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Precarious Journey: Tico mountaineer Warner Rojas, 40, walks across a ladder spanning a crevasse on Mt. Everest, the
world’s tallest mountain. On May 25, Rojas became the first Costa Rican to reach Everest’s summit at 8,848 meters (29,029
feet) above sea-level. He returned to Costa Rica last Friday to a hero’s welcome.
At the Top of the World
By Clayton R. Norman
Tico Times Staff
At 8:20 p.m. on May 24, Warner Rojas set
out from Camp 4 on the southern face of Mt.
Everest to become the first Costa Rican to
stand atop the world’s highest summit.
He and his team of Nepali sherpas and
foreign climbers led by David Hamilton of
Jagged Globe Expeditions started climb-
ing that morning at 6 a.m. and spent the
afternoon resting at Camp 4, 7,950 meters
(26,000 feet) above sea level.
“We tried to sleep but it was impossible,”
Rojas, 40, told The Tico Times in an inter-
Saving the Great Green Macaw
By Clayton R. Norman
Tico Times Staff
Just a few kilometers away from the
screaming jet engines of Juan Santamaría
International Airport sits a humble, four-
hectare plot of land lined with chain-link
aviaries and guarded by a pack of 17 previ-
ously abandoned dogs.
This small outpost northwest of the capi-
tal, nestled in the brushy Alajuela hills of
Río Segundo, could represent one of the last
Friday, June 15-21, 2012 – San José, Costa Rica
view in San José this week. “The whole team
was anxious to leave.”
Rojas ate two small cans of tuna and a
granola bar and tried to drink as much water
as he could.
At 7:30 a.m., the team started preparing
to climb again. When they left at 8:20, they
had 898 meters (2,900 feet) left to climb.
“After about two and half hours of
climbing, we encountered the first bodies,”
Rojas said.
The bodies were those of Chinese and
Canadian climbers who died a week before
at nearly 8,200 meters (26,900 feet) – two of
10 fatalities on Everest this year.
chances to save one of the world’s largest
parrots – the endangered great green macaw
(Ara ambiguous).
Worldwide populations of these boister-
ous birds that can grow up to 33 inches in
length were estimated at less than 2,500 in
2008, according to the International Union
for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources. Today, they are listed by the organ-
ization as a declining population.
Chris Castles, co-director of the Ara
Project, which breeds great green and scarlet
Since 1956
NEWS
Using Social Media
To Take a Stand
Costa Rican ad agency Big Web Noise is channel-
ing discontent over evangelical lawmaker Justo
Orozco’s naming to a legislative human rights
commission into a social media tool. A new app
called “Poné Tu Cara” (“Show Your Face”) is bring-
ing protest into the digital age.
Page 64
HEALTH
Is There Such a Thing
As Too Cheap?
Costa Rica’s Dental Surgeons Association issued
a warning recently that some dentists’ prices are
too low to be safe. For medical tourists shop-
ping for a bargain, experts recommend a balance
between low prices and high quality.
Page 84
BUSINESS
Remember When We Fretted
Over the Exchange Rate?
In the late 1970s and early ’80s, Costa Rica suf-
fered its worst currency devaluation in history.
Courtesy of Warner Rojas We’ve come a long way since then, and today,
exchange-rate stability is considered one of the
country’s economic victories.
Page 94
WEEKEND
“After that, beside the trail there were
Costa Rica’s Best
Bar Food
Step aside, beans and rice. This country has more
than its share of unique and delicious snacks, in-
two more bodies of two people who had cluding chifrijo, patí and morcilla.
been dead a few years,” Rojas said. Page W14
Above 8,000 meters, the human body is
essentially dying with every step. Low atmo-
spheric pressure means oxygen molecules
are more widely dispersed in the air and
each breath is a struggle to collect enough of
those molecules for lungs to push into the
bloodstream. Swelling of the brain and fluid
buildup in the lungs are common at these
altitudes and can quickly become fatal, as
can cold and exhaustion.
When someone dies on Mt. Everest, it
Page 44
ALSO INSIDE
macaws at the organization’s Alajuela base, Health 8 Letters to the Editor 12
said a more recent global population esti- Business & Real Classifieds 13
mate for the great green macaw falls some- Estate 9-10 Puzzles 15
where between 1,800-2,500, with birds dis- Editorial 11 Weather 16
tributed from Central America to Colombia.
In Costa Rica, only about 250 wild green Weekend 24 PAGES
macaws remain, tucked away in isolated Community
pockets of jungle. Connection W2
But Castles and other Ara Project mem- Exploring Costa Rica W4
bers want to change that. Calendar W6
“We are pretty much the only insurance Movies W7
Page 34
2 | NEWS | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012
IN THE NEWS
Dock Workers Strike Against
Private Concession
Some 500 police officers on Thursday clashed
with dock workers in the Caribbean province of
Limón while trying to reopen operations of two docks
blocked by a strike that began Tuesday.
Workers were protesting a government decision
to grant a new dock concession to Dutch conglomer-
ate APM Terminals.
Members of specialized units from the Public
Security Ministry took control of the province’s two
main roads, through which nearly 80 percent of
national trade passes.
Unions from the Atlantic Port Administration
are leading the strike, which paralyzed the loading
and unloading of containers in both Limón and Moín
ports. So far, operations have not been restarted.
At a cost of nearly $1 billion, the new port is
supposed to start operations in 2016. The govern-
ment has refused to discuss the conflict, arguing the
project will actually create new jobs.
Public Workers Call for June 26 Strike
The High School Teachers Association and public
employee unions announced Wednesday they will go
on strike on June 26.
In a statement, workers said they planned to pro-
test “government corruption and poor administration
of the public funds.”
Unions also will protest the government’s alterna-
tive fiscal plan, which includes freezing salaries and
eliminating several public-employee benefits.
Union leaders also plan to draw attention to
President Laura Chinchilla’s “financial disaster,” a refer-
ence to the scandal-plagued Route 1856, a roadway
project parallel to the northern border with Nicaragua.
Workers will strike at 9 a.m. on June 26 at La
Merced Park, in downtown San José.
Landslides Close Highway to Caribbean
Route 32, the highway connecting San José to
the province of Limón, was closed Wednesday after
landslides blocked access in both directions.
David Meléndez, director of emergency and
disaster management at the Public Works and
Transport Ministry (MOPT), said the route remained
closed Thursday in order to remove approximately
6,400 square meters of material from the slopes, at
kilometer 30. Authorities hope to reopen the route by
the weekend. The landslide blocks the path between
San José and Guapiles, which is on the main highway
between the capital and the Caribbean coast.
Nat’l Emergency Commission
Raided Again
Officials from the Prosecutor’s Office and agents
from the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) on
Tuesday raided for a second time this month the
offices of the National Emergency Commission (CNE)
in San José, as part of investigations related to the
construction of a road parallel to Nicaragua’s border.
Agents confiscated information relating to pay-
ments made for the construction of the 160-kilome-
ter Route 1856 along Río San Juan, OIJ sources said
(see Cartoon, Page 12).
Funds for the construction of the road came from
the CNE, due to a direct emergency order issued by
the President Laura Chinchilla.
On June 6, 30 judges and 150 OIJ officers raided
36 different locations as part of an investigation into
irregularities involving contracting and alleged pay-
ments of bribes in the process of building the road.
For breaking news updates, see www.ticotimes.net
TICOTIMES.NET
–Tico Times and Other News Sources
Who Helps in an Emergency?
By Mitzi Stark
Special to The Tico Times
In case of emergency, it’s good to know
that help is on the way. The National
Emergency Commission’s (CNE) rapid-re-
sponse system is prepared to take on any
situation, including forest fires, chemical
spills, earthquakes, landslides, flash floods
and tsunamis. Added to that, the commis-
sion works to educate the public in emer-
gency procedures and prevention.
Following a magnitude-6.2 earthquake
on Jan. 8, 2009, which eradicated the moun-
tain town of Cinchona, north of San José,
the commission had immediate radio com-
munication with the area, and within an
hour, a helicopter was on its way to the
town to analyze needs and begin emergency
aid. The CNE coordinated with agencies
involved in relief work, including the Red
Cross, the Health Ministry, the Public Works
and Transport Ministry, police and local
hospitals.
Earthquakes are in a class of their own,
the CNE’s Douglas Salgado said. In other
types of emergencies, such as hurricanes
and floods, the commission can prepare for
action because it receives weather reports
and briefs from local emergency commis-
sions. An early-warning system is also in
place for weather-related events: green alerts
as an advisory, yellow alerts signaling the
need for evacuation preparation and red
alerts to initiate evacuation protocols.
During Hurricane César in 1996, the com-
mission broadcast alerts to the entire country
by radio, TV and through local branches.
“We knew what areas would be hit the
hardest and could respond. The Public Works
and Transport Ministry closed the highway
to the Southern Zone. Red Cross and health
personnel were standing by,” Salgado said.
“Shelters were set up in schools, community
centers and in churches, and people were
evacuated from flood zones.”
Headquartered next to the Tobías Bolaños
Airport in Pavas, a western district of San José,
the CNE is a not a group of experts waiting
for emergencies to happen. It is a nucleus
with a web that includes engineers, geolo-
gists and seismologists at universities, the Red
Cross, firefighters, hospitals, the ministries of
health, environment, and public works and
transport, the National Electricity Institute,
the National Oil Refinery, national hospitals,
What’s Up Online
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Our five most popular stories at
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3. TV’s ‘MacGyver’ calls Costa Rica a ‘death
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Contact Us
the Civil Aviation Authority and others. The
commission also can call in help from other
countries, as it did during recent forest fires
in which helicopters and other aid came from
Colombia, Panama and the United States.
The country’s 81 cantons and all the
municipalities have their own emergency com-
missions to keep eyes out for potential disas-
ters, report to the national office and begin
organizing help during emergencies. In areas
subject to flooding, for example, local commis-
sions keep watch on river levels and rainfall,
and are ready to report potential dangers.
In case of a major fire, such as the
March forest fires that occurred in Chirripó
National Park and Buenos Aires, in the
Southern Zone, the Environment Ministry
evaluates needs and recruits firefighters and
emergency workers, while the CNE helps
with logistics and getting helicopters from
other countries. Such situations require sig-
nificant coordination, including securing
food, lodging and transportation.
Crowd control may not call up visions of
emergency aid, but when millions of people
take to the roads during the annual pilgrim-
age to the national shrine of the Virgin of
Cartago on Aug. 2, prevention is put into
action. The Public Works and Transport
Ministry monitors roads, the Red Cross sets
up health stations along the route, and police
and sanitation crews keep accidents and
problems to a minimum.
Airplane crashes, landslides, volcanic
eruptions, tropical storms and major chemi-
n Photos: Meet the Parrots
The great green macaw is endangered. See photos of the
spectacular species and learn how you can help save the
Costa Rican parrot at www.theticotimes.tumblr.com
Apdo. 4632-1000 | San José, Costa Rica | Tel. (506) 2258-1558 | Fax (506) 2233-6378
U.S. residents send mail to: The Tico Times SJO 717 | P.O. Box 025331
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To the Rescue:
Rescue teams
search for victims
after a devastat-
ing earthquake
at Cinchona, 45
kilometers north
of San José, in
January 2009.
Yuri Cortéz | AFP
cal spills all tap into the commission’s web.
Tsunamis, however, are not a serious threat,
according to Salgado. “They come from far
away, and we would have about 18 hours to
evacuate people,” he said.
Nor would a magnitude-9.0 earthquake
hit Costa Rica, according to seismologists,
although the country experiences a lot of
smaller ones, some of them potentially deadly.
The need for emergency response became
evident in the 1960s, when the eruption of
Irazú Volcano, east of San José, rained ashes
over the country for months, creating health
and economic problems. People used face-
masks and stayed indoors. The coffee-based
economy in the region was devastated and
crops were ruined. In response, an office of
civil defense was set up in 1964.
That office was expanded several times
in subsequent years, and in 1986 it was
replaced by the newly formed CNE. Changes
and improvements are ongoing, and preven-
tion and education are now priorities, CNE
officials said.
The CNE publishes books and materials
on setting up shelters, emergency plans for
businesses, preparation for local emergen-
cies and special materials for schools. CNE
personnel visit local branches to evaluate
problems and find solutions.
Preventive measures also include build-
ing dikes in flood areas, rebuilding bridges
and roads and keeping people from building
and living in areas subject to landslides and
floods.n
n Contact Us!
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tips on a story we’re currently working
on? Or know of a hotel, restaurant, etc. we
should review? Let us know! Contact us at:
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n Fishing Forum
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Fishing/Fishing-Forum/Show-Us-Your-Catch.
 THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012 | NEWS | 3

Group Needs Funding to Save Green Macaws
3Page 1
policy for great green macaws in the world,”
Castles said.
Friends of the Birds
The Ara Project began in the 1980s when
Margot and Richard Frisius bought land in
Alajuela and got the area licensed as a zoo-
logical park. They started caring for parrots
that had been given up by private owners or
confiscated by the government.
By the ’90s, Castles said, that small start
led to a captive macaw breeding program and
the establishment of Friends of the Birds, a
nonprofit organization dedicated to macaw
conservation. The group first established a
scarlet macaw reintroduction program as
well as the largest captive great green macaw
population in the world.
In 2008, Margot Frisius passed away after
transferring control of the project to a trust
named the Ara Project.
The Frisius family has allowed the Ara
Project to continue its work rent-free as the
project developed strategies for reintroduc-
ing both great green and scarlet macaws
back into the wild.
But that generosity is coming to an end.
Castles said the Frisius family has given the
project until 2015 to find a new location for
the aviaries and breeding program, which
house approximately 86 great green macaws
and 64 scarlet macaws from days-old chicks
to breeding adults and juveniles almost ready
for release into the wild.
Almonds, Logs and Cages
“In 2003, 2004 and 2005, we had a lot of
break-ins,” Castles said, while perched on the
porch of one of the project’s small buildings.
“Security has been an issue.”
In response to the break-ins, the project
started collecting dogs – 17 of them – and
now it is impossible to approach the prop-
erty without setting off a cacophony of barks
and howls that include the shrieks of roughly
150 macaws in aviaries scattered across the
area.
Macaws are striking birds, and their
bright plumage has done them few favors
in terms of conservation. Individual birds
might fetch prices of anywhere from a few
hundred to several thousand dollars in the
illegal pet market. Poaching for the pet trade
has been a significant contributor to the
decline of macaw species, Castles said.
Loss of habitat to deforestation is the
other major factor leading to declining num-
bers throughout Central America.
Endangered: Great green macaws (Ara ambiguous) eat fruit at the Ara Project
breeding center in Alajuela, north of San José. Some experts estimate there are
only 250 great green macaws in the wild in Costa Rica.
Castles said. “And they are more sensitive
[than scarlet macaws]. They are a specialized
species evolved to survive off just one or
maybe a few types of food.”
Great green macaws feed on the nuts of
mountain almond trees. Green macaws also
rely on the mountain almond exclusively
for nesting, as the trees grow large enough
to accommodate the roomy nests in hollow
trunks the macaws prefer.
Mountain almond trees are themselves
an endangered species as they are selec-
tively targeted for logging for their hard
wood for use in construction. In 2008, the
Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme
Court declared that no almond trees could
legally be harvested until both the tree and
the great green macaws were no longer
endangered (TT, Sept. 19, 2008).
Loss of habitat and poaching have already
reduced the wild great green macaw popula-
tion in the country to a small pocket near
Sarapiquí.
The Ara Project, Castles said, has released
more than 100 scarlet macaws – which are also
endangered, with a Costa Rican population of
about 2,000 – into the wild, mostly in the Osa
Peninsula. The group has released 10 great
green macaws at a site near Manzanillo on the
southern Caribbean coast and plans to release
30 more within the next two years. The hope is
that the reintroduced birds in the Manzanillo
area will eventually expand their territory
to link up with the genetically distinct wild
Gabe Dinsmoor | Tico Times
Jenny Pettigrew, the Ara Project’s vet-
erinary technician, oversees much of the
macaws’ daily care.
Newly hatched chicks, if there are any, get
a commercial macaw formula fed via syringes
starting at about 5:30 a.m. The bigger birds,
Pettigrew said, get a traditional Tico breakfast
of gallo pinto loaded with oils and fats. The
birds would not eat rice and beans in the wild,
Pettigrew said, but the project, which relies
heavily on volunteers to maintain daily opera-
tions, doesn’t have the resources to feed more
than 100 macaws a steady diet of almonds.
“Then we chop fruit for about two or
three hours,” Pettigrew said. “We’re starting
to grow enough fruit here to feed the birds.”
In the wild, macaws would eschew fruits
in favor of nuts and seeds.
After feeding the birds, Pettigrew and
volunteers check nesting boxes for newly laid
eggs and do maintenance on the aviaries.
With beaks that generate as much as 1,000
pounds per inch of pressure, the great green
macaws could bite through their cages and
leave, if they were so inclined.
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“A green bit me and crushed all the
nerves in my finger,” Castles said. “I lost all
feeling in it for about six months.”
When there are newly hatched chicks they
are weighed and measured daily and fed every
hour and a half around the clock.
Lorena Strikic is one of the volunteers cur-
rently helping chop fruit, scrub bird poop and
generally care for the Ara Project’s macaws.
“I love travelling, I love languages and I
love birds,” said Strikic who quit her job in
Germany and now pays $5 a day to volunteer at
the project. “This is just the super-small contri-
bution to a better world that I could do.”
Moving On
In a world of rapidly diminishing biodi-
versity, great green and scarlet macaws offer
an opportunity to save two beautiful species,
but it’s not just their beauty that makes them
worth saving.
Great green macaws in particular are like
the giant coalmine canaries of tropical for-
ests, Castles explained, and 50 or 100 years
ago the birds could be found in about 98
percent of the country.
“If you lose great green macaws, not
only is that one less impressive species in the
tropical forest, but [it’s also] an indicator of
healthy resources,” Castles said. “Macaws are
a signifying species that in a given area you
have a healthy tropical forest.”
A private donor has given four hectares
to the Ara Project for relocation of the aviar-
ies and breeding program near Punta Islita
in the northwestern province of Guanacaste.
That’s the same amount of land the project
enjoys in Alajuela, but the group, which
is sponsored by Beirute Refrigeration, is
lacking funds to develop the property with
roads, electricity and the multiple aviaries
and buildings necessary to relocate.
Castles estimates the project needs to
raise approximately $250,000 to make a suc-
cessful change of venue.
“We’re proving you can do so much with
so few resources,” Castles said. “If we had the
resources then we could do this all over the
region. There is huge potential to spread this
project and save not just one species.”n
For more info, email
chris@thearaproject.org or call 8730-0890.

