Guanacaste | Special Section Inside
¢600
www.ticotimes.net Friday, June 8-14, 2012 – San José, Costa Rica
Honoring Earth
Photo by Alberto Font I Tico Times
Treatment Center
Helps Cancer Fight
By Matt Levin
Tico Times Staff
Rebeca León didn’t know what to make
of the lump she had discovered on one of
her breasts in May 2011.
Friends told her it couldn’t be cancer
because she’s too young. She has no family
history. But a specialist confirmed it. León
would begin her mid-30s by battling breast
cancer.
“It was a shock,” León, 35, said. “I did
not expect it. There have not been other
cases of this type of cancer in my family.”
But León learned the type of insur-
ance she had from the National Insurance
Institute covered treatment at a private
institution in Costa Rica, established spe-
cifically for remedying cancer patients. The
Costa Rican Oncology Institute (ICOT) was
inaugurated in January 2010 with the goal
Is Guanacaste Economy
Finally Bouncing Back?
By Hannah J. Ryan
Tico Times Staff
LIBERIA, Guanacaste – The 2008 implo-
sion of the world’s markets hit the Guanacaste
province in northwestern Costa Rica hard,
yet mayors, tourism officials, developers and
shop owners all agree that things are starting
to pick up.
With 70 percent of Guanacaste’s econo-
Cristina Briones, of the University of Costa Rica’s Health Research Institute, par- my based on tourism, local business owners
ticipates in a workshop on edible plants Tuesday as part of World Environment say 2008-2009 felt as if the world briefly
Day (WED) activities. The United Nations World Environment Program stopped.
Streets and bars were quiet, beaches held
established WED to encourage political attention to environmental issues. few sunbathers and harbors emptied, as boat
NEWS BUSINESS WEEKEND
Aguirre Council Approves Can the C.R. Economy Photographer Documents
Mayoral Recall Vote Make a Comeback? Costa Rica’s Centenarians
Six months after Quepos Mayor Lutgardo Bolaños Foreign direct investment in Costa Rica increased Mónica Quesada is on a mission to photo-
graph Ticos who have lived 100 years, and
was arrested for allegedly operating a pornogra- to a record $2.1 billion in 2011. Growth is pro-
phy ring involving underage girls, Aguirre council jected at double the rate of the U.S. economy. So she’s launched an Indiegogo campaign to
members have given the OK for a September why is everyone still complaining? raise money for the project.
recall vote.
Page 44 Page 104 Page W14
Since 1956
of becoming the premiere cancer treatment
center in Central America.
ICOT originally only did chemotherapy,
while the organization operated with five
oncologists in a small hospital in eastern
San José. At the beginning of 2012, ICOT
moved to a larger location in La Uruca, a
northwestern district of San José, next to the
state-run Hospital México. By the end of the
expansion, the institute will have invested a
total of $10 million since 2010. For this year’s
opening, ICOT added more than two dozen
oncologists to its staff.
Oncologists specialize in fields that
include hematology (for treating cancers
like lymphoma and leukemia) and pedi-
atrics. The premises offer clinical lab ser-
vices, ultrasounds, mammograms, CT scans,
X-rays and MRIs. Since opening the center
in January, ICOT has received some 700
Page 34
owners sailed to other shores like Panama
and Nicaragua. But the most recent tourism
season revealed that trend might be chang-
ing, as businesses showed signs of a possible
recovery.
“It’s like our heads were below water and
we were slowly drowning,” said Ana Teresa
Núñez, owner of Las Olas Lounge in Playas
del Coco. “Now we can gasp a few breaths to
keep us going.”
Núñez said the regulars who come to
Playas del Coco multiple times a year pulled
them through.
If the stagnation had gone another year
Page 74
ALSO INSIDE
Special Section Editorial 11
Guanacaste 7-9 Letters to the Editor 12
Business & Real Classifieds 13
Estate 10 Puzzles 15
Weather 16
Weekend 24 PAGES
Community
Connection W2
Exploring Costa Rica W4
Calendar W6
Movies W7
2 | NEWS | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012
IN THE NEWS
Gay Rights Bill Shelved
Keeping his word, evangelical lawmaker Justo
Orozco took a look at a bill that would improve gay
rights – briefly. And now he won’t have to think about
the bill again for a long time.
Orozco, the controversial head of the Legislative
Assembly’s Human Rights Commission, held a vote
Wednesday on whether lawmakers should consider a
bill on sociedades de convivencia, or coexistence part-
nerships. For same-sex couples in Costa Rica, the bill
guarantees economic benefits similar to what hetero-
sexual couples receive.
The human rights panel voted against the bill,
4-2. Orozco, Adonay Henríquez, of the Libertarian
Movement Party, and Jorge Angulo and Luis Antonio
Aiza of the ruling National Liberation Party (PLN) voted
against taking further action with the bill. Carmen
Muñoz of the Citizens Action Party and Óscar Álfaro of
PLN voted in favor of the bill.
The bill falls to the bottom of the commission’s
agenda, as the group will look to focus on some 20
other bills.
Amid protests last week, Orozco was named head
of the commission, due to an alliance between the PLN,
the Access Without Exclusion Party and Costa Rica’s two
evangelical lawmakers (TT, June 1).
On Wednesday, activists protested outside the
forum as Orozco left the assembly escorted by police.
36 Raids in Border Roads Inquiry
Officials from the Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday
raided 36 companies linked to contracts with the
National Roadway Council as part of an investigation
into irregularities and alleged bribes during the con-
struction of Route 1856, a border road between Costa
Rica and Nicaragua.
A total of 150 Judicial Investigation Police agents
and 30 judges performed the raids, intending to seize
documents related to payments made for the construc-
tion of the 160-kilometer road. No arrests were made.
Gringos in C.R. Total Almost 16,000
Results from the 2011 Census showed that 15,898
U.S. citizens live in Costa Rica, according to numbers
released by the National Statistics and Census Institute.
U.S. expats make up 4.1 percent of the 385,899
foreigners living here. The majority of foreigners come
from Nicaragua, making up 74 percent of the immi-
grants in the country. Colombians are second at 4.3
percent, followed by U.S. citizens.
During the last census in 2000, the number of U.S.
citizens in the country totaled only 9,511.
The foreign population makes up 9 percent of the
4.3 million people living in the country, with 287,766
Nicaraguans.
Ombudswoman: Make Internet
Purchases Tax Exempt
Costa Rica’s ombudswoman, Ofelia Taitelbaum,
asked the Customs Administration to reinstate tax
exemptions on Internet purchases from retailers in
the United States and sent via courier service to Costa
Rica, the daily La Nación reported.
On Nov. 24, 2011, the day before Black Friday,
the Finance Ministry announced that all Internet
purchases made from Costa Rica and shipped here
would have to pay import taxes. The Finance Ministry’s
announcement caused a general outcry (TT, Dec. 12,
2011). Many consumers in the country enjoyed a
twice-yearly exemption on imports of goods up to a
value of $500 and given as gifts.
For breaking news updates, see www.ticotimes.net
TICOTIMES.NET
–Tico Times and Other News Sources
A Rare Find at C.R. Synagogue
By Leni Friedman Valenta
Special to The Tico Times
Call it serendipity. My husband, Dr.
Jiri Valenta, and I had just completed the
first two chapters of his memoir when we
attended services at B’nei Israel’s trilingual
Reform synagogue in San José, and learned
the amazing story of the holocaust Torahs.
One of these Torahs, dated 1850, is
on permanent display there thanks to the
efforts of synagogue elder Marvin Sossin,
79. It was he who gave us Philippa Bernard’s
history of the Torahs, “Out of the Midst of
the Fire.”
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Sossin,
a prominent entrepreneur, told us he was
attracted to Costa Rica by its island-of
democracy status in a sea of dictatorships,
and its history as a refuge for three waves
of European and Latin American Jewish
immigration.
Arriving here in 1982, he set about
helping to found the first Reform Jewish
community of Costa Rica, an effort which
encompassed a visit from his hometown
rabbi, the late Gunther Plaut. It was prayer-
book author Plaut, one of the world’s most
famous rabbis, who told Sossin about the
holocaust Torahs.
The Torahs have a Czech origin, as does
my husband, Jiri. He was born in the for-
mer Third Reich protectorate of Bohemia-
Moravia on April 9, 1945, a month before
Liberation. His Jewish mother gave birth
to him while hiding in the basement of her
Christian future in-laws. Because of the
Nuremberg laws, she could only marry his
father after Liberation.
Tracing his roots, I learned that the only
Jews who survived were either Mischlinges
(mixed-race Jews), Jews married to Christians
or those who escaped abroad. Yet, with defeat
in sight, the Nazis accelerated Hitler’s plans
to “cleanse” Europe of every drop of Jewish
blood, taking even Christians who refused to
divorce their Jewish spouses.
That wasn’t all they were doing.
Incredibly, a Jewish museum in Prague
was carefully preserved by the Germans,
and thousands of Judaica from looted and
burned synagogues all over the country were
added to its collection. Why? The prevail-
ing theory is that, in an act of Aryan self-
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Contact Us
Courtesy of Leni Friedman Valenta
glorification, the Nazis were seeking to build
a future museum about an extinct, subhu-
man race. Meanwhile, all the looted artifacts,
ceremonial items, silver, apparel, violins, tex-
tiles and manuscripts were sorted, recorded,
wrapped and annotated by doomed Jewish
prisoners.
Among the thousands of artifacts col-
lected were 1,564 Torahs, some dating back
to 1700. Warehoused in a small synagogue-
turned-church near Prague, they lay hid-
den for 20 years until the providential visit
to Czechoslovakia of a Jewish art dealer
from London, Eric Estorick. Invited to view
the floor-to-ceiling scrolls by the organi-
zation overseeing the Jewish Museum in
Prague, Estorick was dumbfounded. To Jews
worldwide, the Torah is sacred as the first
five books of the law received by Moses
from God. Their creation or repair requires
special animal skins and parts, rare inks,
quills and precise measurements in order
to be deemed kosher. The profession of
Torah sofer (scribe) is so arduous, it is often
hereditary.
Estorick immediately contacted Jewish
philanthropist Ralph Yablon, and with his
help, the Torah scrolls project soon amassed
sponsors, contacts, experts, workers and
fascinating anecdotes. In 1964, Yablon pur-
chased the scrolls for $30,000, whereup-
on they were transported to his Reform
Westminster synagogue. A Memorial Scrolls
Trust was formed to oversee their repair and
n Video: MacGyver Speaks Out
In videos posted on YouTube, Richard Dean An-
derson, Pam Anderson and Bob Barker spoke out
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Living History:
Synagogue elder
Marvin Sossin
poses with a
holocaust Torah
on display at
B’nei Israel in
San José.
dispersal. The trust’s decision was to per-
manently loan – never sell – the scrolls to
Jewish communities worldwide. Donations
are accepted to offset shipping costs.
Upon the delivery of the 1850 scroll
to B’nei Israel, Sossin and the synagogue’s
cofounders were inspired to work on found-
ing the Union of Jewish Congregations of
Latin America and the Caribbean, in what
famous Rabbi Dov Marmur called in 2001
“the most isolated region of Jews in the
world.” It still holds conferences connecting
Reform and Conservative synagogues.
Meanwhile, to Jiri, whose life was con-
ditioned as the child of holocaust survivors,
the story of the Torahs also provides a special
inspiration. In the midst of the most unthink-
able circumstances, 1,564 Torahs, badly need-
ed by post-war synagogues worldwide, were
preserved by the Nazis. Thus was the sacred
miraculously rescued from the profane.
The holocaust Torah, jewel of its kind in
Central America, is still on display at B’nei
Israel, in San José. The synagogue is located
on the old road to Escazú, southwest of San
José, from Pops in La Sabana, 800 meters
west. For more, contact B’nei Israel President
David Feingold at 2231-5243 or visit www.
bnei-israel.org.n
Writer and Yale graduate Leni Friedman
Valenta is a principle of the Institute of Post-
Communist Studies with her husband, Dr. Jiri
Valenta. Read more at JVLV.net.
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
Show us your catch! Anglers, put your best catch-
es on display at: www.ticotimes.net/Weekend/
Fishing/Fishing-Forum/Show-Us-Your-Catch.
 THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012 | NEWS | 3

Cheaper Cancer Care Could Draw U.S. Patients

3Page 1
patients. They began performing their first
surgeries in the new facilities on Tuesday.
Since her own diagnosis in July 2011,
León has fought capably against breast can-
cer through the help of ICOT.
Almost a year has passed since León’s
initial operation to remove the tumor,
which was followed by reconstructive sur-
gery and chemotherapy. She still undergoes
hormonal therapy at ICOT and will need
checkups to make sure the cancer does not
come back stronger. She’s not yet able to
return to work, but León believes “the worst
is over.”
Her progress is impressive against the
deadliest type of cancer for women in Costa
Rica, causing 1,206 deaths in 2011 (see box).
The disease is considered even more aggres-
sive in younger patients.
ICOT officials hope for similar success
fighting cancer in its new headquarters. They
hope the institute’s 30 oncologists will help
reduce cancer deaths in Costa Rica, which
totaled 4,212 people last year, according to
Health Ministry statistics.
Guillermo Rodríguez, president of ICOT,
said he believes the private institute could
serve as a cancer treatment place for the
region, and also for medical tourists from the
U.S. looking for more affordable options.
“We have put together a center where we
can treat patients with cancer in a compre-
hensive way,” Rodríguez said.
The project still has one more stage to go
before it’s completed. The new building only
can handle out-patient surgery. But over the
next three to five years, the institute plans
to add another structure for cancer patients
who require long-term hospital stays.
The ICOT building formerly was used
for doing clinical trials, but a court ruling
put a halt to clinical testing in 2009. The
decision changed Rodríguez’s focus, and he
started thinking of how to remodel the place
into a cancer center.
Rodríguez’s office on the third floor
of ICOT overlooks mountainsides.
Downstairs, patients receiving chemo look
out into a garden. Another room con-
tains a large forum where doctors from
Stepping Up the Fight: The Costa Rican Oncology Institute opened a new
facility in the northwestern San José district of La Uruca, as part of a $10
million project intended to help treat cancer patients. The building includes a
clinical lab and devices for performing ultrasounds, mammograms, CT scans,
X-rays and MRIs.
throughout the country can discuss medi-
cal issues.
Although the institute will not accept
payment from the Costa Rican Social
Security System, ICOT contains many col-
laborative aspects.
Rodríguez said the cancer center will
receive academic leadership from top
U.S. cancer hospitals at M.D. Anderson in
Houston, Texas, and the Sylvester Center in
Miami, Florida. Local medical brands such
as Hospital Metropolitano, Laboratorios
Páez, Imágenes Médicas and Grupo Leisa
also will have roles in the hospital. For
example, Grupo Leisa runs the pharmacy
while Hospital Metropolitano is in charge of
the operating room.
Roberto Herrera, director of the privately
run Hospital Metropolitano, in San José, said
ICOT is essential for treating a disease that
Courtesy of ICOT
has become the scourge of the 21st century.
The state-of-the-art lab equipment should
help with prevention and early diagnosis.
“If you’re not able to work as a team, if
you’re not able to involve many disciplines,
then probably you will not be as good as you
want to be in terms of cancer treatment,”
Herrera said.
León said the staff also proved significant
for preparing her to fight breast cancer.
She appreciated the closeness of the
director of medicine, Joao Bautista, and the
head of surgery, Efraín Cambronero, and she
was grateful for the flexibility of the hospi-
tal’s insurance department. All these factors
allowed her to feel more at ease while fight-
ing a frightening disease.
“They’re all very close to me at this
moment, like friends of mine,” León said.
“They were a big help.”n
A Shortage of Machines
To Fight Cancer?
A recent report asserts that thousands of women
in Costa Rica are waiting to receive a mammogram
from the Social Security System (Caja). The problem
is so prevalent in the country that patients can wait
up to two years for an appointment, according to
statistics released Monday by the National Union of
Caja Employees (UNDECA).
Almost 53,800 women are waiting for a mam-
mogram, UNDECA statistics showed. The mammo-
gram is a tool used to detect and diagnose breast
cancer, the most common type of cancer in women
in Costa Rica.
The UNDECA statement said the reason for the
logjam is that many hospitals have mammogram
machines that are old or no longer work.
María Eugenia Villalta, a Caja medical manager,
denied that the waits were as severe as what UNDECA
claimed, although she did not provide figures proving
otherwise.
A press release from the Caja stated that the
organization did 90,000 mammograms in 2011, and
the number of mammograms performed increased
24 percent between 2008 and 2011.
Villalta said the situation is improving, and the
Caja in recent years bought 14 new mammography
machines and hired 26 new radiologists. She said the
Caja plans to hire 22 more in the upcoming year.
She also said the reason some women might not be
receiving mammograms more regularly is because
it’s only necessary to receive a checkup every two
years.
The American Cancer Society recommends
yearly mammograms beginning at age 40. However,
the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends
the procedure every two years, starting at age 50.
A recent study stated frequent mammograms lead
to “over-diagnosis” of breast cancer, meaning that
the breast cancer detected is so minimal it is unlikely
to cause harm throughout a woman’s lifetime.
Therefore, a patient receives treatment and tests
they do not actually need.
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 4 | NEWS | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012

