5C0vtzjp0WitbZj5it5jC7-JnZTzlHbIr6f1U/s1600/antiguo+fanal.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXvrCiXRJ12CC_cyBAjNvB0jhM1eHHGMlPs8RdPDengybppirqPP-z1C7b_Sy_0ik1LMv3CyPtS1aoAawOu4xdTB2P11ur6S29kyceh5C0vtzjp0WitbZj5it5jC7-JnZTzlHbIr6f1U/s320/antiguo+fanal.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612224349098125714" /></a>Rican government approved the manufacturing and eventual bottling of the clear liquor by <a href="http://www.fanal.co.cr/historia.html">Costa Rica’s National Liquor Factory</a> (la Fábrica Nacional de Licores or “FANAL”) back in 1851. At that time it was sold in barrels via “liquor agencies”, with the clients providing their own container. Starting in 1980, a new division was created in <a href="http://www.fanal.co.cr/inicio.html">FANAL</a>, with "Cacique" becoming the official Guaro brand name in Costa Rica. With it’s distinctive red label and iconic <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6UDKJRQabehnFhw-ispPTY9u4bmyt-TacY2cY0HQ8rj3zBIjmcFTNXfKvrv53mkpW_IGZrPET7nGBVVGekZPCQHjSK8noBEMbd0KyzLYcCCAFVle7fi8bmZpH2yHBzGqMk_MIHt15Dk/s1600/current+fanal.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6UDKJRQabehnFhw-ispPTY9u4bmyt-TacY2cY0HQ8rj3zBIjmcFTNXfKvrv53mkpW_IGZrPET7nGBVVGekZPCQHjSK8noBEMbd0KyzLYcCCAFVle7fi8bmZpH2yHBzGqMk_MIHt15Dk/s320/current+fanal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612224665013989058" /></a>Indian Chief (that’s what “Cacique” means….Chief), Cacique quickly became the more commonly used name, since “Guaro” can often times refer to almost any distilled spirit. Easily one of Costa Rica’s most popular “beverages”, bottles of Cacique line the shelves of every Costa Rican grocery store and bar in even the most remote corner of this country, including every <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Costa Rican Hotel</a> and <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Restaurant</a>.<br />
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<br />
<strong>Characteristics:</strong><br />
FANAL originally decided to market this popular liquor in 1 liter glass bottles <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V3Mdt1SI_9rsSbzth5o5MkI4ht8rMiuRakrreS5-Psr0314Ctx1bY7rQhN-tCLQSANRL7iu4JGk2kXpjt7vdSTBtyhe1yhQClmzGeU_TMLaiQFpYrPfeRVFSNsX7ILI26YCM3wsGOqs/s1600/types+of+guaro.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 77px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V3Mdt1SI_9rsSbzth5o5MkI4ht8rMiuRakrreS5-Psr0314Ctx1bY7rQhN-tCLQSANRL7iu4JGk2kXpjt7vdSTBtyhe1yhQClmzGeU_TMLaiQFpYrPfeRVFSNsX7ILI26YCM3wsGOqs/s320/types+of+guaro.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612225128709298674" /></a>containing a lower alcoholic content then vodka, but with the continued growth in popularity, they later began providing consumers with the options of 750 ml glass bottles and 365 ml “pachitas”….or plastic bottles (the handy travel size!). <a href="http://www.fanal.co.cr/perfil-corporativo.html">FANAL</a> takes great pride in producing a high quality product of licensed ethyl alcohol, guaranteeing a high purity for “safe” drinking. The brand has proven so popular, that over the years it hs expanded from only 60 proof Guaro Cacique (with the red label) to the 70 proof <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNH8GPZhvKEb8Eu2mdsg8021hlSHji3Wyw2AZFufSasxGhXC2Dea5Y1XAxx6XnA8_xWOrkGHjtgKpT1fIUf0A7KdJWIdomNvxspQHbUNig7KP2EDIp5v2HQ7jhclaDrjiXSsnjfMUS5To/s1600/bottleing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNH8GPZhvKEb8Eu2mdsg8021hlSHji3Wyw2AZFufSasxGhXC2Dea5Y1XAxx6XnA8_xWOrkGHjtgKpT1fIUf0A7KdJWIdomNvxspQHbUNig7KP2EDIp5v2HQ7jhclaDrjiXSsnjfMUS5To/s320/bottleing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612225456091897538" /></a>Cacique Superior (with the black label), the latter offering an even higher purity of “rubbing alcohol”via further filtered purification through activated carbon and increasing not only it’s purity, but perfecting it’s mostly neutral aroma. They also produce a lesser know black label, offering a whopping 80 proof and referred to as “Super Caňita” (Super Cane)!<br />
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<strong>Origin of the Name:</strong><br />
The present name of Guaro as “Cacique” (or “Chief”) is thought to originate from <a href="http://www.fanal.co.cr/historia.html">FANAL</a>. Since <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DGBcA7KoIHBJDgpY3I0ueFBVk6h5lTOZsgrPVfJhrcNc4zIdlBEiumKAGQSisDZ-EOR9RUf4QFseusFp8FHjeVoiJ12o9mgMJuEe6f5NLulOA_YNiQHW4unmx1eHn-WlGp8Z8eRDSLo/s1600/bartender+guaro.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DGBcA7KoIHBJDgpY3I0ueFBVk6h5lTOZsgrPVfJhrcNc4zIdlBEiumKAGQSisDZ-EOR9RUf4QFseusFp8FHjeVoiJ12o9mgMJuEe6f5NLulOA_YNiQHW4unmx1eHn-WlGp8Z8eRDSLo/s320/bartender+guaro.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612226128420192610" /></a>several circumstances. Between 1977 and 1980 an excavation made by the Costa Rica National Museum revealed on of the largest indigenous settlements to date near the town of Grecia on land that occupied by the liquor had remained for decades as one of Costa Rica’s most enduring and popular products, indigenous societies considered their “leaders” to be their “Chiefs”, thus the name “Cacique” stuck. Often times referred to as “Cuatro Plumas” in joking reference to the Four Feathers on the chief’s headress found on the ubiquitous red labels, just saying the word “Guaro” brings smiles to almost every Tico’s face!<br />
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<strong>Guaro Recipes & Purchasing:</strong><br />
Over the years, Guaro’s popularity has reached international proportions. New <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UMudmQbgVrwzRve_XR2T6z_2ST6zSQWcj2Ou2W9CAo4WjWWjkLCHn7z_jJCoB5XwM3dzDDcyc_hVADMlVkGQu38u-W3kNI39kNm-VoWnwVGqc994xdFHOub-pr0MiLNECo12hc-6DpM/s1600/cocktail.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UMudmQbgVrwzRve_XR2T6z_2ST6zSQWcj2Ou2W9CAo4WjWWjkLCHn7z_jJCoB5XwM3dzDDcyc_hVADMlVkGQu38u-W3kNI39kNm-VoWnwVGqc994xdFHOub-pr0MiLNECo12hc-6DpM/s320/cocktail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612227049412325586" /></a>companies have opened making their own brands of “pirated” Guaro recipes and attempting to market this “poor man’s vodka”, as the newest upscale spirit. No worries though!! With the ease of the internet you can now buy the “real” Costa Rican Guaro and not at over inflated prices! Check out the website <a href="http://www.guaroliquor.com">www.guaroliquor.com</a> for puchasing details, as well as their page dedicated to some of the best <a href="http://www.guaroliquor.com/recipes/index.php">Guaro recipes</a> I have found. (Not that I haven’t invented a few of my own over the years!)<br />