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 4 | NEWS | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012
On Highest Mountain, Life or Death Choices
One Step At a Time: Above, Warner Rojas poses in the freezing cold while there are too many people, which can cause not quite the true summit. They rested and
waiting to ascend Mt. Everest. Right, climbers ascend fixed ropes on Everest’s death for sure,’” Rojas said.
south face.
3Page 1
becomes costly and dangerous to retrieve the
body. Many remain where they fall, mum-
mified by the dry air and sub-zero tempera-
tures. Of the second pair of bodies Rojas’
team encountered, one had been reduced by
stinging winds and time to little more than
half a corpse.
Another 100 meters above, the team
encountered the body of a South Korean
climber still clipped to fixed ropes teams use
for safety when heading for the summit.
“You could see his face, how he died
there, and you had to unclip yourself from
the rope and step around him and clip back
in,” Rojas said.
Good Decisions
“On the morning of May 19, I told David
[Hamilton] that I would accept whatever
decision he made,” Rojas recalled.
An accident in which a sherpa from the
Jagged Globe team was injured a few days
earlier had set the team back some 24 hours.
When team leader Hamilton was making
the decision whether to make a push from
Camp 3 for the summit in a window of
good weather projected for May 20, team
members knew they might not get another
chance.
Stacks of other climbers were staged
at Camps 2 and 4, waiting to make for the
12816
replaced their empty bottles of supplemen-
Balancing emotion and a clear head is tal oxygen with new ones.
Photos Courtesy of Warner Rojas important in the big mountains, and Rojas Around 4:30 a.m., the sun began to
said he knows how to make appropriate brighten the horizon beyond the Himalayas.
top of the world. Hamilton decided to turn decisions for himself. His wife, he said, told “It was an important psychological
back. him she feels more worried when he leaves relief,” Rojas said. “To be climbing and to see
“It hurt,” Rojas said. “Honestly, it hurt their home in Escazú to go into San José than the sun.”
to the point of tears, tears of anger and frus- when he was on Everest. An hour later, they reached the South
tration, to know that I couldn’t go up that “I had promised her,” he remembered, Summit, and Rojas couldn’t feel his feet.
mountain, and that so many other people “that I wouldn’t put my life in danger, that Beyond the South Summit climbers face
were going to try. That was the emotional in whatever moment I encountered any type a knife-edge ridge with a 50-degree slope to
part of me.” of danger, I would turn around.” one side and a 2,400-meter (7,900 feet) sheer
At the moment The day after drop on the other.
Hamilton made the team returned Rojas now faced his own decision. His
the decision to “Honestly, it hurt to the point to base camp, biggest fear, he said, had always been that
head down, there Hamilton called his feet would freeze, leaving him incapaci-
were more than
of tears, tears of anger and them together and tated.
700 climbers and frustration, to know that I gave the news of “When I arrived at the South Summit, I
sherpas on the
route, according to couldn’t go up that mountain, what had hap-
pened on the route
couldn’t feel my feet, but I also knew that I
had to go on. From that point, nobody can
Everest blogger Alan and that so many other people to the summit: As bring me down if I my feet are frozen and I
Arnette. Bottlenecks many as 11 people can’t walk.”
of climbers at criti- were going to try” were either miss- Rojas and his sherpa had made good
cal points on the ing, injured or time and were ahead of the other members
South Col Route, –Warner Rojas, describing a failed first confirmed dead on of the Jagged Globe team. They had oxygen
which the Jagged attempt to scale Everest the mountain. and they had enough time, barring any acci-
Globe team was Later, that num- dents, to reach the summit and then start
on, can cause long ber would drop to the descent.
delays at places where the climbing becomes 10 when a climber feared dead after spend- “I decided that I wasn’t going to turn
more technical and slow. ing the night stranded on the mountain was around from the South Summit,” Rojas
Time is a critical element in a summit discovered alive. said. “I would go down from the true sum-
bid on Everest. Arriving at the peak early in mit.”
the morning is considered the safest strategy, Light on the Horizon At 5:56 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, Warner
as afternoon storms on the mountain can Rojas became the first Costa Rican to reach
turn deadly for exhausted climbers trying to At about 1:30 a.m. on May 25, Warner the summit of Mt. Everest.
make their way back down. and the sherpa climbing with him stopped “We took about 10 minutes on the sum-
“The rational part of me said, ‘You can’t between points on the route known as the mit,” Rojas said. “My camera didn’t work,
go up because, one, the weather, and two, Balcony and the South Summit, which is but my sherpa had one. There was a lot of
 THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012 | NEWS | 5

Rojas Already Planning for Next Challenge

Alberto Font | Tico Times Courtesy of Warner Rojas

wind and it was very cold. I couldn’t feel my
toes. They were frozen.”
They headed down the mountain, stop-
ping at Camp 4 to rest and for Rojas to use
a satellite phone to call his wife and give her
the news that he reached the summit and
was in good health for the descent.
Also, thankfully, his toes thawed.
Homecoming
“Uncomfortable,” is how Rojas responds
when asked how he feels to be recognized by
Ticos who consider him a hero.
Some 200 people gave him a full hero’s
welcome in his hometown of San Antonio
de Escazú, southwest of San José, on Friday,
June 8.
A band played and gigantes danced when
he arrived at the San Antonio park from Juan
Santamaría International Airport.
Rojas doesn’t drive. He rides the bus,
and now the world recognizes him, even on
public transportation.
“I appreciate it,” he said, blushing. “But
I’m generally very shy.”
He is enjoying spending time with his
wife and two sons. His youngest son turned
1 on May 6, a day Rojas spent acclimatizing
at Camp 3 at 7,200 meters (23,600 feet). At
Costa Rican Pride: Left, hundreds of Ticos welcome climber Warner Rojas upon
his arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport June 8. Above, Rojas on
Everest. Unusually warm conditions and overcrowding on the mountain resulted
in the deaths of 10 climbers while Rojas was attempting to reach the summit.
that point, it was the highest he’d ever been. or trying to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-
He sang “Happy Birthday” to his son over a meter peaks, of which he’s already climbed
satellite phone. one – Everest.
Rojas is getting back to work, too, plan- “You have to look for ways to make
ning hikes with his company, Pico Tours. But things happen,” the Tico mountaineer said,
he’s also thinking about the next challenge. when asked what advice he would give other
It’s a toss-up between trying to focus aspiring Costa Rican climbers. “You have
on climbing the tallest peak on each of the to have discipline and be constant, and you
world’s continents – he’s already climbed two, have to train. And you have to love what
Everest and Aconcagua in South America – you do.”n

rate F
Forum Focuses on ‘Green’
b
imbursable resources through [intermediate

Small Businesses
financial institutions] in Central America, for
the development of small energy-efficiency

ce le a
to Sat., th
projects and renewable energy.”
Banco Nacional and the Fundación Attendees took in seminars presented
Centro de Gestión Tecnológica e by experts on topics such as “Environment
Informática Industrial (Cegesti) hosted last and Competitiveness” and “Responsible

JUNE 16th, 2012

week the first Green SME Forum, which Investments” led by Banco Nacional officials
us

er ’
drew about 500 representatives of the small and other experts.
and medium-sized businesses (SME) sector “Facing new market tendencies,” said
as well as international panelists. Starting at 8 p.m.

sD
Naranjo, “we don’t want our SMEs to fall
Join

The forum focused on training and behind. And while it is clear that they
exchange of best practices in sustainability should also be competitive, businesses
and investments in environmental busi- should be sustainable.”

ness practices for the SME sector, which,
according to a statement released by Banco
Nacional, accounts for some 98 percent of
Costa Rican businesses.
“This forum offers a space for discussion
about the transformation of markets, con-
sumption tendencies and the investments in
productive processes, with focuses on envi-
ronmental sustainability and social responsi-
bility,” said Banco Nacional General Manager
Fernando Naranjo, who inaugurated the
forum.
BN Development launched a new line of
specialized financing designed to incentiv-
ize investment by SMEs in environmentally
friendly business practices. The Central
American Bank of Economic Integration
(CABEI) and German KFW Bank are col-
laborating on the project as well.
The BN Green SME program is expect-
ed to distribute some ₡2 billion ($4 million)
of Banco Nacional’s own cash in its first
year of operation. The program, according
to a Banco Nacional statement, will pro-
mote investments in the prevention, con-
trol, mitigation and compensation for envi-
ronmental effects of businesses receiving the
financing and to promote “environmental
best practices” in the SME sector.
The CABEI website indicates that, “the
ay!!
Sylvia Aguilar, a consultant at Cegesti,
said the organization works with an aver-
age of 150 Central American and Caribbean
SMEs each year offering training and con-
sulting on sustainability.
“We collaborate with companies,
increasing their environmental performance Buffet dinner
through efficient use of resources and
pollution prevention,” Aguilar said. “Our
approach is to create capabilities in people,
Cash prizes
so that they can identify opportunities for
environmental improvement in a proactive Live music
way and also obtain environmental, organi-
zational and economic benefits.”
Of some 35 SMEs across Central
Free & Safe
America and the Caribbean that have
recently received training and consulting Parking Lot
through Cegesti, most have seen savings
between 5–75 percent on primary materials
and up to 50 percent reductions in annual
chemical usage. Aguilar said some of the
businesses reduced by 46 percent their
annual solid waste generation and racked 1st Ave., 9th & 11th st.
up significant savings in energy bills, fuel
use and water consumption. Along with
input from Cegesti, Aguilar added, compa-
San José, downtown
nies also received financial help for sustain-
ability projects from national governments.
Tel. 2258-2807
Since 2000, more than 1,100 SMEs have
received Cegesti training and consulting.
www.casinoclubcolonial.com
12162

initiative manages reimbursable and non-re- –Clayton R. Norman

 6 | NEWS | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012
New Tico Website Says ‘Use Your Head’
By Matt Levin
Tico Times Staff
Thousands of faces look out from the
computer screen. The rows of faces go
on and on. A woman with purple hair. A
middle-aged dude in a cowboy hat. A young
man kissing his girlfriend. There’s also
Homer Simpson, Salvador Dalí and a para-
keet. The photos are varying and relentless.
But these 14,600 images – and counting
– have something in common.
The mugs make up the “Poné Tu Cara”
(“Show Your Face”) project. The website
www.FueraJustoOrozco.com, built by the
San José-based online ad agency Big Web
Noise, has provided an outlet for Costa
Ricans irate with their government.
“We were really shocked,” said Antonio
Barrenechea, of Big Web Noise. “We thought
in the beginning that if we got from 1,000 to
2,500 people on the app, it would be a huge
success. We couldn’t believe that after that
first weekend we had 4,000.”
That stands as an extraordinary number
for an idea dreamt up over cups of coffee
one morning, and a website built in one day.
But the site seems to fill a need. The page
gives young, Internet-savvy Costa Ricans a
place to sound off on a current event.
“Fuera Justo Orozco” (“Out with Justo
Orozco”) refers to an evangelical law-
maker who was selected as president of
the Legislative Assembly’s Human Rights
Commission on May 31(TT, June 1). Orozco
has made comments deemed homophobic
and sexist by critics. Last week, Orozco
helped bury a bill extending economic
rights to same-sex couples, adding that
Heredia, Costa Rica
•24/security
•Matrimonial
Beds
•Private bath
•Warm water
•Parking lot
•TV
Tel. (506) 2261-8147
www.hotel-lasflores.com
Hotel Las Flores. 12 between streets 12 and 14.
200 mts. South & 50 mts. east from Heredia's Hospital
0202
12846
New Era: Christian Cambronero and coworkers at Big Web Noise are using social
media to bring protests in Costa Rica to the digital era. A website created by the com-
pany, www.fuerajustoorozco.com, received more than 10,000 hits after its launch.
homosexuality is a sin that can be cured
with prayer. His election sparked backlash
among Costa Rican residents aghast at
the idea that a conservative Christian is in
charge of advocating legislation relating to
gay rights and in vitro fertilization.
A protest declared for Saturday morn-
ing in downtown San José (see box) will
test the legitimacy of the indignation, as
Orozco shows no desire to step down. But
at this moment, FueraJustoOrozco.com
has done an apt job of amassing outrage
on the web.
In a sharp, white-and-yellow font,
the website declares, “If a signature is not
enough, we’ll show our face.” (The signa-
ture refers to a previous online petition,
which garnered 6,800 signees.) The bottom
of the page reads: “We demand the immedi-
ate resignation of Justo Orozco as president
of the Human Rights Commission of the
Legislative Assembly.”
Then a large button asks visitors to
poner tu cara (place your face). Click the
button and the site asks to connect with
your Facebook profile to add your face to
the collection of heads already on the site.
The website’s launch has attracted
international attention. In the first 48
12913
Alberto Font | Tico Times
hours, more than 10,000 people visited,
according to Google statistics. The major-
ity came from Costa Rica, but hundreds of
stopovers to the site arrived via the United
States and Spain. Visitors from El Salvador
and Mexico asked if the website could be
redone for perceived injustices in their own
countries.
The site’s popularity caught the inter-
est of organizers for AccessNow.org in
London. The nonprofit group asked Big
Web Noise to apply for an initiative that
grants prizes of $20,000 to web developers
that “use information technology to pro-
mote and enable human rights or deliver a
social outcome.”
Barrenechea, 34, said if they receive the
money, the company plans to use it to turn
the site into an open source code project
that could be shared freely online.
The project also has received main-
stream attention in Costa Rica. Big Web
Noise designer Christian Cambronero has
undertaken a media blitz. He’s given inter-
views to a plethora of news sites and TV
stations.
Cambronero has downplayed the role
of the website in the movement, saying its
purpose was simple and obvious: to mobi-
12834
lize and give a voice to an undercurrent of
Costa Ricans that feel unrepresented by the
government.
“All the site really did was bring together
a pre-existing culture of discontent and dis-
satisfaction,” Cambronero, 31, said. “What
we did was channel this disgust and visual-
ize it in the form of faces, which seems very
powerful.”
Cambronero hopes the government will
pay attention. He believes the current gen-
eration of 20- and 30-year-olds will be the
deciding factor in electing the next presi-
dent in 2014. And yet that demographic has
its issues overlooked by those in the assem-
bly and the ruling government, he said.
He’s tired of hearing critics dismiss equal
rights for same-sex unions as an issue solely
important to homosexuals. The images on
the website and the rhetoric heard on social
media reflect the diverse range and back-
grounds of LGBT rights’ supporters.
However, images on FuerzaJustoOrozco.
com have one other commonality. The
majority of the website’s visitors are between
ages 18-34.
Since the initial launch of Fuera Justo
Orozco two weeks ago, the number of new
headshots added has slowed down. The
site appears as a static wall of faces, but the
developers hope to do more with the site.
Barrenechea said Big Web Noise would like
to create more interactivity between the
users of the site, such as ways to share mes-
sages or to organize protests – any idea that
lets Costa Ricans express an opinion they
feel is being ignored.
Said Barrenechea: “We think it’s impor-
tant that young people have opportunities
to say to the guys who are in power, ‘We
don’t like what you’re doing.’”n
Invisibles March
Equal rights activists are planning their first
organized protest against Justo Orozco’s election
as president of the Human Rights Commission
in the Legislative Assembly. Already 5,000-plus
people say they plan to attend the demonstration,
according to the Marcha de Invisibles Facebook
page.
What: The Invisibles March – For a Free and
Equal Costa Rica
Where: Parque Central, in downtown San José
When: 9 a.m., Saturday
More Info: www.facebook.com/
events/244811268958529
 THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012 | NEWS | 7

How Do I Sell a Used Car in Costa Rica?

By Allen Dickinson Find someone you trust implicitly,
Special to The Tico Times because the power of attorney allows them
to “own” the vehicle and do anything with
Like anywhere in the it, including controlling the proceeds from
world, expats in Costa a sale. (One option is to give the power of
Rica frequently want or attorney to one person, and leave the car to
need to sell their vehicles. be sold with another. That is a bit cumber-
Doing so is a process that some, but it avoids putting all the power in
can be particularly prob- one person’s hands.)
lematic when different languages and cul- Have a clear agreement with the repre-
tures are involved. Added to that, so many sentative on what is expected: Can they drive
used vehicles are available here that they the vehicle? Where will the car be stored?
can be difficult to sell at all. Following are What’s the bottom selling price? How will
tips that may help readers do so quickly communications take place? Who will pay
and profitably. for what, such as advertising, new Riteve
First, determine the market value of the inspections, marchamo (vehicle circulation
vehicle. Don’t base your price on emotion; permit), etc.?
instead, go to several websites and look Leave all documents (current marchamo,
for comparable models and use them as a ownership papers, etc.) behind; don’t take
guide. Also, look in the newspapers – check them with you. Make arrangements to main-
The Tico Times and La Nación, which has tain insurance on the vehicle, especially if it’s
a large used-car section, once a week. being driven.
Exposure is key to selling – you can’t Establish how money from the sale will
expect buyers to beat a path to your door if be transferred to you. If the amount exceeds
Gabe Dinsmoor | Tico Times
they aren’t aware of what you are offering. $10,000, you may be required to pay taxes
Put signs on your vehicle (white liquid shoe Patience and Caution: Car owners looking to sell in Costa Rica should watch and follow bank-transfer rules. Also, if the
polish is good to write on windows, but out for “phishing” schemes or outright scams. Be smart, be prudent, and above representative is to be paid, it may require
not on painted surfaces). Make sure your all, be patient. an additional step. Check with a reputable
telephone number is prominent, and if you attorney so this information is known up
don’t speak Spanish, include a number of front.
someone who does. If possible, leave the vehicle outside in a mon option is to leave the vehicle with aLastly, be patient. The representative isn’t
Post listings on the Internet anywhere high-traffic area for drive-by exposure. Drive designated representative, along with thegoing to be able to do more than you could
you can think of – ticotimes.net, Craigslist, it around your neighborhood and park it on Costa Rican equivalent of a power of attor-when you were trying to sell it. Be realistic,
Yahoo bulletin boards for Costa Rica (Costa a busy street during the day, where people ney, to sell it for you. A few things should be
be cautious, and good luck selling your
Rica Living, Central Valley Living, Young can see it. remembered when doing this: vehicle!n
Expats and Escazú News). Also, find Costa Be patient and expect it to take time.

Attention Southern
Rican used-car sites, such as CRAutos.com. Don’t become discouraged early and lower
Give a good description and add your price too fast – you are looking for the
pictures where you can, but be honest. right person who wants your car. Be pre-
Mention anything pared to close the

Zone Residents!
that would add deal right away
value or entice a When listing the price, do not when a legitimate
buyer. Make sure include the phrases “Or Best buyer appears.
you specify what If you adver-
part of the country Offer” or “Negotiable.” That alerts tise on Craigslist,
ve
t ha to wait fo
you are in, and give be aware that you
potential buyers you will accept might get “phished.”
good contact infor-
n’
mation. Here’s an less than your asking price Craigslist is espe- r sn
ail m
do

example: cially prone to this.