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Aguirre Mayor to Face Recall Vote
By Clayton R. Norman
Tico Times Staff
The Aguirre Municipal Council voted
unanimously to move forward a recall elec-
tion against erstwhile mayor and accused
human trafficker, Lutgardo Bolaños, at a
council meeting Tuesday in the central
Pacific town of Quepos.
The council also agreed in a unanimous
5-0 vote to review Bolaños’ previous appoint-
ment as head of the municipality’s legal
department and to send to the local prosecu-
tor’s office reams of financial documents from
Bolaños’ tenure as mayor. The council alleges
irregularities in the management of municipal
funds by the mayor have left the municipality
with a $1 million budget deficit.
The recall election is scheduled for Sept.
23.
Bolaños, a National Liberation Party
(PLN) lawyer and politician who in February
2011 became mayor of the municipality that
includes Costa Rica’s famed Manuel Antonio
National Park, was arrested at his home Dec.
21, 2011, after what the Judicial Investigation
Police (OIJ) described as a four-month
investigation into his alleged use of munici-
pal funds to make pornographic videos with
underage girls (TT, Jan. 12, Dec. 23, 2011).
According to OIJ accounts, Bolaños and
his driver toured Costa Rica in cars rented
on the municipal dime and hired girls as
young as 14 from the poorest regions of the
country to perform in sex tapes the men
recorded. When the two men were arrested
in December, OIJ agents seized computers
and as many as 600 compact discs contain-
ing pornographic videos.
Bolaños posted bail the day after his
arrest, but police arrested him again less than
a month later when new victims stepped for-
ward. Police also arrested municipal employ-
ee Reymundo Herrera, bar owner Jimmy
Acuña and Vilma Campos, identified by the
OIJ as the alleged recruiter of girls from dif-
ferent parts of the country. The OIJ report
described the group as a “band organized
with the goal of human trafficking.”
According to Costa Rica’s Child Welfare
Office, some 35,000 children and adoles-
cents are victims of human trafficking each
year in the country.
Bolaños was released from jail with “pre-
ventive measures,” meaning he has been
required to sign in with the court in Aguirre
every two weeks and is not allowed to have
any contact with his alleged victims. The
Municipal Council also suspended Bolaños
from his position for six months with pay,
Alberto Font | Tico Times
Trouble: Aguirre Mayor Lutgardo
Bolaños was accused of trafficking sex
workers, including minors. Municipal
officials also are looking into possible
mismanagement of government funds.
“It is incredible to us that no one has
had the courage to present this petition
to the council before now,” said Kenneth
Chaves, president of the Aguirre Cantonal
Committee for Young People (CCPJA),
which presented the motion for a recall to
the Municipal Council on May 15.
“We are petrified at just the idea that
Lutgardo Bolaños could return to his post as
mayor after the damage that he has caused,”
Chaves said in a statement. “It is disagree-
able enough that he still receives his $4,000
monthly salary while his victims continue
under treatment in psychological institu-
tions. We must prevent this from happening
at all costs.”
Chaves added that the CCPJA has col-
lected more than 500 signatures supporting
the move to recall Bolaños.
The Tico Times was unable to verify
Bolaños’ alleged victims were in treatment
in psychological institutions as the statement
indicates.
“This is a shame for the party,” Chaves
said. “Not just locally, but nationally.”
Álvaro Emilio Castro, president of the
PLN’s ethics tribunal, said the ruling party of
President Laura Chinchilla has not opened
an investigation or taken action against
Bolaños because no one has appeared before
the tribunal to provide proof of any wrong-
Castro said. “But at this time what we have
is a lack of proof.”
The Municipal Council ordered
the release on Tuesday of documents to
the Comptroller General and the Public
Prosecutor’s Office handling investigations
into Bolaños’ activities as mayor.
Council President Jonathan Rodríguez
said the mayor’s alleged mismanagement
of public funds left the municipality with a
budgetary shortfall of “around $1 million.”
Rodríguez said that for nearly six months
the council has worked with acting mayor,
Isabel León, to resolve the municipality’s
financial woes.
The council specifically and unanimously
asked for investigations into an overdraft pro-
cessed at the Bank of Costa Rica and signed
by Bolaños on Nov. 30, 2011, which the mayor
may not have been authorized to sign for.
The council also asked for an investigation
into salary raises Bolaños authorized for all
municipal officials and from which, accord-
ing to the council’s request for investigation,
Bolaños may have benefited indirectly.
The council asked for “in-depth” investi-
gations into other areas of the mayor’s activi-
ties including his alleged noncompliance
with an order from the Comptroller General
regarding deeds to green areas in a commu-
nity near Quepos; his appointment as head
of the municipality’s legal department in the
previous administration, which the council
indicated it cannot find legal documentation
of; and appointments Bolaños made as mayor
that allegedly did not follow legal procedures.
“The most important thing we can do
now is put municipal finances in order,”
Rodríguez said. “We have to return to see-
ing black numbers in place of red numbers.
We have to roll up our sleeves, cinch up our
pants and get to work.”
That may be easier said than done,
according to Harry Bodaan, a local hotelier
and president of the Aguirre Chamber of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
“The community is very nervous,”
Bodaan said, adding that acting Mayor Isabel
León enjoys “the full support of the com-
munity.”
“She’s like a breath of fresh air, working
every day with how to best deal with the $1
million deficit Lutgardo [Bolaños] left us
with,” he said. “It’s just atrocious what hap-
pened here. This guy has put us $1 million in
the hole and ruined the lives of a dozen or so
young girls.”
Bolaños could not be reached for this
story, as a phone number listed for him has
been disconnected and an email address he

0%
and he has continued to receive a monthly doing on the part of the mayor. used as mayor has been reassigned to the

5O
salary of approximately $4,000. “I wanted to start an investigation,” acting mayor.n

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• free pickup at border
Local #6, Los Laureles, Escazú • free shuttle to beach
& San Juan del Sur
Tel: 2588-2913 email: info@villasdepalermo.com
www.9n.cr phone: 1-800-734-3402 or 505-8672-0859
12846

0065
0083

Homicide Rate Drops
To Lowest in Region
By Isabella Cota Schwarz
Special to The Tico Times
Costa Rica now has the lowest homi-
cide rate in Central America and could
become the first country to rid itself of the
“violence epidemic” label that haunts the
region.
A government report released last week
showed the murder rate fell from 11.5
homicides for every 100,000 inhabitants
in 2010 to 10.3 in 2011, the first drop in
six years.
And preliminary numbers from the
Public Security Ministry for the first
months of this year show that the murder
rate is dropping even further.
“In 2012, we want to pull the country
out of what the World Health Organization
calls a ‘violence epidemic,’ which refers to a
homicide rate of over 10 for every 100,000
inhabitants,” Public Security Minister
Mario Zamora said. “So far, we think we’re
getting closer to that goal.”
His optimism comes at a time when
Central America is perceived as a region
increasingly held hostage by organized
crime and drug-related violence.
Headlines around the world tell stories
of villagers getting caught in a gun battles,
murdered journalists and riots in overpop-
ulated prisons. In the last few years, U.S.
officials visiting the region have focused on
this issue, addressing it as the most press-
ing one.
The new figures show Costa Rica buck-
ing the trend, with the lowest murder rate
on record in the isthmus. Nicaragua fol-
lows with a rate of 14, while Panama has
a rate of 19.
At the other end of the spectrum, the
countries with the highest rates are El
Salvador, with 71, and Honduras, which
Silencing Voices: A Honduran man lights a candle during a May 24 vigil in
memory of 20 journalists killed in the Central American country in the last three
years. The vigil was held after the kidnapping and murder of HRN radio jour-
nalist Alfredo Villatoro in late May.
THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012 | NEWS | 5
CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE GRADUATING
CLASS OF THE COUNTRY
holds the title of murder capital of the DAY SCHOOL 2012
world, with a staggering rate of 82 per
100,000 inhabitants.
Costa Rica’s improvement and ability
to remain the least violent in the region
comes with a price tag. Last year, the
Public Security Ministry broke its spend-
ing record, using up to 94 percent of its
$312 million budget.
Everything from new uniforms and bul-
letproof vests to 280 patrol cars equipped
with GPS systems have been added in
the last year. And while a policeman in
Nicaragua earns an average of $120 a
month, the lowest salary for an officer here
is $697.
But for Zamora, resources alone do not
explain the good news.
“I would point to our relationship with
justice,” said the minister.
The country’s justice system is per-
haps stronger here than in neighboring
countries, he said, and recent arrests of
police officers have strengthened the sys-
tem’s integrity.
Yet while police work to prevent homi-
cides and put criminals behind bars, pris-
ons struggle to keep up.
Most worrying is the number of incar-
cerated people under 25, which, according
to the Justice Ministry, grew by 300 percent The Country Day School would like to congratulate its 46th Graduating Class, who
in the last two years. Most of them are will receive their high school diplomas on June 9, 2012. The graduates represent
charged for crimes related with drugs or
violence.
11 different nationalities and have been accepted into 68 colleges and universities
After incidents in Honduras and Mexico in the U.S., Canada and Europe; receiving scholarships and awards totaling $1.32
early this year, deadly prison riots have million dollars U.S. Of the graduating class, 78% will enroll in North American
become indelible in the Latin American schools in the fall. Of the 32 graduates, 44% have been students at CDS Escazú
imagination. While it’s possible to see
Costa Rica eventually standing out as the since early elementary school.
only spot in the region where violence is no
longer an epidemic, a question mark hangs Academia Italiana in Florence Smith College
over the country’s capacity to deal with the American University Southern Methodist University
next big problem, overcapacity prisons.n Arizona State University St. John’s University
Boston College St. Mary’s University
Boston University Suffolk University- Madrid
California Polytechnic State University Syracuse University
Carleton College Texas Southern University
Carnegie Mellon University Texas Tech University
Colorado State University Trinity University
Cornell University Tulane University
Drexel University Universidad Tecnología de Monterrey
Emerson College University Academia Italiana in Florence
Florence Design Academy University of British Columbia
Florida Institute of Technology University of California - Berkeley
Florida International University University of California – Los Angeles
Florida State University University of California- Santa Barbara
Fordham University University of Central Florida
Haverford College University of Chicago
Hofstra University University of Delaware
Instituto Europeo de Diseño -Milano University of Denver
Loyola University University of Florida
Lynn University University of Loyola-Chicago
Maryland Institute College of Art University of Miami
Middlebury College University of New Orleans
Mississippi State University University of Notre Dame
New York University University of South Florida
Northeastern University University of Southern California
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti- Milano University of Tampa
Pace University University of Texas at Austin
Orlando Sierra Penn State University University of Virginia
Pratt Institute of Art & Design Villanova University
Rollins College Walsh University
Salve Regina University Washington & Lee University
Savannah College of Art & Design Wesleyan University
School of Visual Arts
0094
6 | SPECIAL INFORMATIVE SECTION | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012

Responsible Fisheries: Meaning, Opportunity

By José Antonio Chaves
Legal Advisor, Costa Rican Fisheries Federation (FECOP)

The concept of responsibility is defined

by the Collins English Dictionary as the
state or fact of being responsible for moral
decisions and therefore being accountable,
and particularly for an error; and as the
capacity that exists in every person to rec-
ognize and accept the consequences of an
act carried out freely. Thus, the concept
of responsibility applied to fisheries is of
particular significance, especially when we
become aware of overexploitation, and as
we move towards situations already expe-
rienced by industrialized nations that have
exhausted their resources.
The term responsible fisheries not only
refers to the direct act of extracting fish,
but also to all personal and institutional
actions carried out in developing, respect-
ing, recovering and conserving the wealth of
marine fisheries for ourselves and for future
generations.
Responsible fisheries concern everyone,
and not only those directly involved in
extracting fish and other fisheries resources.
Responsible fisheries are based on the fact
that the sea is a complex ecosystem and that
any extractive action we undertake affects
its biodiversity and availability of resources
that we do not yet fully comprehend, such
as the importance of the sea in controlling
climate, and for recreation, transport and
other aspects.
Courtesy of Todd Staley
Marine resources were previously con-
sidered to be inexhaustible, and it was Sustainable: The Costa Rican Fisheries Federation and other groups are working with local Costa Rican fishermen on
believed that we could benefit from unre- sustainable fishing programs to help protect depleting marine resources. Costa Rica adopted the United Nations Food and
stricted access. Major technologies aimed Agriculture Organization’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in 1999.
at uncontrolled extraction at the least cost
were developed in many parts of the world.
However, we very quickly discovered that scientific data possible (Art. 6.4), so that fish- This mandate clearly places us face- FAO indicates the need for decision-
marine resources are not only finite but also ing is not carried out blindly, but is based on to-face with one of the main meanings of making processes that are transparent and
more fragile than we realized. sound science (Art. 12.1). This enables the responsibility: We should take responsibility achieve timely solutions to urgent matters
This is the main concern that led to development and protection of resources, today for future damages we could incur. (Art. 6.13) as part of the responsibility of the
different lines of thought and discussion particularly fisheries habitats such as nursery The tool the CCRF places in our hands is state within the concept of responsible fish-
that resulted in the approval of the Code of and spawning areas, and habitats critical to simple: In the face of doubt or lack of knowl- eries, by facilitating broad consultation with
Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) species reproduction (Art. 6.8). edge, decisions favor nature. other interested sectors, and by cooperating
of the United Nations Food and Agriculture One of the basic pillars of the commit- The CCRF also indicates that selective in resolving disputes relating to fishing activ-
Organization (FAO), unanimously adopted ment to responsible fishing is concern for and environmentally safe fishing gear should ities in a timely, peaceful and cooperative
on Oct. 31, 1995, and representing a vol- and protection of the reproduction capacity be further developed and applied to main- manner (Art. 6.15). In this sense, and regard-
untary commitment on the part of signa- of species to be fished in the future using tain biodiversity, conserve population struc- ing responsible fishing, the state has an obli-
tory governments. Costa Rica incorporated and applying all available knowledge. Herein ture and aquatic ecosystems and protect fish gation to ensure that all fishing facilities and
it into its judicial system through Decree lie two principles of responsible fishing: quality (Art. 6.6). In other words, it is the equipment, as well as all fisheries activities,
27919-MAG on June 14, 1999, which estab- We have the commitment to leave the sea responsibility of fishers, authorities, techni- allow for safe, healthy and fair working and
lished it as a legally binding regulation. This and its resources as we found them or in an cians and scientists to develop fishing gear living conditions, and meet internationally
important text is based on the principle improved condition, using the whole scien- aimed at target species that causes the least agreed standards adopted by relevant inter-
that “the right to fish carries with it the tific and technical arsenal at our disposal, possible damage. national organizations (Art. 6.17).
obligation to do so in a responsible manner, so that future generations are able benefit The text indicates the need to minimize Finally, the CCRF, in addition to indicat-
so as to ensure effective conservation and from them. Never before have we had such waste – in other words, reduce and eliminate ing the importance of fair trade of fisheries
management of living aquatic resources” information and means at our disposal, in gear used in fishing a specific species that products (Art. 6.14) and the importance of
(Art. 6.1). the form of the communications media, to involves wasting a large number of other spe- aquaculture as a means to promote diver-
This regulation sets out the main guide- carry out such a task. cies, such as the trawl nets of shrimp-fishing sification (Art. 6.19), recognizes the con-
lines for responsible fishing, to be shared The other basic measure relating to vessels. It is calculated that shrimp-fishing tribution of the population in understand-
by both authorities and civil society that responsible fisheries is broad and consis- vessels discard approximately 95 percent of ing issues relating to the conservation and
directly or indirectly benefits from the tent application of the precautionary prin- the catch from trawl nets. In order to obtain management of fishery resources. There is
wealth of the sea. A review of the principles ciple. This principle, internationally adopted 1 kilogram of shrimp, about 20 kilos of other a need to broaden our mindset and the way
and arguments of the code of conduct is in the context of environmental protec- species are killed and thrown overboard. in which we address issues pertaining to the
thus pertinent. tion at the 1992 Earth Summit (the United There is no doubt that it is difficult for management of fishery resources, to take
The CCRF sets out the need for ecosys- Nations Conference on Environment and the ordinary citizen to imagine how we can the principles of the code into account, and
tem protection. It proposes an evaluation Development), held in Río de Janeiro, was stop this killing. Nonetheless, we continue to demand not only the responsible man-
of the negative impact of human activity incorporated into our legislation through consuming and demanding shrimp in many agement of resources, but also responsible
to reverse its effects and to recover not only Biodiversity Law No. 7788, Article 11, which shapes and forms. A considerable difference consumption on our part, as well as the
fish stocks that are actively extracted but establishes that “when there is a danger or could be made by simply including this responsible management of national policies
also associated noncommercial species (Art. threat of grave or imminent damage to the information in our consumption habits. by authorities.
7.2.2). As far as responsibility is concerned, elements of biodiversity and to the knowl- Responsible fishing also means moni- We need to take a stand on marine fish-
this regulation demands that we enact the edge associated with these, the absence of toring and control by national authorities to ery resources – a stand that involves assum-
measures required to guarantee fisheries are scientific certainty should be used as a reason ensure compliance with these conservation ing responsibility for our acts today and the
of the necessary quality and diversity, and to postpone the adoption of effective protec- and management measures (Art. 6.10) by well-being of future generations. We have
their availability is maintained for present tion measures”; and in FAO’s words, “the national and international vessels that fly the information, the tools and the obligation
and future generations (Art. 6.2). absence of adequate scientific information the national flag, thus complying with the to do so. The sole missing ingredient is the
As a second measure, the CCRF indi- should not be used as a reason for postpon- code of conduct (Art. 6.11). Our authori- personal desire to become engaged.
cates the need for all fishery-related deci- ing or failing to take measures to conserve ties have a highly important role to play
sions made by authorities and even by users target species, associated or dependent spe- in ensuring compliance with all measures Sponsored by the Costa Rican Fisheries
to be based on the most recent and correct cies and non-target species” (Art. 6.5). necessary for responsible fishing. Federation

