Costa Rica Tourism News
December 2008 Newsletter The exchange rate at the beginning of this month is: buying at 525 and selling at 536 colones for one US Dollar. Sabana Park Goes Native “La Sabana,” the large metropolitan park on the west end of San Jose will soon undergo a gradual but important transformation. This popular urban park, once the site of the national airport a half-century ago, was converted into an urban park and fast-growing trees such as eucalyptus, cypress and pine-like casurina trees were planted there to give park visitors shade. The problem is that all of these trees are exotics, and produce relatively little food for local wildlife. But a plan is now underway to begin to replace these trees with native species, such that in the next few decades San Jose will have a forest of native trees within the urban area. The plan is to cut down dead and dying trees in a few months and replace them with fast growing native trees to fill the gaps. Later, in a more gradual program, non native trees will be replaced with trees that have fruits for wildlife, are valuable timber trees, or are trees in grave danger of extinction. The idea is to create a diverse forest similar to natural forests, and provide important habitat for birds and local wildlife. This is welcome news to city residents, for in the near future Sabana park visitors will not have to leave the city limits to enjoy the beauty and incredible diversity of this nation’s remarkable tropical forests. December Traditions Costa Rica has many national traditions, and December is the month when “Ticos” as Costa Ricans refer to themselves, enjoy numerous special activities. Beginning with an “Aguinaldo,” the 13th month payment that employers give their employees in late November or early December, many Costa Ricans begin buying Christmas presents for family and friends that will be exchanged the evening of December 24th during family festivities that culminate in a midnight dinner. Many families also cut a cypress tree grown for this purpose in local plantations and set the tree up in late November or early December and adorn it with lights and decorations that can be purchased in stores or “chinamos” –temporary seasonal roadside stands- that are often established as early as October. Another popular custom is where office employees exchange small gifts to each other, with the giver being an “invisible friend” giving the gift anonymously. During the month, small craft fairs producing hand-made gifts by local artists open up on weekends allowing shoppers the opportunity to buy jewelry, artwork and other items. The city of San Jose hosts the annual “Festival of Lights” and parades. An old tradition is that street vendors and stores offer imported grapes and apples, although with modern production and transportation, these once “special treats” are now available during much of the year. In a grueling race, tough athletic bicyclists are challenged in a cross-country bike race lasting several days in the annual race across Costa Rica traveling over high mountains, humid lowlands and in all types of weather. Another less strenuous competition is for home-made “Portals,” or nativity scenes, where companies or communities have judging contests for the most original design. Many families still practice the custom of making home-made tamales. A base of rice, beef, pork, chicken or a vegetarian version with chick peas or other ingredients are carefully wrapped in layers of banana leaves previously softened over a small fire, and then tied with string, and immersed in a slowly boiling pot of water and simmered for a few hours. These are then frozen or refrigerated and then reboiled and served at dinners throughout the month, often accompanied by a glass of eggnog. There are many celebrations with families and friends during the month, and December is a month that is enjoyed in many ways by Costa Ricans.
And some recent feed back from our guests:
“The highlights of our trip were Tortuguero because we saw lots of wildlife and it was a really unique experience and Arenal. The kids also loved the flight out of Tortuguero. We loved Tabaccon and the slide and hot springs and they were thrilled to see the lava at the volcano. We were lucky to get a clear night. They also loved ziplining. All the hotels were great and they loved SiComoNo with the slide and movie theater. My younger son went to the movie every night. Our best tours were at Tortuguero and at Manuel Antonio. Both of those guides were fantastic and we saw a lot of wildlife. The kids also loved swimming at Manuel Antonio so overall it was a really great trip… We do hope to go back because we would like to go to Corcovado and Tiskita as we feel it will let us experience the beauty and remoteness that we did in Tortuguero. Thanks again.” Diana B.
“The trip was very nice. Thank you for all of your help, even with the birthday celebration. The Parador is truly gorgeous and everyone there extremely nice and helpful. The service is lovely. I'd recommend the Premium rooms for your clients. If you're going all the way there you should have the good view and be in the main building. The Sun Tours group was excellent. On time and reliable. Our driver Priscilla and the naturalist guide Michael were excellent. The ride from San Jose to Parador is 4-5 hours; it's very scenic but very long and people should be aware of this. This was a wonderful trip for the whole family.” Eileen B.
l News l FAQs l
|
