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 Fernando by zrim
But they generally get paid very little by the big companies. So take care of them. They work hard, they shrug off insensitive tourists with a smile.
This is a photo of Fernando, our guide in Tortuguero. He had the eyes of a hawk. The build of an elephant. And the demeanor of a kitten. Leave a Comment
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The currency used in Costa Rica is the colon. Anno 2005 one US dollar is about 465 colones. However, it is easy to pay with US dollars, they are widely accepted. Only in local small shops or small restaurants, you will need some colones.
Credit cards, especially Visa, are also accepted almost everywhere.
Don't bring travellers cheques, because of the long queues at the bank.
You can change your US dollars at the bank, at the hotel and there are some ATM's in the bigger cities where you can withdraw money.
All restaurants and hotels already add 10% service. No tips are necessary but if the service is excellent you can also give an extra tip.
If you tip someone, it is common to give 1 dollar or 500 colones. Leave a Comment
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 Our guide by Helga67
In contrary to other Latin Americans, Ticos are very friendly, polite and discrete. Leave a Comment
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 Alvaro Ugalde and my friend
Arturo by zrim
The following is an excerpt of President Reagan's remarks when he presented Mr. Ugalde with the Getty Conservation Prize.
July 25, 1983
"....But let me say how proud I am to present the J. Paul Getty Wildlife Conservation Prize. This is the largest award given specifically for outstanding service to wildlife conservation. This honor is so distinguished it's often been likened to a Nobel Prize for conservation. And our award winners today deserve that distinction: Alvaro Ugalde, Director of the National Park Service of Costa Rica, and Mario Boza, who is Costa Rica's first Park Service Director. They have contributed greatly to building their country's park system. And you gentlemen have my warmest congratulations.
They have a genuine treasure to protect. Someone has told me that Costa Rica's wildlife includes more than 850 bird species, 205 mammals, 150 amphibians, 210 reptiles, and 700 species of butterflies.
Well, I'm always using Costa Rica as a positive example for Central America. It's more than that, however. Costa Rica is a positive example for the entire world -- a model of democracy and political stability that all nations could do well to emulate.
Costa Rica exemplifies what democracy is all about. It's no surprise that Costa Rica, throughout several political administrations, has demonstrated great leadership in the conservation and wise management of natural resources.
So, again, congratulations to our award winners for their fine public service not only to Costa Rica but to all of us who place the importance on wildlife conservation that we do. And we thank you all." Leave a Comment
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 The Banana Ladies by hotrodgirlLeave a Comment
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 Manuel Antonio entrance ticket by BEETLE_VERTE
But if there's one thing I regret from my trip, it's not speaking spanish. Even a minimum (I knew "una cervesa por favor"). We tried to learn as much as we could along the way: studying the bilingual menus, watching shop signs, listening to other peoples, asking around. This way, from our first meal (where we didn't even knew what was cafe con leche) to our last meal (where we ordered everything in spanish without looking at menus) in Costa Rica, we gathered a little bit of vocabulary.
But learning spanish is on my to-do list before I leave for my next trip! I could have enjoyed and benefit so much more from my trip...
Learn at least a few words, a few sentences. They'll enjoy it. But you will even more. Leave a Comment
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 A child in Tortuguero by Helga67Leave a Comment
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 Holman, our fishing guide by BEETLE_VERTE
A somewhat reserve and shy taxi driver offered me his own eye drops to cure a burning contact lens...
A distant and one-word-answer guide unvailed his fishing secrets in an unstoppable one-man-show...
A stranger in an unfriendly and infamous bus station took the time to take us to the ticket booth and dock...
A low-profile guide on one of his first tour couldn't be stopped and share even family story with us...
And it goes on...
(We had much more of these heartwarming stories than any warning or danger story!) Leave a Comment
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 Rocking chair by Helga67
There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in your rocking chair and enjoying the simple life of Costa Rica ... Pura Vida Leave a Comment
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 My first homestay in San
Joaquin Costa Rica by Suzie3
This picture is where I spent my first homestay while studying spanish with CPI. It is called the Heredia campus but is actually in the little town of San Joaquin de Flores which is just outside of Heredia. Leave a Comment
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