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Now, some 160 years later, Guaro continues to be as popular as ever! In fact, this <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEIg0p9lOm-B4sCMB5U6oIUHoFwbfoKJ8uDOBrzIx7TgM88_NAfy2An_vK9UM1YILLtnwkMZ99-DHaihiI3CVNsMoYFFzGP1iS27TroTOY3St-nzcPTYka4KvWiIE0jtJzdQunv84E48/s1600/cacique+de+nuestra+tierra.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEIg0p9lOm-B4sCMB5U6oIUHoFwbfoKJ8uDOBrzIx7TgM88_NAfy2An_vK9UM1YILLtnwkMZ99-DHaihiI3CVNsMoYFFzGP1iS27TroTOY3St-nzcPTYka4KvWiIE0jtJzdQunv84E48/s320/cacique+de+nuestra+tierra.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612227781258113746" /></a>liquor is such an integral part of Costa Rican culture that a recent exhibit at the <a href="http://www.museosdelbancocentral.org/esp/servicios-tur%C3%ADsticos.html">Museos del Banco Central</a> (Central Bank Museum) featured one work representing three icons of daily Costa Rican life; Cacique Guaro, a Soccer Ball and a representation of the celebrated Black Virgin! <br />
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For those of you lucky enough to be visiting beautiful Costa Rica, a little word of warning….. the pronunciation of “water” has been known to be misinterpreted as “guaro” by eager waiters not completely versed in the English language. This has led to incidences where thirsty American tourists having asked their waiter for a glass of water and the waiter, ever so happy that the tourists wanted to try his country’s famous Guaro returned from the kitchen with a glass of the clear beverage. The tourist innocently takes a generous swallow and have experienced a coughing and sputtering surprise in Costa Rican thirst-quenching!! Consider yourself warned!!<br />
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<strong>Author: </strong> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and Hotel <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Makanda by the Sea</a>.<br />
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<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
http://www.fanal.co.cr/inicio.html <br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cacique_Guaro <br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guaro_(drink)<br />
http://www.guaroliquor.com/home/index.phpEyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com0Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.3996032953158082 -84.1540547126892319.3976452953158081 -84.156576212689231 9.4015612953158083 -84.15153321268923tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-20296089325507941682013-06-29T05:21:00.000-07:002013-06-29T05:21:51.860-07:00The Blue Morpho Butterfly....A Natural Beauty in Costa Rica! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mV2_3BDONS0oSigQlGpy83hDUuLHBiYJdehrAejDYzMz0tUmb7Ir2TcetJfojrUFViQ16mBdqz23-TTGlL1TfZTKc0GA5kSodDEo56eBR8k8PcOuE2bTBTURuaO8UdaTiHfSo29icXI/s273/human+head+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mV2_3BDONS0oSigQlGpy83hDUuLHBiYJdehrAejDYzMz0tUmb7Ir2TcetJfojrUFViQ16mBdqz23-TTGlL1TfZTKc0GA5kSodDEo56eBR8k8PcOuE2bTBTURuaO8UdaTiHfSo29icXI/s273/human+head+butterfly.jpg" /></a></div>Hard to believe, but there are almost 24,000 species of butterflies the World. One of the prettiest and most impressive species are the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morpho">Blue Morpho</a> butterflies. Not only are these beautiful butterflies common to Costa Rica, but they are one of the most sought after species by collectors and nature lovers alike who seek to experience them in their natural habitat, as they mesmerize you with their incredible bright blue metallic coloring that serves as an incredible contrast to the lush green rainforests of our Central America paradise.<br />
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If you'd like to learn more about these delicate rainforest treasures, read on......<br />
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<b>Common Name:</b> Blue Morpho Butterfly<br />
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<b>Type:</b> Insect<br />
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<b>Family:</b> Nymphalidae<br />
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<b>Range:</b> Common to the tropical rainforests of Central America and South America. Blue Morphos are found primarily in forests <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5iqh8RQgiF7pGRew-OYFUUChbKkNOxglDbrrhuIcTUi2IZXBZBN_vJpAVFRNY6xPDtq7-qqJGK45u_PpxcQRBBnxSSsxVf7azr2MnDjD-ff2W0kihilnvgM1MYp5O97KEqhFQnIuzN4/s229/map+butterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5iqh8RQgiF7pGRew-OYFUUChbKkNOxglDbrrhuIcTUi2IZXBZBN_vJpAVFRNY6xPDtq7-qqJGK45u_PpxcQRBBnxSSsxVf7azr2MnDjD-ff2W0kihilnvgM1MYp5O97KEqhFQnIuzN4/s229/map+butterflies.jpg" /></a></div>in Central and South America, with high concentrations in both Mexico and Costa Rica. These incredible insects are easily spotted by their large beautiful bright blue wings that reflect light as they fly by in their distinctly erratic pattern.<br />
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<b>Size:</b> Blue Morphos average approximately 5 – 6 inches wide, though some species will be smaller.<br />
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<b>Diet:</b> The blue morpho’s diet changes as it passes through each stage of life. As a caterpillar, the Blue Morpho chews leaves. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nlboWLzyaDbSO_l7zCYk493wPV867CUWPpKcOXmlT4WzVWQ6cAqJyVqIwtbS34BEyCTbLCerf8MY6JNtjOYuOLGhTvZKKIKiTa2a7WlUBemcpoI8CkLRwx2ImqrBDM8hfNmb1fwXfp8/s259/eating.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nlboWLzyaDbSO_l7zCYk493wPV867CUWPpKcOXmlT4WzVWQ6cAqJyVqIwtbS34BEyCTbLCerf8MY6JNtjOYuOLGhTvZKKIKiTa2a7WlUBemcpoI8CkLRwx2ImqrBDM8hfNmb1fwXfp8/s259/eating.png" /></a></div>When it "morphs" to become a butterfly, it begins to drink its food instead, using a long, protruding mouthpart called a proboscis as a literal drinking straw. They use this to sip the juice of rotting fruit, the fluids of decomposing animals, tree sap, fungi and wet mud. Blue Morphos can actually taste fruit with sensors located on their legs, and they “taste-smell” the air with their sensitive antennae, which function as a combined tongue and nose on the go.<br />