2008 Nissan Sen- For example, an ail to b
ring you
You

tra. San José. V6, automatic transmission, email might claim the sender wants your
45,000 miles (30,000 km). Four doors. Original car but is “offshore” and doesn’t have access
owner bought new in U.S. and imported. to a bank account. They may offer to pay
Car maintained to perfection. Leather inte- via PayPal. Then – and this is a key phish-
rior with custom wood accents, special (factory ing phrase – they’ll have their “agent” take Find the news you need each Friday hot off the press, at:
installed) stereo system with CD, USB port, delivery of the vehicle for them. Believe them
and AM/FM radio. Alarm system. Original and you’ll end up without the vehicle or the San Isidro de El General: Ballena:
floor mats. Cold A/C. Aluminum wheels, new money. Café Delicias Hotel Cristal Ballena
tires. Never wrecked and no major dings or Take reasonable precautions. Don’t meet
scratches. Priced below book for quick sale: potential buyers alone or in isolated areas. Ojochal:
$5,000 USD. For more info in English, call Meet them during the day, in an open, Dominical:
5555-1234, Spanish 8901-2345, or email at: high-traffic area such as a mall parking lot Supermercado Jucaloa
Hotel Villas Río Mar
mycar@bigbucks.com. (preferably one with security). Take a friend
When listing the price, do not include along. Dominical Super Market Sierpe:
the phrases “Or Best Offer” or “Negotiable.” It’s legitimate for a buyer to want to drive San Clemente Bar & Grill Hotel Oleaje Sereno
That alerts potential buyers you will accept your vehicle, but never let them drive your Dominical Realty
less than your asking price. car alone; always ride along. Don’t let them Golfito:
Prepare signs listing the vehicle’s strong bring anyone along for a test drive, even if Café Delicias
points and post it in a window. Create they say the person is their mechanic. Two of Licorera Feliz Hotel Las Gaviotas
handouts in English and Spanish to give to you can control a situation, but two of them Supermercado Pearson
interested buyers. You can put the same ad change the odds greatly. Uvita: Banana Bay Marina
in both languages on two sides of the same But what if you are leaving the country
Supermercado BM
sheet and save paper. and the car hasn’t sold? Puerto Jiménez:
Here’s another tip: Have your car pro- This can be a big problem for some
Matapalo: Río Nuevo Eco Aventuras
fessionally cleaned, inside and out. Think expats, who may have had a vehicle on the
about what you’d like to find when you go market for a while, are scheduled to relocate, Pulpería Espiral
look at a car. but nobody has purchased their car even
Also, have minor problems repaired after the price has been reduced consider-
before putting the vehicle on the market. A ably. A vehicle is a sizable investment and Or subscribe online and get the full Tico Times in digital
SOUTHERN ZONE

buyer will use anything to beat your price can’t just be abandoned or given away. What form right away each week (plus much more!)
down. Be prepared to bargain, but don’t let to do?
the buyer be in control of the process by
noting defects.
Unfortunately, Costa Rica doesn’t offer
many alternatives. The best and most com-
Contact us at www.ticotimes.net
 8 | HEALTH | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012

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Can Dental Costs Be Too Low?
By Matt Levin
Tico Times Staff
Dental tourism remains the top medical
tourism venture in Costa Rica. Of the tens
of thousands of medical tourists who visit
the country each year, 40 percent come to
undergo dental procedures.
To try to gain the upper hand against
competition, some dental offices offer
extremely low prices. The Costa Rican Dental
Surgeons Association sent out an alert last
month announcing that those savings might
be too good to be true, putting a patient’s
health at risk.
In late May, the association denounced 17
dentists for offering prices for aesthetic treat-
ments below the association’s fixed rates.
The association says minimum prices
help ensure quality, and charging signifi-
cantly less could mean some dentists are
cutting corners.
Selena Cubero, secretary of the associa-
tion, said the warning was necessary because
some prices are so low it would be impos-
sible for dentists to buy top-shelf materials
required of them.
Cubero said the association fears dentists
are buying lower-quality equipment from
China or reusing disposable materials.
“[Dentists] need to open up the little
bags [containing disposable equipment] in
front of you,” Cubero said. “That would be
the minimum I’d expect as a patient.”
Some websites offer teeth whitening for
as cheap as $60, when the association lists
the process at a minimum of $244.
For foreign patients, a minimum price
still can be an impressive offer. In the United
States, professional teeth whitening starts at
approximately $500 (do-it-yourself kits are
cheaper).
The minimum cost for a crown is $328
in Costa Rica. A Google search reveals the
price for the same procedure in the U.S.
ranges from $700-$1,500.
Cubero recommends ensuring a dentist
is registered with the association, either
through their website, www.colegiodentis-
tas.org (in Spanish), or by calling 2256-
3100. Some 4,300 dentists belong to the
organization.
Patients also should make sure dentists
are licensed to perform certain procedures.
For example, Cubero said, a general dentist
would not be able to do the same treatments
as a specialist who installs dental implants.
Dentists must take a 12-hour recertification
course every year.
A new company is helping medical tourists
find the right doctors and dentists. HuliHealth,
which was recognized as one of the best
Quality Care:
Prisma Den-
tal, in San
José, is one of
several local
business that
cater to Costa
Rica’s growing
medical tourism
trade. Experts
say customers
should shop
for a balance
between price
and quality.
Chelcey Adami | Tico Times
Cubero, who runs a dental office in Jacó question of if you’re rich or poor, it’s a ques-
on the central Pacific coast, assured the tion of fairness,” Herrera said. “People have
majority of dentists throughout the country the right to have a smile that’s white and
offer quality, problem-free service.
She said the “low-prices” alert is intended
beautiful.”
Herrera said his business doesn’t cater to
to keep improving the industry as more com- many foreigners, and focuses on providing
petition arises from other Latin American care to locals in his office in Sabanilla, east
countries. In addition, the association is in of San José.
talks with the Costa Rican Tourism Board For medical tourists, who already are
and the Foreign Trade Promotion Office to receiving a discount in treatment compared
begin dental tourism ad campaigns. to their homeland, the sensible advice seems
In the days following the association’s to be to exercise caution when deciding how
warning, consumer advocates argued that low you want to go.
prices were too high, and that costs make it dif- “If you want to have a quality service,”
ficult for many Costa Ricans to receive dental Cubero said, “definitely it’s related to price.”n
care. One dental office told the daily La Nación
it filed a lawsuit to have the courts review the
“minimum price” for teeth whitening. Recommended
Joseph Herrera, director of the Fundación
Salud y Familia (Fusafa), said he buys high- Dental Prices
quality products at the same places other
dentists do. However, he buys the materials, Some of the minimum prices listed by the Costa
like tooth-whitening kits, in bulk for his Rican Dental Surgeons Association include:
large clientele and receives a discount. That’s Sealant: $36
why his website is able to promote deals like Extraction: $40
two-for-one teeth-whitening packages for Regular cleaning: $50
$120. Root canal (one root): $140
He said Fusafa can “respectfully demon- Two roots: $162
strate” it follows all the correct procedures. Three roots: $224
Teeth whitening: $244-$290 (depending on type
The low prices allow him to treat patients
who cannot afford the fixed minimum pric- of whitening)
es. He doesn’t plan to raise his prices in spite Crown: $328
of the alert. Source: Costa Rican Dental Surgeons Association
“To have white-teeth treatment isn’t a
UN: Diesel Exhaust Portier’s group on Tuesday also con-
cluded that gasoline exhaust was possibly
Causes Cancer carcinogenic, a finding unchanged from its
previous assessment in 1989.

0%
The World Health Organization’s The agency said environmental con-

5O
start-up companies in Costa Rica last year, is
(WHO) cancer research agency on cerns had given rise to new regulations
designing a database of doctors and dentists
Tuesday classified diesel-engine exhaust in the last two decades, notably in North
in the country. Founder Alejandro Vega said
as cancer-causing, and urged action to America and Europe, resulting in a lower
visitors can try out a beta version of the site
reduce human exposure to it. sulfur content for diesel, engine changes
at www.HuliHealth.com, and the website’s
ff official launch is set for late summer.
“Diesel-engine exhaust causes lung
cancer in humans,” Christopher Portier,
that burn fuel more efficiently and emis-
sion reductions through exhaust-control
Vega said one of the keys to a successful
U
WHEN YO AD
chairman of a working group at WHO’s technology.
medical tourism trip is to not simply rum-
T T H IS International Agency for Research on However, existing fuels and vehicles
PRESEN
mage around for the best bargains. The goal
Any Cigar/
Cancer (IARC), said in a statement. without the modifications will take years
of medical tourists is to save money, but if a
There was also a “positive association” to be replaced, particularly in less-devel-
e
Merchandis
dentist practice seems too cheap, “it’s often
with an increased risk of bladder cancer, oped countries where regulatory measures
for a reason,” he said.
Purchase
the U.N. body said. are also less stringent.
HuliHealth plans to give a more rounded
“Large populations are exposed to The agency urged policy makers to
up to $100
overview of what’s available in Costa Rica
diesel exhaust in everyday life, whether work with engine and fuel manufacturers.
(pilot sites also will include Panama and
used through their occupation or through the “The main studies that led to this con-
Cannot be Taiwan). Prospective tourists can talk with
r offer
ambient air,” the statement said. clusion were in highly exposed workers,”
th e
with any o
previous patients and browse through a net-
People are exposed to emissions of said the IARC’s Kurt Straif. “However, we
work of recommended doctors.
diesel cars, trains, ships and power gen- have learned from other carcinogens, such
“A lot of people, sometimes when they
erators, as are workers in fields such as as radon, that initial studies showing a risk
Centro Comercial Cortijo, buy tennis shoes or computers or whatever,
underground mining. in heavily exposed occupational groups
spend a bunch of time on research and pric-
Local #6, Los Laureles, Escazú ing and all that information,” Vega said.
“Given the additional health impacts were followed by positive findings for the
from diesel particulates, exposure to this general population.”
Tel: 2588-2913 “But when it comes to doctors and health,
mixture of chemicals should be reduced
www.9n.cr
for whatever reason they don’t do as much
research as they should.”
worldwide,” Portier said. –AFP
0083

A R T | C U LT U R E | E N T E R TA I N M E N T | J une 1 5 - 2 1 , 2 0 1 2
Good Eats: Costa Rica’s Best Bar Food
By Jack Donnelly
Special to The Tico Times
C
osta Rican cuisine has an unfortunate
reputation for being bland, boring
and uninspired. Some Gringos think
that Tico food is just rice and beans, fried
chicken and starchy plantains. This is unjusti-
fied and unfortunate, and in fact, there are
many traditional dishes that are unique and
enjoyable. Comida típica (traditional cook-
ing) which includes such dishes as olla de
carne, tortilla aliñada and pescado entero (pot
of meat, cheese tortilla and whole fish) is not
only delicious, but also intriguing. These typi-
cal foods are more laborious to prepare and
are not as commonly found on menus. They
may also be suffering from competition with
Gringo fast food.
A good way to explore the more interest-
ing and varied side of Costa Rican cooking is
to start with bar food. Tantalizing and unusu-
al, small dishes (bocas) are there for the tasting
in countless small establishments around the
country. You don’t even have to commit to a
large meal to try them out. Remember that
part of the fun is that they are a little different
every place you go: Be adventuresome! You
should consider your research into this topic
a service to culture and humanity.
The offerings are endless and varied. Many
bar-restaurants offer very complete menus,
including half portions of regular meals along
with standard side dishes. Following are a few
of my favorite bocas:
Chifrijo – In my humble opinion, chifrijo is
the king of Tico bar food. A good chrifrijo
will attract a steady crowd of eager patrons.
Even confirmed teetotalers will sneak into a
disreputable gin mill to enjoy the culinary
delights of this dish.
It is the only boca that I am aware of that
has had a patent taken out by its inventor,
Miguel Ángel Cordero. He developed this
heavenly recipe in the 1990s at his bar and
restaurant (Cordero’s) in Tibás, just north of
San José. Chifrijo is uniquely Costa Rican.
The name was suggested by one of the
first customers to try it and is a composite of
“chi” and “frijo,” the first three letters of three
ingredients (chicharrón, chile and chimichur-
ri) and frijo, from frijol.
It is a layered dish, so proportion and
structure are important. Harmony among
the component layers is critical. Chifrijo is
constructed in a bowl as follows:
A foundation of white rice is laid down on
the bottom of the bowl.
Next comes a thick layer of cooked savory
INSIDE
More Surprisingly
Delicious Bar Treats
Page W34
Gabe Dinsmoor | Tico Times
beans. Originally frijoles tiernos, or red beans,
were used, but frijoles cubaces (large beans) are
sometimes used as well. The beans are cooked
in spices and are the heart of the dish.
The beans are crowned with a portion
of chicharrón. Commonly, this is the Costa
Rican version of chicharrón, small, cooked
pieces of meat (chicharrón de posta). Chichar-
rón crocante (or chicharrón de pellejo) is the
crispy pork skin which may also be used.
The meat is then smothered in chimi-
churri or pico de gallo, a chopped blend of
tomato, cilantro, onion, sweet pepper and
lime juice.
Tortilla chips are served on the side or
tucked into the sides of the bowl.
Additionally, there may be a topping of
jalapeño pepper or slices of avocado. Along
with this plate, you will invariably be offered a
Peace Lodge: A
Mountain Paradise
Page W44
CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER
Jack Donnelly | Tico Times
Gabe Dinsmoor | Tico Times
world, especially Central and South America.
Perú considers it part of its national heritage
¡Deliciosa! and has a holiday in its honor. Costa Ricans
are very passionate about their ceviche and
Clockwise from it is sold in almost all bars, on the street, at
top, chifrijo, roadside stands and in bulk at seafood outlets.
Lizano salsa and You can even buy ceviche in sealed plastic
bags in liquor stores and supermarkets. If you
a Costa Rican find yourself in an establishment that does
burrito. not offer it, you may want to reconsider your
choice of watering holes.
The serving dishes and portions vary
widely. Some places offer a small glass while
most serve it in a small bowl. Some even have
the option of a medium-sized dish that, with
chips or crackers, will prove a heartier snack.
chilera. This is a homemade concoction of Essentially, ceviche is chopped up raw fish
chopped hot peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and spices that are “cooked” or pickled in the
onions, green beans and sweet peppers that citric acid of lemon or lime juice. A rough
have been pickled in vinegar for several weeks. standard recipe:
Don’t let an unattractive, well-used container Cut fresh white fish into small cubes.
put you off this treat. Use the spoon in the jar Many species are used including sea bass,
to scoop out some chunks of spicy vegetables. tilapia, marlin, shark, etc. A variety of shrimp,
Tabasco sauce is also commonly used. Chi- octopus, squid, clams and other seafood can
frijo itself is not picante (spicy hot), but you also be added making it mixto. Ceviche made
are free to turn up the temperature. of just shrimp is also popular.
As with all bar food, variety in ingredi- Mince some onion (red is elegant), sweet
ents, size and presentation is the norm. Com- pepper, cilantro and garlic.
monly, a bar will offer two sizes of chifrijo, a Combine the ingredients and cover them
smaller bowl as a boca and a larger version with lemon or lime juice. Add salt and pepper
that makes a decent light dinner. to taste. Cover and keep refrigerated for at
least two hours, longer for mixto.
Ceviche – Chifrijo may be king, but ceviche is Ceviche is served with tortilla chips or
the standard by which Tico bar food is judged. soda crackers. For picante lovers who usually
It is a dish popular over a wide area of the Page W34
A Woman Finds Her Painted Silk Scarves in
Place in the Woods Guanacaste
Page W54 Page W84
W2 | WEEKEND | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012
Community
Manuel Antonio/
Quepos Tidings
I am going to be out of the country for a
month, but I still will be accepting informa-
tion for the column. I would love to keep it
going while I am away, but it is hard to scout
out stories from abroad, so I am counting on
you. I accept birthdays, openings, closings,
births, marriages and anything happening in
our area. It is a great way to get the word out,
so please send them to me. Email: jennifer@
kstr.org.
PAWS is having a fundraiser June 23 at
La Foresta Resort from 7-10 p.m. It will be
an elegant evening of live music with Kezirah
(Fuzzy Rojas) and her band. Silent auctions
and door-prize drawings will be accompa-
nied by bocas, desserts and two free drinks,
all for $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
Proceeds will benefit animal shelter Albergue
Casa Verde and provide free spay/neuter clin-
ics to Aguirre Canton. Tickets are available at
the PAWS animal booth at the farmer’s mar-
ket (feria), online at the PAWS CR Facebook
page or at the door. For more information,
call 2777-1113.
–Jennifer Rice
jennifer@kidssavingtherainforest.org
Flamingo/Potrero News
Playa Potrero’s first solar panels were
recently installed on the roof of the com-
munity classroom, otherwise known as the
Kids Club. Abriendo Mentes (www.abrien-
domentes.org), a community-development
nonprofit organization located in Playa
Potrero, holds weekly English classes and
community events in the Kids Club. The
solar panels were donated by Pura Vida
Energy Systems, S.A, a company that donates
10 percent of its profits to support locals.
This generous donation will produce natural,
renewable energy, which will reduce the cost
of electricity in the Kids Club and allow the
space to continue growing sustainably. 
The Coast Guard is beefing up its pres-
ence in the Pacific and northeastern regions
of Costa Rica. The agency will have a new
station in Tortuguero in the province of
Limón and a stronger presence in Murciélago
in La Cruz, in the north Pacific. The U.S. is
investing $1.25 million for infrastructure at
the Flamingo station, according to the Public
Security Ministry. Uncle Sam’s interest is
generated by the war on drugs.
The Happy Snapper has reopened for
business. The needed renovations are com-
plete and everyone is invited to stop in and
enjoy the usual specials. For more informa-
tion and reservations, please call 2654-4413.
Flamingo restaurant Mar y Sol has a kickoff
in June with weekend specials. Don’t forget
Maxwell’s Café and Bar, El Coconut, The
Shack and El Castillo in Surfside, which are
also great choices.
Force One Security, which is certified
by the Public Security Ministry, and Access
Control are pleased to announce plans to
expand their current operations into the
Playa Coco and surrounding area markets.
Force One Security was formed in late 2007
and has secured hundreds of clients between
Nosara and Potrero. They offer central-
station monitoring and armed response
between Playa Langosta and Playa Potrero,
including Playa Grande, Flamingo and sur-
rounding areas. For more info, contact Terry
Community Connection welcomes reports from readers about happenings in their area of Costa Rica. Send reports and/or photos to Weekend Editor Ashley Harrell at aharrell@ticotimes.net.
Anderson at 2653-0962 or 8855-6945, or
email him at info@forceonesecuritycr.com.
–Babe Hopkins
tbabehopkins@gmail.com
Arenal Report
It’s one thing to explore the rain forest
and jungle in daytime, but for seekers of the
Big A (adrenaline), try doing it at night. Are-
nal Ecolodge offers just this sort of adven-
ture. The adrenaline rush comes from not
knowing what you will see, or how close your
encounter will be.
Ulysses, our Maleku Indian guide well-
known for his skills and knowledge of
Costa Rican flora and fauna, pointed out a
deadly coral snake meandering across our
trail. From that moment on, every rustle
in the trailside bushes sent shivers up our
spines and brought up the hair on the back
of our necks. After we returned from our
adventures, Fabiana de Oliveira, owner of
Ecolodge, brought us down from our adren-
aline high with an assortment of appetizers,
pastries and fruit smoothies. For more infor-
mation, visit www.ecolodgeandamaya.com.
Greiven González, manager of the
Hotel de Lago Arenal, has announced
that the response to allowing families of
local residents use of the hotel swimming
pool complex free of charge on weekends
has been enormous. As of June 15, he is
expanding the offer to make Fridays avail-
able to adults only. An excellent selection
of bocas and bar specials will be available at
nominal cost.
–William & Jean Priest
jean_pri@msn.com
Jacó Happenings
Natalia Coto and Lourdes Pérez have
announced plans for a Kids’ Camp during
school break in Playa Hermosa. The dates
are July 2-13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Activities
include swimming, dancing, cooking, recy-
cling and multi-sensory workshops. The
camp is for children ages 4-11. For more
info, call 8628-3911 or 8322-0777.
Alejandra Torres is teaching yoga classes
again at the Doce Lunas yoga studio just out-
side of Jacó. Classes are Mon., Wed. and Fri.
from 9-10:30 a.m. and Tues. and Thurs. from
6-7:30 p.m. For more info, contact Doce
Lunas at 2643-3419.
John Garcia from Los Amigos is hosting
tomorrow’s international event, Night of the
Living Bass, featuring Francia D.J. Metastaz.
After 10 p.m., the cost is ₡2,000 ($4). For
more info, call 2643-2961 or visit www.
losamigosjaco.com.
This weekend, the fifth leg of the CNS
Surf Circuit will be held in Jacó Beach in
front of Morgan’s Cove on the south end.
The Copa Britt Iced Jacó 2012 will not only
feature local surfers in action, but also Miss
Chica Reef signing autographs. Earlier in
the month, Craig “Tequila” Schieber began
defending his title with a high level of surf-
ing out at the Masters Surf Cup in Playa
Hermosa. Schieber won the Kahuna category.
This Masters Cup was run as a prelude to the
World Cup, which will take place in July in
Playa Colorado Riva, Nicaragua. Congratu-
lations to the other winners: Andrea Díaz
in the women’s group and Grand Masters,
Randall Chaves (41-45 years) and Luis Diego
Morales (35-40 years). Celebrate Interna-
Connection
tional Surfing Day June 24 in Jacó Beach at
one of the many surf shops in town, or take a
lesson from one of the surf schools.   belongs to William David Jones.
Next Wednesday, June 2, the Central
Pacific Women’s Group will meet at 9 a.m.
at Hotel Cocal. The meeting will feature
indigenous art from the Amazon, presented
by Joost Wilms of Dantica Gallery. For more
info, visit www.dantica.com. Also, the Cen-
tral Pacific Chamber of Commerce will meet
Tuesday, June 26, at 7 p.m. at Balcón del Mar
in the center of Jacó. This annual meeting
will feature the year in review and plans for
the upcoming year. This meeting is open to
the public. For more info, visit www.jaco-
chamber.com or call 2643-2853.
–Christina Truitt
christina_truitt@yahoo.com
San Ramón en Acción
To help everyone catch up with goings-
on in San Ramón and with the Community
Action Alliance, a mixer will be held Friday,
June 29 at 10 p.m. at Mario’s Steakhouse.
Attendees can expect to hear updates from
the Education, Environment, Economic
Development and other standing commit-
tees. The list of projects in motion is quite
exciting. For more information, visit www.
actionalliancecr.com.
With both excitement and sadness, we
are saying hasta luego to Louise Wittman
and Chris Roe as they relocate to Salt Lake
City. They’ll be reuniting with good friends
and former San Ramón ex-pats, Dave and
Arden Brink. Louise, a self-proclaimed
“hater of meetings,” has become a driving
force behind the highly successful booksale
fundraisers that have brought in thou-
sands of dollars for local charities. She also
has been acknowledged as a Community
Action Alliance Showcased Volunteer, in
part for her work as an English volunteer
with ITCR classes for more than three years.
Chris has been a rock, always there for sup-
port. They are wonderful people and will
be missed, particularly by José Esquivel,
who will be put up for adoption. Chris and
Louise: Thank you for your time, particu-
larly enduring all those meetings, and most
importantly, thank you for your friendship.
On Sunday, June 17, 2,000 trees donated
by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute in
cooperation with the Agriculture and Live-
stock Ministry and local businesses will
be planted on the finca behind Los Leños
Restaurant, located on the pista in Santiago
(across from the gas station). This event
is being coordinated by the San Ramón
Carbon Neutral Foundation to help bring
the community together to enjoy working
to reduce carbon emissions. Everyone is
welcome to come celebrate and help plant
trees. For more information: mike@styles.
com.
–Mike Styles
mike@styles.com
Tamarindo Talk
A couple of local businesses have
changed hands. The popular Bar1, on the
third floor above ABC Realty, was bought
by John Philips. Taco Stop is open again
under the auspices of Ezequiel Marinoni.
Get your delicious burritos and tacos at
the location just 50 meters past Super2001.
And La Laguna del Cocodrilo Restaurant
on the main road across the street from the
Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas now
The Langosta Beach Club offers yoga
classes Mon.-Fri. at 9:15 a.m. The studio
is glass-enclosed and classes include mats
and props. All levels are welcome to join the
classes, located at the Tamarindo Preserve,
200 meters past the Super2001 on the right,
on the road to Playa Langosta. For more
info, email langostabeachclub@gmail.com.
More good news from CEPIA: Thanks
to Amigos de la Educacion, Villareal High
School students can enjoy a clean and
adequate dining area. Amigos, which raised
money with its annual golf tournament,
donated $1,500 for 40 new folding chairs
and 10 tables. An additional $2,200 from
Amigos now funds a drug prevention pro-
gram along with CEPIA. The program will
be for students at Colegio Técnico Profe-
sional, 27 de Abril, Colegio Villareal and
CTP Cartegena.
-Ellen Zoe Golden
ellenzoe@aol.com
Costa Ballena Bulletin
Great News! Two of Costa Ballena’s
outstandingly beautiful beaches have earned
the Blue Flag ecological standing. Thanks to
program leader Jonathan Cordero and the
exhaustive efforts of Hotel Cuna del Angel,
Playa Hermosa has won its first star in this
wonderful program. Thanks to Hotel La
Cusinga Ecolodge, Playa Arco has obtained
the prestigious Blue Flag for the first time.
The program requires that beaches are kept
clean, the water is tested for safe swimming,
and safety signs are displayed. The Com-
mittee of the Cusinga was recognized with
an award at the Casa Presidencial and Playa
Arco became one of the top-10 beaches in
Costa Rica.
Crime Awareness and Prevention (CAP)
is a local group of concerned and deter-
mined citizens, residents, nonresidents,
frequent visitors and business owners who
want to ensure our area stays safe and beau-
tiful and to prevent crime. The mission of
CAP is to assist in assuring the safety and
security of every law-abiding citizen, resi-
dent and visitor in Costa Rica by unifying
and building communities and promot-
ing crime awareness and prevention, thus
becoming recognized and valued as an
influential voice on a national level. Our
local police need additional funding and
equipment. Costa Rica is addressing crime
problems, but to ensure our standard of
living is maintained, much effort is needed.
We must put a “CAP” on crime. Check out
www.caponcrime.com to help.
Yum! Suki Madden has opened her
restaurant in Rincón de Uvita. Suki hails
from South Korea and brings her culinary
skills to our area, including sushi and other
light and nutritious Asian meals, some with
as few as 150 calories. Come by, and don’t
forget to bring your shopping bags to gather
up goodies at the farmer’s market every Sat-
urday morning.
Domestic Animal Welfare Group and
the community recently lost our dear friend
and animal lover, Dan Kelly. Our hearts go
out to his wife, Cheryl, and son, Jim. We
will miss him dearly.
-Shawnell Parker
cbbshawnell@gmail.com