Mayor Returns Guanacaste ‘To Its Roots’
3Page 1
she doubts she could have kept her restau-
rant open.
“A golden key was the airport,” she
said. “That keeps a more steady flow of
travelers, foreigners and Ticos, coming
year round.”
A new terminal at the Daniel Oduber
International Airport opened in January,
increasing the airport’s capacity with new
airlines and facilities, including a VIP lounge
and a greater variety of shops. In March, the
airport serviced a record 44,773 interna-
tional travelers, according to the Guanacaste
Tourism Chamber (see story, Page 8).
Luis Gerardo Castañeda, mayor of Liberia,
the provincial capital and Guanacaste’s largest
city, said the airport also sustains other forms
of industry besides tourism. This region has
almost everything, he said, including beef,
pineapple, sugarcane, coffee, rice, seafood,
green energy, volcanoes and beaches.
“The new international flights allow us
to bring all we have to offer to outside mar-
kets, and that makes us less dependent on
tourism alone,” Castañeda said. “Though the
crisis and the fall of the economy left us low,
we are climbing back up.”
Castañeda said his plan for the rest of
his term, which expires in 2016, is to return
the region to its strength prior to 2008. He
hopes that Guanacaste can return to its roots
in agriculture and ranching. Prior to mov-
ing into the mayor’s office, Castañeda was a
teacher, radio announcer and bull rider.
0127
Still Here: The Pacific coastal province of Guanacaste has some of the best
beaches in the world. With a new airport terminal in Liberia and a growing
economy, local businesses finally have some financial breathing room after a
global economic meltdown.
The Guanacaste Tourism Chamber esti-
mates that by 2014 there will be 2,400 new
hotel and other lodging establishments that
create 6,000 new jobs. Álvaro Conejo, the
chamber’s president, said his office looks to
support small and mid-sized businesses. The
all-inclusive resorts where travelers eat, sleep
THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012 | GUANACASTE | 7
SPECIAL SECTION: GUANACASTE
Alberto Font | Tico Times
and are entertained in one facility does not
provide a “genuine” Costa Rican experience,
he said. He encourages people to spread
their business throughout the region.
“Eat in our cafés, relax on our beaches,
hike our volcanoes,” Conejo said. “We wel-
come you to be part of our community.”
One criticism that both locals and politi-
cians share is that development in Guanacaste
prior to 2008 was haphazard. Playa Carrillo
Mayor Carlos Cantillo said when the econ-
omy in the region came to a halt everyone
had to take a step back and look at what
had been done. The unorganized develop-
ment also had a significant impact on the
environment.
“We are very focused on our environ-
ment,” Cantillo said. “There are six environ-
mental reserves, rural tourism where people
can ride horses, milk cows and learn how
to make cheese, and multiple green-energy
projects here that we are very proud of.”
Wind, hydro and thermal energy in
Guanacaste produces 64 percent of Costa
Rica’s green energy. Lake Arenal in north-
central Costa Rica has been expanded to
three times its original size, and is the coun-
try’s main source of hydroelectricity.
After his term as mayor, Cantillo plans
to run for a legislative position represent-
ing Guanacaste in national politics. Yet, he
said his footprint in his community will be
establishing new regulations for how water,
land and construction permits are allocated
and where development happens.
Núñez said this step back and reorgani-
zation of how development occurs is good,
but she said she will wait for the day she sees
it in her town.
“It takes community organization to get
anything done, and I think we can do that,”
she said. “But it also takes support from the
municipality. It’s in their hands now.”n
 8 | GUANACASTE | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012

SPECIAL SECTION: GUANACASTE

New Airport Terminal Boosting Business

First-Class Upgrade: No more long lines in the Guanacaste heat for passengers traveling via Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport. The airport’s $41 mil-
lion renovation has helped draw new flights connecting the northwestern province with the rest of the world. Photos by Hannah J. Ryan | Tico Times

By Hannah J. Ryan
Tico Times Staff
LIBERIA, Guanacaste – You’ve heard
talk of the new terminal at Liberia’s Daniel
Oduber International Airport for years. Now
travelers flying into the provincial capital of
Guanacaste have access to a state-of-the-art
facility that will help boost regional develop-
ment.
Those comments were part of speech
delivered by Johnny Leiva, of the Liberian
Tourism Chamber, during a tour of the air-
port last weekend.
In January, after months of delay, the $41
million project by concessionaire Coriport
S.A. unveiled a modern terminal adjacent to
the old one. At one end, sunburned travel-
ers departed dressed in sun hats and shirts
depicting tree frogs with the “pura vida”
mantra. Passengers arrived at the other end
of the building, where they quickly stripped
off sweaters when they felt the humid
Guanacaste heat.
In 2009, Coriport S.A. was awarded a
20-year concession to design, construct and
operate the new terminal (TT, Nov. 16, 2011).
The concession also includes development
and management of the existing terminal.
Before the renovation, only eight interna-
tional and two domestic airlines operated out
of the cramped terminal, which only accom-
modated about 900 passengers at a time.
Now, business looks good and Francisco
Cordero, the airport’s general manager, said
it’s only getting better as airlines wanting
to open flights to Liberia continue submit-
ting requests. Last month, Copa Airlines
announced a new direct flight to Liberia from
Panama. The added flights begin June 24 and
will operate on Thursdays and Sundays.
“With Copa Airline’s Panama flights, we
can welcome all of South America to the
Guanacaste region,” Cordero said. Two other
airlines are in discussion with airport officials
to open lines there before the end of the year.
The new 23,000-meter terminal increases
the airport’s capacity by 20 percent, and its
staff by 100 new employees. Other new facets
include a VIP lounge, a plethora of sparkling
shops between four departure gates, deco-
rative fountains, regional art and a special
security check-in for passengers requiring
private departures and arrivals.
“We can only measure small aspects of the
impact the airport is having on the region with
the number of people we employ and how
many travelers pass though,” Cordero said.
“It’s impossible to quantify the direct return
elsewhere, but it’s more than significant.”
Fourteen airlines, including commercial
and charters flights, service Liberia, and 10-15
flights depart daily. Saturdays, Sundays and
Mondays are the busiest travel days.n

Private Health Care Expands in Liberia

By Hannah J. Ryan
Tico Times Staff
LIBERIA, Guanacaste – Construction
began earlier this year on a new wing to the
San Rafael Arcángel Clinic, located in the
center of the provincial capital of Liberia. The
addition includes 10 general patient rooms,
three premium private rooms, two surgery
theaters, an after-surgery recovery room,
intensive care facilities and a cafeteria.
The San Rafael Arcángel Clinic opened
in 2006 and has grown to its current size in
three phases. This third expansion will bring
the facility from the status of a clinic to that
of a hospital with 24-hour emergency care
and surgery centers.
There are 23 physicians in the clinic work-
ing in fields such as cardiology, nutrition, gyne-
cology, physical therapy, plastic surgery and
others. The clinic also includes a laboratory and
pharmacy. As a medium-sized, private health
care facility, San Rafael sees approximately
3,000 local and foreign patients a month.
“The majority of our clients are from the
region, and with this expansion we hope to
see more patients from other countries travel-
ing here for their medical needs,” said Ronald
Guerrero, the clinic’s manager. “Projects like
expanding this medical center are going to be
what continues to pull Guanacaste up from
the recent economic depression.”
The new four-story tower on the clinic is
scheduled to be completed in December at a
cost of $3.1 million.n
For more, see: www.centromedicosanrafael.
com.
Better Service: When completed in
December, the expansion of Liberia’s
San Rafael Arcángel Clinic will include
more patient rooms, operating rooms and
intensive care facilities.
Courtesy of San Rafael Arcángel Clinic

Land Measurement Chart

1 HECTARE
CONVERSION CHART
10,000 sq. meters / 107,600 sq. ft. 1 mile = 1.61 kilometers
100 mts. 1 kilometer = .6214 miles
328 feet
1 meter = 3.28 feet
1 foot = .304 meters
1 MANZANA 1 yard = .914 meters
7,000 sq. meters / 75,600 sq. ft. 1 vara = .836 meters
1 square vara = .698896 m2
83.8 mts.
1 meter =1.09 yards
275 feet 1 square meter =10.76 sq.feet
1 ACRE 1 square foot = .093 sq. mts.
Courtesy of Paradise Properties

1 manzana = .698896 hectares (7,000 sq. mts)

4,049 sq. meters / 43,560 sq. ft. 1 manzana =1.73 acres
1 acre = 43,560 sq. feet
1 acre = .405 hectares
63.6 mts.
209 feet
1 hectare = 10,000 sq. mts.
1 hectare = 2.47 acres
1 hectare =107,600 sq. feet.
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
13026
0229
 CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

A R T | C U LT U R E | E N T E R TA I N M E N T | J une 8 - 1 4 , 2 0 1 2

Capturing Costa Rica’s Centenarians

By Hannah J. Ryan
Tico Times Staff

I
t began in Mónica Quesada’s great-grand-
mother’s kitchen, making tamales. “I said,
‘Grandma, if you live to be 100, I will give
you a great-grandchild,’” Quesada recalled.
But when that 100th birthday came around,
Quesada wasn’t quite ready to reproduce.
“Don’t worry,” her great-grandma told her. “I
won’t hold you to it.”
Years later, the time the two women spent
in the kitchen became an inspiration for a
different sort of baby: a film and photography
project documenting Costa Rica’s centenar-
ians, people who live to 100. Quesada was an
ideal person to lead such a project.
She grew up in Costa Rica, studied chem-
istry in college and made a last-minute switch
to photography. In her early career, she took
pictures for Costa Rica’s La Republica and
The Tico Times. Since then, Quesada has
traveled the world and sold photographs to
international publications.
Now, she studies photojournalism on
scholarship at San Francisco State University
in the United States. But her ongoing, seven-
year centenarian project in Costa Rica is still
a priority.
“You need to get into their rhythm,” she
said of centenarians. “They live at a different
pace, they know how beautiful life is and how
we all need to slow down and enjoy it.”
There are 425 Costa Ricans who are 100
or older, according to a 2011 assessment by
the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica,
but that number declines each year. To date,
Quesada has photographed 13 centenarians
here, and she plans to photograph 101 for a
short documentary and photo book.
With the project, Quesada aims to tran-
scend the stigma around aging, she said. All
the creams for wrinkles and shampoos to
grow thicker hair make getting older seem
undesirable, but really people should have
pride in their years, she said.
To fund the documentary and photo
book, Quesada is running a campaign on
www.indiegogo.com. On the site, people can Living a Century: Clockwise from top, Brígida Matarrita, 100, Carmen Cordero, 101, (the photographer’s great-aunt),
share information about projects and viewers Eduardo Rodríguez, 103, José Delgado, 112. Courtesy of Mónica Quesada.
can donate. Donors receive rewards, includ-
ing postcards, digital prints of Quesada’s pho-
tos and copies of her documentary and photo lishers and donors, and other expenses “We all have an aging someone in our show her love by feeding people,” Quesada
book. She needs to raise $26,000. include car rental, fuel, lodging and food. lives whom we love,” she said. “This is a way of said. “Her tamales de frijol were wonderful,
“Doing the math for how much this At the time of print, $4,641 had been contrib- honoring that person, and what’s a better way and she had many secret recipes. I regret
would cost really scared me,” Quesada said. uted by 34 donors. to celebrate life than to recognize those who never having documented her cooking.”
“The biggest cost is printing the photo books. Quesada’s fundraising campaign lasts 45 have experienced one hundred years?” What Quesada will document is the
Each centenarian will get one. They deserve days, ending July 6. If the $26,000 isn’t reached, Quesada’s great-grandmother made tama- grace of living 100 years. View and contrib-
more but that’s what I can do.” donors will be refunded and Quesada will be les until she died, and to Quesada, the bean ute to Quesada’s Indiegogo campaign at
Additional books will go to pub- back at square one, with no funding. tamales are the most memorable. “She could www.indiegogo.com/CRCentenarians.n

INSIDE
Gardening into the All Included at New Internet Café in Man Turns Jícaro
Green Season Guanacaste’s Westin Atenas Satisfies Gourds into Art

Page W34 Page W44 Page W54 Page W84

W2 | WEEKEND | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012
Community
Jubilee Picnic
The British community in Costa Rica
invites all of its members, families, friends
and supporters to the Diamond Jubilee Pic-
nic, which celebrates the 60th anniversary
of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II to
the throne of Great Britain.

The event will be held on Sunday, June
17, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Zamora
Estate in Santa Ana southwest of San José
(from the Bacchus Restaurant, 200 meters
north) and will be similar to events held in
the last 10 years, although on a smaller scale.

