Archive for October, 2008
Monday, October 20th, 2008
Heavy rains have left at least 16 people dead and six missing and forced about 100,000 from their homes across Central America, authorities said Saturday.
The intense rainstorms, which began last Sunday when a tropical depression settled over the region, caused havoc in several nations, smashing bridges, flooding villages and blocking roads. In some areas the storms dumped up to 38 centimeters (15 inches) of rain.
Costa Rica’s Meteorological Institute said the rains were the worst in over a century.
Seven storm-related deaths were reported in Costa Rica, four in Nicaragua, three in Honduras, one in El Salvador and one in Guatemala.
In Costa Rica, where an estimated 77,000 were forced from their homes, a red alert warning remains in effect across much of the country.
Some 17,000 people were evacuated in Honduras, 2,000 in Nicaragua, and 2,000 in Guatemala, officials said.
The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Tropical Depression 16 dissipated early Friday, but warned the inundated region could still be at risk from landslides and flash floods.
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Monday, October 20th, 2008
The Country Recognized for Its Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Development
Costa Rica, the leader and pioneer of sustainable tourism, has been chosen to head the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council starting this year. The UNWTO met in Madrid in October 14 — 15 and appointed Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica, to lead the Executive Council of this international organization.
This designation is a major milestone and it confirms it’s image as a world leader in the tourism arena. The country has been a member of the Council for three years and is a member of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, as well as the Sustainable Development Committee. Since 2001, the UNWTO had not appointed the chairmanship title to a representative from the Americas, and it is the first time that Costa Rica serves as such. (more…)
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Monday, October 20th, 2008
Costa Rica’s Infrastructure Needs Major Improvements to Keep Pace with New Real Estate Developments.
Costa Rica real estate has seen quite a bit of growth in the past ten years, especially with high-end luxury developments. An increasing number of people are selecting Costa Rica as their favored location for real estate investments, residences, and vacations. The real estate sales surge has certainly been a benefit to the nation’s economy, but many of the newly developed areas are experiencing poor or nonexistent services, including electricity, water, roadways.
The Guanacaste region has seen some of the most real estate growth. Guanacaste is located in the northwestern area of Costa Rica and is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Of all of Costa Rica’s provinces, Guanacaste is the least populated, but it is also currently seeing the most real estate development. The Guanacaste province is becoming known the world over for its “eco-luxury” estates. Many owners of these exclusive homes, however, experience sporadic problems due to the area’s infrastructure failing to keep pace with the real estate development. Travel to many of these million dollar homes is hampered by poorly paved, or unpaved, roads. (more…)
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Friday, October 17th, 2008
The Krewe of Doom, Lafayette Rhythm Devils and the ChinaBall Club are asking Lafayette residents to join them at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Blue Moon Saloon for a fundraiser to help poor families in Los Chiles, Costa Rica. Funds raised will be used to purchase building supplies for improvements to houses in the impoverished community of Los Chiles.
What started out as a mission trip to Costa Rica for local geologist Leigh Anne Sharp has turned into a passion to help people in need.
“They were so tough and sweet living in some really exposed environments,” Sharp said. “I was touched by how little it takes by our standards to improve their lives in a big way.” (more…)
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Friday, October 17th, 2008
Following the approval of the free trade agreement with Panama, Costa Rica has opened a foreign trade office in Panama, opening a new chapter in commerce between the two neighbouring countries.
The free trade deal was approved by Legislative Assembly earlier this week and already ratified by the Panamanian parliament, waits the signature of Costa Rica’s president, Oscar Arias, before it goes into effect.
Panama is Costa Rica’s top trading partner in Central America according to the Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER) – Foreign Trade Corporation of Costa Rica.
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Friday, October 17th, 2008
Several vehicles were believed to have been trapped yesterday under a massive landslide on Costa Rica’s Inter-American Highway near the exit for Chomes, Puntarenas, which is near the turn-off for the popular north-central mountain reserve of Monteverde, the Red Cross said.