Costa Rican Snacking: Beyond Beans and Rice
3Page W1
do not like the vinegar base of Tabasco, this is
an exception: the vinegar blends wonderfully
with the citric base.
Tacos and Gallos – Tico tacos are hard tacos
and almost always use a wheat-flour tortilla.
They can hold anything in the way of meat,
chicken, fish, cheese, beans, etc. Most are made
with the tortilla completely rolled around the
contents, while others are partially open like
taco shells. They are generally fried along with
the filling and may have an additional topping
of ground beans, cheese, sour cream or salad.
Some bars offer fried mini-tacos using corn
tortilla wrappers. If you are not a big ketchup
and mayo fan, you should stipulate that you
would like them on the side.
A boca that generates considerable confu-
sion among visitors is the gallo. This is sim-
ply a soft, warm corn tortilla with pieces of
chicken or meat inside. Many foreigners make
the mistake of thinking that the Costa Rican
gallo is a taco. Any Tico will quickly set you
straight that the tortilla used in a taco wraps
all the way around and overlaps itself, while
the tortilla in a gallo folds like a slice of bread;
the edges come together evenly and must
be held upright between the thumb and the
forefinger. It resembles a tortilla hammock or
sling. If you have a fondness for losing argu-
ments, try telling a local that it’s really a taco.
In truth, only one thing matters regarding
gallos: they’re delicious.
Huevo de Tortuga – The consumption of
huevo de tortuga or turtle egg is controversial.
There is a legal harvest of Olive Ridley turtle
eggs on the Pacific coast. Only the early nests
are raided on the premise that these eggs do
not survive the heat of dry season and sub-
sequent waves of nesting females. Another
argument for this practice is that it reduces the
price of turtle eggs and discourages poaching.
It provides income for local residents and has
contributed to town improvements.
In fact, demand far exceeds the legal sup-
ply and there is a thriving black market for
poached eggs. Recently, there was an armed
robbery of eggs from a turtle conservation
station on the Caribbean coast, where all
harvesting is illegal. There are regular reports
of poachers being caught transporting large
quantities of contraband eggs.
Turtle eggs are traditionally seen as
enhancing male virility, so they are consumed
almost exclusively by men. The main market
also seems to be the Central Valley. Normally,
they are served raw with sangrita, a tomato-
based drink that may also include orange
juice, hot pepper, other fruit or ginger ale. The
egg is then swallowed in one gulp.
My opinion: buying illicit drugs supports
cartels and terrorism; buying turtle eggs pro-
motes illegal poaching and threatens turtle
survival. Until they are truly regulated, I will
not partake of the leathery little globes.
Patí – Patí is a small pastry filled with a mix-
ture of ground beef, onion, spices and a touch
of hot pepper, often the hot Panama chile, all
cooked in oil. It is not really very hot, at least
not to my picante-loving mouth. You will find
them in rectangular and half-round shapes.
They are very oily and you will quickly see
evidence of this if you buy them in paper.
Patí is another snack like enyucados and
burritos that you may have to find near a bar,
rather than inside. They are very common
street food on the Caribbean coast and you
can find them there well into the evening, in
small stands with glass cases. Any festival in
Limón province will have multiple patí vend-
ers. Central Valley bakeries also sell them,
usually in small paper bags of two.
Vigorón – Vigorón is a dish centered around
a mound of cabbage salad. The cabbage is
dressed with a sauce of tomatoes, onions,
cilantro and lime juice. Salt, pepper, sugar
and cumin may be added to the dressing as
well. Arranged around it, usually in a nice
star pattern, are long pieces of cooked yuca
(cassava) and chicharrón crocante, or crispy
pork rinds.
This is a very different plate that can make
a fairly good meal. In some countries it is used
as a late dinner or a very early breakfast.
Chalupas – This is a messy delight that you
should attack with fingers, fork, knife and
several reserve napkins. The foundation of
a chalupa is a crispy, fried corn tortilla. The
superstructure is varied, but often consists of
a hearty first layer of ground beans, refried
beans in Gringo-speak. The beans are fol-
lowed by a tier of meat, chicken, cheese or
chicharrón. This is crowned by a big pile of
lettuce or shredded cabbage, and it will likely
be slathered with ketchup and mayo.
Interestingly, the term “refried beans” is
a mistaken translation, one that will never
be remedied. In fact, the beans are only fried
once in the process. The prefix re- in Spanish
means a repetition, just as in English. How-
ever, the word re is a modifier that means very
or well. The proper translation from Mexican
Spanish for frijoles re fritos (three words) is
really well-fried beans. This problem is moot
in Costa Rica as here they are called frijoles
molidos or ground beans.
Morcilla – Morcilla is blood sausage, blood
THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012 | WEEKEND | W3
Taste This:
Clockwise from
top, beef tacos,
chicharrón,
ceviche.
Photos by
Gabe Dinsmoor |
Tico Times
pudding (British), moronga (Mexican) or
blutwurst (German, older German-American).
It is not as popular in Costa Rica as in Spain
or Mexico, but you will find it on many bar
boca menus. Any source of blood can be used,
but pig is by far the most common.
Tico morcilla is milder in taste and less
aromatic than other varieties, but still very
good. It is usually served chopped up and
fried with onions, sweet peppers and other
flavorings. You can have it served on rice or in
gallos. It is a rich, dark mixture that makes for
a comforting and filling meal.
Many people cringe at the thought of
eating blood, but travel eating is supposed
to be an adventure: Try splitting a plate with
a companion or ask for a very small serving.
It cannot possibly be worse than the unmen-
tionables that go into hot dogs.
Yuca – Yuca, or cassava, is a common compo-
nent of bar bocas, as it is in vigorón. However,
it warrants some special attention as probably
the best belly ballast for imbibing you can
find. A little yuca in your system will help you
soldier through the toughest pub crawl.
Yuca frita is simply small chunks of yucca,
deep fried. It does not take up the oil like
French fries and sits very comfortably in your
stomach. It is also far tastier, and a small plate
can easily be shared by two or more people.
Enyucados are not always sold inside bars,
but can often be found nearby in small sodas
or stands with glass cases on the street, even
well into the evening. This is a fried ball of
cassava dough that may have a meaty center.
It’s not very greasy and is quite substantial.
This delicacy gets my vote for the best street
snack or finger food in Costa Rica.
18979
Burritos – A burrito is a fried envelope or
packet of wheat tortilla stuffed with beans,
meat, cheese, chicken, chicharrón, etc. It can
be a bit greasy, but makes a good medium-
level snack. Often you will have to satisfy a
burrito craving from a stand near the bar of
the same sort that sells enyucados.
Condiments – Mayonnaise and ketchup are
universally offered and used, liberally, on
almost everything. Two things to remember:
The yellow squeeze bottle is mayo, not mus-
tard; Costa Rican ketchup is much sweeter
than the U.S. version. Homemade chilera is
common, as is Tabasco sauce. Chilero (hot
sauce) is often available as well. Salsa Lizano
is a ubiquitous table sauce that is made from
“natural spices and vegetables” according to
a secret family recipe. Lizano is a little sweet
and sometimes compared to Worcestershire.
You may have to request salt or pepper.
Costa Rica may never have the reputa-
tion for its small dishes that Spain does for
tapas, but it’s time for Tico bocas to step out
of the shadows and let the world know how
good they really are.n
Casa Buena Vista
B & B
A private home lodging located in Manuel An-
tonio, Costa Rica with a spectacular post card
ocean/ jungle view.
GREEN SEASON RATES-$35 FOR two people or
$25 for one. Rooms with A/C are $10 more.
HIGH SEASON RATES - $50 for two people or
$35 for one. The rooms with A/C are $10 more.
Prices Include full breakfast.
www.casabuenavista.net
US Tel. 510-356-3781
CR tel. 011-506-2777-1002 or 2777-0292
Fax. 011-506-2777-1946
W4 | WEEKEND | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012

Exploring Costa Rica

3 Years After Quake, La Paz Still Magical
Ashley Harrell
Tico Times Staff

A
s legend has it, during the 2009 earth-
quake that rocked the Poás region, 30
miles northwest of San José, some of
the animals at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens
escaped their cages. Although the birds and
wild cats fled into the surrounding rain forest,
the spider monkeys were apparently unin-
terested in a getaway. Instead, they headed
for Colibries Restaurant and sat down at the
tables, looking around expectantly.
The takeaway is that the smartest ani-
mals know it doesn’t get better than stay-
ing at La Paz, where the majestic waterfall
gardens, animal exhibits and accompanying
luxury mountain cabins feel like something
out of a Latin fairytale. Since the Peace
Lodge hotel opened in 2003, it has become
one of the foremost accommodations in
Costa Rica, winning numerous accolades for
both environmental friendliness and guest
experience. Verdant Vacation: Clockwise from top, the garden bathroom and Jacuzzi within
Though earthquake damage did create the deluxe room; waterfall; red-eyed frog spotted during the night tour.
a setback, owners Lee and Cindy Banks Photos Courtesy of Peace Lodge
have rebuilt where necessary. The trout lake
cracked down the middle, but has since been
repaired, and some of the trails to the water- observatory), the ranarium, the serpentar- ing about for years. At the jungle cat cages,
falls also needed work. At this point, only the ium and the casita (a reproduction of an visitors can stand an arm’s length from a
nearby roads remain damaged; still, they are old Caribbean farmhouse) all withstood the mountain lion, margay, ocelot or jaguar. In
passable. shaking, and these exhibits continue to allow the aviary, visitors can feed hummingbirds
The aviary, the mariposario (butterfly up-close encounters that guests will be talk- and toucans by hand. A night tour given by
the hotel brings visitors face-to-face with
nocturnal fauna, including the very symbol
of Costa Rica – the red-eyed frog.
Those fortunate enough to be staying on an early morning stroll on the trail past the
the property, which consists of 70 acres of waterfalls, and then to spend some off-hours
jungle and just 17 units, can return after a quality time with the jungle cats.n
day of exploration to some of the most ador-
able and awe-inspiring accommodations in Going there
the country. The guest’s last name will be
spelled out in wooden blocks beside the Rates range from $295-$545 a night. To get there,
door, behind which await four-poster king take the Pan-American Highway from San José towards
beds, stone fireplaces, showers designed to the airport and take the Alajuela exit. Continue for 12
resemble caves (with a waterfall option) and miles, following the signs for Poás Volcano. At the dead-
Jacuzzis in the bathrooms and on the balco- end, three-way intersection, take a right. Go one mile to
nies. Although the rooms are unquestion- the town of Poasito and take a right at the intersection
ably upscale, personal touches like mosaic, where it says Heredia Vara Blanca, Sarapiquí. Make a
hand-painted tiles and stained glass adorn- left at the gas station at Vara Blanca and go three miles.
ments make the place feel like home. Waterfall Gardens is on the left. For more, call 2482-2100
The balconies feature traditional Costa or visit www.waterfallgardens.com.
Rican rocking chairs and hammocks, with
foggy mountain views that include the active
Poás Volcano, which occasionally shoots
geyser-like ejections out of its crater and
makes for an excellent day trip. The Doka
Peace Lodge
coffee plantation is also worth a stop while COSTA RICA

touring the charming Poás region, which is Peace San

also known for its organic strawberries and Lodge José

fern farms. Enlarged

After packed days of exploring, romantic Area

evenings at Peace Lodge involve cranking the Pacific Ocean

mapa
Poás
gas fireplace and ordering a bottle of wine Volcano Secondary Road
and fresh trout to the room (adventurous
guests may feast on a trout they caught per- Poasito Varablanca
sonally at the pond). Those seeking a more
formal affair can head up to the Vista Poás Fraijanes
Cartagos
Restaurant for a four-course meal. Breakfast
N
can also be taken in the room or out on the
San Pedro Carrizal
restaurant terrace, and options include any- de Poás
W E
thing from traditional gallo pinto to delec-
Sabanilla
table egg-white omelettes.
S
Although the public is invited to visit the
La Paz Waterfall Gardens from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Alajuela
hotel guests have all-hours access. My abso-
lute favorite thing do to at La Paz is to take Roy Arguedas Arias | Tico Times