Tickets are ₡10,000 ($20) per adult
and ₡4,000 ($8) per child, which includes
admission, a picnic lunch and access to the
pool, the British goods shop, a fully stocked
cash bar, secure parking, a bouncy castle
and other attractions. Tickets can be pur-
chased at Bagelmen’s Rohrmoser and San
Pedro, Wendy’s Hair Studio (Escazú), and
Oasis Café (Trejos Montealegre) until Tues-
day, June 12. All proceeds will go to needy
schools in Costa Rica, as usual.
-Mike Hudson
Manuel Antonio/
Quepos Tidings
I recently ate the best Mexican food of
all my 20 years in Manuel Antonio. It was
at Sancho’s Restaurant across from Barba
Roja. Owned by Marshall and Penny, both
wonderful hosts, this place is highly recom-
mended. We had to wait for a table (it says
a lot when a restaurant is full during low
season), but it was worth the wait. It is open
daily, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sancho’s also deliv-
ers. Call 2777-0340 to order a great Mexican
meal or get more information.
Welcome back, Catherine Fleming! We
are thrilled she has returned, and that she
brought her mom, Mary Margaret Flem-
ing, with her. Mary is a great addition to our
community, and her background is fascinat-
ing. She has been a member of Rotary since
1988 and was world chair of Rotary’s public
image. She started seven Rotary clubs, and is
a former district governor and a fine artist.
See her work at marymargaretfleming.com.
Welcome Dan “O”, the new owner of
La Hacienda Restaurant in Plaza Yara. The
restaurant offers happy hour daily, 5-7 p.m.,
and live music nightly, 7-9 p.m. Food is
served 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m daily.
–Jennifer Rice
jennifer@kidssavingtherainforest.org
Flamingo/Potrero News
The 2nd Annual Stand-Up Paddle Chal-
lenge at Pura Vida Ride, Playa Danta, will be
held June 23. This year the event will sup-
port La Paz Community School’s Guardians
of La Paz, and it will be sponsored by Pura
Vida Ride, Lola’s Norte and Surftech. It
will feature great music, pickup volleyball
games, slack-line challenges, great food, cof-
fee and more. Come for the day with your
family and compete, or just hang out and
watch the fun. Register on our event page
and pay your entry fee on race day.
Despite the economy here in Costa
Rica, there are still new restaurants being
built and opening for business in Playa
Flamingo. Ana’s Bakery is a panadería and
repostería located a half-block from Banco
Nacional. Ana’s Bakery has been open for
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.
two months, and the Nicaraguan owners,
Elba Altamirano and her husband, William
Salmeron, offer pastries, breads, cookies and
cakes. They will bake for special occasions.
Their hours are Mon.–Sat., 6 a.m.-5 p.m.,
and Sunday, 7 a.m.-noon. For more infor-
mation, call 8588-6957.
Another Flamingo establishment,
Gastronomía-Pescadería, was opened three
weeks ago by Italian owner, Demetrio Stec-
ca. He offers a menu of fresh fish, cooked
meals, specialty foods and hors d’oeuvres
for takeout. Demetrio will provide catering
for small groups and cooking in your home
if you prefer. His hours of operation are
Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more infor-
mation, call 2654-6216.
The road to Surfside/Potrero was grated
recently and everyone is grateful (the roads
previously had been very bumpy to drive
on). Thanks to the Surfside Association!
–Babe Hopkins
tbabehopkins@gmail.com
Arenal Report
Guanacaste Province Animal Welfare
foundation (G-PAW) is a nonprofit that
provides residents in Guanacaste with low-
cost animal clinics that spay and neuter.
For information on the foundation, visit:
http://g-paw.com.
On May 5, G-PAW held a clinic in the
Líbano area near Tilarán, which had an
excellent turnout of 31 animals in the tiny
town of Maravilla, in the Líbano district.
Animals also were brought in from Líbano,
Solania and the Cerro San José, the other
towns in the district. Because most of
the residents in the area are low-income
(Líbano is the poorest district in the Tilarán
canton), G-PAW reduced the cost of surgery
from ₡10,000 ($20) to ₡5,000 ($10).
On May 6, 34 animals were neutered,
about half of the usual number in Tilarán,
presumably because people had a hard
time making appointments. In the future,
Suzanne Potvin will be the contact person.  or email aalagarita@gmail.com.
The chairperson of this foundation is
Judy Reisman. She was assisted by a bevy
of volunteers including Suzanne Potvin, Ed
and Leslie Woods, Cindy Carroccio and
Rita Pfeifer. Several generous donations
came from Ladies of the Lake members.
G-PAW also has a new project that
allows anyone with unneeded or unwanted
pet food, medicine, beds, leashes, collars,
toys, grooming tools or other supplies to
donate them to low-income pet owners.
Please email Judy Reisman (judyreisman@
mindspring.com) to make a donation.
In other news, The Sunset Grill in
Nuevo Arenal is changing its hours of
operation to 3 p.m.-close. There will be no
more breakfast, but the restaurant will still
serve the full dinner menu all week, featur-
ing Oz’s Sushi Sat.-Tues.
–Lynn Farris
lynnfarris@ymail.com
Cricket
The 2011-2012 league champion of the
Costa Rica Cricket Federation is Croquet
& Cricket Club of Costa Rica (CCCCR).
CCCCR beat Corsairs CC in a playoff at Los
Reyes Polo Club Sunday, May 20.
The two clubs had tied during the regu-
lar season three weeks earlier, with five wins
Connection
Courtesy of Richard Illingworth
Champions. Croquet & Cricket Club
of Costa Rica team members include Julian
Olivier, Sam Arthur, Sudesh Pillai, Ashish
Malik, Sham Murari, Tim Baker, Barry
Ashworth, Jamie Gordon, Nasir Ali, Ahmed
Z. Ali and Richard Illingworth.
each. Expansion Team Asia finished third
and Limón CC fourth. Corsairs were put in
to bat first, and were all out for 58 runs.
CCCCR made 59 for seven wickets,
winning by three wickets with time to
spare; top scorer and man of the match was
Sudesh Pillai, with 24 not out.
In taking it back from Corsairs, CCCCR
now holds the Lance Binns League Trophy
for the third time since its inception in
2005. For more information on Cricket,
visit www.costaricacricket.org.
–Richard Illingworth
illings@racsa.co.cr
Tamarindo Talk
Looking for a way to save money and
not have to buy water from the supermar-
ket? Solución de Agua, a new company in
town, offers pure water for pennies. Their
product is an ultra-filtration purifier that
removes bacteria, rust, sand and microor-
ganisms from drinking water. For more, call
Andre Auclair at 8876-6649 or 2653-7013,
Located next to the Rancho Coyote, on
the road out of Tamarindo towards Vil-
lareal, is a new computer repair shop. Erick
Solís works on all aspects of PC programs
and will also visit your home. Call him at
8973-9774 or 2653-0505.
It may be low season, but there’s still fun
at the Friday Latin salsa night at the Crazy
Monkey Bar, located at the Best Western
Tamarindo Vista Villas. Between salsa sets, a
DJ keeps everyone dancing. And it’s a Ladies
Night, from 9-11 p.m., women drink free.
–Ellen Zoe Golden
ellenzoe@aol.com
Jacó Happenings
Paul and Cassidy Barbeau have relo-
cated their Pura Vida Pantry to a large,
outdoor setting in Herradura, with tropical
garden seating for 16. The same inventive
and healthy meals are offered daily, as well
as raw, vegan and gluten-free snacks (also
available for takeaway). Cassidy Barbeau
can prepare weekly meal plans for specialty
diets. She offers private cooking lessons, and
Paul Barbeau is growing some of the finest
wheatgrass around. Juice cleanses and well-
ness detoxes are available through the pan-
try as well. Call 8733-4811 for more info, or
email puravidapantry@gmail.com.
Glen Bain from Costa Rica Pools has
taken the lead on beach cleanups in Jacó.
Together with John Walker and The Cen-
tral Pacific Chamber of Commerce, Glen
has been instrumental in motivating locals,
tourists and business owners to take pride
in keeping Jacó clean. More than 30 people
have volunteered in what will now be a
monthly event, every third Monday of the
month. If you or your business would like
to be involved, contact Glen at costari-
capools@hotmail.com or the chamber at
cenpac.chamber@gmail.com. The chamber
will be having its annual public meeting
June 26 at 7 p.m. in Balcón del Mar.
–Christina Truitt
christina_truitt@yahoo.com
Coco Capsule
Our local preschool for low-income
kids needs funds now. Rain and steam have
pentrated the glassless windows and caused
damage to educational materials and equip-
ment. The work has already started but the
bill won’t be due until June 15. Please call
Lisbeth at 8637-0146 to make a donation.
–Kent Carthey
kcarthey@aol.com
Costa Ballena Bulletin
Caroline and Hans have returned from
their recent recipe hunt to Bali and have
reopened for business. You’re welcome
for dinner Thurs.-Sat. and at Indonesian
brunch on Sundays, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Reservations can be made at 2786-5054 or
Ylang-Ylang@costaricatime.eu. Groups of
up to 12 may reserve the whole restaurant.
June 15 is the International Day of the
Tree. In Ojochal, we celebrate this day as the
Day of the Ojoche. There used to be quite a
lot of ojoche trees in Ojochal, but now there
are only a few. The Ojoche committee wants
to reintroduce the ojoche tree in Ojochal,
and you are invited to celebrate with us at
the Salón Comunal in Ojochal, June 15, at
10 a.m. We will start with a civil act from the
Tortuga School, with songs and an explana-
tion of the day. Then there will be a presen-
tation about the ojoche tree by Dr. Martín
Artavia, expert ojoche biologist. Federico
Solórzano from the organization Planet
Conservation will amuse us with his stories.
At the end of the celebration, we will plant
some ojoche trees. During the entire event
there will be tasty, typical food available.
On May 22, a well-known Costa Rican
cyclist, Alejandro Alvarado, was hit and
killed close to Liberia by a truck. The driver
left the scene, but police caught him. Ale-
jandro was training for the Guanaride, an
international event in Costa Rica. On Sun-
day, June 24, an event will be held in Ojoch-
al to launch the CUIDENOS campaign
for cyclist safety on Costa Rica’s roads. For
more information, visit http://cuidenos.
org/Eventos.htm or contact Marie-Danielle
and Robert at biciseguro@cuidenos.org or
2786-5124.We hope that the CUIDENOS
campaign will help prevent cyclists’ deaths.
The Costa Ballena Women’s Network
will not meet in June. The group nor-
mally meets once a month with speakers
and other events. Please contact Anja at
cbwn00@gmail.com for more information.
–Shawnell Parker
immaparker@hotmail.com
 THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012 | WEEKEND | W3

A Gardener’s Guide for the Early Green Season

C
osta Ricans cel-
HOME
GARDENING ebrate May 15
each year as
“El Dia del Agricultor,”
or Farmer’s Day. It’s a
day of tribute to those
men and women who
work with the land to
provide food for the
people of this coun-
try. Costa Rica owes its
long history of stabil-
Ed Bernhardt ity and independence
to the agrarian society
from which it was born. Since the colonial
days, small, sustainable farms dominated
the landscape of Costa Rica, where gen-
eration after generation of healthy children
were raised on natural foods from these
homesteads.
Today, that legacy is being eroded by
an unsustainable agricultural model that
depends on toxic petrochemicals. Each of us
can contribute to a stable future by support-
ing farmers dedicated to sustainable practices,
or growing our own healthy, natural foods at
home. May and June are excellent months to
start a home garden. The weather is favorable
for growing an abundance of produce and
fruit in every bioregion of the country. For
salad greens, try planting a collection of let-
tuce, cabbage, mustard, onions, peppers and
tomatoes in flats with prepared potting soil.
The flats can be located on the sunny side
of the house under the overhang of the roof,
preferably on a table to give protection from
heavy rains. When the seedlings are about 5
centimeters tall, transplant them to small pots
or recycled plastic cups filled with aged com-
post. Let them grow in the cups for about two
weeks, so their roots recover from the shock
of transplanting, and the foliage continues to
flourish. Now the young plants can be easily
moved to the garden beds without losses from
the shock of transplanting or bug predation.
May and June are good months to plant
green beans, as well as the traditional black
and red beans Ticos love so much. Green
bean seeds are available at most agricul-
tural supply stores, and I’ve found Provider
(Provenador) to be a hardy and productive
variety. The seeds are planted about 20 cen-
timeters apart with a distance of 50 centime-
ters between the rows. Highland gardeners
can plant carrots and beets at this time of
the year. These crops can be planted directly
in prepared beds, 2-3 centimeters apart with
30 centimeters between rows. Radishes and
turnips are easy crops to grow for gardeners
who live in the warmer regions of the coun-
try. The seeds can be planted directly in pre-
pared beds with the same spacing mentioned
above for carrots and beets. Liquid compost
tea applied to the surrounding soil helps to
boost growth and production.
Now is also an ideal time for plant root
crops. Yuca is a favorite crop of Ticos, and
it’s very easy to plant. All you need are
30-centimeter sections of stems. These stem
cuttings are inserted halfway into the ground
about 50 centimeters apart. By the time the
dry season rolls around again, you’ll find
large yuca tubers under each plant.
Tiquisqui and Ñampi or taros are two
more famous root crops I like to call tropi-
cal potatoes. You can buy these tubers in the
market and plant them in the garden about
.5 meters apart. Once again, an application of
rich compost will boost their growth and pro-
duction. Apart from an occasional cultivating Ed Bernhardt | Tico Times
of the soil around the plants, you can harvest
a gold mine of taro roots around October. Delicious Fruits: Marcos is a Costa
Here’s an invitation to the wonderful
world of home gardening in Costa Rica. For
Rican farmer who grows all of his
more information on how to get started, produce naturally, without harmful
be sure to see our newsletter at: http://the- pesticides.
newdawncenter.info/blog.html.n

The Holy Spirit Moves in Costa Rica

I
magine having a
Christmas party
for 35,000 kids
with presents and
s s
s s
treats for all. Or having
900 children come for
lunch each day. That’s
how the Holy Spirit
Mitzi Stark works in the barrio of
Cristo Rey, a poor area
on the southwest side of San José.
The man who walks with the Holy Spirit
is Father Sergio Valverde, and he knows the
area well. He was born here 43 years ago, and
he grew up in a home that knew poverty but
also love, sharing and faith in God. Together,
they created the association Obras del Espiri-
tu Santo, or the Works of the Holy Spirit.
It all started with Father Sergio passing
out food to the homeless, and the operation
blossomed into a daycare center for babies
and tots, an afterschool center, an albergue
for women and children victimized by abuse,
a center for medical and legal help, a phar-
macy, an emergency shelter and a place where
children, single mothers and the elderly get
spiritual guidance and a free lunch.
Ana Siles handles public relations and has
been on the staff for 10 years. “Father’s first
parish was La Merced on Ave. 2, Calle 14, an
area with many homeless and poor people,”
she said. “He began handing out food to those
in need, and after a few years, the bishop sent
him to Cristo Rey, his old home neighbor-
hood and parish. He began to help the people
here, giving out food packages and meals.”
In the area of 50,000, people came for
help every day, Siles said. One day there was
nothing left, and the staff wondered how
they would continue. “Did you pray?” Siles
remembers Father Sergio asking her. “Did you
pray with faith?” He sent the staff to church
and told us to pray with faith, Siles said.
The next day, a truck apparently came
from the fire department, filled with food
packages and other needs. “That’s how it is.
Our prayers get answered,” Siles said. About
60 volunteers plus a small staff keep the works
going, tending babies, cooking, serving and
doing all the other jobs, with joy. “Another
time we all wondered how we would survive.
So many people came for help and we had
so little space,” Siles remembered. But again
prayers were answered.
“A well-dressed woman came to visit the
center, and later made a donation to cover the
cost of a new building,” Siles said. Donations
from companies, clubs and individuals help
with the work of the Holy Spirit. The tienda,
or shop, receives new clothes and merchan-
dise from stores. A cafeteria across the street
(popular with taxi drivers) offers good food
and low prices, and the profit is funneled into
the kids’ lunch program. Hydroponic gardens
produce food for the kitchen and cafeteria,
with enough to sell. A recycling project paid
for 90 percent of the building, which houses
the daycare centers, shelters, medical/legal
services and administration. These projects
provide work for locals.
There are more plans still, Siles added. A
vacant lot will someday become a center for
teenagers. A small farm with shelters for ani-
mals is already under construction. Children
are the priority, but Obras del Espiritu Santo
has provided safety nets for the whole com-
munity. About 200 people come to the center
each day for some form of help.
Father Sergio is a busy man who, along
with the Holy Spirit, has guided the growth
of the association, even picking up trash and
weeds when needed. But he is surprisingly
calm, and his smile radiates; he greets every-
one with hugs instead of handshakes. “I don’t
own a thing, but I am a happy man,” he says.
In his crowded office, surrounded by fish
tanks, religious objects, photos and books,
Father Sergio spoke of his own youth. “I used
to play priest,” he said. “If I earned a little
money I shared it with my family ... There
were five of us plus parents, and we were
poor.” But it was a home with love, he said,
and they kissed each other every day.
How can you help? Check the website at
www.obrasdelespiritusanto.org for info on
donating food, funds, school supplies, etc. Or
visit the center on Ave. 28, Calle 12, 1.5 kilo-
meters south of the Church of the Merced.
Shop in the tienda. Eat in the cafeteria. Pray in
the church. For more info, call 2286-5252.n

We’Ve Got
You Covered
Mornings & afternoons
Margie in the Evan Luck
morning 5 to 7 p.m.
6 to 9 a.m.