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<b>Average life span:</b> The life span of the Blue Morpho butterfly is short. They generally live only 115 days, with most of their time focused on feeding and reproduction.<br />
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<b>Habitat:</b> Blue Morphos can mostly be found in the tropical forests of Latin America spanning from Mexico to Colombia, with a <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_qMuIzI2uRtHvMVKfrSEESdkuPyMgYGfXU2eIFk2b4c-yjyrRoMROfZ0flNJonDyXtbDqQBVVeU7hM3MXJ_goFdAdeXUu89vwkxP2i62epZ09FrVF99SmImCd-xOIWDEKALdI3b4hto/s259/flying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_qMuIzI2uRtHvMVKfrSEESdkuPyMgYGfXU2eIFk2b4c-yjyrRoMROfZ0flNJonDyXtbDqQBVVeU7hM3MXJ_goFdAdeXUu89vwkxP2i62epZ09FrVF99SmImCd-xOIWDEKALdI3b4hto/s259/flying.jpg" /></a></div>large population found in Costa Rica. Adult morphos spend the majority of their time on the forest floor or the lower shrubs and trees under the jungle canopy with their wings folded for protection from predators. However, at the time of searching for mates, the blue morphos can fly through all layers of the forest attracting attention with their incredible iridescent blue wings. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSVuR7jnLx7N4TmRhumVQWpJELHpOvlgVTNW0Xr9Sdq4wXPsHGBWtmDBBaBzxyFYz3Ke9pff6HXEUEg7BZ1r08JyBh-I08GEhX3bzjdR4qMXyO04tyP0iKiARGhMuG4DVab_x6Wnelmk/s269/eggs+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSVuR7jnLx7N4TmRhumVQWpJELHpOvlgVTNW0Xr9Sdq4wXPsHGBWtmDBBaBzxyFYz3Ke9pff6HXEUEg7BZ1r08JyBh-I08GEhX3bzjdR4qMXyO04tyP0iKiARGhMuG4DVab_x6Wnelmk/s269/eggs+butterfly.jpg" /></a></div><b>Breeding/Reproduction:</b> Although butterflies are some of God's most beautiful creatures, they mostly just reproduce and sadly die immediately after laying their eggs. The male butterflies release chemicals called pheromones in their wings to attract as many females as possible in their pursuit for successful reproduction. The female’s eggs are fertilized, at which time they lay them in a safe place and fly off leaving them on their own for hatching. The surviving eggs will hatch after only nine days.<br />
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<b>Blue Morpho Butterfly:</b> Belonging to the family of Nymphalidaes, these beauties acquired their name "Morpho" which means “changed” because of its ability to appear like they are changing colors when in flight. This is largely due to the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZk2DXVisGrlsocRd_J9v8GA0rz53tJird0Qxu9cuUl1f_smNLWlKZwvNSpdeOW43pF9RT1lZP2hKBmGhBTVxZs_GrCkAe3e2rRxBKXrospMmaa9GUlgP3deiCEBTISSVlkfypeOCn5I/s259/contrast+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZk2DXVisGrlsocRd_J9v8GA0rz53tJird0Qxu9cuUl1f_smNLWlKZwvNSpdeOW43pF9RT1lZP2hKBmGhBTVxZs_GrCkAe3e2rRxBKXrospMmaa9GUlgP3deiCEBTISSVlkfypeOCn5I/s259/contrast+colors.jpg" /></a></div>butterfly’s prominent wings which can span from five to eight inches. The changing color effect is often a result of the ventral or the front of the wing which is dull brown and covered with a series of different sized eyespots. These eyespots serve to protect the butterflies from predators such as birds and insects, as when they close their wings are show these eyespots, predators are more inclined to peck or attack the "eye" as opposed to the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN3mvjyCrQkmzvUkB0ulqhOObomQaEKmBgffnp56WWkzlK9xNksCjqTpyRh5F7vUPDWjmw99-G5hzZBqV57AHDSLJnqkYkOw7nAaQzZLjdAdaVlDmelaw_p_IvkKtBP347LikQQwCTbc/s238/eyes+butterfly.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN3mvjyCrQkmzvUkB0ulqhOObomQaEKmBgffnp56WWkzlK9xNksCjqTpyRh5F7vUPDWjmw99-G5hzZBqV57AHDSLJnqkYkOw7nAaQzZLjdAdaVlDmelaw_p_IvkKtBP347LikQQwCTbc/s238/eyes+butterfly.png" /></a></div>butterfly body. When the morpho opens its wings, the dorsal or the back part of this insect is bright blue with the edges of the wings being black or a darker shade. This bright blue coloring is actually the result of the microscopic scales which reflect light, so when the blue morpho flaps its wings upon flying the bright blue back is in contrast to the front or underwings dull brown. This is what makes them look like they are appearing and disappearing as they fly erratically through the air. The male blue morpho has broader wings then the females and it appears to generally be brighter in color, while the female of this species has duller blue wings with sporadic white spots along the brown edging. <br />
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<b>Life Cycle:</b> The Blue Morpho’s life cycle starts when the eggs are hatched into larvae. The larvae becomes a recognizable <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYsC_b5xhQ6tVay4sqsZX7r1st6N_50VQT93_TPYfF7oWUei8BlXlAuV-S76DMdpnH7LMlRr7jkV7vQM5pTgasT0K7BYp_2Ll3cEhiiRPZuUv3uO3SsxVGivdEslkW_DyYtO5sA-kLNU/s275/caterpillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYsC_b5xhQ6tVay4sqsZX7r1st6N_50VQT93_TPYfF7oWUei8BlXlAuV-S76DMdpnH7LMlRr7jkV7vQM5pTgasT0K7BYp_2Ll3cEhiiRPZuUv3uO3SsxVGivdEslkW_DyYtO5sA-kLNU/s275/caterpillar.jpg" /></a></div>caterpillar with distinct brownish red with green patches along the back. These caterpillar have prickly hair that can irritate predators when threatened or attacked. These caterpillars mostly eat on leaves, especially favoring plants from the pea family. The caterpillar then forms a jade colored green chrysalis to start metamorphosis. A short time later an adult blue morpho butterfly emerges. At this stage since they still do not <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WCBIVPZalRNFEndyOI0W32VuUXRSwr3q0_ymCgh69AfXeQ1Nd_o_aHeBm4G2as_gsVQPdBOMcI8K_MD0Kd7JEcU9DA3JAbk7EVWrGYz8uEj4gj8CiCP_2nZWumFqd8YtuuPzXDFwUwU/s270/face+of+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WCBIVPZalRNFEndyOI0W32VuUXRSwr3q0_ymCgh69AfXeQ1Nd_o_aHeBm4G2as_gsVQPdBOMcI8K_MD0Kd7JEcU9DA3JAbk7EVWrGYz8uEj4gj8CiCP_2nZWumFqd8YtuuPzXDFwUwU/s270/face+of+butterfly.jpg" /></a></div>have the ability to chew, so they drink for nourishment <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1DICiGYA7XnAkN9jkVyqNolApNA9SJss5Yi-k7sdxtjZyDHdjorlRjMWyFgvnsvwgCvSBAUbWM3gRgMQC7SnFbkmJJ56eXGhBkQ-I4oQV_93evbhbPHQxvB1Cldl3qcnngLmTI4Iw50/s275/larvae+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1DICiGYA7XnAkN9jkVyqNolApNA9SJss5Yi-k7sdxtjZyDHdjorlRjMWyFgvnsvwgCvSBAUbWM3gRgMQC7SnFbkmJJ56eXGhBkQ-I4oQV_93evbhbPHQxvB1Cldl3qcnngLmTI4Iw50/s275/larvae+butterfly.jpg" /></a></div>instead. As mentioned above, at this stage they still use their proboscis to sip fluids of rotten fruits, tree saps, certain fungus' and even wet mud. They also eventually use sensors on their legs to taste fruits, while their antennae act like a combo tongue and nose to “taste-smell” the air while in search of food.<br />