It’s Not What You Eat, It’s When You Eat
A
recent survey
NUTRITION
IN THE NEWS by on food and
health by the
International Food
Information Coun-
cil concluded that 52
percent of U.S. citizens
find it easier to figure
out a tax return than to
understand what they
should and should not
consume to be healthy.
Julie Godfrey Now we’ll add to the
confusion. After years
of being told to eat “little and often,” scien-
tists are now saying that starving ourselves
for a few hours each day could help control
weight and delay the onset of degenerative
diseases.
The Salk Institute of Biological Studies
gave two groups of mice the same high-fat
diet, but one group only had access to food
during an eight-hour period. After 100 days,
the restricted-access group exhibited less
Karen, Queen of the Costa Rican Jungle
K
aren left L.A.
the day she
got out of
high school. Even in
the fast-changing
1960s, the city held no
allure for the sharp-
eyed, petite blonde.
Steve Church She wandered up to
a freethinking Oregon
commune only to find
it filled with fellow Californians, tie-dyed and
bearded. She thumbed to Alaska, worked the
salmon boats, then down to the Caribbean
and worked the charter boats. Her wander-
ings whetted an appetite for the unknown.
The more she traveled, the more unsettled
she became. One day, she found herself with a
small band of friends in the steamy outpost of
Dominical on Costa Rica’s still-wild southern
Pacific shores.
Drawn to the lush beauty of the sur-
rounding jungle, Karen packed a small knap-
sack, sheathed her machete and bid farewell
to friends and the tiny village. She marched
into the verdant mountains that loom over
the rugged southern coastline, and for days
she clamored over massive logs, ducked under
serpentine vines and slipped down muddy
game trails. At night she sat enthralled with
the raucous silence of the jungle. The cough
of the jaguar and the unholy grunts of howler
monkeys served only to erase her ties to civili-
zation. Torn by the vicious undergrowth and
donor to a thousand bloodsucking insects,
the longer she trekked, the more at home
she became. In the fog-shrouded mountains
high above Pinula Beach, Karen came upon
a smoky cabin. Yelling a greeting, its ancient
occupant opened the door to this attractive,
bug-chewed Gringa.
He threw out his arms as if volunteer-
ing for a crucifixion and welcomed her with
dentally challenged smile and a freshly grilled
iguana. Over the ensuing weeks, Karen real-
ized for the first time in her life she felt at
home. From the affluent suburbs of L.A., to
that smoky dirt-floored shack, the wandering
gypsy had finally found her niche. By the sec-
ond month, Karen felt close enough to the old
man to ask if he’d consider selling her a piece
of the surrounding misty mountain.
He admitted it had never crossed his mind,
12163
but in his old age it would be nice to have a
weight gain, less liver damage and lower
levels of inflammation. Although this was
an experiment on animals, theoretically the
logic could apply to people. It could be that
our systems and organs each have their
own biological clock, so at certain times of
the day, our liver is at peak performance in
processing toxins and fats and our digestion
simply works better. If we match our eating
schedule to these biological schedules, we
could help fight obesity, high cholesterol and
other modern illnesses. Although human
trials are necessary to test and refine this
daily-restriction theory, one human study
on another form of restrictive eating did
show positive benefits.
For people who are happy with a graz-
ing diet style, feel free to continue eating
five or six small meals a day. No point mess-
ing around with something that works (and
it works for many individuals). People are
different and what suits one person’s bio-
logical circumstance does not necessarily
work for others.
neighbor. After several days of deep financial
consideration, he agreed to the worldly sum
of $2 per acre. In an inside pocket of the ratty
knapsack Karen had sewn $900, a birthday
gift from her mother. The next morning, she
stood on her 450-acre jungle-draped finca in
the sky. Far below, the blue Pacific stretched
to the horizon. Above towered the vertical
cliffs, jungle clinging to their sides, waterfalls
cascading into the humid air. Monkeys and
parrots provided a wild symphony backdrop
to the primeval scene. Karen was home.
She traded her labor, English lessons and
laughter for two-dozen hardwood planks, and
she built herself a cabin. With a difficult call
to the states, her still-baffled mother financed
a horse and some chickens. From the jungle,
she gathered young fruit trees, herbs and
veggie seeds. In a couple years, Karen’s little
homestead had all the comforts of home.
Running water from the stream, a small bed, a
sand fire pit, a garden and chicken coop.
So it was in the middle of the rainy season
and in the dark and stifling night that Karen
jerked awake. Lying naked on the foam, her
ears picked out a certain sound above the
metallic din of rain beating on tin roof. There
it was again, the frantic clucking from her hen
house. Lighting the candle lantern, slipping
into her old rubber boots and grabbing the
rusty machete, she bound into the blackness.
Scrambling up the walk and throwing
THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012 | WEEKEND | W5
But if you have reached a weight loss
plateau, or if the eat-little-and-often con-
cept has not worked, then you could test
this daily time restriction for yourself; just
remember to keep your calorie intake at
current levels and restrict eating to daylight
hours when you are most active (assuming
that you keep a normal schedule). Ideally,
you should eat sensibly during your eight
hours; i.e. lean protein, fruits, vegetables,
complex carbohydrates and good fats such
as oily fish, nuts and olive oil. However if
your current diet is distant from this ideal,
stick to what you eat now and see if sim-
ply applying the eating window makes a
difference to your weight and mood. You
can experiment with the exact timing of
this window as long as it is within daylight
hours, but be aware that you will need time
to adapt. Stick with it for a month to decide
whether or not the regime works for you.
Unless you have a diagnosed medical condi-
tion such as diabetes, this style of restricted
consumption should not be detrimental
open the coop’s door, she entered the feath-
ered chaos. Chickens were bouncing from the
walls, trying to escape an unseen menace.
Then in the shadowy darkness, something
moved. Something evil and silent, something
smooth, glistening and huge. A snake! A
mammoth boa constrictor, big around as a
man’s leg and 15 feet long, its reptilian eyes
reflecting the candle’s pitiful flicker, in its jaws
one of Karen’s beloved hens convulsed.
Karen was outraged. With a primal rush
of mindless adrenaline she attacked the beast,
hacking with all her might into the snake’s
neck with the dull machete. Again and again
she swung at the giant reptile, now crash-
ing wildly side to side in an attempt to rid
its extended jaws from the jammed chicken.
Blood gushed from its wounds, pelting Karen’s
naked skin in greenish slime. The writhing
body smashed into Karen, flinging her against
the wall and knocking the lantern from her
grasp. Now in total darkness, she swung the
machete over and over, and the beast’s sav-
agery knocked the crazed girl from floor to
wall to ceiling. In the violent blackness, time
lost all meaning until a barbaric blow to the
midsection threw Karen out the door into the
jungle, knocking her out cold.
The equatorial sun creeping over the ridge
woke Karen from her coma. Ants swarmed
over her blood-soaked body. The huge body
of the snake hung from the coop’s doorway.
Lebanese Cuisine
Hommus, Falafel,
and a great Lamb.
Enjoy the best Lebanese
food in Costa Rica.
After eating visit our bar.
Paseo Colón in front of
Mercedes-Benz.
Tel: 2257-6071
Thursdays: Belly Dance 9 pm.
12378
12845
to your health, as long as you are sensible.
If you are concerned about possible con-
sequences, consult a doctor or nutritional
therapist and ask for dietary supervision.n
Julie Godfrey BSc (Hons) is a Nutritional
Therapy Practitioner and full member of the
British Association of Applied Nutrition and
Nutritional Therapy (BANT). See www.for-
everhealthyco.com or email jgodfrey@for-
everhealthyco.com.
News sources:
“Americans Find Doing Their Own Taxes
easier Than Diet and Health,” www.science-
daily.com.
“When You Eat Matters, Not Just What,”
www.sciencedaily.com.
“Extended Daily Fasting Overrides
Harmful Effects of High Fat Diet,” www.
sciencedaily.com.
“Alternate Day Fasting and Chronic Dis-
ease Prevention,” The American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition.
Karen started to cry. It was all too much.
Two years of battling oppresive heat, voracious
insects, dangerous reptiles, burning fevers,
crushing loneliness. Two years of walking for
days to make a phone call. Two years of being
an outsider in an unforgiving, alien world.
Could she take any more? Could she, or any
human, survive in nature’s own Herculean
heart? She slowly rose to her feet, her body
aching from a hundred violent blows and
turned to face the rising sun. Then with that
golden orb rose a passion deep inside her.
Yes she could! And she would! She had not
come this far to fail. She had found her place
in life and come home. Karen went on to raise
three strong children on her misty mountain.
Now college graduates and the product of
two cultures, they all fight for environmental
causes and the survival of the jungle they love.
Karen still resides on the mountain, nestled
close to the bosom of Mother Nature.n
• Lunch Specials
(506) 2228-0980 • 2228-3012
W6 | WEEKEND | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012
*New this week. Theater performances are in Spanish unless otherwise specified. E-mail Calendar submissions to aharrell@ticotimes.net by 11 a.m. Monday, five days prior to publication.
FRIDAY
*Piano recital: Stacy Chamblin, Joaquín Yglesias,
Manuel Matarrita, June 15, 7 p.m., Spanish Cultural
Center, Barrio Escalante, Av. 13, Ca. 31, 2257-2919,
www.ccecr.org.
*European Film Festival: European countries
each present one recent film for the reopening of Cine
Magaly, June 15-17, Cine Magaly, Barrio La California
at Av. 23 and Ca. Central in central San José, for more,
visit www.centrodecine.go.cr.
*“Emotio”: dance production put on by the National
Dance Company, June 15-17, Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun.,
6 p.m., CENAC (FANAL), Av. 3/5, Ca. 11/15, 2221-
2154.
*Haury: pop, June 15, 10 p.m., Jazz Café San Pedro,
next to Banco Popular, 2253-8933, www.jazzcafeco-
starica.com.
*Escats: pop, jazz, June 15, 10 p.m., Jazz Café
Escazú, opposite CIMA Hospital, 2288-4740, www.
jazzcafecostarica.com.
SATURDAY
Enamorate de tu ciudad: arts, cultural and
educational shows and classes, urban sports,
handicraft exhibits, clowns, ping pong, food,
chess tables, Saturdays, through Dec. 1, 10 a.m.,
*Theater at Noon: Latin-American music, Danzón
No. 2, Arturo Marquez, Carnival Hudson Rua Noguei-
ra, Suite Lullaby, June 19, noon, National Theater, Av.
2, Ca. 3/5, 2221-5341, www.teatronacional.go.cr.
Building a Business Resource Guide: profes-
sional meeting of women, focused on social media,
June 19, 6-8 p.m., Saquella Café, La Paco Plaza,
Escazú, for more info, email stacey.auch@gmail.
com.
Educating for the 21st Century: a week-long
course for educators involving teaching methods,
leadership, technology, pura vida day and more, June
25-30, University for Peace, Ciudad Colón, west of
San José, for more info, call 2205-9000 or email
info@upeace.org.
*Lifeguard Benefit in Dominical: food, DJ, family
portraits, surf, pool games, auction, raffle, etc., July 1,
Roca Verde, Dominical, for more info, call 8313-1771,
or visit www.dominicallifeguards.org.
*4th of July Picnic: parade ceremony, festivities,
each U.S. citizen may bring one Tico friend, July
4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Grounds of Florida Ice and Farm,
Alajuela, for more info, call 2288-4864 or visit
www.americancolonycr.com.
Workshop Retreat: self-discovery, personal develop-
ment and empowerment in the rain forest by the ocean,
July 15-22, Guaria de Osa Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula, for
Look for Calendar updates online
throughout the week, as well as a list of
clubs and organizations, religious services
and classes, at:
www.ticotimes.net/Weekend/
Events-Calendar
Calendar
Courtesy of Cine Magaly
The European Film Festival at Cine
Magaly continues this weekend. The
Spanish film “Azul oscuro casi ne-
gro” plays Friday from 4-7 p.m.
Parque España, Parque Morazán, Jardín de Paz
and Parque La Merced. www.facebook.com/
enamoratedetuciudad.
Sábado block party: music from Rich Medina and
info and registration contact Valerie Sheppard at val-
erie@heartoflivingvibrantly.com.
Soccer Games: Costa Rica vs. Mexico, Sept. 7, 8
p.m., Costa Rica vs. Guyana, Oct. 16, 8 p.m., National
Stadium, www.specialticket.net.
Hash House Harriers: runs every Thursday in
different locations around or near San José, hosted
by “the beer drinking club with a running problem,”
5:15 p.m., more info: www.costaricahhh.com/
receding-hairline.
“Eyes of the Soul”: oils on canvas from Hernán
Peréz, opens June 16, through Aug. 3, Tues.-Sa. 10
a.m.-4 p.m., Hidden Garden Art Gallery, Liberia, for
more information, call 8386-6872 or 8386-6968,
or visit http://hiddengarden.thevanstonegroup.
com.
“Deconstruction/Reconstruction”: exhibition
by Charlsie Kelly with watercolors and paper-mache
masks sculpted on bases of recycled materials,
through June 20, Sophia Wannamaker Gallery, Centro
Cultural, Sabana Park, San José, for more info visit
www.charlsiekelly.com.
“Arte Diverso”: a first-of-its-kind exhibit of 32 pieces
in woodcut, oil, textiles and carvings by indigenous
people from Térraba, Rey Curre and Boruca, Tues.-Sun.,
9 a.m.-4 p.m., runs through June 20, Costa Rican Art
Museum, east of La Sabana Park, 2256-1281, www.
musarco.go.cr.
“Del Trópico a las praderas”: an exhibition of
artwork from Carolina Herrera Rodríquez exploring the
differences between the tropics of Costa Rica and the
prairie of Illinois, through June 29, National Gallery at
the Children’s Museum, north end of Ca. 4, 2258-4929,
www.museocr.com.
“Josephine 2.0”: a reflection on diversity, locality,
belonging and corporate identity, through June 22,
Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Contemporary Art and
*Serrat & Sabina: Titanic Orchestra, Nov. 21,
Ricardo Saprissa Stadium, San Juan de Tibás, San
José, tickets at www.specialticket.net.
César Ckamu, July 16, 8 p.m., Barrio Amón, San
José, www.richmedina.com.
*Bidrage: a tribute to Paul McCartney, June 16, 10
p.m., Jazz Café San Pedro, next to Banco Popular,
2253-8933, www.jazzcafecostarica.com. Verbatim: A Celebration of Words: original works
in English by various local poets, short-story writ-
*Las Tortugas: classic rock, June 16, 10 p.m., Jazz ers and memoirists, open mic for writers who wish to
Café Escazú, opposite CIMA Hospital, 2288-4740, share their productions, up to five minutes each for a
www.jazzcafecostarica.com. limited number of readers, June 24, 2 p.m., at the Teatro
Laurence Olivier, Av. 2, Ca. 28, next to Sala Garbo, San
SUNDAY José, more information at 8858-1446 or at www.little
theatregroup.org.
Father’s Day at Sibú Chocolate: a chocolate tast-
ing and tour that includes four-course lunch, June 17, “Divorciadas, evangélicas y vegetarianas”:
noon, Sibú in San Isidro de Heredia, $35 per person, Comedy, Thurs.-Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro Torres, Av. 8, Ca.
reservations required by June 13, call George at 11/13, 2256-4295.
2268-1335 or email info@sibuchocolate.com. “Dos arriba y una abajo”: Comedy, Fri.-Sun., 8
*Hike: 20-kilometer, seven-hour hike near Braulio p.m., Teatro Arlequín, Ca. 15, Av. 2/6, 2221-5485.
Carrillo, bus departs at 6:30 a.m. from San Gerónimo, “Las monjas también la pulsean”: Comedy,
150 meters north of the Auto Mercado, June 17, Fri.-Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro Sancheto, Ca. 13, Av. 6/8,
Ecologicas Educativa Shkuk, call 8306-6354 or 2223- 8398-9409.
3186 for more information, or visit https://sites.
google.com/site/caminatasshkuk. “Made in Tikicia”: Comedy, Thurs.-Sun., 8 p.m.,
Teatro Urbano, Av. 2, across from Plaza de la Democra-
Diamond Jubilee Picnic: charity event in honor of cia, 2255-0522, 8821-3884.
Queen Elizabeth II, June 17, all day, Zamora Estates in
Santa Ana, tickets must be purchased by June 12 (for “Papichulo”: Comedy, Fri.-Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro
locations see Community Connection, Page W2), for Molière, Ca. 13, Av. 2/4, 2222-5281.
more, call 2224-4325. “¡Qué zambrote!”: Comedy, presented by Masque-
Dos, Sat.-Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro Centenario, Curridabat,
200 m east, 100 m south of EPA, 2271-0909.
Design Museum, Av. 3, Ca. 15/17, 2257-9370, www. “Sexolorrisas”: Comedy, Fri.-Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro
madc.ac.cr. Chaplin, Av. 10, Ca. 11/12, 2221-0812.
“Mangroves and Beyond”: six wooden sculptures “Taxiando por un sueño”: Comedy, Fri.-Sun., 8
by Tony Jiménez, through July 20, Daniel Oduber
p.m., Teatro La Esquina, Av. 1, Ca. 21, 2257-0223.
International Airport, Liberia, for more information
“Un viernes de locura”: Comedy, 8 p.m., Teatro La
contact Hidden Garden Art Gallery, 8386-6872, 8386-
Máscara, Av. 2/4, Ca. 13, 2222-4574.
6968.
*“Registro fotográfico de obras artísticas
(Víctimas y victimarios)”: an exhibition of acrylic
and woodcut by Juan Carlos Chacón, through July 30,
Alliance Francaise, Barrio Amón, www.redcultura.
com. “Esqueleto con Sombrero”: A 30-minute interactive
play with Santi the Skeleton, through June, Wed.-Fri.
“focus”: selection of paintings, works on paper, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 11:30 a.m., 12:30
objects, videos and installations from Otto Apuy, p.m., and 3 p.m., Children’s Museum, north end of
through July 20, Daniel Oduber International Airport, Ca. 4, 2258-4929, www.museocr.com.
Liberia, for more information contact Hidden Garden
Art Gallery, 8386-6872, 8386-6968.
“Forging Suns and Treasuring Chunches”: a solo
exhibition of Zulay Soto, opens June 7, runs through
Oct. 1, Costa Rican Art Museum, La Sabana Park in
central San José.
Ricardo Arjona: Babyface Metamorphosis World Tour,
Aug. 18, Ricardo Saprissa Stadium, San Juan de Tibás,
San José, tickets at www.specialticket.net.
National Symphony Orchestra concerts: guest
director Irwin Hoffman and guest soloists Mauricio
Paéz (bassoon), José Aurelio Castillo (violin), Jorge
Rodríguez (oboe), Álvaro González (cello) performing
Beethoven (Leonora), Haydn (Sinfonía Concertante)
and Prokofiev (Symphony No.5), Aug. 24, 8 p.m., Aug.
26, 10:30 a.m., National Theater, Av. 2, Ca. 3/5, 2221- Courtesy of Carolina Herrera Rodríguez
5341, www.teatronacional.go.cr. The art of Carolina Herrera ex-
plores the differences between
Vincente Fernández: “My Farewell,” the king of
the tropics and the Illinois prairie,
ranchera music ends his performing career with
and will be on display at the Na-
this show, Aug. 23, National Stadium, 2206-7770, tional Gallery through June 29.
www.laboleteria.co.cr.