All the hits plus news & traffic

0074
 W4 | WEEKEND | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012

Exploring Costa Rica

Guanacaste: Having It All in Playa Conchal
By Ashley Harrell
Tico Times Staff

T
ake “Dirty Dancing,” add five decades,
the tropics and the Pacific Ocean, and
subtract the botched abortion. There
you have the Westin Resort & Spa in the
northwestern province of Guanacaste.
Ensconced on a 2,400-acre compound
by the aptly named Playa Conchal (conchal
means shelly in Spanish, and shells are
everywhere), the all-inclusive Westin, which
was recently taken over by Starwood Hotels
and Resorts Worldwide Inc., makes you feel
as though you’re part of some eternal sum-
mer in which all things are possible. In addi-
tion to food and alcohol being included with
accommodations, there’s a nightly dance
and lip-synching performance put on by a
full-time entertainment team, for whom just
about any guest would be delighted to carry
a watermelon.
Upon arrival at the towering, open-air
lobby, guests are presented with virgin moji-
tos and plastic wristbands to identify them
as the luckiest people around. Once the
band is secured, a guest has access to innu-
merable bars and restaurants spread over
the property, in addition to 24-hour room
service, non-motorized water sports, tennis
court usage, nightly shows and a variety of
activities coordinated by the staff.
The check-in process should be immedi-
ately followed by the first of many non-virgin
mojitos, which can then be taken aboard
the resort shuttle to one’s quarters. Housed
in crème- and beige-colored, Spanish-style
buildings, many of the modern, tropical-chic
units feature whirlpools and ocean, garden
and pool views. All include flat-screen televi-
sions, safes and powerful air conditioning – a
necessity in the toasty Guanacaste province.
I stayed in a Royal Beach Junior Suite,
which stood out for its multi-level marble
floors and prime location across from the
Abalone Sports Bar. Never having stayed at
an all-inclusive before, I was overwhelmed
by the idea of unlimited drinks over the
course of three days (don’t ask what went
down on day one, I just couldn’t tell you).
Pacing oneself is key, obviously, as is con-
tinually feasting at the seven restaurants
scattered throughout the property.
It’s also important to reserve dinner
early, as not all the restaurants are created
equal, and the most popular – the Italian, the
Mediterranean and the French – sometimes
fill up. The lobster at Mediterra was small
and underwhelming (as you might expect at
an all-inclusive), but the beef Carpaccio at
Faisanela was so good that I ordered it again
for dessert. For breakfast and lunch, you
cannot go wrong with Mitra, an open-air
international buffet that has everything from
ceviche to steak to a personal pasta chef.
At some point – a point will be differ-
ent for every guest – yet another free mojito
or meal will begin to deliver diminishing
returns. This is when it’s time for an activity
(proof you went somewhere!), be ocean kay-
aking, a round of golf, a massage at the spa,
a hike around the active Rincón de la Vieja
Volcano, or a snorkel trip at sea, where giant
rays, puffer fish and turtles can be spotted.
The guys at the activity counter on the resort
property will hook you up with pricy but
high-quality tours, and the less-official sales-
men on the beach are said to offer reasonably
good, slightly more affordable iterations.
I’ll Take Two:
Left, outdoor patio
of Abalone Bar,
below, pool and
ocean view,
bottom,
Royal Beach
Junior Suite.
Photos Courtesy of
Westin Resort & Spa
Once you’ve gotten a decent sunburn,
eaten yourself immobile and drank yourself
incoherent, you are in perfect condition to
plunk down in front of the stage and watch
the attractive, agile entertainers busting
moves in flashy costumes while lip synching
pop songs such as Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la
Vida Loca.” There are also some Cirque du
Soleil-style performances, including a stellar
silk trapeze act. The show each night ends
just like “Dirty Dancing,” with the perform-
ers cajoling audience members into joining
the dance party, and eventually the whole
place is up, celebrating the right to have and
do whatever they want.n
Going there
Rates range from $338-$1,148 a night. Sansa and
Nature Air flights land you at the Tamarindo or Liberia
airports, from which a shuttle will transport you for $25
and $90, respectively. For more info, call 2654-3500 or
visit www.westinplayaconchal.com.

Westin Resort & Spa

Liberia
San
José

Enlarged
Area
Buenos Aires

mapa
Pacific Ocean

Secondary Road
Inter-American Hwy
Filadelfia
Conchal
Belén
an

Huacas
e
Pacific Oc

Westin Resort W E
& Spa

S
0128

Roy Arguedas Arias | Tico Times


Fresh Fare, Chai at New Atenas Internet Café
T
ired of comida
típica? Café
Cultura in
Atenas is a new, rea-
sonably priced and
flavorful option; fur-
thermore, it serves the
only chai tea in town.  special of the day – chicken diablo – with
Mark Van Patten The Internet
café and bakery has
been open just a few
months, but its lounge is already filled with
Internet surfers partaking in the free Wi-Fi,
as well as the tiger spice chai tea and tasty
baked goods. Out back, al fresco diners enjoy
meals of chicken curry pineapple or chicken
tikka masala beneath large, shady trees.
Co-owners Osmin Gonzáles and Marcial
Rodríquez have extensive experience in the
restaurant business, and Gonzáles is also
the chef. “Our goal was to bring everyday
specials priced ₡3,000 to ₡3,500 to Atenas,”
he said.
Cultural, Linguistic Missteps in a Mixed Marriage
I
f you live with a
SO TO SPEAK Costa Rican, offi-
cially married or
not, you are “casado”
(housed = married).
Every married couple
can have differences in
tastes, values, class, etc.
It’s only normal. But
what happens when we
throw cultural and lin-
Kate Galante guistic differences into
the mix? My experi-
ence is that it doesn’t cause bigger problems,
just different ones. In my case, the prob-
lems have been unsubstantial, at times even
comical.
Lottery Love
Someone once told me that there are two
kinds of people: those for whom numbers
are real and those for whom they are not. I
am the latter kind; my husband is the former.
He talks numbers at me, and my eyes glaze
over – not just any numbers, numbers that
are supposed to have meaning, that is, lottery
numbers. Numbers in themselves may not
be a culturally relevant issue, but the lottery
is. Costa Ricans spend heaps of time try-
ing to “pegar” (win) and discussing lottery
numbers: good ones, bad ones, indifferent
ones, as if one number were really different
from another. On the street, some num-
bers even sell for more money than others
because they are reputed to be “better.” After
the numbers are out, Ticos engage in endless
conversations about the results and their
near wins, as if missing by one number were
any different than missing by 99 numbers.
Nagging Noise
Ticos do not share the proverb “silence is
golden” with us. If I am sitting quietly read-
ing, my husband inevitably comes in and
comments,”¡Qué barbaridad! Todo queda-
dito aquí” (What an outrage! All quiet here.)
Costa Ricans like to have the TV on whether
they are watching or listening or not. If the
TV is not on, it’s the radio, or, why not? Both
at the same time! Often, in our house, he
turns on the TV, then goes outside. I turn it
off. He comes back in and turns it on again
and goes upstairs to do something. I ask him
if he’s really listening, and he looks at me
Courtesy of Café Cultura
Yum: A plate of curry chicken pine-
apple at Café Cultura, a new Internet
café and eatery in Atenas.
On our first visit, we sampled the eggs
Benedict, for which González uses real
like the question doesn’t make sense. And,
guess what, it doesn’t because the idea isn’t
to turn on the TV to watch or listen. The
idea is to turn on the TV, period. Ticos find
the background noise comforting, even the
commercials. ¡Qué barbaridad! indeed.
Dreaded Drafts
In my grandmother’s day, people used
to warn each other to stay out of drafts to
avoid illness. Nowadays, medical science tells
us that it is not the drafts that make us sick,
but whatever microbes are flying around in
the air. The problem is that medical science
has neglected to reach the Costa Ricans, who
bundle up their babies in snowsuits and con-
stantly admonish us to stay out of drafts in
75-degree weather. This is especially true of
drafts that may hit our backs. If I am lying
down and get up, say, to get a cup of coffee, he
scolds me for getting up “toda calurosa” (all
warmed up), without putting something on
to protect my back. This concern also extends
to bare feet. It’s one thing to worry about feet
encountering fire ants or scorpions, yes, but
bare feet in Costa Rica due to the cold? That’s
just silly. It wasn’t so long ago that the major-
ity of Ticos didn’t wear shoes at all.
Cuisine Conundrum
What more is there to say? Rice and beans
every day is boring, well, to us. And minestro-
ne and quiche are too weird for him.
August Ancestors
We always ask people what they do; they
always ask people about family. They want to
know about our“cepa” (stock, origins). This
is a cultural difference that is fairly obvi-
ous to all. However, it can be problematic
in a mixed marriage. I often find myself in
the midst of long conversations about fam-
ily genealogy – the Castros that go back to
Cuba, the Cantillos from Guanacaste – to
which I cannot relate, especially since I know
practically nothing about my own roots (I
have this theory that my father hid Mafia
connections from me). On the other hand,
my husband’s family has never asked me
about my former professional experience.
Religious Reluctance
I’m a West Coast liberal and a doubter to
the core. He has the gift of deep faith. I’d love
THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012 | WEEKEND | W5
English muffins made from his own recipe,
as well as ham, a poached egg and a secret
sauce. Another breakfast favorite is the
florentine eggs Benedict, he said, which
comes with delicate smoked salmon and
leafy spinach.
On a more recent visit, we had the
a chicken breast, salsa (with either a little
picante or a lot), red peppers, black olives,
basil and a little red wine at the finish. We
chose to go the milder route and it was
delightful. On the side was a vegetable salad
with julienne carrots, red sweet peppers,
onions and a secret mix of spices in olive
oil. It was as pretty as it was delicious.
Another customer favorite is the Café
Cultura Monte Cristo sandwich. Osmin sets
his apart with his own tempura pasta. Addi-
tionally, he fries the bread in white sugar
until crispy, and then adds strawberry jam
and real strawberry garnishes.
The owners are intent on developing
to share it, but I just can’t. He has given up
trying to convert me, so we live in peace.
Language Limbo
He doesn’t speak English. That’s all right;
Spanish is no longer a strain. However, I
don’t care how many years I’ve been speak-
ing a second language; there are some things
I can only say well enough in my native
language. Then there’s what happens when
everybody else in the room only speaks Eng-
lish. Translating is tiring!
Unseemly Utterances
Periodically, I will say something that I
consider completely harmless, trite chatter
like, ”We’re going shopping because we’re
out of everything,” or “Our dogs sleep in
the house at night,” and later, my husband
asks me why I would reveal such a thing.
Often, what I say, he says, “is just none of
their business” or he thinks it may some-
Counseling
Stuck? Confused?
Depressed? Self-loathing?
Addictions? Relationship problems?
An empathetic ear, open heart and soul
wisdom to help you find
Empowerment and Clarity
“Life is not a problem to be solved,
but a process to be explored
and a path to be walked’’
Jim Molloy M.A.
ph: 8725-1295 jimmolloy@ice.co.cr
Escazú - sessions available online by Skype for
those outside of the Central Valley
Reasonable rates
18979
a reputation for flexibility, so if you have
enjoyed a special of the day and want to
share that find with others, they encourage
you to call ahead with requests. They will do
their best to make your breakfast, lunch or
dinner memorable.n
Café Cultura
2 2 2 2 2
$ $ $ $ $
2 = acceptable; 22 = good; 222 = very good;
2222 = excellent; 22222 = exceptional. $ =
average price of meal under $5; $$ = $5-10; $$$ = $10-20; $$$$ =
$20-30; $$$$$ over $30.
Location: Central Atenas, 50 mts. north of the Justice Center
across from Central Park.
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Contact: 2445-0081, www.facebook.com/osminmarcial
how put us in peril. No matter how long I
live here, I continue to make these blunders
because I cannot figure out the rule that
governs them.
Confrontational Constraint
I am fortunate. I am married to a Costa
Rican who always speaks his mind, and not
always to everyone’s liking. In general, how-
ever, Costa Ricans do whatever they can to
avoid confrontation, including resorting to
lies and two-faced behavior. It is especially
important that a woman remain diplomatic.
Above all, Ticos want to “quedar bien” (look
good) to everyone, and they fear they may
offend someone with the truth.
I know I haven’t covered it all by a long
shot. Please write and let me know about
your light-hearted complaints in this enter-
prise we call mixed marriage, and maybe we
can put together another article or so.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
W6 | WEEKEND | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 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
Presidential Papagayo Cup: second-annual sport-
fishing tournament, June 8-9, Marina Papagayo on
the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste, for more info,
email sam@preschallenge.com or joan@pre-
schallenge.com.
2012 Fiesta Cup Gold Tournament: annual charity
golf tournament, June 8-9, 9 a.m., various events at
Fiesta Casino, Alajuela, and Valle Del Sol Golf Course,
for more info, contact Nick at 8877-8808 or nac4cr@
gmail.com.
Embody Awareness Workshop: classes in gentle
and deep yoga, June 8, 4 p.m., June 9, 10 a.m., Vista
Atenas B&B, Atenas, Alajuela, northwest of San José,
contact Suzanne Mark at 2455-0164 or suzanne@
thenowtechnique.com. For more info, visit the-
nowtechnique.com.
*Una Noche Inolvidable: fundraiser and concert
with opera and pop singers, June 8, 7 p.m., Lincoln
School in Heredia, for more info, email smora@
lincoln.ed.cr.
Soccer Games: Costa Rica vs. El Salvador, June 8,
8 p.m., National Stadium, tickets available at www.
specialticket.net.
*Sasha Campbell: R&B and soul, June 8, 10 p.m.,
Jazz Café San Pedro, next to Banco Popular, 2253-
8933, www.jazzcafecostarica.com.
*Diesel: rock, June 8, 10 p.m., Jazz Café Escazú,
Talleres Con-Sentido workshops (in Span-
ish): YogaSENSE, June 9-10, Mindful Painting, June
16-17, Qi Gong, June 23-24, Aqua Spa, June 30-July
1, Hotel Villas Gaia, Playa Tortuga, Osa Peninsula, 5
kilometeres south of PN Marina Ballena. For more, call
Anna at 8382-8240 or email talleresconsentidocr@
gmail.com.
Father’s Day at Sibú Chocolate: a chocolate tast-
ing and tour that includes four-course lunch, June 17,
noon, Sibú in San Isidro de Heredia, $35 per person,
reservations required by June 13, call George at 2268-
1335 or email info@sibuchocolate.com.
Diamond Jubilee Picnic: charity event in honor of
Queen Elizabeth II, June 17, all day, Zamora Estates
in Santa Ana, tickets must be purchased by June 12
(for locations see Community Connection, Page 2), for
more, call 2224-4325.
Building a Business Resource Guide: professional
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, Uni-
versity for Peace, Ciudad Colón, west of San José, for
more info, call 2205-9000 or email info@upeace.org.
Workshop Retreat: self-discovery, personal develop-
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 the Birding Club of Costa Rica
The Birding Club of Costa Rica holds
its annual meeting and introductory
course Saturday on a private finca
near Ciudad Colón.
opposite CIMA Hospital, 2288-4740, www.jazzcafe-
costarica.com.
SATURDAY
Annual Meeting of the Birding Club of Costa
ment and empowerment in the rain forest by the ocean,
July 14-22, Guaria de Osa Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula, for
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.
“Como animales”: an exhibition of 17 Diego Garcia
paintings addressing gender issues and the rejection
of same-sex unions, through June 10, Mon.-Fri 8:30
a.m.-5 p.m., Genesis Graphics, Calle 13 between Aveni-
das 12 and 14 in downtown San José.
“focus”: selection of paintings, works on paper,
objects, videos and installations from Otto Apuy,
through June 15, Hidden Garden Art Gallery, airport
exhibit, through July 20, Daniel Oduber International
Airport, Liberia, for more information contact Hidden
Garden Art Gallery, 8386-6872, 8386-6968.
“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.
“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
Design Museum, Av. 3, Ca. 15/17, 2257-9370, www.
madc.ac.cr.
“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.,
Rica: gourmet breakfast, introductory birding course
Auditions for “Crazy Quilt”: tryouts for five short
and discussion of next year’s birding trips, $20, June
plays exploring extraordinary interactions between ordi-
9, 6 a.m., private finca near Ciudad Colón, for more,
nary people, open to members and non-members with
contact lynfred@racsa.co.cr.
all levels of experience (must be fluent in English), June
Enamorate de tu ciudad: arts, cultural and 12 and June 14, 6-9 p.m. at the Teatro Laurence Olivier,
educational shows and classes, urban sports, Av. 2, Ca. 28, next to Sala Garbo, San José, more info at
handicraft exhibits, clowns, ping pong, food, 8858-1446 or www.littletheatregroup.org.
chess tables, Saturdays, through Dec. 1, 10 a.m.,
Parque España, Parque Morazán, Jardín de Paz Verbatim: A Celebration of Words: original works
and Parque La Merced. www.facebook.com/ in English by various local poets, short story writers and
enamoratedetuciudad. memoirists, open mic for writers who wish to share their
productions, up to five minutes each for a limited num-
2012 Tropic Bowl II: American football, Cartago
ber of readers, June 24, 2 p.m., at the Teatro Laurence
Dragons/New England All Stars (from the U.S. city of
Olivier, Ave. 2, Calle 28, next to Sala Garbo, San José,
Boston) v.s. Tico All Stars, June 9, 11 a.m., La Lima
more information at 8858-1446 or at www.littlethe-
Field, Cartago, 8768-6671.
atregroup.org.
*Cantoamérica: Caribbean songs, June 9, 10 p.m.,
Jazz Café San Pedro, next to Banco Popular, 2253- “Divorciadas, evangélicas y vegetarianas”:
8933, www.jazzcafecostarica.com. Comedy, Thurs.-Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro Torres, Av. 8, Ca.
11/13, 2256-4295.
*Son of Tikizia: salsa and Latino, June 9, 10 p.m.,
Jazz Café Escazú, opposite CIMA Hospital, 2288-4740, “Dos arriba y una abajo”: Comedy, Fri.-Sun., 8
p.m., Teatro Arlequín, Ca. 15, Av. 2/6, 2221-5485.
www.jazzcafecostarica.com.
SUNDAY “Las monjas también la pulsean”: Comedy, Fri.-
Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro Sancheto, Ca. 13, Av. 6/8.
*Hike: 12-kilometer, five-hour hike from Cervantes
to Birris, Turrialba bus departs at 6:45 a.m., June 10, “Papichulo”: Comedy, Fri.-Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro
from 100 meters south of Democracy Plaza, Ecologi- Molière, Ca. 13, Av. 2/4, 2222-5281.
cas Educativa Shkuk, call 8306-6354 or 2223-3186
“¡Qué zambrote!”: Comedy, presented by Masque-
for more information, or visit https://sites.google.
Dos, Sat.-Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro Centenario, Curridabat,
com/site/caminatasshkuk.
200 m east, 100 m south of EPA, 2271-0909.
“Sexolorrisas”: Comedy, Fri.-Sun., 8 p.m., Teatro
9 a.m.-4 p.m., runs through June 20, Costa Rican Art Chaplin, Av. 10, Ca. 11/12, 2221-0812.
Museum, east of La Sabana Park, 2256-1281, www.
“Taxiando por un sueño”: Comedy, Fri.-Sun., 8
musarco.go.cr.
p.m., Teatro La Esquina, Av. 1, Ca. 21, 2257-0223.
“Mangroves and Beyond”: six wooden sculptures
“Made in Tikicia”: Comedy, Thurs.-Sun., 8 p.m.,
by Tony Jiménez, through July 20, Daniel Oduber
Teatro Urbano, Av. 2, across from Plaza de la Democra-
International Airport, Liberia, for more information
cia, 2255-0522, 8821-3884.
contact Hidden Garden Art Gallery, 8386-6872, 8386-
6968.
“Del Trópico a las praderas”: an exhibition of
artwork from Carolina Herrera Rodríquez exploring the
differences between the tropics of Costa Rica and the
“Esqueleto con Sombrero”: A 30-minute interactive
prairie of Illinois, through June 29, National Gallery at
play with Santi the skeleton, through June, Wed.-Fri.
the Children’s Museum, north end of Ca. 4, 2258-4929, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 11:30 a.m., 12:30
www.museocr.com. p.m., and 3 p.m., Children’s Museum, north end of Ca.
“Forging Suns and Treasuring Chunches”: a solo 4, 2258-4929, www.museocr.com.
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-
5341, www.teatronacional.go.cr.
Vincente Fernández: “My Farewell,” the king of
ranchera music ends his performing career with this Courtesy of SIBU Chocolate
show, Aug. 23, National Stadium, 2206-7770, www. A special Father’s Day tour and
laboleteria.co.cr. tasting at Sibú Chocolate in San
Isidro de Heredia will includes a
*Serrat & Sabina: Titanic Orchestra, Nov. 21,
Ricardo Saprissa Stadium, San Juan de Tibás, San
four-course lunch and stories on
the history of C.R. chocolate.
José, tickets at www.specialticket.net.