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While spending time in Costa Rica, please remember that the Blue Morphos only have a life span of 115 days. Even with these few months to live, they also are constantly threatened by their natural predators (more birds than anything), as well as the constant threat they face due to habitat destruction by loggers, farmers and urban development. Lastly, sadly humans continue to be a threat due to their fascination to want to capture and display these beautiful insects to show off the bright and beautiful colors these beautiful butterflies display. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCWz4G7V6xndfcoTLXJ4XsWM2hyhoOg2VD8-wpacG3bDCArDA6Xu67tQ2YD1ZGmD0bOJdCLQvI_lTvtuWmQos6u4X8bbccVJv33MriShkq73rjWWW-8VspodZyrB4aTxGLyc9vS3MpRQ/s251/displayed+frame+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCWz4G7V6xndfcoTLXJ4XsWM2hyhoOg2VD8-wpacG3bDCArDA6Xu67tQ2YD1ZGmD0bOJdCLQvI_lTvtuWmQos6u4X8bbccVJv33MriShkq73rjWWW-8VspodZyrB4aTxGLyc9vS3MpRQ/s251/displayed+frame+butterfly.jpg" /></a></div>When staying at your <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Costa Rica Hotel</a>, please don't support this destructive market by buying or encouraging the sale or displays of the Blue Morpho, their continued existence depends on your good conscience! Happy Travels to all, I hope you get to see a Blue Morpho during your vacation! Pura Vida!<br />
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<b>Fun Facts:<br />
</b>• When the blue morpho flies, the contrasting bright blue and dull brown colors flash, making it look like the morpho is appearing and disappearing.<br />
• The "blue butterfly" has spiritual meaning for many native people of the rainforest, who see it either as a wish-granter or the complete opposite....a malicious spirit.<br />
• Blue morphos, like all butterflies, taste with sensors on their legs and taste-smell the air with their antennae to help them detect food while in flight. <br />
• Their beauty is brief: the entire blue morpho life cycle lasts only 115 days, so enjoy while you can.<br />
• If disturbed, Blue Morpho caterpillars will secrete a fluid that smells similar to rancid butter. <br />
• The tufts of hair found on the caterpillars will irritate human skin.<br />
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<b>LEARN MORE:</b><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HsDQXJsbRWY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>Author:</b> Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and Hotel <a href="http://www.makanda.com">Makanda by the Sea</a>.<br />
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<b>Sources:</b><br />
http://www.costaricajourneys.com/blue-morpho-butterfly/ by shamsul<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MorphoEyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com2Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.40205895628624 -84.1614897960785139.40107995628624 -84.162750296078514 9.403037956286239 -84.160229296078512tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-89515922686900898092013-06-08T10:25:00.001-07:002013-06-08T10:25:34.466-07:00Squirrel Monkey or Mono Titi (in Spanish)… We´re too damn cute, don´t let us dissappear!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsBpfDoF34Xl3I2gr8keoK2t80yW2nxmwPhJmDTRhyW3p6XU_cL-2dqLoEd5cNeqDFn1xOqA1HwjiyWoFmMNCxdJ9QZA7O2-yd1Ex9mu_4uIhyphenhyphen8ZGrKx3IURQ4wL00RcdmPPWlVXCc4Q/s1600/cute+titis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsBpfDoF34Xl3I2gr8keoK2t80yW2nxmwPhJmDTRhyW3p6XU_cL-2dqLoEd5cNeqDFn1xOqA1HwjiyWoFmMNCxdJ9QZA7O2-yd1Ex9mu_4uIhyphenhyphen8ZGrKx3IURQ4wL00RcdmPPWlVXCc4Q/s200/cute+titis.jpg" width="200" /></a>Literally everyday I have the pleasure of being visited by one of the cutest little jungle creatures you will ever encounter……the friendly Titi or Squirrel Monkeys of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. The particular species that swings through our trees, climbs on our roofs, and even occasionally gets in our houses are found ONLY in the Manuel Antonio area. Our blessing, is this little monkeys curse though, as with continued development in the surrounding areas of <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">Manuel Antonio and Quepos</a>, these beautiful little animals have slowly been completely cutoff from their natural wildlife corredor, meaning the Titis of Manuel Antonio no longer have anywhere else to go! This not only limits their ability to naturally flourish, but results in an elevated level of inbreeding, more sickness, and a weakening of the species over time, putting in danger this species´ long term existence. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zVQkZI1JMlGRsHLhyphenhyphenEPPcJhsx-8F523TUpFUS9ULjWuqYJNOJ_CFZ2xdaBC_OZDDQBzUKZNpPaVa8PdPtyPFlA8aL8GrK2_SDWOesZT-OS67_dA2cf3MSI_cYjukxdtDXJuwIIJLdKU/s1600-h/Squirrel+Monkeys+Costa+Rica.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402138087988776738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zVQkZI1JMlGRsHLhyphenhyphenEPPcJhsx-8F523TUpFUS9ULjWuqYJNOJ_CFZ2xdaBC_OZDDQBzUKZNpPaVa8PdPtyPFlA8aL8GrK2_SDWOesZT-OS67_dA2cf3MSI_cYjukxdtDXJuwIIJLdKU/s200/Squirrel+Monkeys+Costa+Rica.JPG" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" width="200" /></a><br />