*New this week. In general, movies in English have Spanish subtitles, animated and children’s movies are dubbed in Spanish with no subtitles, and foreign-language films have Spanish subtitles.
Note: Showtimes are subject to change. Theaters that fail to send us their schedules by deadline may not be listed.
SHOWTIMES
CCM Alajuela, Mall Internacional, Alajuela,
2442-6100, www.ccmcinemas.com
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, 12:30 p.m. (Sa-Su), 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, 8:30
p.m.; dubbed, 11 a.m. (Sa-Su), 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 p.m.
Prometheus: 3-D, dubbed, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30,
9:30 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: 1:20, 4, 6:40,
9:20 p.m.
CCM Cariari, Plaza Real, Ciudad Cariari,
Heredia, 2293-3300, www.ccmcinemas.com
21 Jump Street: 1:50, 4:10 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: dubbed,
11, 11:30 a.m (Sa-Su), 1, 1:30, 3, 3:30, 5, 5:30, 7,
7:30, 9, 9:30 p.m.
Men In Black III: 2:20, 4:40 p.m.
Prometheus: 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m.
The Avengers: dubbed, 12:15 p.m. (Sa-Su), 3:15,
6:15, 9:15 p.m.
CCM Heredia, Paseo de las Flores Mall,
Heredia, 2237-6263, www.ccmcinemas.com
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, 11 a.m. (Sa-Su), 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 p.m.; 3-D,
subtitled, 12:30 p.m. (Sa-Su), 2:30, 4:30. 6:30,
8:30 p.m.; dubbed, noon, 2, 4, 6 p.m.
Men In Black III: subtitled, 8:30 p.m.
Prometheus: 3-D, dubbed, 11:30 a.m. (Sa-Su),
1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: 11:40 a.m.
(Sa-Su), 2:20, 5, 7:40 p.m.
CCM San Carlos, Plaza San Carlos, Ciudad
Quesada, 2460-6202, www.ccmcinemas.com
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: dubbed, 11
a.m. (Sa-Su), 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: 1, 3:40, 6:20, 9 p.m.
CCM San Pedro, Mall San Pedro, 2283-5716,
2280-9585, www.ccmcinemas.com
21 Jump Street: 11:50 a.m. (Sa-Su), 2:10, 4:30 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, 11 a.m., 12:40 p.m. (Sa-Su) 1, 2:40, 3,
4:40, 5, 6:40, 7, 8:40, 9 p.m.; dubbed, 10:20,
11:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:20, 1:30, 2:20, 3:30, 4:20,
5:30, 6:20, 7:30, 8:20, 9:30 p.m.
Men In Black III: dubbed, 11:10 a.m. (Sa-Su), 1:30,
3:50, 6:10, 8:30 p.m.
Paranormal Activity 3: 7, 9 p.m.
Prometheus: 3-D, dubbed, 10:50 a.m. (Sa-Su),
12:50, 2:50, 4:50, 6:50, 8:50 p.m.; subtitled,
11:15 a.m. (Sa-Su), 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15
p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: subtitled, 11 a.m.
(Sa-Su), 1:40, 4:20, 7, 9:40 p.m.
The Avengers: dubbed, 12:20 p.m. (Sa-Su), 3:20,
6:20, 9:20 p.m.
CCM San Ramón, Plaza Occidente, San
Ramón, 2447-7120, www.ccmcinemas.com
21 Jump Street: 6:30, 8:50 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: dubbed,
noon, 1:20 p.m. (Sa-Su), 2, 3:20, 4, 5:20, 7:20,
9:20 p.m.
Prometheus: 1 p.m. (Sa-Su), 3, 5, 7, 9 p.m.
Cinemark del Este, Multiplaza del Este, Cur-
ridabat, 2280-0490, www.cinemarkca.com
21 Jump Street: 4:50 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, F, M-Th, 1:25, 3:35, 5:50, 8 p.m.; Sa-Su,
11:05 a.m., 1:15, 3:35, 6, 8:25 p.m.; dubbed, F,
M-Th, 2:35, 3, 4:40, 5:05, 6:45, 7:15, 8:50, 9:25
p.m.; Sa-Su, 11:40 a.m., 12:30, 1:50, 2:45, 4:10, 5,
6:30, 7:15, 8:55, 9:25 p.m.
Men In Black III: 3-D, Dubbed, F, M-Th, 1:30, 6:35
p.m.; Sa-Su, 11:10 a.m., 4:25, 9:35 p.m.; subtitled,
F, M-Th, 2:25, 7:10, 9:30 p.m.; Sa-Su, 12:05, 2:25,
7:10, 9:30 p.m.
Prometheus: 3-D, F, M-Th, 1:35, 4:10, 6:50, 9:25
p.m.; Sa-Su, 11 a.m., 1:35, 4:20, 7:05, 9:40 p.m.;
This Week’s Movies
21 Jump Street (Comando especial):
Two bumbling cops given an undercover
assignment in a high school to bring down
a synthetic drug ring. Starring Jonah Hill,
Channing Tatum, Ice Cube. Directed by Phil
Lord, Chris Miller.
Madagascar 3: European’s Most Want-
ed: The gang is still fighting to get back to
New York, which involves a slight detour
through Europe and participation in a travel-
ing circus. Starring Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett
Smith, Chris Rock. Directed by Eric Darnell,
Tom McGrath.
Men in Black III (Hombres de negro
III): In 1969, an alien criminal named Boris
coldly assassinated Agent K. Now Agent J
must go back in time to stop the killing and
rewrite history. Starring Will Smith, Tommy
Lee Jones and Josh Brolin. Directed by Barry
Sonnenfeld.
Paranormal Activity 3 (Actividad para-
normal el origen): In the late ’80s, two
young sisters make friends with a spirit who
lives in their house. Starring Chloe Csengery,
Jessica Tyler Brown and Christopher Nicholas
Smith. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel
Schulman.
*Prometheus (Prometeo): In this science-
fiction thriller, a team of explorers aboard
spaceship Prometheus must fight evil forces
in the darkest corners of the universe to save
the human race. Starring Noomi Rapace,
Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender.
Directed by Ridley Scott.
Snow White and the Huntsman (Blan-
canieves y el cazador): A huntsman is
subtitled, F, M-Th, 2:50, 5:30, 8:10 p.m.; Sa-Su,
12:20, 3:05, 5:55, 9 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: F, M-Th, 1:50, 4:25,
7, 9:35 p.m.; Sa-Su, noon, 2:50, 5:40, 8:30 p.m.
The Avengers: 3-D, dubbed, F, M-Th, 3:45, 9 p.m.,
Sa-Su, 1:30, 6:45 p.m.
Cinemark Escazú, Multiplaza Escazú, 2201-
5050, www.cinemarkca.com
21 Jump Street: F, M-Th, 4:25 p.m.; Sa-Su,
4:30 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, F, M-Th, 12:30, 2:40, 5, 7:15, 9:35 p.m.;
Sa-Su, 10:30 a.m., 12:40, 2:50, 5:05, 7:20, 9:35
p.m.; dubbed, F, M-Th, 1, 1:30, 3:20, 3:55, 5:40,
6:25 p.m.; Sa-Su, 11, 11:30 a.m., 1:15, 1:50, 3:35,
4:10, 6, 6:30, 8:20, 8:45 p.m.
Men In Black III: 3-D, Subtitled, F, M-Th, 1:50, 6:55,
9:25 p.m.; Sa-Su, 11:20 a.m., 1:55, 7:05, 9:40
p.m.; Dubbed, F, M-Th, 3:30 p.m.; Sa-Su, 3 p.m.
Prometheus: F, M-Th, 1:15, 4:05, 7, 9:50 p.m.;
Sa-Su, 11:15 a.m., 2:05, 5, 8 p.m.; 3-D, F, M-Th,
12:40, 3:35, 6:20, 9:15 p.m.; Sa-Su, 10:45 a.m.,
1:30, 4:20, 7:10, 10 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: F, M-Th, 12:45,
3:40, 6:35, 9:30 p.m.; (Sa-Su), 12:15, 3:20, 6:35,
9:30 p.m. CitiCinemas Jacó, Plaza Coral, Jacó, 2643-
The Avengers: Dubbed, F, M-Th, 12:35, 6:30 p.m.;
Sa-Su, noon, 6, 9 p.m.;
3-D, subtitled, F, M-Th, 9:40 p.m.
The Raven: 9 p.m.
Cinépolis Terramall, Terramall, Tres Ríos,
2518-0002, www.cinepolis.co.cr
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, 10, 11 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:20, 1:20, 2:40,
3:40, 5, 7:20, 9:40 p.m.; dubbed, VIP, 10 a.m.
(Sa-Su), 12:20, 2:40, 5, 7:20. 9:40 p.m.; 3-D,
dubbed, VIP, 11 a.m. (Sa-Su), 1:20, 3:40, 6, 8:20
p.m.; dubbed, 10:30, 11:50 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:50,
THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012 | WEEKEND | W7
Space Ball: David (Michael Fassbender) makes a startling and discovery
onboard an alien vessel in “Prometheus.”
supposed to kill Snow White, but instead
he becomes her protector on a journey to
defeat the evil queen. Starring Kristen Stewart,
Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron. Directed
by Rupert Sanders.
The Avengers (Los vengadores): A team
of super heroes called The Avengers must
fight to save Earth from an evil army and its
leader, Loki. Starring Scarlett Johansson,
2:10, 3:10, 4:30, 5:30, 6:50, 7:50, 9:10 p.m.
Men In Black III: dubbed, 11:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 1:50,
4:10 p.m., subtitled, 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 6:30, 7:30,
8:50, 9:50 p.m.
Prometheus: 3-D, dubbed, 1, 4 p.m.; 3-D, subtitled,
7, 10 p.m.; subtitled, 11:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:30,
2:30, 3:30, 5:30, 6:30, 9:30 p.m.; VIP, subtitled, 1,
4, 7, 10 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: subtitled, 1, 4, 7, 10
p.m.; dubbed, 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 8:30, 9:30 p.m.
The Avengers: 3-D, subtitled, 6, 9 p.m.; dubbed,
12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30 p.m.
CitiCinemas Grecia, Plaza Grecia El Ingenio,
Grecia, 2444-1779, www.citicinemascr.com.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, Sa-Su, 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 p.m., F, M-Th,
2:20, 4:20, 6:20, 8:20 p.m.
Men In Black III: dubbed, Sa-Su, 1:45, 6:25 p.m., F,
M-Th, 6:25 p.m.
Prometheus: 3-D, Sa-Su, 11 a.m., 1:20, 3:45, 6:15,
8:45 p.m., F, M-Th, 3:30, 6, 8:30 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: Sa-Su, 11:15 a.m.,
3:55, 8:35 p.m., F, M-Th, 3:55,
8:35 p.m.
2100, www.citicinemascr.com
21 Jump Street: 3, 5:05, 7:10, 9:15 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: dubbed,
2:45, 4:40, 6:35, 8:30 p.m.
Prometheus: 3-D, 3:45, 6:15, 8:45 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: 4, 6:30, 9 p.m.
Multicines Liberia, Plaza Liberia, 1 km
before Liberia, 2665-1515, www.multicines-
liberia.com
21 Jump Street: F-Su, noon, 2:20, 4:40, 7, 9:20 p.m.,
M-Th, 2:20, 4:40, 7, 9:20 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
Courtesy of 20th Century Fox Film Corporation
Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Samuel
L. Jackson, Chris Evans. Directed by Joss
Whedon.
The Raven (El cuervo): A young Balti-
more detective and Edgar Allan Poe must
stop a killer, who is committing grisly mur-
ders inspired by Poe’s works. Starring John
Cusack, Alice Eve and Luke Evans. Directed
by James McTeigue.
dubbed, F-Su, noon, 2, 4:20, 6:40, 9 p.m., M-Th,
2:30, 4:30, 6:40, 9 p.m.; dubbed, F-Su, noon, 2,
4:10 p.m., M-Th, 2:20, 4:10 p.m.
Prometheus: 3-D, dubbed, F-Su, 11:30 a.m., 2, 4:30
p.m., M-Th, 2:20, 4:30 p.m.; 3-D, subtitled, 7,
9:20 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: 6:20, 9 p.m.
Multicines Plaza Paraíso, Plaza Paraíso,
road to Paraíso de Cartago, 2592-3133
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: dubbed,
11:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 p.m.
Men In Black III: noon, (Sa-Su), 2, 4, 6, 8 p.m.
Prometheus: 11:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 2, 4:30, 7 p.m.
Nova Cinemas, Avenida Escazú, east side
of CIMA Hospital, Escazú, 2299-7485, www.
novacinemas.cr
21 Jump Street: 4, 6:30, 9:15 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. (Sa-Su), 4:15 p.m.;
IMAX, 3-D, dubbed, 11 a.m., (Sa-Su), 2, 4:10
p.m.; dubbed, 11:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m. (Sa-Su),
4:30, 6:40, 9:15 p.m., Tu, 3:45, 9:15 p.m.
Prometheus: IMAX- 3-D, 4:10 p.m., (Sa-Su), 6:45,
9:30 p.m.; digital, 3-D, 11 a.m. (Sa-Su), 3:40,
6:15, 9 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: 11:15 a.m.
(Sa-Su), 3, 6, 9 p.m.; VIP, 3, 6, 9 p.m.
The Avengers: digital, 3-D, subtitled, 6:30, 9:30
p.m.
Variedades Theater, Ca. 5, Av. Ctrl./1, San
José, 2222-6108, www.facebook.com/
TeatroVariedades
Fuenteovejuna: F-Su, Th, 8 p.m.
Martes el borde: T, 7:30 p.m.
Mi Butaca VIP: M, 7:30 p.m.
Madagascar 3: European’s Most Wanted: 3-D, 1 p.m.
Prometheus: 3-D, 2:45, 5 p.m.
 W8 | WEEKEND | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012

Spotlight on the Arts

Silky Souvenirs in Guanacaste’s Capital
By Jessica Tyner
Special to The Tico Times

L
iberia, the provincial capital of Guana-
caste, has more to offer than idyllic Silk it Up:
beaches – although it is possible to
take a piece of paradise home with you.
Wendy Tayler
Wendy Tayler, owner of Costa Rica Silks, cre-
ates beautifully hand-painted designs on silk
paints her
scarves, shawls and lounge pants. Inspired by scarves.
the beauty of the country, each piece is one-
of-a-kind and features a landscape, a native
plant, or a wild animal like the blue morph Photos by
butterfly or scarlet macaw. Gabe Dinsmoor |
Tayler, an expat from the United States, Tico Times
moved here 20 years ago and inherited the
silk-making supplies from a fellow foreigner.
A natural-born artist, she fell in love with the
process of capturing the world around her in
a functional keepsake. She spent two hours
in a crowded kitchen learning the ropes in baptisms and shawls for weddings and the Rica. It was gifted shortly after Tayler’s
1999, and the process of watching vibrant terminally ill. father’s death.
colors spread across the silk has kept her Every piece is infused with Tayler’s pas- Like many artists, she considers the art
mesmerized. sion and spirit, making it impossible for her scene here limited but overflowing with
Special requests are gladly accepted, and to choose a favorite. A shawl she made for undiscovered talent. Since she is not formal- Expats or travelers can stop by the stu-
Tayler has had some unusual projects in a groom’s mother featured butterflies that ly trained, Tayler does not consider herself dio or order pieces online. Add an exquisite
the last two decades. Her most memorable represented each of her children. Each shawl an artist, though she regularly attends shows addition to your wardrobe with a scarf that
request was a wall hanging depicting 50 that is created for terminally ill patients is and exhibitions frequented by clients from is the perfect accessory for a swimsuit or hat.
years of marriage. The piece now hangs in tucked away in her heart. The most per- around the world. Efforts have been made Every piece can be dry cleaned or washed by
a couple’s home in Mexico and was a lov- sonal item is the silk she created for her to improve the art-scene visibility in Guana- hand. Visit Costa Rica Silks at www.crsilks.
ing anniversary gift from their daughter. mother, blossoming with the flora they had caste and allow talented artists to show their com or call 8333-7555. Tayler can also be
Other special creations include baby silks for seen together over Thanksgiving in Costa work, but the turnout is usually minimal. contacted at wendytayler@crsilks.com.n

