Archive for February 5th, 2010
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Costa Rican voters appear likely to elect the country’s first female president, a protege of Nobel laureate Oscar Arias who holds a nearly 20-point lead over two male rivals ahead of Sunday’s balloting.
Laura Chinchilla’s election would mark another political triumph in the storied career of outgoing President Arias, who has been regularly called on to put out Central America’s political fires.
Chinchilla was Arias’ vice president before launching her campaign. If victorious, she has pledged to continue Aria’s moderate free-market policies in what is considered the most politically stable country in the region.
Posted in Costa Rica News | No Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Come election, Sunday February 7, the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) will suspend charges of all tolls on the highways, the General Cañas (San José – Alajuela), the Florencio del Castillo (San José – Cartago), the Braulio Carrillo (Guápiles) and the Bernardo Soto (Naranjo).
However, the toll on the San José – Caldera will be continue to operate as usual, since the road is operated privately under concession by the Autopistas del Sol and as such is not under the obligation to exempt charging the tolls.
Posted in Costa Rica News | No Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2010
The National Forum of Public Transport announced today that it will offer free transportation to voters on Sunday.
At a press conference this morning in the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), Maritza Hernandez, spokeswoman for the forum, explained that on the 7th of February voters can travel polls for free to cast their votes on routes such as San Jose-Alajuela, San Jose -Puntarenas, San Jose, Turrialba, San Jose-Santa Cruz, Nicoya, Liberia, and other bus services from most of the Greater Metropolitan Area (the full list of routes will be available tomorrow on the TSE website).
According to Hernandez “We want to tell the people of Costa Rica that transportation will not be an obstacle for a chance to say yes to democracy,” he added.
If you have any questions call 2283-1712 mobile 2283-1820.
Posted in Costa Rica News | No Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2010
For the first time in some 60 years, Costa Ricans can celebrate in public the winnings of the presidential elections or drown their defeat with a toast, with the elimination of the as the “ley seca” during an elections process.
In the past, the Código Electoral (Elections Code) prohibited the sale of, as well as the consumption in public, of all liquor one day before, the day of and the day after the elections.
Unlike the past, this year the members of the Fuerza Pública (police) and municipal police, will not be busy visiting local bars, restaurants, supermarkets and liquor stores to place a tape on the doors of coolers, liquor cabinets and entrance doors of establishments selling booze, but rather, be doing real police work.
Erick Lacayo, director of the Fuerza Pública, is skeptical of the practice of allowing the sale and consumption of booze during an election, telling the press “We will see whether indeed there are no conflicts or fights”.
Lacayo confirmed that the entire force (12.200 officers) will be on duty on election day, February 7, beginning their intense operations in “strategic locations” the night before.
Police, as is usual, will be on hand at all voting centres (mostly public schools), with particular emphasis at voting centres were “personalities”, like president Arias, presidential candidates and other key public officials, are to cast their votes.
Posted in Costa Rica News | No Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2010
1. Italy
From the hills of Tuscany to the ruins of Rome, Italy is known for its unparalleled beauty, food and shopping. Travellers often find themselves exploring the vast countryside or jumping on a train to see the sites. For most, the main attraction is the country’s rich history.
2. Egypt
For an affordable yet fascinating vacation, Egypt ranks high on the charts. Not only has Egypt remained consistently geopolitically stable, but it is also home to the Great Pyramid of Giza. Despite the hot temperatures year round, tourists never seem to get enough of Egypt’s many facets.
3. Greece
Greece is a sought-after destination where beauty, culture, and history collide. With gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, and tributes to the Gods, honeymooners often retreat to the Greek Isles for a romantic getaway, while avid travelers dig deep into the history of the country.
4. Turkey
Similar to Egypt, Turkey’s tourism industry has grown over the years because of its affordability as an international destination. Upon arrival, visitors are enchanted by unique historical and archaeological sites, majestic mountains and valleys, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, castles, mosques and a beautiful coastline.
5. Peru
Home to Machu Picchu, Peru has emerged in recent years as a very popular tourist destination. With 17th century architecture, Inca ruins, and uninhabited jungles, Peru is waiting to be explored. The capital city Lima acts as the central district both financially and culturally while the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco draws nearly one million visitors each year.
6. Oberammergau, Germany
Oberammergau is a small Bavarian village located on the Ammer River in South Central Germany amongst the Bavarian Alps. But it’s not the town’s charming location that entices nearly half a million people to journey there every 10 years – it is the world famous Passion Play. This play, performed by the natives of Oberammergau in 1634, depicted the last few days of Jesus Christ. The natives vowed to enact the Passion of Christ every ten years until the end of time if Jesus would end their suffering and spare their lives during the bubonic plague.
7. Israel/Jordan
Located in the heart of the Middle East and boasting tremendous historical and religious significance, Israel and the Palestinian-ruled West Bank represent the meeting of three faiths – Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Visitors who come to Israel also find themselves exploring Jordan and its most popular city, the Rose Red City of Petra, as well as the Dead Sea that has coasts on both countries.
8. China
With its rapidly growing infrastructure and budding economy, China is a blend of modern sophistication and rich tradition. It’s this unique combination that makes the country a popular destination. There’s the Great Wall of China and Beijing’s famed Temple of Heaven, with its white marbled, circular altar. Other popular cities include Xian, one of the oldest, and Shanghai, which this year will host the World Expo.
9. India
With a population of over one billion, India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. In Delhi, tourists will find gorgeous Hindu temples and the Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest free-standing brick minaret. Not far from Delhi is also the city of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. India is not only thrilling but affordable.
10. Costa Rica
From volcanoes and waterfalls to uninhibited wildlife, Costa Rica has rapidly grown as a popular ecotourism destination. Thrill seekers can enjoy the wide array of wildlife and biodiversity, as well as adventure activities such as the zipline canopy and hanging bridges. As a whole, Costa Rica has increased in popularity as Mexico continues to recover from the 2009 H1N1 flu epidemic.
Posted in Costa Rica News | No Comments »