Easily recognized by their soft light brown body furr, adorable little white with black facial "bigotes", long brown with bushy black tipped tails, and friendly incesant chatter, their tiny size and endearing faces draw oohs and ahhs from all that encounter them, making them clearly one of the main attractions in and around <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">Manuel Antonio National Park</a>, located on the Central Pacific Coast of tropical Costa Rica. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In search of a way to minimize the negative impact that this situation has caused, several local community organizations have emerged to help in the protection of this special little monkey. One of the most prominent in our area is <a href="http://www.kidssavingtherainforest.org/">www.kidssavingtherainforest.org</a>. Some of their many objectives, has been the creation of ¨monkey bridges¨ throughout the area. These thick ropes are strategically placed where the monkeys naturally arrive to cross roads, highways or locations that have a large amount of electrical, phone, or other types of cables, or where the vegetation is not sufficient for monkeys to safely traverse. This helps the monkeys avoid electrocution, or from the creatures having to come down from the trees to continue their journey, a move that would make them terribly susceptible to predators, as well as other modern environmental hazards. This organization has also published an excellent list of <a href="http://www.kidssavingtherainforest.org/10-reasons-not-to-feed-the-wildlife.htm">10 reasons</a> why you should NOT feed the monkeys, which most hotels, restaurants and other businesses post in their establishments to help educate the community and the visiting tourists about the negative impact feeding the monkeys has. This not for profit organization has also been funding a <a href="http://www.bluebanyaninn.com/promotions/kstr-monkey-tour.htm">wildlife rescue center</a> for local injured monkeys and other animals, so you can now choose to visit and donate to their badly needed facility when in the Manuel Antonio area. </div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uA_anA6RF6wxXlFCcwEhyphenhyphenrVZ7XLDujJ0hV7tZGEQLlwpDTvNOv3n0DkTHAYhpBYnsAFKwaPPGUxne6-Mr166hIzCOFXMTv_4qMoXTtWoxyC1snkCiuYWazLm8zKk33qjjJR8lRKL3QQ/s1600/titi+inspection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uA_anA6RF6wxXlFCcwEhyphenhyphenrVZ7XLDujJ0hV7tZGEQLlwpDTvNOv3n0DkTHAYhpBYnsAFKwaPPGUxne6-Mr166hIzCOFXMTv_4qMoXTtWoxyC1snkCiuYWazLm8zKk33qjjJR8lRKL3QQ/s200/titi+inspection.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob-HaVW5H_fPwSkLw0lwdVmX6OMXh-vP5wWcslKMV1DMTuN2gb1ktAEZso22PqmESeb5-8ZlaRGBzcjsfbt2GrtV28Hhaq98gdyIO3zVzkMgZFkN26v9Ir-i5WJQGHSIS1TkLAKmxdmM/s1600/monkey+bridge+titi.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob-HaVW5H_fPwSkLw0lwdVmX6OMXh-vP5wWcslKMV1DMTuN2gb1ktAEZso22PqmESeb5-8ZlaRGBzcjsfbt2GrtV28Hhaq98gdyIO3zVzkMgZFkN26v9Ir-i5WJQGHSIS1TkLAKmxdmM/s200/monkey+bridge+titi.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif-iQo4Tx64Z6ebKZ06UC1rC1qgEmhEE-edUxH2vctfqcUhXa8VpjgE0CgxLB9XODDi-_gapcnW7m5QqL7choPWrVQY9ysBaug_RRm0MVIdfieBfENLBajynNmjU6TUm9ZFewGC-7av0/s1600/mono+titi+alliance+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif-iQo4Tx64Z6ebKZ06UC1rC1qgEmhEE-edUxH2vctfqcUhXa8VpjgE0CgxLB9XODDi-_gapcnW7m5QqL7choPWrVQY9ysBaug_RRm0MVIdfieBfENLBajynNmjU6TUm9ZFewGC-7av0/s320/mono+titi+alliance+logo.png" /></a>Another excellent organization developed specifically for the protection of the Titi Monkey is <a href="http://www.titiconservationalliance.org/">www.titiconservationalliance.org</a>. The Titi Conservation Alliance was started in 2001 by a group of business owners within the tourist industry based around Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica. Recognizing the need for conservation of their natural environment to maintain prosperity for their businesses, this group of entrepreneurs began the Alliance with the mission to promote sustainable development and to conserve the biodiversity of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Region. Today, the Alliance is composed of member businesses and individuals dedicated to saving the endangered titi monkey, and its habitat. Through dues paid by member businesses, donations from concerned tourists wanting to help protect the beautiful areas they enjoy visiting, and the efforts of our staff and volunteers, the Titi Conservation Alliance is working to protect Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region through Sustainable Development, Habitat Reforestation, and Environmental Education.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6I-xiDYd7fI" width="560"></iframe><br />
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For those of you coming to Costa Rica, or if you have been trying to decide where to go on your next vacation, consider the Manuel Antonio area of this beautiful country, where not only will you have the opportunity to see these endangered little Squirrel Monkeys, but where many businesses will donate a portion of what you spend in our area directly for the Squirrel Monkey´s protection, so future generations will be able to enjoy the ¨Mono Titi¨ too!<br />
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<b>Author:</b> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in Parismina and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">Hotel Makanda by the Sea</a>.EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com0Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.3995609561807552 -84.1539903396728739.3956444561807544 -84.159032839672875 9.4034774561807559 -84.148947839672871tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-63259308141806836932013-05-26T06:24:00.000-07:002013-05-26T06:24:52.006-07:00Soursop (aka: "Guanabana").... a Sour name for a Sweet Cancer Fighting Costa Rican Fruit!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjTQxipCDJwp8FnEis-UFivaZsLZWIHn_ecEybIjezLILVKocHU3b7JOsWAjGhKTvY_XkR2l5oZtlqIKKFj2hwMliKwg2ISfEFt01VGlrrrr5l_aM0lXbrfZ2too_f1zOeGR_4lchW-k/s1600/guanabana+in+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjTQxipCDJwp8FnEis-UFivaZsLZWIHn_ecEybIjezLILVKocHU3b7JOsWAjGhKTvY_XkR2l5oZtlqIKKFj2hwMliKwg2ISfEFt01VGlrrrr5l_aM0lXbrfZ2too_f1zOeGR_4lchW-k/s200/guanabana+in+tree.jpg" width="183" /></a>Circulating around the internet these days, this latest "favorite" tree has been making headlines everywhere touting it’s remarkable cancer curing properties discovered and actually being proven in scientific studies. In case you haven't seen the articles, I’m referring to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soursop">Soursop Tree</a> (Annona muricata), known in Spanish as the Guanabana (say that 3 times fast!). The Guanabana fruit is one of the most delicious and odd looking tropical fruits you will commonly find here in Costa Rica. Guanabana fruits are easily recognized in local farmers markets with their large heart-shaped form, rich green color, spiny skin and a white, creamy pulp peppered with elongated, black seeds. The pulp when eaten straight from the fruit is a bit sour to the taste buds…thus earning the name "Soursop", but with a little added sweetener, this tropical gem blends into a creamy, fruity smoothie that rivals a fattening a much less healthy milkshake. It is also commonly used in ice creams, yogurts and other tasty delicacies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1TUG8Av94ZOCRFy_Am8CQrUs_x-vpYj_QUXVlPNgSpOE5czHgb6hKiQV-wWPyttsoFn2Uj-xmBK5Ut5kp-ChR8bk__NfxDGwYd9Qv9FWs5JLbLokAYVBgnY6TnIcuC6Ylzy5ELAkz5s/s1600/size+of+guanabana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1TUG8Av94ZOCRFy_Am8CQrUs_x-vpYj_QUXVlPNgSpOE5czHgb6hKiQV-wWPyttsoFn2Uj-xmBK5Ut5kp-ChR8bk__NfxDGwYd9Qv9FWs5JLbLokAYVBgnY6TnIcuC6Ylzy5ELAkz5s/s200/size+of+guanabana.jpg" width="149" /></a>The Soursop Tree is a really quite small considering the size of each fruit it produces. Growing up to 10 meters (a large specimen), this can make this non-descript tree ideal for a home garden orchard. The young branches, as well as the trunk of the tree eventually bear pale yellow, conical flowers which later turn into the large green fruits. The ovate, glossy leaves have a peculiar odor when rubbed and have proven to be valuable as a natural medicine in both ancient and now modern herbal remedies. In early times, the leaves of the Guanabana were used for tea to reduce swelling of the mucus membranes or to treat liver disease. The black seeds were often crushed and used as a vermifuge to help with parasite infestation. All parts of the tree were also ground and used as a sedative or as an anti-convulsant. The fruit was used to reduce joint pain, to treat heart conditions, as a sedative, to induce labor, or to reduce coughing or flu symptoms, just to name a few of its many benefits.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbEKeC8boljMACaXIqD10ma8lxI04Hmh5YnoGMMHIPx5JHXWYy8bqSkO4jql9C0prP3nHgJEjORBOBlUZ9W5eQxq66CHpssI4Uj4S5Ng6wICPuBf0WFICPl_uBUPwCVSnKfpBi_oRPME/s1600/guanabana+starts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbEKeC8boljMACaXIqD10ma8lxI04Hmh5YnoGMMHIPx5JHXWYy8bqSkO4jql9C0prP3nHgJEjORBOBlUZ9W5eQxq66CHpssI4Uj4S5Ng6wICPuBf0WFICPl_uBUPwCVSnKfpBi_oRPME/s200/guanabana+starts.jpg" width="182" /></a>Thrifty home gardeners can start their own Guanabana trees simply by saving the seeds from a fruit you buy at the local market. Plant one oblong seed per planter filled with fertile soil and sit back and relax. Germination can take as much as 2 weeks or more, <br />
so just be patient and keep the container watered several times a week. Once the seedlings begin to emerge when they are around 30cm, you will want to transplant them to a more permanent place in the yard. These trees do well on a wide range of soils, as long as good drainage is present. It takes a Guanabana tree some 5 years before it can begin to produce fruit, so you need to be in for the long haul when planting this unique tree. It’s important to protect the trees and fruits from disease and insect attacks, so it is not uncommon to see these fruits covered with loose recycled plastic bags as they mature to protect the fruits from fruit flies without the use of harmful insecticides, as well as in some cases, citric oil is rubbed on the bark of the trees to help protect them from other diseases.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukamKQSVr_Tan_V4h3DCwuHRtngBWbMNE8D5nTI6YvgLnxwSNvbyAOIbor1CY_typOk4iyj76TmeIzB7022S1isldFmUeqTJyrHb0DvxuybIVFS3je06sl3Ay3l-5bvBIgrAovMJAWcY/s1600/sliced+guanabana.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukamKQSVr_Tan_V4h3DCwuHRtngBWbMNE8D5nTI6YvgLnxwSNvbyAOIbor1CY_typOk4iyj76TmeIzB7022S1isldFmUeqTJyrHb0DvxuybIVFS3je06sl3Ay3l-5bvBIgrAovMJAWcY/s200/sliced+guanabana.png" width="200" /></a>The leaves, roots and bark of the Soursop have also been studied extensively by some of the more prestigious institutions known for their cancer research departments. These institutions such as the <a href="http://hsionline.com/about-hsi/">Health Sciences Institute</a>, <a href="http://www.journalofnaturalproducts.com/">Journal of Natural Products</a>, <a href="http://songeui.catholic.ac.kr/eng/">Catholic University of South Korea</a>, <a href="http://www.purdue.edu/">Purdue University</a>, <a href="http://www.cancer.gov/">National Cancer Institute</a>, <a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/cancer-questions/can-graviola-cure-cancer">Cancer Research UK</a> have definitively concluded that the Guanabana contains special organic compounds called "annonaceous acetogenins", which effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer. These acetogenins are inhibitors of enzyme processes that are only found in the membranes of cancerous tumor cells, and have no toxicity to healthy cells. These means they not only attack the bad cells and leave the good ones to do their work, but the natural compounds in Guanabana lessen the side effects like nausea, hair and weight loss during the treatment. The tree compounds have proven to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adriamycin">Adriamycin</a>, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, which is pretty impressive stuff!<br />
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These studies have confirmed the anti-tumor, anti-parasitic, insecticidal, and anti-microbial activities of Soursop, which indigenous people discovered centuries ago and yet, the US government seems to dispute the documented findings!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nPUjCpN3uDxRQhdcTY8yxrip0riG17eUC3HPE2H51HjWwinVY7XtpPW47LpeEGeUY2fZgsZlFxhfDe5mgTkDqNBwZ045ErYMBouyB_HV6hUo4l1V_803cfN81MDhZ4HdSGlnJhhiy-A/s1600/guanabana+natural+medicine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nPUjCpN3uDxRQhdcTY8yxrip0riG17eUC3HPE2H51HjWwinVY7XtpPW47LpeEGeUY2fZgsZlFxhfDe5mgTkDqNBwZ045ErYMBouyB_HV6hUo4l1V_803cfN81MDhZ4HdSGlnJhhiy-A/s200/guanabana+natural+medicine.jpg" width="197" /></a>As rapidly as excitement had skyrocketed about the Soursop, skeptics rushed to denounce the "cancer cure" as a fraud and scam afflicting the needy, the desperate, and the gullible. The <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/">Federal Trade Commission </a>(FTC) swooped in to fine and close various businesses that had unwisely reported an ability to cure cancer. And in September 2008, Medical News Today publicized the FTC's actions, quoting its director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Lydia Parkes, as saying: "There is no credible scientific evidence that any of the products marketed by these companies can prevent, cure, or treat cancer of any kind".<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeRLAr2KV4FbYshe7gDox-xYuJIDngrP-9VlrbIi22OvnABGaxNQobMO7VVCiUrN-T6OMsnFHCd0lWo2n62bay_Zn4801OZBE2q4cFGUTpl00ZAhPJyHNpnKYtXVTYSd1xTGCAMbzxSE/s1600/guanabana+many+names.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeRLAr2KV4FbYshe7gDox-xYuJIDngrP-9VlrbIi22OvnABGaxNQobMO7VVCiUrN-T6OMsnFHCd0lWo2n62bay_Zn4801OZBE2q4cFGUTpl00ZAhPJyHNpnKYtXVTYSd1xTGCAMbzxSE/s200/guanabana+many+names.jpg" width="200" /></a>Is this a Big Pharma conspiracy or what? We need to focus on not just enjoying this delicious fruit, but helping people with cancer as well!! So when if Costa Rica, if you see this fruit at your <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">Costa Rica hotel</a>, or have the chance to buy <a href="http://www.blackherbals.com/graviola.htm">"Guanabana", "Soursop", "Graviola", "Pawpaw"</a> or whatever it may be called in <br />