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For Exchange Rate, 5 Years of Stability
By Fernando Quirós
Tico Times Staff
A major achievement of the Costa Rican
economy is that the colón-dollar exchange
rate – which has hovered around ₡500 to
the dollar since 2007 – is no longer a source
of anxiety for Ticos or companies. Once the
country’s most important economic indicator,
the exchange rate has dropped off the radar for
short- to medium-term economic planning.
To appreciate how unprecedented
exchange rate stability is, observers should
take a long-term view by looking at the
Central Bank’s exchange rate on Jan. 1 for
each of the past 30 years (see graph).
Clearly, something happened in 2007.
Up to that year, devaluation of the colón
averaged 11.18 percent during 23 years.
Since 2007, despite a slip to 11.52 percent in
2009, devaluation of Costa Rica’s currency
has averaged only 0.71 percent, with the
colón actually gaining value against the dol-
lar in 2007, 2011 and 2012.
It’s not surprising that the Central Bank’s
records only go back to 1983. From 1978-
1982, Costa Rica suffered its worst currency
devaluation ever, from 8.6 to 45.2, an aver-
age of 107 percent per year. These disastrous
numbers cannot communicate the chaos
they entailed, as the Central Bank ran com-
pletely out of dollars, and then defaulted on
bonds it issued to pay its dollar debts. Those
who went through those hyper-inflation-
ary times and saw prominent Costa Rican
₡ Colón / Dollar Exchange Rate
Economic Indicators
June 15-JUNE 21 | Current Values and Percentage Changes
U.S. DOLLAR
MOST ACTIVE STOCKS
EXCHANGE RATE*
BUY: ₡494.58 SELL: ₡505.31
Stock Volume Average Price 1 meter = 3.28 feet
FIFCO $46,260.51 $860.00
Average loan INTEREST Rate
Colones 10.77% Dollars 19.31%
INFLATION *Wednesday’s
MAY 0.99% Central Bank
reference rate.
Last 12 months
5.04% See
www.ticotimes.net
ACCRUED ’12 2.50% for daily updates.
SOURCES: Central Bank (www.bccr.fi.cr)
& Bolsa Nacional de Valores (www.bolsacr.com)
THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012 | BUSINESS AND REAL ESTATE | 9
Business Real Estate
Alberto Font | Tico Times
Under Control: Claudio Sánchez exchanges dollars at a bank Tuesday. Since
2007, Central Bank officials have managed to keep the exchange rate stable,
allowing business owners to move on to other pressing issues.
companies go bankrupt, will never forget. Once things settled down, the long climb
But big upheavals enable major change: from 45.20 colones per dollar in 1983 to 517.90
Costa Rica junked its import-substitution in 2007 reflects a natural strategy for a country
model, nationalization of dollars by the exporting principally agricultural commodi-
Central Bank was abolished, and the country ties, including coffee, sugar and bananas. The
switched to a modern, open, export-oriented 10 percent or so of devaluation every year
economy. helps keep the dollar price of these types of
exports competitive in international markets.
But the world changes, and Costa Rica
has done a pretty fair job of adapting. The
original basket of three commodities became
much more varied, including ornamental
plants, fish, seafood and tourism, among
others. As low-cost producers of coffee, such
as Vietnam, emerged in commodity mar-
kets, Costa Rica was able to brand itself as a
premier gourmet coffee producer and com-
mand premium prices for its golden beans.
Most important of all, Costa Rica managed
to diversify away from agricultural com-
ESTATE
PLANNING /
ASSET
PROTECTION
Fernando Quirós | Tico Times
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modities as its main dollar earners, towards
services and high-tech manufacturing.
The change in the devaluation pattern
that became evident in 2007 was the result of
a change in how the exchange rate was set by
the Central Bank, adopted in September 2006.
Until then, the Central Bank led the dollar
foreign-exchange market under a mini-devalu-
ation strategy, with frequent, very small devalu-
ations, in a predictable pattern that businesses
could forecast. The Central Bank would set buy
and sell exchange rates, which other exchange-
market participants (mostly banks and securi-
ties brokerages) then fell in line with.
Starting in September 2006, the Central
Bank changed its approach. Instead of direct-
ly setting an exchange rate, it would now set
upper and lower “bands,” or intervention
rates at which it would enter the market to
keep the exchange rate within reasonable
bounds. As long as the exchange rate stayed
within the upper and lower exchange rate
bands, the Central Bank would stay on the
sidelines and let supply and demand between
other market players determine the rate.
The lower band was set at ₡500 to the
dollar, and since 2007, investment flows into
the country became big and steady enough
so that, together with the much more var-
ied export-revenue mix, the exchange rate
under the new, basically free-market foreign-
exchange regime, stabilized. This stability
proved solid enough for the exchange rate to
get through the 2008-2010 world economic
downturn with only one slip – the 11.52
percent devaluation in 2009 – followed by
immediate recovery, with slight revaluations
in 2011 and 2012.
Though traditional exporters grumble
that lack of colón devaluation hurts their
competitive position in the world market, the
stable exchange rate since 2007 has been the
single biggest factor allowing Costa Rica to
finally bring its inflation rate into single dig-
its. This is the biggest contribution that the
Central Bank and the government can make
to the economic well-being of the poor.n
• Assets protected against any third party
not stipulated in the trust
• Key alliance between Stewart Title Costa
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 10 | BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012
S&P Warns of New Credit Risk
By Mariano Andrade
AFP
NEW YORK – Several Central American
countries face growing credit risk due to
external debt, according to a report issued
Monday by ratings agency Standard and
Poor’s (S&P).
The report did note improvements by
South American countries Bolivia, Paraguay
and Suriname. Other countries that did not
fare as well were Costa Rica, Guatemala and
El Salvador.
Six Central American countries have a
rating of “BB,” which ranks them below the
minimum investment grade of “BBB-,” but
according to S&P, the situation varies from
country to country.
Central America’s sovereign debt “is
faced with growing credit risks,” the report
noted.
“We have a negative perspective with our
ranking of ‘BB’ for Guatemala, and we have
downgraded El Salvador’s ranking two levels
in the past three years. These countries are
attempting to avoid increasing their credit
risk,” the report said.
Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala
have seen their already-fragile public financ-
es “worsen due to public deficits and govern-
ment debt,” a consequence of slower-than-
expected economic recovery following the
global financial crisis of 2008.
S&P emphasized the impact of struggling
U.S. and European economies on those of
Central American nations, which have prov-
en less resilient than their South American
neighbors. South American economies are
performing relatively well, thanks to high
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prices on raw materials and consolidated
public finances.
In spite of the complex situation,
S&P noted that Costa Rica, El Salvador
and Guatemala “have maintained relatively
strong public institutions and have contin-
ued predictable market-oriented policies,”
which has enabled them to shield themselves
from economic vulnerability.
However, the short-term future in Central
America is “more of a situation of challenges
than of opportunities,” the ratings agency
said, recommending more progress on fiscal
consolidation and new support measures to
improve the economic outlook.
C.R. to Expand Private
Renewable Energy Markets
Hoping to attract private investment,
the state-owned Costa Rican Electricity
Warning: Institute (ICE) is opening bids for new
Ratings agency renewable-energy projects for the first time
Standard and in 10 years, the organization announced on
Tuesday.
Poor’s this At least 10 companies are expected to
week warned participate as cogenerators that sell energy
Costa Rica, El to ICE, which will select hydroelectric proj-
ects to generate 100 megawatts in total, and
Salvador and wind-power projects to generate 40 MW.
Guatemala Construction of such projects would require
that external an investment of about $350 million.
By law, private companies and coopera-
debt could tives in Costa Rica are limited to selling no
prompt increas- more than 20 MW to ICE, which holds a
ing credit risk monopoly on the distribution and admin-
for the Central istration of electricity in the country. Each
contract with the new companies will be for
American 20 years.
nations. “The 140 megawatts to come out of this
competition are enough to supply about
56,000 households in the country, which
Stan Honda | AFP
makes it an important financial contribu-
Despite difficulties in the global econ- tion to be rolled out in the next three years,”
omy, particularly the crisis in Europe and said the organization’s executive director,
the slow recovery in the United States, many Teófilo de la Torre.
The administration’s goal is to have 95
Latin American countries have strengthen-
percent of the country’s energy come from
ing economies and are managing to stem
renewable sources by 2014.
chronic problems of external debt. Last week President Laura Chinchilla said the
S&P upgraded sovereign debt ratings of move would bring the country closer to its
Ecuador and Honduras, from “C” to “B,” and carbon-neutral goal and away from using
from “B” to “B+,” respectively. fossil fuels.
In early April, Uruguay obtained a “After 10 years of paralyzing opportu-
minimum investment grade, joining six nities for private companies to cogenerate
other Latin American countries – Chile, electricity, we are finally taking this step,”
Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Panama and Colombia. she said on Tuesday.
Uruguay’s sovereign debt ranking improved
from “BB+” to “BBB-,” S&P reported.n –Isabella Cota Schwarz
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11742
12164
 THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012 | OPINION | 11

Editorial

What Makes a Hero?

H
uddled on the side of a freezing mountain at 8,000 meters above sea level was a conquest of national proportions. Costa Ricans are a deeply nationalist people,
with little oxygen, life must seem pretty lonely. For most of us, that kind and Ticos genuinely celebrate collective successes and join in solidarity in times of
of situation would cause great despair, if we could even climb that high collective failure. Historically, we have fought off invaders, bargained for peace in
in the first place. But for people like Tico mountaineer Warner Rojas, life is about times of war, fought for the underdog and demanded respect for human rights in
overcoming incredible challenges (see story, Page 1). Yes, his feet were frozen and the face of oppression. We became democratic and abandoned the military while
he could barely move. Yes, he could have died –10 others already have this year on others became militaristic and backwards. Costa Ricans chose to defend nature from
Everest. But Rojas’ sights were set on the highest the threats of greed and capitalist exploitation. We
point on Earth less than 1,000 meters away – a goal decided our children should be educated, polished
he accomplished by using skill, determination and Recent political scandals have dominated the and cultured instead of trained to kill. We still have
smart decision making. the tractors, but we also have violins.
There is a reason we call people like Rojas news, painting a portrait of a Costa Rica that But as in every civilization, not everyone is
heroes, a term the humble climber eschews because serves the few and relishes in backwardness, guided by such lofty ideals. Greed and corruption
it embarrasses him. He’s just an ordinary man who are inherent in society, and Costa Rica is no excep-
sets lofty personal goals, a quiet outdoorsman who simplicity and mindless political ambition tion. We can climb the highest mountain halfway
loves his family. Heroes are famous people, those around the world, but we can’t climb the Cuesta de
we read about in history books. Rojas rides the Moras. Costa Rica’s political class could learn a few
bus. On certain Sundays, you can find him hiking the mountains around his native lessons from heroes like Warner Rojas, included among them humility, perseverance
Escazú with ordinary citizens who want to take in Costa Rica’s incredible natural and devotion. Recent political scandals have dominated the news, painting a por-
environment. trait of a Costa Rica that serves the few and relishes in backwardness, simplicity and
We call Rojas a hero because we strive for victory, as a nation and individually in mindless political ambition. Where have all the leaders gone?
our everyday lives. Most of us aren’t rich or famous, and we face constant setbacks, Instead of fighting for the underdog, progressing on human rights and standing
hardships and daily struggles. We long for success, and when someone who is like us up for what we purport to believe in, as a nation, we are choosing the easy path to
accomplishes great things, we are inspired. self-enrichment and gluttony. But shortsightedness can lead to collective despair,
There is another reason Ticos celebrated on May 25: Rojas’ scaling of Mt. Everest and as Warner Rojas can tell you, there is no easy path to the top of the world.

Perspective

Why an Arms Control Treaty is Necessary

Founded in 1956 by Elisabeth Dyer By Olive Branch, WILPF Costa Rica tary weapons to terrorize civilians, as well as work requires newer and more sophisticated
Publisher 1972-1996 Richard Dyer shooting and killing them. In Norway, a arms, supposedly to meet new crime waves
In July, the United Nations will take on right-wing fanatic killed more than 70 young from organized crime and drug trafficking.
1981 IAPA - Pedro G. Beltrán Award for distinguished people with a military-style weapon. In the Traffic police are supposed to regulate traf-
the task of working out an arms-trade treaty.
service to the community The Women’s International League for Peace United States, mass shootings have become fic, yet officers carry arms. This past year saw
1985 Special Citation Maria Moors Cabot Awards and Freedom supports this work as a means commonplace, and European countries are 215 guns stolen from a Public Works and
1990 National Conservation Prize to reduce or eliminate violence in nation- experiencing these mass gun murders too. Transport Ministry warehouse, and a traf-
1995 IAPA Grand Prize for Press Freedom al, international and domestic spheres. An Insurgents and separist movements attack fic patrolman was killed when an assailant
1998 Salvation Army Others Award international treaty regulating arms transfers governments and civilians with high-calibre grabbed his gun, shot him and fled.
National Tourism Chamber Media Award and trade should be a strong tool in pre- weapons in countries around the globe. Nongovernmental organizations have
venting armed conflicts, eliminating human Weapons are transported across borders been pushing for a strong, comprehensive,
In memoriam - Linda Frazier (1945-1984)
rights abuses committed by armed groups as cargo or are smuggled in, and there are no legally binding treaty to establish standards
Vol. LV N. 2172
and reducing the culture of militarism that international mechanisms to stop this nefar- and restrictions on the international trade of
seems to pervade most countries. ious trade. Within countries, street violence conventional arms for years.
It is crucial and long overdue that the is growing as the proliferation of firearms The Women’s International League for
Publisher Dery Dyer Advertising
world examine the flow of arms, which con- makes them easier to get. Peace and Freedom, its international office
Editor David Boddiger Cindy Vargas
Weekend Editor Ashley Harrell
tinues and grows without control. There are There are no figures on gun deaths in Geneva and national sections support an
Edwin Ramírez
Sustainable Living Editor Steve Mack currently no legally binding international worldwide, but a report from the U.S. claims international arms-control treaty and call
Vanessa Marenco
Online Editor Laianer Arias standards for the export, import or bro- 31,513 gun deaths and 200,000 gun inju- for provisions to include small and light
Business Manager Olman Chacón kering of conventional weapons, yet there ries in 2010 alone. Other countries, among arms, an emphasis on human rights and
Circulation Manager:
Public Relations & Sales Manager is always a market for arms, and there are them Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El recognition of a gender perspective – that is,
Diego Herrera
Kathia Lorena Coto always buyers and sellers. Salvador, report runaway gun violence. women as gun victims and women’s input
Meizel Hernández
There are arms for the military of 188 Women are especially prone to being in the discussions on all sections of the
Staff Writers & Contributors countries in the world. There are arms for victims of gun violence. Jealous ex-husbands treaty. A strong treaty to control the arms
Ann Antkiw, Ed Bernhardt, Kate Galante, Finance
paramilitaries, freedom fighters and libera- and companions can buy arms legally or trade, to prevent arms sales or military aid
David Garrett, Julie Godfrey, Rigoberto León
tion movements. The opposition forces in illegally on the black market. Women are to countries or units (police, private secu-
Néstor González, Susan Hall Liang,
Rod Hughes, Andrew Kasper,
Syria and other countries on the brink of victims of forced prostitution, forced labor, rity companies, military or paramilitary
Production Manager:
Gaby Kyriss, Shawn Larkin, Matt Levin, civil war are as heavily armed as any army. forced exile and forced sex because they have organizations) that violate human rights,
Mayra Sojo
Vicky Longland, Dorothy Mac­Kinnon, There are arms for police and for private no defense against guns and bullets. Physical attack civilians or legal governments is pro-
Roy Arguedas
Jennifer McLennan, Clayton R. Norman, security forces. and cultural vulnerability puts women at the tection for all of us.
Jack O’Brien, Todd Staley, There are arms for private security com- mercy of known or unknown aggressors. We urge that all governments consider
Customer Service
Mitzi Stark, Jeffrey Van Fleet panies used in military areas, including those Soldiers are humans too, men and the welfare of their people and support this
Max Bejarano
that use mercenaries and soldiers of fortune. women who are sent out to kill and be killed treaty.n
Photography Martha Gamboa
There are arms for traffic police. There are to defend their countries, victims of those
Gabe Dinsmoor, Alberto Font, Bernardino Madrigal
arms for gun collections, sports and hunt- weapons sold and bought up for national The Women’s International League for
Fernando Quirós Mariel Salazar
ing. There are personal arms for self defense. security. Peace and Freedom was founded in 1915 in
Systems There are arms available for criminals and Here in Costa Rica, a country without a The Hague to work for peace. Olive Branch
Edwin Cárdenas drug trafficking. There are arms of every military, the number of arms is increasing, is a collective name for members of the Costa
calibre, weight, size and killing potential, and as they are imported by the government, Rican section. Contact WILPF at peacewom-
they can be bought on the Internet, at gun private security companies and arms dealers en@gmail.com. Mitzi Stark, Adilia Caravaca
The Tico Times (USPS 002-579) is published every Friday shows or on the street. Armories and sport who promote guns for self defense. Police and others contributed to this perspective.
for $65 per year by The Tico Times S.A., shops are always glad to sell weapons.
Avenida 8, Calle 15, Apartado 4632-1000, San José, Costa Rica. Arms kill. They injure, threaten, intimi-
Tel. (506) 2258-1558 date and control, and victims can be individ- Rules for Letters and Perspective
Periodicals postage paid in Miami, FL uals, civilians, groups with opposing beliefs or The Tico Times welcomes your contributions. Letters to the editor must be 500 words or
Postmaster – Send address changes to: nations against nations. Even the supposedly fewer and include the name of the writer, as well as a return address and phone number.
The Tico Times-SJO 717, legitimate use of arms in military action leads
P.O. Box 025331, Miami FL 33102-5331.
Perspectives must be 900 words or fewer and include a short biographical sketch and contact
to gross violations of human rights, as we can information. Submissions should be original. Send your contributions to:
Copyright Convention: unauthorized reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
see on TV or on computer screens. Western letters@ticotimes.net, fax: 2233-6378, or mail to: Apdo. 4632-1000, San José, Costa Rica.
soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan used mili-
12 | OPINION | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012
Wildlife Symbol
Photo by Jack Donnelly
Open your wallet, pull out a ₡1,000 bill and you’ll find the white-tailed deer, a
national symbol of wildlife in Costa Rica. Due to habitat destruction and illegal
hunting, the white-tailed deer’s current habitat range is primarily Guanacaste
and the former prison island in the Gulf of Nicoya, Isla San Lucas.
E-mail your photos to letters@ticotimes.net or upload them at the Reader Photo Gallery at www.ticotimes.net
Letters to Editor
Taking Action on
Cyclist Safety
Dear Tico Times:
Last February, a group of 25 Canadian
cyclists traveled to Costa Rica’s Southern
Zone after we spent two years sensitizing
Vélo Quebec to the beauty of that region,
where we’ve been living for 12 years. A
second group of cyclists is expected next
December.
We truly believe that ciclo-tourism has
a future in this country. However, there is a
serious need to instill road-sharing in driv-
ers’ minds. Two weeks ago, a famous Costa
Rican cyclist, Alejandro Alvarado, was
killed by a trailer driver as he was training
in Guanacaste for the famous Guanaride
race.
Yearly, dozens die riding their bicycles
in Costa Rica. That is why we decided to
organize a security campaign that will be
launched in Dominical on June 24. Cyclists
will come from all over the region (and
as far as San José, we hope) to help Tico
cyclists and us with a campaign to distrib-
ute hundreds of car scents in the shape of
the ¡CUÍDENOS! logo and a card explaining
what not to do to endanger cyclists’ lives on
the roads.
The more people talk about safety, the
more action will be taken, and the better the
chances are to achieve a change in mental-
ity. Let’s hope The Tico Times will be sen-
sible to that cause.
Marie-Danielle Croteau and Robert Fleury
Ojochal de Osa
Keep Your Barnyard
Eggs, Mr. Levin
Dear Tico Times:
In the May 18 edition of The Tico Times,
Matt Levin titles his article “Are the eggs on
your plate free-range?” Mr. Levin, I surely
hope not. We used to call them “barnyard
eggs,” as the hens roamed the yard scratch-
ing through the manure to find maggots,
cockroaches and other critters to eat. No
wonder they taste different.
I spent more than 10 years working as a
fieldman and manager of mill production
and nutrition for major feed mills, and in
the field, I visited many poultry ranches
and saw many hundreds of thousands of
hens and never saw any housed in cages as
described by Jenny Brown in the article.
That would be counterproductive, because
the hens would be stressed, and stressed
birds are not efficient producers. Thanks,
Mr. Levin, but I’ll stick with factory eggs.
In the June 18 edition, Mark Van Patten
writes about the only restaurant in town
that serves “chai tea.” Mr. Van Patten, all res-
taurants that serve tea serve chai, since chai
means tea throughout much of the world.
So speaking of “chai tea” is double-talk, like
saying “tea tea.” Does the restaurant also
serve café coffee?
Incidentally, I had a cup of chai at
breakfast.
Lew Hayes
Puntarenas
Bias Against Evangelical
Lawmaker?
Dear Tico Times:
I wish to respond to both your editorial
of June 1 and Néstor G.’s cartoon of June 8.
I’m not sure why I saw no letter to counter
your attack on Justo Orozco – either people
were afraid to write, or you chose not to
publish any criticism.
Since The Tico Times supports “toler-
ance,” perhaps you’ll be tolerant towards
conservatives as well.
I found your article, “The Happiness of
NéSTOR G.
Justo Orozco,” to be rather sarcastic. I know
that in this day and age everyone seems to
be offended by something or someone, but
I suggest you deliberately misrepresented
this man’s views. For one thing, you accuse
him of being homophobic. Do you know
the meaning of this word? It means the fear
of homosexuals. Does your newspaper have
any evidence he is in fact afraid of them? He
clearly opposes their views and demands.
The truth is that homosexuals already
have adequate rights in Costa Rica. If The
Tico Times is so concerned about homo-
sexuals’ rights, perhaps you should go and
support them in Saudi Arabia – they could
probably use some help there.
Your editorial made me feel like I was
back in my native Canada, where homosex-
ual groups tirelessly use this worn-out label
when opposed by conservatives. For the last
time, we are not afraid of them; we simply
oppose their agenda.
Regarding the cartoon, again, it’s a
serious misrepresentation of Mr. Orozco’s
views. I would love to see your newspaper
portray a Muslim leader in a similar cartoon
and see what happens. I doubt that you
would have the guts. Again, as a Canadian,
I feel like I’m back home when I see such
nasty attacks on evangelical Christians.
In closing, I genuinely appreciate your
paper for keeping me informed about
what’s going on in Costa Rica. I suggest you
be more balanced and fair (¡justo!) in what
you say, especially with such controversial
topics as gay rights.
Kevin Bake
Nosara
We’re Doing Just Fine,
Thank You
Dear Tico Times:
This letter is in response to a letter from
Mr. Juan Ramón Cabrera (TT, June 8). I
know I echo the sentiments of pretty much
all North Americans I know here when I
describe the disgust with which I took Mr.
Cabrera’s comments.
I fully understand that not everyone is
bilingual here, on either side of this issue.
My wife and I have lived here for 25
years and find that we can get along just
fine without having to pretend to speak
Spanish. Cabrera’s hurt sense of pride,
although I’m sure it’s real enough to him,
doesn’t seem to affect the Costa Ricans I
interact with. In fact, they seem to enjoy
the opportunity to show off their English
to me and ask me how to say things all the
time.
As he referred to the fact that he lived
in the United States for 20 years, I feel com-
pelled to draw some parallels. Although
he may have learned the language, clearly
most of his brethren have not, as is only too
clear when I return to my native Texas and
encounter Latin Americans unable to speak
the most basic English. Why are they there,
one might ask.
Well, as we all know, they are there
because their own countries are incapable
of giving them the life they wanted, and so
they left seeking that life in the U.S. I know
I’m probably being politically incorrect, but
I want to draw attention to the fact that the
situation of illegal immigrants in the U.S. is
not the same as the situation of legal North
American immigrants in Costa Rica. We
came here because it’s nice, calm and peace-
ful. People like us, regardless of how well we
speak the local language.
Where would this country be without
us? Seriously. Haven’t we given financial aid
and helped educate people?
So, if after living here for 25 years we’re
doing OK, why should we learn a foreign
language? Texan seems to do just fine, and
as far as I can tell, we’re nowhere the worse
without it.
George Whemming
Heredia