*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
CCM Alajuela, Mall Internacional, Alajuela, 2442-
6100, www.ccmcinemas.com
21 Jump Street: 7, 9:20 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, 11, 12:30 p.m. (Sa-Su), 1, 2:30, 3, 4:30,
5, 6:30, 7, 8:30 p.m.
Men In Black III: 2, 4:20 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: 1:10, 3:50, 6:30,
9:10 p.m.
The Avengers: 9:30 p.m.
CCM Cariari, Plaza Real, Ciudad Cariari,
Heredia, 2293-3300, www.ccmcinemas.com
21 Jump Street: 1:50, 4:10, 6:30, 8:50 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: 12:10 p.m. (Sa-Su), 2:30, 4:50,
7:10, 9:30 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: 1:10, 3:50, 6:30,
9:10 p.m.
The Avengers: 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, 11:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 1, 1:30, 3, 3:30,
5, 5:30, 7, 7:30, 9, 9:30 p.m.; dubbed, noon, 2, 4,
6, 8 p.m.
Men In Black III: subtitled, noon (Sa-Su), 2:20,
4:40, 7 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: 11:40 a.m.
(Sa-Su), 2:20, 5, 7:40 p.m.
The Avengers: subtitled, 9:20 p.m.
CCM San Carlos, Plaza San Carlos, Ciudad
Quesada, 2460-6202, www.ccmcinemas.com
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: dubbed,
12:30 p.m. (Sa-Su), 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 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,
6:50, 9:10 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
dubbed, 10:30, 11 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:30, 1, 2:30,
3, 4:30, 5, 6:30, 7, 8:30, 9 p.m.; dubbed, 10:30,
11:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30,
5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 p.m.
Men In Black III: 3-D, dubbed, 11 a.m. (Sa-Su),
1:20, 3:40, 6, 8:20 p.m
Paranormal Activity 3: 11:15 a.m. (Sa-Su), 1:45,
3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 p.m.
Snow White and The Huntsman: subtitled, 10:45
a.m. (Sa-Su), 1:25, 4:05, 6:45, 9:25 p.m.; dubbed,
12:30 p.m. (Sa-Su), 3:10, 5:50, 8:30 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: 7, 9:20 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: dubbed,
noon, 1 p.m. (Sa-Su), 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 p.m.
Men In Black III: 2, 4:20 p.m.
The Avengers: dubbed, 6:30, 9:30 p.m.
Cinemark Escazú, Multiplaza Escazú, 2201-
5050, www.cinemarkca.com
21 Jump Street: F, M-Th, 1:25, 4:05, 6:40, 9:15 p.m.;
Sa-Su, 11:35 a.m., 2:05, 4:35, 7:10, 9:45 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, 9:40
p.m.; dubbed, F, M-Th, 1, 1:30, 3:20, 3:55, 5:40,
6:25, 8 p.m.; Sa-Su, 11, 11:30 a.m., 1:15, 1:50,
3:35, 4:10, 6, 6:30, 8:20 p.m.
THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012 | WEEKEND | W7
This Week’s Movies
*21 Jump Street (Comando especial):
Two bumbling cops are 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.
Battleship (Batalla naval): Loosely
based on the eponymous game, some ships
must destroy some other ships in this sci-
ence-fiction action film. Starring Alexan-
der Skarsgård, Brooklyn Decker, Rihanna,
Liam Neeson. Directed by Erich Hoeber, Jon
Hoeber.
*Madagascar 3: European’s Most
Wanted: The gang is still fighting to get
back to New York, which involves a slight
detour through Europe and participation in
a traveling 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 1980s, two
young sisters make friends with a spirit who Courtesy of Dreamworks Animation
lives in their house. Starring Chloe Csengery,
Back to School: Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum play two idiotic cops sent
Jessica Tyler Brown and Christopher Nicholas
Smith. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel back to high school on an assignment to bring down a synthetic drug ring in
Schulman. “21 Jump Street.” The film is based on the television series of the same name,
Shame (Deseos cupables): A 30-some- and also stars Ice Cube.
thing New York City sex addict named Bran-
don must adjust his lifestyle when his sister
Sissy, a struggling lounge singer from Los of super heroes called The Avengers must Another Nicholas Sparks love story in which
Angeles, arrives for an unannounced and fight to save Earth from an evil army and its a marine goes looking for a blond woman in
indefinite stay. Starring Michael Fassbender, leader, Loki. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Louisiana whom he believes has been his good
Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale. Directed Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Samuel luck charm during three tours in Iraq. Starring
by Steve McQueen. L. Jackson, Chris Evans. Directed by Joss
Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Blythe Danner.
Whedon.
Snow White and the Huntsman (Blan- Directed by Scott Hicks.
canieves y el cazador): A huntsman is The Raven (El cuervo): A young Balti-
The Pirates! Band of Misfits (¡Piratas!
supposed to kill Snow White, but instead more detective and Edgar Allan Poe must
Una loca aventura): An animated film about
he becomes her protector on a journey to stop a killer, who is committing grisly mur-
defeat the evil queen. Starring Kristen Stewart, ders inspired by Poe’s works. Starring John an enthusiastic but decidedly unsuccessful
Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron. Directed Cusack, Alice Eve and Luke Evans. Directed pirate captain who sets out with an decidedly
by Rupert Sanders. by James McTeigue. inept crew to win the Pirate of the Year award.
The Avengers (Los vengadores): A team The Lucky One (Cuando te encuentre): Directed by Peter Lord, Jeff Newitt.
Men In Black III: 3-D, Subtitled, F, M-Th, 1:15, 4, 7, p.m.; subtitled, 11 a.m., (Sa-Su), 1:20, 3:40, 6, of CIMA Hospital, Escazú, 2299-7485, www.
9:40 p.m.; Sa-Su, 11:20 a.m., 1:45, 4:25, 7, 9:35 8:20 p.m.; dubbed, noon, 2:20, 4:40, 7, 9:20 p.m., novacinemas.cr
p.m.; Dubbed, F, M-Th, 12:40, 3:15, 6:05, 8:40 subtitled, 11 a.m., (Sa-Su), 1:20, 3:40, 6, 8:20 p.m. 21 Jump Street: 4 p.m. (Sa-Su), 6:45, 9:15 p.m.
p.m.; Sa-Su, 10:45 a.m., 1:10, 3:45, 6:20, 9 p.m. Snow White and The Huntsman: subtitled, 11:30 a.m. Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D,
Snow White and The Huntsman: F, M-Th, 12:45, (Sa-Su), 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, 7, 8:30, 10 p.m.; dubbed, dubbed, 11:30 a.m., 2, 4:15 p.m. Sa-Su, 4:40, 7
3:40, 6:35, 9:30 p.m.; (Sa-Su), 12:15, 3:20, 6:35, noon, 3, 6, 9 p.m. p.m.; IMAX, 3-D, dubbed, 11 a.m., (Sa-Su), 2,
9:30 p.m. The Avengers: 3-D, subtitled, 6, 9 p.m.; dubbed, 11 4:30, 7:15 p.m. Tu, 3:30, 5:40; dubbed, 11:15
The Avengers: Dubbed, F, M-Th, 12:35, 3:30, 6:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 2 p.m.; subtitled, 5, 8 p.m. a.m., 2:15 p.m. (Sa-Su), 4:30, 6:40, 9 p.m.
p.m.; Sa-Su, noon, 3:10, 6:15, p.m.; Men In Black III: IMAX- 3-D, subtitled, 9:30 p.m.;
3-D, subtitled, F, M-Th, 9:45 p.m.; Sa-Su, 9:25 p.m. Multicines Liberia, Plaza Liberia, 1 km digital, 3-D, dubbed, 11:45 a.m., 2:30 p.m.,
The Raven: F, M-Th, 9 p.m.; Sa-Su, 9:10 p.m. before Liberia, 2665-1515, www.multicines- (Sa-Su), 4:45 p.m.; digital, 3-D, subtitled, 7, 9:15
liberia.com p.m.; subtitled, VIP, 4:15 p.m. (Sa-Su), 6:30, 8:45
Cinépolis Terramall, Terramall, Tres Ríos, 21 Jump Street: F-Su, noon, 2:20, 4:40, 7, 9:20 p.m., p.m.
2518-0002, www.cinepolis.co.cr M-Th, 2:20, 4:40, 7, 9:20 p.m. Snow White and The Huntsman: 11:15 a.m.
21 Jump Street: 2, 4:40, 7:20, 10 p.m. Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D, (Sa-Su), 3, 6, 9 p.m.
Madagascar 3: Europeans Most Wanted: 3-D, dubbed, F-Su, noon, 2, 4:20, 6:40, 9 p.m., M-Th, The Avengers: digital, 3-D, subtitled, 6:30, 9:30
dubbed, 10, 11 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:20, 1:20, 2:40, 2:30, 4:30, 6:40, 9 p.m. p.m., Sa-Su, 9:20 p.m.
3:40, 5, 7:20, 9:40 p.m.; dubbed, VIP, 11 a.m. Men In Black III: 3-D, dubbed, F-Su, noon, 2:10,
(Sa-Su), 1:20, 3:40, 6, 8:20 p.m.; 4:20 p.m., M-Th, 2:30, 4:30 p.m., 3-D, subtitled, Variedades Theater, Ca. 5, Av. Ctrl./1, San
3-D, dubbed, VIP, 10 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:20, 2:40, 5, 6:40 p.m., José, 2222-6108, www.facebook.com/
7:20 p.m.; 3-D, subtitled, VIP, 9:40 p.m.; dubbed, Snow White and The Huntsman: 4:30, 7, 9:20 p.m. TeatroVariedades
10:30, 11:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:50, 1:50, 3:10, 4:10, The Avengers 3-D: Subtitled, 9 p.m. Fuenteovejuna: F-Su, Th, 8 p.m.
5:30, 6:30, 7:50, 8:50, 10:10 p.m. The Raven: subtitled, F- Su, noon, 2:10 p.m., M- Th, Martes el borde: T, 7:30 p.m.
Men In Black III: subtitled, VIP, 12:50, 3:10, 5:30, 2:20 p.m. Mi Butaca VIP: M, 7:30 p.m.
7:50, 10:10 p.m.; 3-D, subtitled, 5:30, 7:50, 10:10 Madagascar 3: European’s Most Wanted: 3-D, F-Su,
p.m.; 3-D, dubbed, 10:30 a.m. (Sa-Su), 12:50, 3:10 Nova Cinemas, Avenida Escazú, east side 1, 3, 5 p.m.; M, Tu, 3, 5 p.m.; Th, 5 p.m.
 W8 | WEEKEND | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012
Spotlight
The Jícaro Artist
By Elisabeth Janos
Special to The Tico Times
T
his is how Leonardo Androvetto tells
the story of how he began making
gourds from the jícaro (calabash)
tree into art: “My friend said he would teach
me if I wanted to learn. I bought tools in
San José. I didn’t think I’d like it. But when
I start, I like so much.”
That was just three years ago, and now
Androvetto, 25, is making a living off of his
creations. He lives in San José most of the
year, but winters in Playa Sámara, where his
uncle also works as an artist.
To build his art, Androvetto first takes
the large green balls, which are sometimes
oval shaped, from the jícaro tree. With a
sharp tool, he makes a sketch. With another
tool he gouges out his design. The process
takes about two or three hours, depending
on the size of the fruit. “Each gouge is very
hard on the hands, need to be so quiet, need
to concentrate on the work,” he says.
His hand is a tapestry of scars, evidence
of how the tool sometimes slips. He makes
designs on just half of the fruit, and he cuts
them apart only when he has finished chis-
eling the designs.
The innards have an odd chemical smell,
but not a bad taste. The fruit is filled with
a green gel that needs to be scraped out,
which can be difficult. Androvetto invented
a process for soaking the fruit in water to
simplify the scraping, and he also created
Courtesy of Elisabeth Janos
Carving the Gourd: Leonardo
Androvetto scrapes the figure of a tur-
tle into fruit from the jícaro tree. This
design stage takes two or three hours.
12814
12163
on the Arts
Courtesy of Elisabeth Janos
Practical Art: These jícaro gourds can
be canteens, bowls, cups and lamps.
special tools to aid in the process. Once
scraped and cleaned, the outer shell dries,
becoming hard and resilient.
Besides the artistic value of the pieces,
they are also used to make canteens, bowls,
cups and lamps. The tradition comes from
the Chorotega Indians, who lived in Guana-
caste hundreds of years ago, Androvetto
explains.
Androvetto’s mentor, Xavier, taught
him the trade, but “we have different kinds
of styles,” Androvetto says. “My style is
often more traditional, like masks or faces,
like pre-Columbian art, the art that comes
from the Indians.” Indeed, his style is often
called primitive.
Making the art supports Androvetto
during tourist season, he says, and other
members of his family live the same way.
His mother makes ceramics, and his aunt
works in several mediums. His uncle, Indio,
whom he spends winters with in Sámara,
carves pendants from coral and bone, often
in the shape of traditional Indian faces. “In
the past, I never knew I have the art in my
blood,” Androvetto says.
He and his uncle Indio sell art on the beach
and in restaurants in Sámara for $10-$30 a
piece, but those interested may order it at
joseandrovetto@hotmail.com. The work is in
high demand and goes fast.
Androvetto is grateful for that, and for
the new friends he has made through art:
“The jícaro gave me the opportunity to
meet people from other countries, Ger-
many, Switzerland, U.S., Italy, too.”n
Plastic
0079
“Eyes of the Soul”
Photo Courtesy of Hidden Garden Art Gallery
Born in 1951 in the port town of Puntarenas, Hernán Pérez grew up in a maritime
environment full of rich imagery. As a child, he scribbled fishing boats, waves smashing
against cliffs, the beach, shells, seagulls and images of the estuary and mangroves. Not
a day went by when Pérez was not drawing. In Puntarenas there were no places to buy
art supplies, but he began using house paint and items he could make himself. He
experimented with masonry pigments, mixing them with materials such as ground
coal, scraped chalk, pulverized shells, limestone and pieces of tile and brick. Over the
years, he learned to use color to capture the tones and nuances of fishing boats and
large ships.
His father worked as a jeweler, using colorful turquoise, onyx, amber and other
gemstones. Pérez began to develop a taste for polished surfaces, which is exemplified
in the detail and technical sophistication of his paintings. He has memories of his
grandmother decorating “guacales” or gourds, with carvings. The designs are similar
to the complex artistic styles of the local indigenous peoples of the Boruca region,
and have made their way into Pérez’s own acrylic and oil works.
At 18, he moved to San José with his family and started to paint the rugged
landscape of the suburbs. He painted cottages clustered and staggered with an almost
cubist perspective and plenty of detail. He was only working with watercolors at the
time, but eventually he entered the workshop of the Austrian painter Herbert Birkner,
who taught him the art of enameling on copper and numerous other techniques,
including acrylic, chalk pastel and egg tempera painting on porcelain. With a strong
spiritual connection to the earth, and living in a country with fascinating ecology,
Pérez has become convinced that his art must have a relation to the environment that
shapes and molds us. Today, trees, bromeliads, flowers, vines, birds, waterfalls, frogs,
butterflies and the heavenly world are depicted in his paintings to demonstrate the
world his grandparents lived in.
The public is invited to meet Pérez at the opening of “Eyes of the Soul” on
Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Hidden Garden Art Gallery. The
gallery is 5 kilometers west of the Liberia Airport (towards the beaches). For more
information, call 8386- 6872 of visit http://hiddengarden.thevanstonegroup.com.
Surgery
More than 25 years experience
Hospital Clínica Santa Rita
8th Ave., 15-17th Streets
South side of Central Court
Ph: (506) 2223-7214 / 2221-2225
E-mail: fournier@racsa.co.cr
Visit: www.drfournier.com
12913
 THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012 | GUANACASTE | 9

