Below are some interesting, odd, trivia, tidbits and weird facts about Costa Rica. Some will make you smile, relate to and may even be educational. All in all, if you have some more, please put them in the comment section at the end of this this article. FOOD The first fast food chain was McDonald, which began in operations in Costa Rica in 1970. But in May 2011 it was shut down (and another) … [Read more...]
Dogs In Costa Rica – Stray, Puppy Mills and Abuse
04/17/2012 by Leave a Comment
About 2 to four times a month we get these heartbreaking emails from animal lovers about stray dogs that wander the streets. And of course the story of the man who took a machete to a street dog, who only survived by a generous veterinary, pretty much had animals lovers in rage. Those loving and caring pet owner know that owning pets, especially dogs, is a big responsibility. … [Read more...]
What Does SOPA and PIPA Have To Do With Costa Rica?
01/19/2012 by 1 Comment
Yesterday many websites were in a World-Wide Blackout against The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) bill, and it's sister bill, Protect IP Act (PIPA), that is currently working their way through the United States Congress and the Senate. These new bills threaten every facet of the internet by letting government regulate what can and can not be seen; a form of censorship - just like China and Iraq … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving in Costa Rica
11/24/2011 by Leave a Comment
A few weeks ago at the Auto Mercado in Jaco, it was very evident that even if Thanksgiving is not a Costa Rican holiday, is sure is one of the most celebrated American holidays in Costa Rica. Signs were up for the holiday and products were already being displayed. Frozen turkeys, stuffing mix (including popular brands like Stove Top), salad fixing, sweet potatoes, green bean casseroles, mashed … [Read more...]
Halloween in Costa Rica – Sexy Costumes and Partying
11/15/2011 by 3 Comments
For the last four years I have been drawn like a magnet to San Jose, Costa Rica for Halloween. A few years prior I read a blog where the Blogger wrote how Halloween in Costa Rica is considered nothing but a "Gringo's" pagan holiday, that was designed to seduce small children with candy and "not" an acceptable celebration among Ticos. Then it went on about this haunting, peasant folklore of El … [Read more...]
Will Canada’s Seniors Immigration Increase to Costa Rica?
09/12/2011 by 3 Comments
Costa Rica is an expats haven, taking advantage of their world class medial & education systems, democratic government, gorgeous tropical climate, diverse economy and of course the affordable real estate. The ones that top the list are Americans and Canadians. Currently, over 100,000 Americans and 20,000 Canadians live in Costa Rica. Like the U.S., Canada’s baby boomers are reaching … [Read more...]
American Football is Alive in Costa Rica – Invited to Football World Cup in Mexico City, 2012
07/20/2011 by 5 Comments
Back in April, 2009 we wrote about how Costa Rica was forming the Costa Rica Federation of American Football (FCFA) - since then, the game is becoming more popular with its 3rd season. For more info, contact Cody Gear at 321-218-9209 or via email at codygear (at) codylgearandassociates dot com. Costa Rica has also been invited to the World Cup of American Football to be held in Mexico City … [Read more...]
Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean – A Pirates Treasure
07/14/2011 by 2 Comments
In the 1600s pirates combed Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast in search of Indian gold and trading ship’s merchandise. However their greatest find is still undiscovered by many today. Its enchanting, uncrowded beaches, distinctive climate and charming, carefree culture make Costa Rica’s south Caribbean a true treasure yet to be known. For nature lovers, Costa Rica’s Caribbean holds a treasure trove … [Read more...]
Tipping Now Taxed In Costa Rica’s Restaurants and Bars
05/31/2011 by 4 Comments
A tip (also called a gratuity) has always been a special thanks to a server for good service. Such payments and their size are a matter of social custom and etiquette and usually are around 10% plus of the total bill. Tipping varies among cultures and by service industry. In Costa Rica, those that provide services in restaurants and bars or unskilled labor make less than $2/hr (more like $1/hr … [Read more...]
Atenas, Costa Rica – Retirement and Vacation Community
04/04/2011 by 5 Comments
In 2004 my family and I decided to make our first trip to Costa Rica as a “research” mission to see if the Central America country would be a good candidate to purchase a vacation and/or retirement home. I had met Gerardo Gonzalez-Porras back in the Florida (part owner of Pure Life Development), and being Tico he had told many stories about but would never embellish too much, wanting each … [Read more...]
Travelers Checks, Credit & Debit Cards, Cash, Traveling to Costa Rica
03/30/2011 by 2 Comments
One of the questions we get asked all the time, what is the best form of money to take, travelers checks, credit or debit cards, or cash when traveling to Costa Rica? Travelers checks are probably the worse, because in Costa Rica, many establishments don't take them anymore and when you do find one that will, some places have been known to charge a outrageous fee. Banks are still the … [Read more...]
Are Costa Ricans Influenced by Technology? – Tech Poll
03/07/2011 by 1 Comment
A couple of months ago the above question was asked in Yahoo answers, and even if we answered, "yes,” and gave our reason(s), we were totally surprised that one answered, "NO." Our second surprise, it was voted best answer! Hummm ... pretty clear those people had no idea of Costa Rica's technology growth, or probably still think Costa Rica is still a, Third World Country. Five years ago, … [Read more...]
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