Mud and rocks came falling down from the side of the road at 1:30 p.m., said David Picado, of Red Cross’ disaster prevention unit. He said reports to the Red Cross said at least three vehicles were trapped, but the number could not be verified yet as workers raced to dig through the wet rubble. (more…)
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
A Costa Rican who mistakenly washed a winning lottery ticket worth $112,000 dollars lost a court appeal to obtain the prize, a report said Wednesday.
The Supreme Court rejected the appeal by Urroz, who selected the correct numbers for second prize in the June 29 draw but later found the remains of his ticket in the pocket of a pair of recently-washed pants.
Lottery organizers in September refused to pay the prize without the whole ticket.
The court said that no fundamental right had been breached in the decision.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Costa Rica, already assured of a berth in the final round of regional qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, beat Haiti 2-0 on Wednesday in a third round clash. Junior Diaz made it 1-0 for the Costa Ricans in the 17th minute, and it stayed that way until Victor Nunez doubled the lead in the final minute.
Costa Rica have won all five of their matches for a maximum 15 points, and are top of Group 3 with one match remaining. El Salvador joined them in advancing from the group to the six-nation final round of qualifying for the North, Central American and Caribbean region with a 3-0 victory over Suriname on Wednesday.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Not long ago, Tamarindo was a quiet little beach community on the western coast of Costa Rica. Over the last 15 years, the town has become a hot spot for ex-pats with accompanying development not far behind. Although some of the luster is gone, Tamarindo is still worth a visit if for no other reason than to compare it to the rest of Costa Rica.
Tamarindo is as good a place as any to experience Costa Rica beaches if you need a little civilization. The beaches are clean and tranquil, but lined with cafes, restaurants and hotels. The water is warm and good surfing can be found in certain locations. To the north, one can occasionally see rare sea turtles laying eggs on the beaches late at night. Unfortunately, turtle watching has become such a rage that you may be standing with a lot of people. There is definitely a voyeuristic feel to it and one can help but feeling sorry for the turtles.
If you’ve never been to Tamarindo, you’ll love it. If you’ve visited in the past, you might be disappointed with the development.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Just a few months after Tropical Storm Alma caused several damages in the Pacific area of Costa Rica, just when most of the people finally getting back on their feet another bad weather strike hit them. At this moment there are 2400 people affected by two low pressure systems that started hitting Costa Rica since yesterday. At this moment locations in Puntarenas, Costa Rica such as Parrita are covered in mud due to bad floods and shelters have opened up to help the locals. There is an estimate of 600 homes that have terrible damages and 800 people are known to have lost access to clean water. Also 4 homes are reportedly to be completely destroyed. (more…)
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
One of the common questions people ask themselves before visiting Costa Rica is which coast to go to. For backpackers, this is an easy questions to answer: both. However, for those honeymooning, going on a family vacation, short on time, or seeking a fixed local to spend a relaxing week this is an important question. The east and west coasts of Costa Rica vary from one extreme to the other. Many tourists to the country have a specific idea in mind of how they want to spend their vacation and what they are looking for. The first question to ask yourself isn’t where to go, but what you want to achieve. Here is Costa Rica coast to coast broken down for all of you asking yourself these things.
West Coast – Pacific Ocean
The west coast his built up and luxurious. A majority of the cities and provinces bordering the Pacific have a large European and N. American expat population. Because of this, the natives have thrived on the tourism rates and built concrete villages. This side of the country has less culture and more luxury comforts than the east coast. Here you can find common chain restaurants and fast food joints, concrete sidewalks, and upscale resorts and shopping. Because the west coast is a popular destination for most travelers the beaches tend to be a bit more crowded and hotels fill up quickly.
The west coast is perfect for those who seek a vacation that is family friendly and comforting. If you are traveling on business or on a honeymoon, you may prefer the west coast. Business travelers will find that required amenities for work will be easier to find here. Honeymooner’s can relax in lush beds, spacious bathrooms, and spas. Those with families will appreciate the access to more family actives and amenities.
