Vacation in Costa Rica is all about adventure and nature activities, deserted beaches and wildlife. If you come to this tiny playground for any other reason, you’re probably not interested in the warnings I am about to mention.
Costa Rica is like a box full of apples; they’re all delicious, fresh and healthy for body and mind except that rotten one in the middle of the pile. The outside looks good but as soon as you take a bite, it’s too late. Disappointment, bad taste and sick to the stomach at once. No more apples for a while.
Costa Rica is not any different than that box of apples. Fantastic all the way, but chances are you encounter that rotten apple. Whether it is a bad hotel, guide, activity, rental car or restaurant, you will know when it is too late. I witnessed and guided many tourist groups that experienced a flawless vacation and said to be back next year without a doubt. Now, there are some I heard and read about who were less fortunate, and it wasn’t just a flat tire or a worn out pillow. The rotten apples I’m talking about entail more serious problems such as lack of safety on the river, canopy zip lines, horseback tours, canyoning and rappelling , rude service at hotels and car rental agencies and scams in general.
As a tourist guide I have dealt with many good operators, hotels and rental car agencies, and a few bad ones. Obviously it’s the bad ones I am warning you about. I’m not an official inspector, therefore not allowed to mention any names, but if you are in doubt or if you have any questions, please contact me and I will advise you accordingly.
Costa Rica is all about flawless vacations. Get some good advice and you too will be enjoying only the delicious apples!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Quiet Tico
Dogs bark like their mouth never gets dry. Loud engine breaking sounds by large trucks rolling down the mountain. Sensitive car alarms set off by a passing truck. The continuously loud resonant sound of a car horn in front of a property to get attention from the person inside the house. The roaring moped and motorcycle engines with a malfunctioning muffler. Taxi drivers and other uptight road users slamming their car horns like life depends on it. Life in the city here is as life in the city elsewhere; maybe a little less or a little more. Whether it is necessity or free will, being in a city is at the same time frustrating and interesting. A city has everything except one thing. Tranquility. The countryside has nothing except one thing. Tranquility. If you don’t seek tranquility, than visit one of its cities or don’t visit Costa Rica at all.
Who leads a tube from a mountain creek to his house and calls it running water? Who goes to work on a horse? Who gets up at 5 am and goes to bed at 8 pm? Who puts up an umbrella when the sun is shining? Who cuts its lawn with a machete? Who invites you for a glass of milk, strait from the goat? That’s right, tico’s from the countryside. They’re everything but primitive. They’re practical, friendly, disciplined, welcoming, life smart, hard working and respectful. The only thing they don’t have is knowledge of the English language. Try your hands and feet to communicate; a laugh for all parties, guaranteed. If necessary, the tico will call his son or grandson for translation- some years ago the new school system introduced mandatory English. After minutes, the kid will lose his shyness and tell you that grandpa has invited you for coffee.
The roads winding through the countryside are in relatively good shape. Local landslides, potholes or a farmer with 80 cows might slow you down, but in general, you’ll be amazed how smooth your ride will be. Not in the city, but you’ll be avoiding them as much as possible, are you not? Sometimes you’ll find road signs where you don’t need them and no road signs where you need them. Just roll down your window and tell the lady or gentleman on the side of the road (they’re always there) your destination with a question mark. They will either raise their shoulders or point you to a direction, accompanied with a smile. Where is the fun of reaching your destination without having to ask for directions?
The tico countryside is only about enjoying its tranquility. The landscapes, mountains, micro climates, jungles, wild life, people and other surprises along the way; it’s all pure and truly livable. If it gets too quiet, a visit to the capital for a day shopping and night at the Live Jazz café will compromise for the rest of the year. Pura Vida!
Who leads a tube from a mountain creek to his house and calls it running water? Who goes to work on a horse? Who gets up at 5 am and goes to bed at 8 pm? Who puts up an umbrella when the sun is shining? Who cuts its lawn with a machete? Who invites you for a glass of milk, strait from the goat? That’s right, tico’s from the countryside. They’re everything but primitive. They’re practical, friendly, disciplined, welcoming, life smart, hard working and respectful. The only thing they don’t have is knowledge of the English language. Try your hands and feet to communicate; a laugh for all parties, guaranteed. If necessary, the tico will call his son or grandson for translation- some years ago the new school system introduced mandatory English. After minutes, the kid will lose his shyness and tell you that grandpa has invited you for coffee.
The roads winding through the countryside are in relatively good shape. Local landslides, potholes or a farmer with 80 cows might slow you down, but in general, you’ll be amazed how smooth your ride will be. Not in the city, but you’ll be avoiding them as much as possible, are you not? Sometimes you’ll find road signs where you don’t need them and no road signs where you need them. Just roll down your window and tell the lady or gentleman on the side of the road (they’re always there) your destination with a question mark. They will either raise their shoulders or point you to a direction, accompanied with a smile. Where is the fun of reaching your destination without having to ask for directions?
The tico countryside is only about enjoying its tranquility. The landscapes, mountains, micro climates, jungles, wild life, people and other surprises along the way; it’s all pure and truly livable. If it gets too quiet, a visit to the capital for a day shopping and night at the Live Jazz café will compromise for the rest of the year. Pura Vida!
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