Archive for May 20th, 2009
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Authorities have found the body of a missing University of South Florida graduate who was swept out to sea Saturday in Costa Rica, according to the U.S. Embassy in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose.
The recovery of 21-year-old Aly Lakdawala’s body was confirmed by the embassy’s American citizens services chief, according to Melissa Martinez, the embassy’s information officer.
Lakdawala had drowned, she said, though she did not have information about when or where his body was found.
Lakdawala, of Coral Springs in Broward County, disappeared while swimming with friends from USF during a two-week volunteer service trip.
The group of four swimmers apparently was caught in a riptide, USF officials have said.
Once they were on shore, the other swimmers could not find Lakdawala, who graduated May 1 with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and philosophy.
His disappearance triggered a search by lifeguards, police and the Costa Rican coast guard.
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Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Costa Rica has found 11 new A/H1N1 flu cases, taking the total confirmed cases to 20, said Health Minister Maria Luisa Avila on Tuesday.
Tests were carried on 13 samples of possible cases and 11 of them were positive, Avila told Xinhua, adding that the results for the rest two cases would come out on Wednesday.
Avila said that among the confirmed cases there was a peasant from the Cartago province east of San Jose, who infected four members of his family, Avila said.
A girl from Heredia, some 15 km northeast of San Jose, also passed the virus to her brother, the minister added.
“We are investigating the transmission chain in these cases, because it seems they have not had contact with people from outside. But still we can not talk about an autochthonous transmission,” Avila said.
The other confirmed cases were in people who had contact with the youth Chorus from Boston, the United States.
Costa Rica has confirmed 20 cases of human flu, including one death.
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Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Tired of the humdrum? Need to get away and relax? I have just the place for you. Costa Rica. Here are 10 terrific reasons to take a Costa Rica vacation.
1. You’ll find great airfares and travel bargains to Costa Rica right now.
2. There are 780 miles of pristine coastline with hundreds of great Costa Rica beaches. Uncrowded beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
3. Like nature? Imagine a tiny little country with more species of butterflies than on the entire African continent and almost as many different species of birds as in the entire continent of Europe.
4. It boasts a park on its Osa Peninsula which National Geographic calls the most biologically intense place on the planet. In fact, tiny Costa Rica has nearly one-fifth of all the species of plants and animals in the world. Imagine that!
5. Costa Rica has more than 100 volcanoes, including some that still erupt and others where you can literally walk into. There is even one where on a clear day you will be able see the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans at the same time.
6. Thousands of Americans travel to Costa Rica for cosmetic surgery, dental, or other medical care because the quality of care is world-class but often only about a one-third of the price in the States.
7. Some folks come to take Spanish lessons in schools that also teach them how to surf! Or yoga. Or sexy Latin dancing. Or all of the above.
8. How about fantastic weather year-round? If you get too warm, drive a few miles into the lush mountains. Swim in warm waters every day of the year.
9. Like a good fish story? I do. This will not be the story about the one that got away. Bring your camera or video camera. You will have proof! You can fish every day of the year for an unimaginable variety of fish. The Caribbean is filled with huge tarpon. Sailfish and marlin (I hooked a 450 pound, 13 marlin recently) are common. Not to mention whales and sea turtles.
10. Costa Rica is just a short flight away”or take a cruise. Hop on a plane or luxury liner, leave your worries behind and prepare to meet some of the nicest folks anywhere. You will make new friends. Lots of them.
And, for being a good sport, I have your first Spanish lesson as a bonus. Remember the words Pura Vida! It means the great life and you will hear and use it every day.
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