East Coast – Caribbean Ocean
The east coast is very quaint and minimal. While luxury does lurk in corners here and there, this side of the country is built itself on eco-tourism. The cities here are more like villages where everybody knows everybody and the Costa Rican way of life is still in tact. Culture and minimalism without comforts of home can be found on the east coast. Dirt roads are lined by open air typical restaurants, hostels, and homes. The east coast is where people surf, relax, run from bugs, and hang their clothes on a line.
Those who seek to truly immerse themselves in the culture of the Costa Rican people. Anyone who wants to stay on beautiful, quiet beaches and ride a bike everywhere. Backpackers, environmentally conscious individuals, and those who truly want to get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives will feel at east on the east coast.
Remember though, as a tourist anywhere, especially Costa Rica safety and caution should always be on your mind. Because the coasts of Costa Rica have such high tourism rates, danger lurks everywhere.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
It is no secret that Costa Rica has become a real estate hot spot during the last ten years. In 2007, Forbes listed Costa Rica as one of the top ten favorite worldwide locations. The country’s popularity as a vacation destination, retirement location, and investment opportunity has continued to climb, and even the recently stalled economies across the globe have not had much of an impact on the attraction to Costa Rica real estate. (more…)
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
The world leader in Internet sales, Amazon, will establish in Heredia, Costa Rica, its first customer service center in Latin America. The manager for Costa Rica of the US electronic commerce giant, Alejandro Filloy, said that the center will handle the queries of US customers. He added that before making the decision to establish it here, the firm had thoroughly analyzed the conditions offered by other Latin American countries and by the United States to harbor the center, but that the Costa Rican ones finally prevailed.
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Two low pressure system has caused heavy rains and affecting the areas of Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Quepos, Parrita, Siquirres, Desamparados and Cartago.
The affected so far are more than 1.200 people and one person reported missing in Cerritos de Quepos.
According to meteorologist, Bernal Stolz, more rain is expected in the next 48 to 72 hours.
The low pressure systems dumped between 70 and 150 millimetres of rain since Sunday, causing flooding in Parrita and Quepos, and affecting the Central Valley and Caribbean coast.
The heavy rain also affected the Interamericana Sur, once again collapsing under the force of the water and mud, closing off all pasasged between San José and Pérez Zeledón. The closure is at kilometre 111 in the area known as El Jardín en el Cerro de la Muerte where a 50 metre section of the road was completed washed away.
The Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) has issued a red alert for Parrita, Quepos, Cartago and Desemparados. Heredia, Alajuela and Guanacaste are all under a yellow alert.
The Central Pacific areas are the most affected by the heavy rain that began on Sunday. In Parrita the problems began later Sunday night when the Parrita river began to overflow its banks.
Other areas reporting mud slides and flooding are Neuvo Arenal and La Fortuna.
October is the worst month of the rainy season that end by mid November.
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Telecommunications in Costa Rica are always a subject on every table in this country, whether it is the high rates for electricity and phone services or the terrible cellular signal in a lot of locations as well as the long waits for services requests in some areas. The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is in charge of all these matters in Costa Rica due to the monopoly created decades ago in telecommunications.
Regarding internet connections, the services are offered not only through ICE, but also to Radiográfica Costarricense (RACSA) and cable companies, yet apparently the rate offered by the ICE is a lot cheaper, not to mention that they offer a faster connection, although some people who have requested this service (called ACELERA) have to wait for over a year to get the service. In Costa Rica, the ICE also offers and compensation program for damaged items while repairs in the electricity connections and power shortages, which is great, however, it is quite amazing how often they have to pay for these issues.
Right now, the entity in charge of protecting consumers have accused ICE of black mail and push rate increases on their services through public statements and correspondence, claiming that ICE is forcing Costa Rica to pay more without proper studies. Costa Rica properties have increased their prices a lot and this increases will make things harder for potential property buyers in Costa Rica (locals mostly) since the real estate is already hard to afford for Ticos.
No one in Costa Rica is really happy with the services provided by the ICE and of course everyone is totally against any increase to benefit their “crappy service”. I personally think that the ICE is making a terrible mistake since in a few months they will no longer have the telecommunications monopoly due to the expansion agreed on the TLC between Costa Rica and the USA last year.
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