SPECIAL SECTION: GUANACASTE

A Familiar Name Behind New Country Club

By Hannah J. Ryan “After the global stagnant period, things are to live in the center, attend the school and “This is one of the only places I go
Tico Times Staff now lining up to support this project, and it’s socialize together. Specific homes for staff to where I feel party divisions have no influ-
only going to get better.” purchase are to be constructed as well. ence, especially in this electoral season,” he
LIBERIA, Guanacaste – One business The country club would include 1,300 “We absolutely will be a part of the com- said.
on the brink of large financial investment homes in a gated community, with a Jack munity,” Biden said. “Volumes are spoken Biden will surely feel at home there. He
in the northwestern province of Guanacaste Nicklaus golf course and academy, swim- by the fact that we do not have a wall built said he went to law school at Pepperdine
strives to be part of the community as well ming and tennis facilities, a school, an anti- around this place. Most of the amenities are University in Malibu, California, and got
as provide luxury living in a country club aging clinic and a medical center. The facil- public and it’s the Guanacaste people who an excellent education in surfing. The
atmosphere. ity’s motto is “luxury with a logical cost.” have permitted us to be here.” Guanacaste Country Club is located 20 min-
For years, developers have studied Home prices range from $225,000 for Biden said that after the upcoming utes from the beach and numerous renowned
Guanacaste as a potential location for an a two-bedroom unit to $445,000 for a five- U.S. presidential elections in November, surfing sites.
indulgent living center and athletic acad- bedroom house. he will be excited to spend more time in For more information, see:
emy. That type of establishment is nearing The price tag on the Guanacaste Country Guanacaste. www.guanacastecc.com.n
to reality, accord- Club is $106 million,
ing to Frank Biden, and $4.9 million has
co-developer of the already been put into
Guanacaste Country “After the global stagnant peri- the project.
Club and brother of Craig Williamson
Joe Biden, vice presi- od, things are now lining up to lives in Liberia and
dent of the United support this project, and it’s only is Biden’s partner in
States. developing the coun-
“This is the pen- going to get better” try club. He said the
ultimate moment,” group has received
Biden said. “All the –Developer Westley Stumbo, 62,000 inquiries in
ducks are lined up speaking about the Guanacaste the four years that he
and we just need to Country Club project has been developing
get them to quack at an online brand.
the same time.” “We had to
Biden and Westley weather the econom-
Stumbo, from Bluegrass Equity, a U.S. com- ic storm, but I’m almost happy we did,”
pany that raises funds for high-brand resi- Williamson said. “That kept the focus on
dential development, said they are inter- improving the sustainability technology of
viewing front-end financing partners, and the facility as well as developing ourselves
they have an interested company for their online. Now the market is positioning itself
project, which is located eight minutes from really well.”
the Daniel Oduber International Airport and The country club is LEED certified, and
10 minutes from the provincial capital of is being built on once-forested land that was
Liberia. The paperwork is not yet signed, so converted to sugarcane fields.
they would not release the name of the orga- Williamson said it was Biden who made
nization, but they hope to begin construc- the commitment to staffing the center with
tion in the next two to three months. 95 percent employees from the Guanacaste
“Guanacaste is the most attractive region region. This is creating a village, Williamson
in the country in my opinion,” Stumbo said. said. He wants employees and their children

Courtesy of Andrés Benavente

Saddle Up: In a ceremony welcoming Frank Biden, right, to the northwest-
ern province of Guanacaste, the mayor of Liberia, Luis Gerardo Castañeda,
left, presented Biden with a miniature leather saddle representing the ranch-
ing culture of the region.
0089
 10 | BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012
Costa Rica: A Tale of Two Economies
By Fernando Quirós
Tico Times Staff
“It was the best of times, it was the worst
of times.” The opening lines of Charles
Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” are certainly
applicable to Costa Rica’s position in the
world economy right now.
Production has positive momentum, and
the Central Bank sees Costa Rica on track for
4 percent economic growth in 2012 (TT,
June 1). This will be less than the 4.2 percent
of 2011, but more than the 3.8 percent that
that institution projected at the start of the
year, and two times the recently revised eco-
nomic growth projection of 2 percent for the
United States.
After two slow years, foreign direct
investment in Costa Rica increased to a
record $2.1 billion for 2011, recovering past
2008 levels, according to a report by the
Economic Commission for Latin America
and the Caribbean.
Yes, these are positive developments, but
Costa Ricans have mixed attitudes towards
the economic situation. On June 4, finan-
cial weekly El Financiero published mostly
positive outlooks for business expansion in
2012 based on a survey of corporate business
manager attitudes. But family breadwinners
and small-business owners see the prices of
fuel and interest rates going up, and feel an
uptick in inflation. A steady diet of news
showing an evermore dysfunctional govern-
ment, culminating in a tax package fiasco in
April, has also undercut confidence.
U.S. Tax
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“But with GOD all things are possible” Mt. 19:26
Business
Costa Rica Direct Foreign Investment
(In Millions)
$2,500
$2,000
$1,500
$1,000
$500
$0
2006 2007 2008 2009
Even though there is good news nation-
ally, Costa Rica is dependent on exports for
its prosperity. So what happens in the world
economy is important, and uncertainty out-
side Costa Rica’s borders sows doubt as to
the sustainability of recovery from the 2010
downturn. International interest rates are at
record lows, driven by money-printing by
the U.S. Federal Reserve to try to stimulate
the U.S. economy, combined with panic in
Europe over Greece and Spain and the pos-
sible breakdown of the euro.
The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury
bond rates just hit a low of 1.45 percent
Real Estate
Superintendency numbers show a 32 per-
Going Up:
cent increase in foreign loans and lines of
credit to Costa Rican banks, over levels of a
Foreign direct year ago. This money has come from both
traditional development-financing sources
investment in (the Inter-American Development Bank
Costa Rica has and the U.S. government’s Overseas Private
been steadily Investment Corporation) and commercial
lenders such as Citibank. What is unheard
gaining since of is not just the amount of the loans, but
plummeting the terms: interest rates between 2 percent
in late 2008, and 6 percent, and 8-15 years to pay.
The explanation for the relative lack of
according to popular enthusiasm over these good foreign
Central Bank investment and bank credit numbers lies in
the dual nature of Costa Rica’s economy: a
figures. It has dollar-based export-production machine
now surpassed for which companies can’t find enough
qualified workers, and a more slowly grow-
a 2008 peak.
2010 2011 ing colón economy in which local produc-
ers must fight for customers and credit.
Fernando Quirós | Tico Times
Can there be integration to share the
on June 1, a rate which would have been export sector’s boom with the rest of the
considered impossibly low only a year ago. Costa Rican economy? Will the U.S. econ-
A 1.45 percent return on a 10-year bond omy muddle through to better times, and
will almost certainly be less than inflation. will international markets hold together
Investors are effectively paying the Fed to so that Costa Rica’s export boom can con-
hold their money. tinue? These are huge challenges, and Costa
With this kind of an interest rate envi- Rica has no control at all over what hap-
ronment, even conservative investors will pens outside its borders. But so far in 2012,
look in new places to invest their money, things are holding together. Depending on
like Costa Rica and its export companies or which part of the Costa Rican economy
banks. Concerning the latter, El Financiero someone works in, maybe best and worst
notes that “foreign credit is raining on the don’t apply, but it’s either good times or
banks.” bad times for people who may live right
Costa Rican Financial Institution next to each other.n
James Brohl, C.P.A. & M.B.A.
U.S.
INCOME TAX U.S. INCOME
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11742
12164
Economic Indicators
May31-June
May 26 - June
7 |2Current
| CurrentValues
Valuesand
andPercentage
Percentage Changes
Changes
U.S. DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE* MOST ACTIVE STOCKS
BUY: ₡498.73 Stock Volume Average Price
SELL: ₡509.68 Fifco $696,106.27 $867.14
*Wednesday’s Central Bank reference rate.
for daily updates.
INFLATION Average loan INTEREST Rate
MAY Last 12 months ACCRUED ’12 Colones 19.17%
0.99% 5.04% 2.50%
Dollars 10.07%
SOURCES: Central Bank (www.bccr.fi.cr) & Bolsa Nacional de Valores (www.bolsacr.com)
 THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012 | OPINION | 11

Editorial

Navigating the Country to 2014

A sailing ship is the best analogy for a government. Navigating wind and sea, nei- uation (to Costa Rica) has generated some of the conditions that show up as positives for this
ther of which are under the captain’s control, is the key to success. country: the super-low investment-market interest rates that send capital looking for returns
President Laura Chinchilla’s government has just come through a hurricane, to emerging markets in the form of foreign direct investment, and that also drive the low,
with April’s failure in Congress of a tax package that had become her administration’s long-term-development and commercial loan rates that are benefiting our banking sector.
centerpiece initiative. As la Presidenta regroups to finish out her term, there are further Politically, the most glaring threat is the Chinchilla government’s self-inflicted wound,
storms already brewing, but also some favorable winds. the Juan Rafael Mora 1856 Highway project that parallels Costa Rica’s northern border with
On the positive side, the economy has rebounded from its 2010 slump and shows Nicaragua. Started under a presidential emergency decree in March 2011 to defend Costa
several areas of strength: exchange stability, resumption of decent economic growth and Rican sovereignty from Nicaraguan harassment, the shoddiness of construction and alleged
economic revival of the province hit hardest in 2010, Guanacaste. corruption so far uncovered in this project threaten a permanent stain on Chinchilla’s legacy.
There are negatives, to be sure: colón interest rates are up and inflation has jumped If this administration does not get control of the situation pronto, the scandal has the poten-
recently, and the open sore that is the 5 percent fiscal tial to undermine this government to a degree that will
deficit will have to be left to fester for the next govern- make the tax-package fiasco look like small change.
ment in 2014. If this administration is not hit by a massive external A final threat is the old-fashioned Costa Rican
But on balance, for the short term, economic political cycle. It is taken for granted in this country
strengths outweigh the effects of long-term weaknesses.
setback, it should have sufficient economic and political that nothing significant can be accomplished in the
The Chinchilla administration has the immense benefit means to finish out a decent four years of government last year of a presidential administration: Executive
of a solid economic base for the rest of 2012 and 2013. Branch ministerial staffs take hits as the most promi-
At The Tico Times, we have tried to highlight nent high-level officeholders quit to join campaigns
specifics of positive economic news in recent articles. The Central Bank’s monthly eco- and position themselves for the election and the next government. In the normal course
nomic activity indicator forecasts possible 4 percent economic growth for Costa Rica in of events, these changes would start in the first quarter of 2013. But Rodrigo Arias, brother
2012, while in the United States, the projection for GDP growth has been revised down- of Chinchilla’s presidential predecessor and one-time mentor, Oscar Arias, is already
wards to 1.9 percent for this year. Foreign direct investment in Costa Rica was totaled agitating to bring the National Liberation Party nominating convention forward in time.
at a record $2.1 billion for 2011 (see story, Page 10). Private and state banks are getting Chinchilla will have an added political burden in trying to hold together a cohesive staff
loans and lines of credit of the good kind – low interest and long-term – for more than for the rest of her government.
$1.4 billion. The northwestern province of Guanacaste, which was hit harder than any So, Capt. Chinchilla of the good ship Costa Rica has her work cut out for her. Right
other province in Costa Rica’s 2010 recession, is staging a comeback based on the Daniel now, sailing, while not smooth, is exhilarating, with favorable short-term economic
Oduber International Airport coming into its own (see story, Page 1). winds providing drive that can be used to handle short-term problems. But the sea is
The storms ahead for the Chinchilla government are both economic and political. choppy, and there are storms, ranging from manageable to overwhelming, just over the
Economically, there is a possible typhoon that Costa Rica can do nothing about: the fragile horizon. Let’s hope she uses her advantages with great skill. If this administration is not
international economy already in recession, and possibly seizing up due to the euro situation hit by a massive external setback, it should have sufficient economic and political means
or some other now less-obvious global financial meltdown. Ironically, this unmanageable sit- to finish out a decent four years of government.