that part of the world at a local market, jump on the opportunity! Not only will you get a sweet tasty surprise, but you may end up eventually helping the world come up with a natural remedy that could lead to lessen the suffering cancer patients currently must endure! Now that is Pura Vida!<br />
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On a lighter note.......<br />
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Cancer fighting qualities aside, next time you find the opportunity to taste Guanabana, I can personally recommend its sweet pleasures! Be it fresh, yogurt, ice cream, natural juice or a delicious smoothie, its unique tropical flavors will win you over immediately! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8BQDyJAUHqupIeL9hMXu_MDYHofhDlgRvQ81sd-OGio65R_VmgsYWzklWSZVtXDQyvj0n8sA8GbD1ikJqiK5lOPoRDUXpMfpr-aV5SgAteSspv3zX7KlvX_uKT7OUAJA-tn-iJSqkYw/s1600/product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8BQDyJAUHqupIeL9hMXu_MDYHofhDlgRvQ81sd-OGio65R_VmgsYWzklWSZVtXDQyvj0n8sA8GbD1ikJqiK5lOPoRDUXpMfpr-aV5SgAteSspv3zX7KlvX_uKT7OUAJA-tn-iJSqkYw/s200/product.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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Watch this video for more information on how to prepare the fruit, as well as for the sheer entertainment! <br />
"RasKitchen", the Rasta Mon of cooking and the benefits of Soursop. He speaks English, but we still needed the subtitles! "Good for your dick mon!" I love at the very end when the gringo really does not want to take a sip of the Guanabana juice, as I think he just watched Rasta Mon prepare it in less than sanitary conditions. It's all good "mon", "Good for the Dick"!! Now that is Pura Vida at its best!!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ck3XMmNWMGw" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b>Author:</b> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com/">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and Hotel <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">Makanda by the Sea</a>.<br />
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<b>Sources:</b><br />
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/side-effects/201107/fighting-cancer-science-and-nature<br />
http://www.christopherlane.org<br />
http://degraviola.com/guanabana<br />
http://www.blackherbals.com/graviola.htmEyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com4Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica9.3998996691161327 -84.153561186230499.395983169116132 -84.158603686230492 9.4038161691161335 -84.148518686230489tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5726278334369396592.post-51098590806497599872013-05-14T08:36:00.000-07:002013-05-14T08:36:15.064-07:00Quepos, Costa Rica....once home to the fierce Quepoa Indians!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQUm0osNl85ELnHOe5fKE0EVxsVoqrIKXrb1-17I7ZMqf6UQSb8ldMWG-3CKvH_GvUoze5jKQ_qBtUtLfStQ3YNH5BbMYMCf6myMhAgqKBU7N3h8AZoYAzQO-gzAAn_hTwfbIxbUtN7M/s1600/town+coastline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQUm0osNl85ELnHOe5fKE0EVxsVoqrIKXrb1-17I7ZMqf6UQSb8ldMWG-3CKvH_GvUoze5jKQ_qBtUtLfStQ3YNH5BbMYMCf6myMhAgqKBU7N3h8AZoYAzQO-gzAAn_hTwfbIxbUtN7M/s200/town+coastline.jpg" width="200" /></a>Quepos acquired its name from the Quepoa Indians, which derived from the Boruca tribes that migrated northward from Columbia towards the end of the first millinium. The great conquistador, Juan Vasquez de Coronado, declared the Quepoa Indians as the ¨most beautiful people seen in these indies¨. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtl9OVC9WJMLsvbwd-HB1LGYlDRBzuBOlz3dAngoMyc8JB_aBIngH_84ILvPknm5hF4LvluTwWD4RKgoid4558C1oDXWS1ZvmgY4lr4zSe_VvJQx0kFY6hAETW319Jc4uhImqXIuRMuk/s1600/boruca+indian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtl9OVC9WJMLsvbwd-HB1LGYlDRBzuBOlz3dAngoMyc8JB_aBIngH_84ILvPknm5hF4LvluTwWD4RKgoid4558C1oDXWS1ZvmgY4lr4zSe_VvJQx0kFY6hAETW319Jc4uhImqXIuRMuk/s200/boruca+indian.jpg" width="150" /></a>The Quepoa Indians were well respected as fierce fighters, and are said to have pilaged great quantities of gold from the Caribbean tribes of this country in their reign as relentless warriors. It is said that these tribes lived the majority of the year near the foothills of the Naranjo and Savegre Rivers for the purpose of more productive farming, while in the rainiest months they inhabited the coastal hills of Manuel Antonio, concentrating around Quepos Point.<br />
The earliest recorded European presence in Manuel Antonio dates back to around 5 years after the famous Spanish explorer Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean in the early 1500´s. Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, who would later be credited with discovering Florida in his quest to find the fountain of youth, arrived to the shores of Costa Rica, and more specifically the Manuel Antonio area in the year 1519. Upon his arrival to our shores, his flotella encountered a large presence of fearsome taunting Quepoa Indian Warriors lining the beach, and wisely declined to make landfall. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpj4PS92kFdQCHSb5i5IvZ7wHQesEl4vNBdbOHsKZsc7pzq5vJOxmRGJYutXChdZQ4ZoFu-IFP1MfrL4J5zySR1pL5H1kB6YwMXkBUDPoDOuypoJYe4hl_RkSUO2Tp4zEwvfiQ9JhNPQ/s1600/pirate+booty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpj4PS92kFdQCHSb5i5IvZ7wHQesEl4vNBdbOHsKZsc7pzq5vJOxmRGJYutXChdZQ4ZoFu-IFP1MfrL4J5zySR1pL5H1kB6YwMXkBUDPoDOuypoJYe4hl_RkSUO2Tp4zEwvfiQ9JhNPQ/s200/pirate+booty.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
