Archive for December 29th, 2009
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
Despite the harsh sanctions against drinking and driving, the Policía de Tránsito report detaining 304 drunk drivers for December. And for that reason and the exodus of vacationers to the beaches and resorts, the Tránsito patrols will be increased on all highways.
Speeding is another concern of the Tránsitos (traffic officials).
Germán Marín, the director of the Policía de Tránsito, assures that there is a zero tolerance in effect, with respect to drunk drivers and speeders.
Tránsito officials will also be keeping an eye open to detect drivers who refuse to use their seat-belt and/or insist on talking on their cellular telephone.
Marín reports that of the 29 traffic fatalities, one third were caused by drunk drivers.
Luis Vega, Tránsito director for the Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM), said that traffic officials will be posted along all the major exists from the San José and the Central Valley to points in Guanacaste, Limón, the northern and southern zones.
Vega added that traffic officials will also be posted near locations where year end parties are ongoing, to stop drunk drivers before they cause a tragedy.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
This is the time to enjoy the year end activities and celebrations, but also a time for criminals, taking advantage of the many who let down their guard. In the last week of the year, history shows an increase of attacks on pedestrians, mainly in the downtown core and home robberies.
Fuerza Pública (police) officials say that they have already seen an increase over 2008, though it is still too early to talk numbers.
Police advise that is you live or have to go to downtown San José, stay alert and watch your belongings. Most of the attacks are of those who let their guard down, even for a moment, especially when it comes to carrying large amounts of cash and wearing jewellery exposed.
Stay alert, is the recommendation. Walk briskly, do not pull out your wallet, cash or cell phone in the middle of the street, clutch a handbag tightly.
When it comes to leaving your home alone, the majority of robberies are those of opportunity, where security is low, a door or gate left open and evidence of no one is home.
A security alarm helps. Advising your neighbours if you are going to be absent for an extended period is good idea. Using timers to turn off lights and television and/or radio at intervals gives the appearance of someone being home.
Ensure that gates close properly, add a chain and lock if necessary. A good fence not only makes for good neighbours, but can also ensure than thieves pass by your home, moving on to an easier target.
A good lock, one that cannot be easily cut with a bolt cutter or picked easily will help. Many homes do not reinforce their deadbolt locks, the door easily pried open with a crowbar.
Another problem evident in many homes is the rolling front gate. Many such gates do not have a stop lock or stop bar, which makes it easily to lift off its lower or upper track and forced open enough to allow entry.
Making entry points complicated and more difficult, helps foil thieves.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
The day is soon approaching when you can travel from San José to points like Playa Jacó, Caldera or Puntarenas in under one hour by way of the new San José – Caldera highway that is nearing construction.The new highway, that is missing completion between Santa Ana and Orotina, will shave off at least 45 minutes travel to all points on the Pacific coast.
A trip to Liberia that now takes 3.5 hours on best days will be just a little over 2.5 hours, meaning you reach the beaches of Coco, Hermosa for instance in less than three hours. Tamarindo and Flamingo will also be less than three hours away.
Quepos and Manuel Antonio will be less than 2 hours.
The reason for the current extended drive time is the winding of the mountains from the Central Valley, either over the Monte de Aguacate, a steep climb and drop of the more gentler pass on the Interameircana.
Either way, the drive is slow, slowed even more by large trucks and loaded buses and few passing lanes.
The new highway cuts through all that. The slopes and hills are gentle, the winding is to a minimum.
The road is completely asphalted, what is missing is the final touches of completing the road markings, some of the barriers and of course, the toll stations.
For the most part the highway is a two lane road, one lane for each direction. However, near the intersections of Piedades (though the signage reads Cuidad Colón), La Guacima, La Garita, Turrucares and Atenas, the road opens up to four lanes and illuminated.
The road delivers what will surely be a very pleasant experience driving to and from the Pacific beaches and other destinations.
And since it is a toll road, like the San José – Santa Ana section, it will be lightly traveled, as the cost from Escazú (the first toll) to west of Orotina (the last toll) is ¢1.120 each way.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) – state insurer – began their year end campaign to prevent traffic accidents, fire and other emergencies.
On hand near the Juan Santamaría (San José) airport this weekend was a team of firefighters handing out flyers to motorists to make them aware of the safety precautions to take.
The objective of the campaign is to get the public to take preventive measures when driving or enjoying the beaches and at home, minimizing the risk of fire, which are common during this time of year.
The recommendations is travelling to the beaches and resorts is to ensure that the vehicle in good mechanical state, drive defensively, don’t speed and don’t drink and drive.
At the beach to wear sun protection and be aware of the water levels, strong currents and undercurrents.
If home is to be left alone, disconnect all electrical appliances and anything that could be a potential fire hazards, like a dried out Christmas tree and a faulty light socket or lamp.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
Every day more and more people chose Costa Rica as a place to live or retire.
The process goes like this. Usually people come here as tourists and then fall in love with the country and its lifestyle. While others read about Costa Rica or see nature programs on TV which extol the country’s beauty and all it has to offer.
After doing their research on line and reading all of the guidebooks people then decide to make the move. They usually contact a relocation expert or take a retirement tour prior to making the definitive move. Smart individuals also attend the monthly seminar given by the Association of Residents of Costa Rica or ARCR. I include this informative seminar on my monthly relocation/retirement tours. With the information and contacts from the seminar and my tours, people now feel comfortable and have the confidence level to make the big move.
After finally moving here and getting settled in their new home or apartment, the question always arises, “What do I do now?” I am in a new country with a lot of free time and have to find out how to use it. This shouldn’t be a problem since there are hundreds of activities here to stay busy and happy. There is usually a period of adjustment where you have to get use to the way things work in your new country. This is usually the point at which the honeymoon starts to end and you begin to confront a variety of daily situations. Having network of friends and getting involved in some hobby or activity can make all the difference in world in adapting to life in a new country. Your friends will be your support and your activities will keep you occupied.
I would be lying through my teeth if I said Costa Rica was for everyone. But if you make an effort to understand the culture, go with the flow, make friends and most of all have a good sense of humor, you should be able to adjust after the initial honeymoon ends and take advantage of Costa Rica’s incredible “ Pura Vida” lifestyle.
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