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Internet, fully furn. $450.
Tel. 2289-6055
HDA VIEJA CURRIDABAT,
1 bdr, ample, fully equip.
short term. $700.
Tel. 2250-5405
LA URUCA. Furn, Apart.
Condado Palacio, 3 bdr, 2
bath, cable, garage, BBQ,
pool. $1,150.
Tel. 8910-8212
OROTINA, 2 bdr, a/c, kitch-
en, garage, light patio, good
price! Tel. 8825-9605
RESID. AREA. Central,
incl amenit. fully furn. 1 bd,
1ba. $400-$550.
Tel. 8712-7777
SANTA ANA. Furn, tel, TV,
pool, DSL, parking, $550/
month. Swiss Manager.
Tel. 2282-6811/8818-5631
SANTA ANA. Pozos, 2 bdr,
2.5 ba, 2 car gar, elect. gate,
terrace w/view, cable.
$750/mo. Tel. 8372-5005
TIBAS 4 REINAS, Apart.
$500, furnished, 3 bdr.
Tel. 2240-1894/8706-2919
Need some cash?
Sell it fast;
with the
TT Classifieds
BIRDS! TREES!
An oasis of green in
Sabanilla, only 10 min.
from UCR. Completely
furnished one-bedroom
apartments in an en-
closed, safe compound.
Direct phone, laundry,
parking, gardens. Exce-
llent bus service. Cable
TV, Internet & maid
service available.
$425/$475/$525 mo.
2273-3173
2273-3837
8663-0354
1002 Commercial
Property
HOUSE 4 CALL CENTER.
Ready to move in 21 agents,
Pinares, Curridabat, SJ.
600m2 lot, 280m2 building,
parking for 11 cars inside
house. All offices w/furniture
in place. 3 offices + confer-
ence room. Equip. kitchen,
coffee machine for 30, refri,
employee dining area.
Price $3,000.
Call: Tel. 8705-1435
1003 Condominiums
ESCAZU, 2 bdr, 2 bath,
Jacuzzi, laundry, parking,
furnished, $920.
Tel. 2289-5482,
balconesdeescazu.com
ESCAZU. Fully furnished
townhouse. 3 bdrm, secure,
adults only, complex, garden
$1,200. Tel. 2228-0915
HEREDIA, San Joaquín
de Flores. fully furn, cable,
Internet, sec.
Tel. 8938-5085
1005 Houses
OFFICE
ROHRMOSER
•300m2 •Exc location
•Facing Plaza Mayor
•Shopping area •2 sides
face street •18 car
parking lot •8 rooms •1
meeting room •reception
area •guard house •Se-
curity cam. $3,500
(506) 8380-3549
ATENAS. 3bdr., 2ba,
ample garage, cable.
Beautiful surroundings.
Furnished $750 mo.
Tel. 8324-3766
C. COLON, mtn hse furn/
unfurn, 1-2 bdr, fireplace,
terrace, BBQ ranch, Internet,
panoramic view, secure, fruit
trees, green areas, elec
gate $300-$500. Call:
Tel. 8354-8361
14 | CLASSIFIEDS | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012

1005 Houses
COZY Secluded, furn, quiet
1 bdr cabin, 7 min walk-
ing downtown La Fortuna.
Available late June thru
Dec. $65/day, 1 week min.
$650/mo. neg, payable in
advance. $200 dep. Ref.
merahistar@gmail.com
ESCAZU, TREJOS MONT.
2 bd, 2 ba, 2,200 sq. ft., 3
levels, views, patio, garden,
modern style, high ceilings,
lots of glass, furnished. Rent
$1,650 or sell $295K.
Tel. 8997-1799. Ron
ESCAZU. Furn, 3 bdr, near
US school. Safe quiet kid-
friendly neighborhood. Pets
OK. $1,500/m.
Tel. 8380-5032
susraine@gmail.com
HEREDIA mountains.
Million-dollar view. Secure,
fully furnished 2 bdrm, 2
bath cabin with bonus room.
Hot water, washer and dryer.
Cable and water included.
$500 per month.
Tel. 2266-0539
SJ. BARGAIN. furn kit, 6
bdr, 6 ba, terraces, $1,500.
Tel. 8819-9200/a.m.
Tel. 8910-9528
1006 Rooms
ROHRMOSER. Furn, only
for fem, adults or student.
Nice view.$200m.
Tel. 8324-7375
SANTA ANA, for female,
quiet, green areas, $250.
Tel. 2582-2195/8301-3305
1008 Beach Houses
CAHUITA. Small studio-
cabin on the rocks. Quiet,
secure, secluded, beautiful
view, tide pool deep enough
to swim in. $200 monthly.
90 day contract.
Call: 2755-0498. Email:
stickmandos@aol.com
1100 REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
1102 Beach Property
EL COCO Lot, 2,195 m2,
350E, 50N from La Pacífica
Beach Club. Tel. 8332-6690
FOR SALE 6 Hectares of
beautiful, ocean view with
3,000. 10 yr old teak trees.
$500,000 obo.
Tel. 8413-0142
mgsenter2002@yahoo.com
JACO. Beachfront. Lowest
price beach front in Jaco.
1,390 mts at $400/meter.
$556,000, will carry paper
or trade California real
estate in Los Angeles area.
Call Bob. Tel. 818-267-9800
crbob52@yahoo.com
1106 Farms
ALAJUELA, LA GARITA.
68,291m2, $37/m2,
front 310 mts. Residential
& industrial use.
Tel. 8375-4444
TURRIALBA. La Suiza.
11H of pastures, cabin,
stables, spring water, exc.
location. Will exchange.
Tel. 8813-9623
Your ad will be seen
'round the world!
WATERFALL RANCH. 67
acres, 6 waterfalls, 2 rivers,
1 hr to SJ airport. Prime for
Eco-Tourism Hydro or private
retreat. Tel. 8706-3728
www.ranchosanfernando.com
1103 Commercial Property
Unique
Opportunity
OLDE
SAN JOSE
Three Star Hotel
Bar & Restaurant
• Bargain sale due to
retirement
• Turnkey operation
• In Historic Barrio Amón
• 22 rooms, w/private baths
• Restaurant / Bar
seats 100
• Space for expansion suitable for tourism develop-
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND
that when advertising in
any media you are publish-
ing key information about
yourself, your property and/
or your services. Be careful
to screen the respondents to
your ad. Most of our readers
are genuinely looking for the
goods and services offered
in our classified section.
However, there may be some
who don’t have good inten-
tions. Be cautious.
ROHRMOSER, unfurn
$220K furn $235K, 4 bdr,
3 ba, TV/office, terrace,
282m2, near US Emb,
impeccable.
Tel. 8831-8944/8843-5725
SAN PEDRO, Montes de
Oca. More info. 8528-3822
www.viviun.com/154210
1108 Lots/Property
LA ALEGRIA, Siquirres,
8,000 m2, 2 story house,
exc view, very nice property
ment, $190,000. English
1200 SERVICES
1201 Accounting
The new
Corporate Tax?
You know the
consequences of
this law to your
corporations?
We are a company
dedicated to the
advice of all matters
concerning this law.
Skilled care and an
efficient process in
our services.
At Disol-tec we
can help you with all
your questions.
Make an appointment.
Phone: 2221-8554
or visit our website:
www.disoltec.cr
1300 TOURISM
1303 Bed & Breakfast
1999 ISUZU TROOPER.
w/rebuilt engine, current
tags & inspection. $9,000.
This week only.
Tel. 8861-7209
1999 NISSAN
PATHFINDER
In Heredia, $6,000.
Excellent mechanical cond.
Tel. 2268-9931
2001 KIA SPORTAGE, USA,
red, 4x2, RTV, 4 doors, has
to register, manual, ¢3mill
neg. Tel. 8393-4103
2004 JEEP WRANGLER.
New clutch brakes,
warn winch, $17,000
Tel. 8671-9492
1505 Rentals
*CARS FOR
RENT*
$135-$235 a week
Everything included!
Also SUVs available.

ADVERTISE IN OUR
for additional rooms Tel. 8623-8410/8669-6927, BiBi’s B&B cTV, Inter, Call Andy or Aaron
Spanish 8928-2411 sgl $30, Dbl $45. Tel. (506) 2282-7013
hotelcastillosale Tel. 2244-7324

NEW MONTHLY SECTION

Over 20yrs serving the
@gmail.com jptwomey@foxinternet.com
English speaking community.
MANUEL ANTONIO. 5,700
sq.mt lot, Gated community,
1107 Houses 1500 VEHICLES

Sustainable Living
Heredia,El Castillo
Lot 4847m Const. 636m
5 br-3.5 ba,
1 story
Open concept
Let our readers around the world and inside Central Patio
Costa Rica know about your product or ser- Luxurious finishes
Built Dec 2009
vice, or how your business, project or devel-
opment is working to help the environment. 2267-8093 8313-4336
jr.martin@racsa.co.cr
$13/sq.mt, $77,500.
* Next to MILLION $$$
homes * UNIQUE.
Call: 6025-5655
QUINTAS IN CORONADO
Exc view, from 2,500 m2,
$45/m2, lots front of main
st. Tel. 2271-6071/
8910-6969
info@urbanizadorsiglo21.com
1109 Timeshares
PUNTA LEONA, preferen-
1501 Autos
2001 HYUNDAI ACCENT,
exc condition, 2 door, RTV,
new tires, $5,700 neg.
Tel. 7032-8717/8669-6927
1502 4X4’S
02 MAZDA Xcab, pick up,
full xts, low miles, $16,500.
Tel. 2244-0484/8388-6202
05 TOYOTA TUNDRA, auto
LTD edition, 32K, full xtras,
4x4 FOR RENT, from $45 a
day w/free miles & insur.
Tel. CR (506) 8891-1313
www.506carrental.com
AMIGOS RENT A CAR. Aut
4X4 hire from $245/wk 5
seat. SUV’s
Tel. 2269-4702/ 8932-2235
SASSO Rent a car.
Quality 4x4 for less.
Tel. 8827-2627
www.sassorentacar.com

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
tial membership, transfer
EMERGENCY SALE, included $4,000. $34,900.
$270K, ocean view, 1Ha, Tel. 8866-8888 Tel. 2244-0484, 8388-6202 TUCAN RENT A CAR
main house w/huge pool, Low rates. Tel. 8840-8501

OUR SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

guest & guard house. www.tucanrentacar.com
Tel. 8827-8858 1111 Quintas 06 TOYOTA 4Runner TDI
diesel, full xts, autom,

AND PROMOTIONS!
FURNISHED HOME. Best
furniture from Sarchi. 1/2H
garden land, fruit trees, pool,
Advertise in The Tico Times and don’t miss the pool house, 3 bdr, 2 ba.
Units splits A/C. American
opportunity to have a space every month in appliances, high- speed
Internet, garage. Country
this well-read section. setting. Near Esparza, Price
For each 6 publications, you receive to sell. details & to view.
Call: 2636-8980/8880-1847
ONE FREE + a banner in our Online Edition!
HOUSE 4 SALE excellent
prices. 3 bdrms. Alajuela and
Grecia. Tel. 8712-7777
low miles, $31,900.
Tel. 2244-0484/8388-6202
Drilling
and Well 07 NISSAN FRONTIER,
service pick up, 4x4, turbo diesel,
4 door, full xts, low miles, DAILY!
$24,900.
Tel. 2244-0484/8388-6202
Sedan $36
4
4x Compact Suv. $49
4
4x Mid size Suv. $59
1999 FORD 350. Heavy with free miles daily!
Duty, diesel, automatic, full Incl Insurance
xtras, runs great. $18,000. Toll Free 1-800-580-3691
TEL: 2431-5015 Call 8765-4963 or (506) 2296-9232
www.puravidadrealling.com 8623-8410. costarica-rentalcar.com

My business is only with PROMO:

We’re pioneers in supporting the environment,
and we’re always seeking the best way The Tico Times For every 4 weeks
to serve our clients. Classified ads. of publication
My apartment buildings
we will give you
Tel. 2258-1558 are always full.
E-mail: display@ticotimes.net 1 extra week for FREE
–Carlos Rodríguez
(Vista Linda Apts)
Owner
 THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012 | PUZZLES & WEATHER REPORT | 15

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Last Week’s Solution

CROSSWORD #652
Across 63 Qatar’s capital 37 “__ It Romantic?”
1 Rendezvous 65 Floor access 38 Plants
6 Spoiled kid 66 Boardwalk refreshments 40 Rabin’s successor
10 Mischief-makers 67 Court star Steffi 41 Progeny
14 High-toned 68 Old number? 44 Most unsightly
15 __ avis 69 Sprightly 46 Italian rice dish
16 Encounter 70 Compass point 48 Jumpy
17 Show host 71 Noblemen 50 Mortarboard attachment
18 Egyptian symbol of life 51 Money substitute
19 Rider’s handhold DOWN 52 Vestige
20 Seize an opportunity 1 Not us 53 Exterior
22 Hush 2 Incarnation of Vishnu 55 Strong wrapper
24 Coke alternative 3 Expression of disgust 57 David Copperfield’s first wife
26 Colored 4 Church topper 59 Cowardly Lion actor
27 County Kerry town 5 Sound of a snicker 60 Contended
30 Hardware purchase 6 Hee-haws 61 Makes a mistake
32 Optimist’s asset 7 Sprinted 64 Owns
33 Fixes 8 Boats like Noah’s – Michael Curl
35 Patronage 9 Its chief town is Papeete
39 Take advantage of 10 Vast SOLUTION #651
40 Like some victories 11 Had in mind
42 Peer Gynt’s mother 12 Change for a pound
43 Smoothly change the subject 13 Horse
45 Door openers 21 Imitative behavior
46 Litter’s littlest 23 New Hampshire state flower
47 Bring in 25 Entrance
49 Height enhancers 27 So
51 Hot 28 Stood up
54 Predatory shorebirds 29 Take down __
56 Sailed from place to place 31 Pale
58 Determine 34 Irritates
62 Charge per unit 36 France, of yore

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16 | NEWS | THE TICO TIMES – June 15-21, 2012

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