To this day, there continues a legend that a hidden treasure of some seven hundred tons of gold, silver, pearls, emeralds and other jewels exists somewhere in the territories that the Quepoa Indians occupied. Though this has never been confirmed, and obviously the treasure has never been discovered, infamous English privateer John Clipperton spent a good part of the late 1600´s exploring the area and befriending the Quepoa Tribes in his attempts to claim this immense fortune. Upon his death in 1722, Clipperton still believed the largest world treasure existed in our area, but was unsuccessful in his quest to claim it.<br />
In the year 1746, after many years of Spanish rebellions, disease brought on by the European settlers, and warfare between rivaling Indian Groups, the Quepoa tribe was forced into extinction. The whereabouts of the legendary treasure, estimated to be worth billions of dollars at today’s currency still remains a mystery!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWbnQnr3dF6Jq3xWKWF7gJiHS6z-91_TT7AlwAuVZVuphonXLvi-e-mh1OpDra2_q_77hBOdDJYiJ9Zo2DEh9gmJdipvflwjubnaA8-Dtec17gPYFi-RPae7s_bQOIQsKgxA6hitv-dQ/s1600/bananas+old+days.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWbnQnr3dF6Jq3xWKWF7gJiHS6z-91_TT7AlwAuVZVuphonXLvi-e-mh1OpDra2_q_77hBOdDJYiJ9Zo2DEh9gmJdipvflwjubnaA8-Dtec17gPYFi-RPae7s_bQOIQsKgxA6hitv-dQ/s200/bananas+old+days.gif" width="200" /></a>The actual town of Quepos first came to modern prominence as a busy shipping port for exporting bananas for the United Fruit <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxsOLc8Kz_AdbTcpUHaMZaW-NjQ_9IrRFQ5ajmMKTDfPB8ngQrH9oSjZhl3W2hyphenhyphenjtRtc04Vs-aVA6xhxMnm1UzuAOz3UCzDYxnCeRnu4ZQZKdISSVASyBTPZmRL2moijycTWA4Upo95Y/s1600/african+palms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxsOLc8Kz_AdbTcpUHaMZaW-NjQ_9IrRFQ5ajmMKTDfPB8ngQrH9oSjZhl3W2hyphenhyphenjtRtc04Vs-aVA6xhxMnm1UzuAOz3UCzDYxnCeRnu4ZQZKdISSVASyBTPZmRL2moijycTWA4Upo95Y/s200/african+palms.jpg" width="200" /></a>Company. After years of devastating disease devastating the banana industry, this crop was scrapped and the agriculture fields were converted to the 40,000 plus hectares of African Palm trees that you see today. Prized for the diverse properties the oil produces, <br />
African Palm oil is now used as bio-fuel, in creams & cosmetics, soaps, margarines, as well as cooking and industrial oils. Although this crop continues to be a major economic force in our area, it helped fuel the decline of Quepos as a major shipping port, as the smaller fruit is much easier to transport and refine locally.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyyeQM1YlUbc1EHaUpdknJYimG2eYdDG1jQgF0oAR2KnmbHTTZySGdjljodFmuF_4aW0GbDaTbSBEmGOZpl1E3fH6RvmiQUzHn-u1eaJBvAYA3NCkCnEjCsEjxYar-WNZ2u4YKJE7DJk/s1600/busy+street+quepos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyyeQM1YlUbc1EHaUpdknJYimG2eYdDG1jQgF0oAR2KnmbHTTZySGdjljodFmuF_4aW0GbDaTbSBEmGOZpl1E3fH6RvmiQUzHn-u1eaJBvAYA3NCkCnEjCsEjxYar-WNZ2u4YKJE7DJk/s320/busy+street+quepos.jpg" width="320" /></a>Surprisingly, even as late as the 1950´s basic communication between Quepos and the rest of the country was a challenge. Roads were <br />
almost non-existent, and passage by mule, donkey, horse or oxen cart was for many years the norm for the locals that lived in the area. In the 1940´s the president of Costa Rica, Rafael Angel Calderon declared Quepos and Parrita districts of Puntarenas, and it was at that time that they started work on a major road to San Jose, but that took many years to complete. There was a small <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6azQeCRJdL3daOJSKzKBm2Ya2MmbWrI4GGd0TBQ74HNXyQEucVSbtnbsYvXtLESEmiAiT_4RvKoMPfSqz523tTjmjQduU_dvBogeMUL7b-G_AZiabccFkumB9icwvuRy_tYp0FHr8Q8/s1600/bus+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6azQeCRJdL3daOJSKzKBm2Ya2MmbWrI4GGd0TBQ74HNXyQEucVSbtnbsYvXtLESEmiAiT_4RvKoMPfSqz523tTjmjQduU_dvBogeMUL7b-G_AZiabccFkumB9icwvuRy_tYp0FHr8Q8/s200/bus+station.jpg" width="200" /></a>railroad between Quepos and Parrita, but it was not widely used for the public and more often at low tide airplanes would land on the beach in front of the main street in front of what now stands as our sea wall. This is how they accommodated the first tourists, which arrived mostly during the dry months of January, February and March, and whom at that time were almost exclusively Costa Rican. It was not until the 70´s that the African Palm industry prospered enough that highways became an absolute necessity, and the first telephone arrived to the Quepos area. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKbpArk3XyDvJPDWrO168Hv1v3ipJQUbs7olMGZ6gmlPVv32GqMAbDw4rPzcsqvfnMWZevCKZdWqkSsCx3D30iONsZxmjJdpjyaJy7_Osk7aTumrSSq2w4xW7RURPGwEW4OXHt4skPQQ/s1600/park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKbpArk3XyDvJPDWrO168Hv1v3ipJQUbs7olMGZ6gmlPVv32GqMAbDw4rPzcsqvfnMWZevCKZdWqkSsCx3D30iONsZxmjJdpjyaJy7_Osk7aTumrSSq2w4xW7RURPGwEW4OXHt4skPQQ/s320/park.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Quepos, home to numerous hotels, restaurants and other tourist operations, it serves as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park and it's even wider variety of <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">hotels</a>, is now better known for it´s World Class Sportfishing, claiming some 17 IGFA records!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHfvmZf7jI1VkQQwi1m5msSO3c-N1PRus3i1uHkfQ_8RjRl4FNkD-HwT_HJomb1RcCiFJCjGOcWTTmQhcQuKN4eZahoOfXSFmZVZP0Hps7DRyjbia3dkrxQvMd7TCV9HJQBQhTaGr09c/s1600/marina+pez+vela+march+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHfvmZf7jI1VkQQwi1m5msSO3c-N1PRus3i1uHkfQ_8RjRl4FNkD-HwT_HJomb1RcCiFJCjGOcWTTmQhcQuKN4eZahoOfXSFmZVZP0Hps7DRyjbia3dkrxQvMd7TCV9HJQBQhTaGr09c/s320/marina+pez+vela+march+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Author: </b> <br />
Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in <a href="http://www.parismina.com/">Parismina</a> and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for <a href="http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/">Byblos Resort & Casino </a>and Hotel <a href="http://www.makanda.com/">Makanda by the Sea</a>.EyeOnCostaRicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386021299464719960noreply@blogger.com0Quepos, Costa Rica9.431944399999999 -84.1611110999999719.4006163999999988 -84.20145159999997 9.4632724 -84.120770599999972