Perspective

Founded in 1956 by Elisabeth Dyer

Under Attack from Within?
Publisher 1972-1996 Richard Dyer
By José Miguel Vivanco If the OAS, whose members met this Under this system, two types of govern-
week in Bolivia, were to approve the secre- ments operate: those that openly intend to
1981 IAPA - Pedro G. Beltrán Award for distinguished The most valuable tool we have collec- tary’s current report, it would reduce the limit the principle attributions of the com-
service to the community tively managed to create in this hemisphere commission’s independence by granting the mission and its rapporteur for freedom of
1985 Special Citation Maria Moors Cabot Awards to defend and expand human rights and OAS General Assembly the power to redefine expression and those that defend them by
1990 National Conservation Prize civil liberties is in serious danger. For many what the commission and its rapporteurs can disarming the most damaging initiatives
1995 IAPA Grand Prize for Press Freedom impartial observers, the Inter-American and cannot do. Insulza proposes a reform of with the support of civil society.
1998 Salvation Army Others Award Commission on Human Rights is one of the the commission’s statute in key protective It has taken great effort to ensure that
National Tourism Chamber Media Award few credible institutions that functions in the areas, including the commission’s power to these discussions so far have led only to
Organization of American States (OAS). urgently intervene, initiate cases and – some- recommendations and the drafting of non-
In memoriam - Linda Frazier (1945-1984)
The commission and its special rappor- thing that most bothers human rights viola- binding recommendations. For more than
Vol. LV N. 2171 tors – produce country reports. 30 years, the commission’s statute has never
teur for freedom of expression – a mecha-
nism that irritates a few leaders – are directly On this last point, for example, the been changed, firstly, because changing it is
Publisher Dery Dyer Advertising
responsible for the most important progress secretary general proposes that the same not justified, and secondly, because the
Editor David Boddiger Cindy Vargas in diverse areas including decriminalization states the commission monitors should be political conditions under which new calls
Weekend Editor Ashley Harrell Edwin Ramírez of defamation and slander, the repeal of given the authority to define the terms of for change have emerged were created by
Sustainable Living Editor Steve Mack Jeannette Campos contempt laws, annulment of amnesty laws, that supervision, and the power to delay by the same governments that have declared
Online Editor Laianer Arias Vanessa Marenco reforms to military privilege, better access to up to one year publication of the reports, themselves enemies of the commission.
Business Manager Olman Chacón which essentially condemns them to irrel- It’s not surprising for anyone that the
information in the public interest and the
Public Relations & Sales Manager Circulation Manager:
Kathia Lorena Coto Diego Herrera
repeal of other discriminatory norms. evance. governments of the Bolivarian Alliance for
Meizel Hernández If the commission and its rapporteur What is certain is that these attacks are the Americas would be pleased to partici-
Staff Writers & Contributors
have been so successful, why is there a con- not new. Since 1993, several attempts have pate in a process to reform the commission
Ann Antkiw, Ed Bernhardt, Kate Galante,
David Garrett, Julie Godfrey,
Finance certed campaign against them? The answer is been made to discredit the commission or and its rapporteur. What is surprising is
Néstor González, Susan Hall Liang,
Rigoberto León very simple: They have affected the interests limit its authority. Governments of differ- that Brazil is also supporting this strategy. It
Rod Hughes, Andrew Kasper, of governments with clear autocratic tenden- ent ideologies and a nostalgia for sover- is nothing short of deception that a country
Production Manager:
Gaby Kyriss, Shawn Larkin, Matt Levin,
Mayra Sojo
cies – governments that are powerful enough eignty –  under the guise of the concept of aspiring to assume global responsibilities –
Vicky Longland, Dorothy Mac­Kinnon, to believe they cannot be held accountable non-meddling – have discovered the perfect including in areas of human rights – and
Roy Arguedas
Jennifer McLennan, Clayton R. Norman,
by a regional supervisory body for their poli- formula to promote their agenda: working that swears to adhere to multilateralism,
Jack O’Brien, Todd Staley,
Mitzi Stark, Jeffrey Van Fleet
Customer Service cies or the actions of their politicians. groups that the OAS euphemistically says would continue boycotting the commission
Max Bejarano Sadly, instead of exercising leadership to “strengthen the human rights system.” In after this commission had the audacity to
Photography Martha Gamboa
Gabe Dinsmoor, Alberto Font,
protect this important institution, OAS Secre- reality, what they really are looking for is a solicit information about the impact of a
Bernardino Madrigal
Fernando Quirós Mariel Salazar
tary General José Miguel Insulza has joined weakening of the system, and, if they could, hydroelectric dam project on Amazonian
forces with those who would debilitate it. its replacement. indigenous communities.
Systems
Erick Pérez Esquivel
The secretary general justifies this new
direction by maintaining that it will generate
Edwin Cárdenas
Rules for Letters and Perspective more legal security and better protection.
The Tico Times (USPS 002-579) is published every Friday
Judging by the record of some governments’
for $65 per year by The Tico Times S.A., The Tico Times welcomes your contributions. Letters to the editor must be 500 words treatment of their own citizens, especial-
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Apdo. 4632-1000, San José, Costa Rica. Thanks for reading. the Americas Division at Human Rights
Copyright Convention: unauthorized reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Watch.
12 | OPINION | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012
Sand-Dweller
Photo by María Catanzaro
First-time Tico Times reader María Catanzaro stumbled upon this tiny
beach critter during a February trip to Playa Bejuco, on the central Pacific
coast. Thanks for reading María!
E-mail your photos to letters@ticotimes.net or upload them at the Reader Photo Gallery at www.ticotimes.net
Letters
Symphony Conductor
Still Going Strong
Dear Tico Times:
On Sunday evening, May 27, University
of Costa Rica Radio broadcast a concert
recorded earlier at the National Theater by
the National Symphony Orchestra and con-
ducted by Irwin Hoffman.
Mr. Hoffman, born into a Jewish family
in New York, in the United States, and later
a protégé of renowned conductor Serge
Koussevitzky, became conductor of the
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 1952,
and those concerts were broadcast across
Canada on Sunday evenings during the
winter season, alternating on CBC with the
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
At nearly 88, Maestro Hoffman has thus
surpassed Arturo Toscanini, who retired at
87 and whose concerts in New York City
Señor Hoffman undoubtedly attended in
his formative years.
Perhaps one should not mention
Hoffman and Toscanini in the same breath,
but it is still a remarkable accomplishment
to maintain a creditable musical career
over 60 years. We look forward to further
concerts and broadcasts of music under his
conductor’s baton.
J. F. Ogilvie
San Pedro de Montes de Oca
Dear President Chinchilla:
Just Go For It
Dear Tico Times:
I loved Mr. Stiles’ May 18 perspec-
tive, “C.R. Fisheries: A Tragedy of the
Commons.” Unregulated fishing in all
waters is a tragedy. Costa Rica does not have
to slide further into the tragedy of lawless-
ness and environmental ruin.
Marine-science knowledge and help
is available. Law enforcement is possible.
President Laura Chinchilla has demonstrat-
ed she is a law enforcer by internationally
pursuing Capt. Paul Watson, so she also can
be the enforcer of good environmental con-
servation laws that support healthy oceans.
Let us all cheer her on.
Go for it, President Chinchilla, you have
nothing to lose.
You have lost so much already. You have
a healthy coastal economy to gain. Start
endorsing and enforcing laws against irre-
sponsible fishing now. Irresponsible fisher-
men bite the hand that feeds them, and they
destroy the very source of their food (and
money).
Show irresponsible fishermen that there
is a better way.
Carina Tripodi
Oceano, California, U.S.
Doña Pilar, a Second-Class
Citizen?
Dear Tico Times:
Recently on Channel 7 Telenoticias,
newswoman Pilar Cisneros declared herself
a second-class citizen here in Costa Rica.
She went on to explain how the upper tier
gets all the benefits, while others get no sup-
port. I want to commend her for her cour-
age and the forthright editorial comment.
This is the kind of person I have been
looking for here in Costa Rica: one who is
intelligent and forthright. We need a few
hundred more like her to come out and
speak on this issue.
The ruling National Liberation Party
and other parties give us the same old, tired
policies. President Laura Chinchilla has
proved to be inept. Her administration has
lost 11 ministers, many of them accused of
some type of corruption.
What happened to her campaign prom-
ise to be “Firma y Honesta” (“Firm and
Honest”)? What happened to her promises
NESTOR G.
to care for the poor and make the playing
field level for everyone, not just her friends?
Pilar Cisneros, please continue speak-
ing out and telling the truth. To Channel 7:
I admire your station and the fact that you
have such a wonderful person working for
you. I hope she continues for many years
too come. I will be watching.
Dwayne Egelund
San José
A Step Backward for
C.R. Democracy
Dear Tico Times:
When opening today’s edition of your
newspaper (TT, June 1), my heart sank
to see two avowed homophobes featured
on the front page: the pope and the newly
appointed president of the Legislative
Assembly’s Human Rights Commission.
One wonders when seeing our lady
president hobnobbing with the pope and an
ultra-conservative religious bigot deciding
about human rights whether there is any
kind of separation of church and state in
Costa Rica.
Also, I wonder what Señora Chinchilla,
our first woman president, really thought
about lawmaker Justo Orozco’s comment
about how Costa Rican women should be in
the home breeding babies.
By supporting these attitudes, we seem
to have taken a huge step backward, both
locally and internationally, in terms of free-
dom for all.
Daniel Carranza
Escazú
Why Are You Here?
Dear Tico Times:
Yesterday, I went to a Fresh Market –
which I normally don’t do because I don’t
need overpriced food – and having bought
my tortillas, cheese and rum, I waited with
my food in hand behind a North American
trying to check out. He seemed like a very
nice man, and he was obviously settled here,
judging from the fact that he walked to the
store under an umbrella.
I witnessed his interaction with the
cashier. He tried to pay with a credit card,
which didn’t work. The cashier tried it
twice, and then rather meekly informed
the customer that there seemed to be a
problem with the card. The customer,
being a nice man after all, didn’t get upset,
but he simply didn’t understand Spanish.
He asked the cashier what the problem
was in Midwestern American. The cashier
had no idea what he was asking and
repeated his point that the card didn’t
seem to be working, which the North
American once again failed to understand.
Eventually they sorted it out, the man paid
in cash, and on his way out said “thank
you,” and “sorry about that,” and that was
that. The cashier, whom I know, looked
at me bewildered, and we both wondered,
if they come to live here, why can’t they
learn the language?
It seems like a no-brainer. Moving to
a foreign country with another language
means you have to go out of your way to
learn to speak it, and speak it reasonably
well. I’m from Escazú, born and raised, but
lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years. I
spent my first two years there taking night
classes in conversational English. I did
well. When my kids were born, obviously
I put them in U.S. schools, while sneaking
in nighttime talks about our native coun-
try. They grew up knowing U.S. history,
yet were fluent in Spanish, could sing our
anthem and knew their roots. Maybe it’s
this background that makes what I saw at
the Fresh Market so irksome.
Who are these people, and why are they
here?
Juan Ramón Cabrera
San Rafael de Escazú

Email us: classifieds@ticotimes.net
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100 Animals
101 Adoption
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202 Jobs Wanted
300 Health Services
400 Investments
401 Business For Sale
402 Financing
403 Miscellaneous
404 Business Opport.
405 Business Services
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702 Furniture/Housewares
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704 Memberships
705 Computers For Sale
706 Pawn
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800 Music
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900 Personal
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906 Women Seeking Women
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1000 Real Estate For
Rent
1001 Apartments
1002 Comm. Property
1003 Condominiums
1004 Exchange
1005 Houses
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Sale
1101 Apartments
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1103 Comm. Property
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1106 Farms
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1108 Lots-Property
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1111 Quintas
1200 Services
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1300 Tourism
1301 Accommodations AHPPA’s outreach program
1302 Airfare to rural areas helps reduce
1303 Bed/Breakfast
1304 Camping
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1306 Fishing
1307 Guides
1308 Tourism Info
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1400 Transportation
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1500 Vehicles
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HIRING SEEKING PARTNER for
crepes or delivery of pizza. HHH BIRDS! TREES!
NOW! Incentive pay. APARTMENTS An oasis of green in
SUDAMER
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Tel. 8375-4287 from UCR. Completely
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
(Rohrmoser, Costa Rica) Downtown comple- furnished one-bedroom
700 MISCELLANEOUS tely furnished apart-
Aggressive cold call sales in apartments in an en-
100 ANIMALS Affordable Recovery 703 Miscellaneous ments, safe, secure,
Bringing loved an upbeat atmosphere. Sell closed, safe compound.
101 Adoption ones together tools and safety equipment
Alcohol & Drug Dependency telephone, cable TV, Direct phone, laundry,
•Residential treatment
Wi-Fi Internet.
Around the corner to construction companies in •Assessment •Day treatment
the states. Money motivated •Continuing care Calle 7, Ave. 14 parking, gardens. Exce-
GOOD DOGS need Around the world •Relapse prevention Weekly from $200 llent bus service. Cable
and great communication
a home. Leaving CR, CR 8832-2450 skills are a must. If you’ve
•Programs in English
Monthly from TV, Internet & maid
need to find homes USA 859-402-2240 worked in sportsbooks, sold
•Modified Minnesota Model
•IAFA approved $550 to $680 service available.
for 10+ dogs. toner, or any other direct •Reasonable rates Phone: 2221-0247 $425/$475/$525 mo.
Fixed, some shots. meow@world sales this would be a great Located in Rohrmoser 8381-3183 2273-3173
Cel. 8935-9199 pettravel.com fit. Paid training with a draw In Costa Rica 8348-6369 Fax: 2222-2195 2273-3837
or commission. Toll free in the US carlosedmena@yahoo.com 8663-0354
1-866-804-1793
100%
Need a home ENGLISH SPEAKERS
103 For Sale
for your kittens PREFERRED!!! APTS Linda Vista 1 bdrm HDA VIEJA CURRIDABAT,
www.
or puppies?  400 INVESTMENTS
AMERICAN STANFORD Apply at jobs@clear apartments. Santa Ana area, 1 bdr, ample, fully equip.
customerservice.com 402 Financing
Lost or found puppies, dewormed, near Forum. Fully furnished, short term.$700.
a dog or cat?  vaccinated, ¢85,000. INCLUDE THE WORD DishCR.com utilities included. Long Tel. 2250-5405
SALES ON YOUR SUBJECT PRIVATE MONEY TO LEND
Just contact us
Tel. 8673-7522
LINE PLEASE Quality Homes and Projects 8821-8976 & short term rental.
www.LindaVistaCR.com
with your mes- From 11%, 5 years, 4 pts.
For info call 2291-2768 LA URUCA. Furn, Apart.
sage, including SCHNAUZER mini pup- and ask for Vanessa Tel. 2266-1762 or Condado Palacio, 3 bdr,
when and where pies, 3 male, 1.5 month, 8623-7777 BROKERS CLOSING OFFICE. 13 call CIUDAD COLON Furnished 2 bath, cable, garage,
the animal was dewormed, vaccinated, tail WELCOME!! center cubicles, assorted studio apts. Utilities includ. BBQ, pool. $1,150.
300 HEALTH
lost or found cut. Tel. 8672-0645 www.CostaRicanLoans.com desks and chairs. All must Tel. 2249-4736, 8896-5510 Tel. 8910-8212
SERVICES
and a complete go! Paseo Colón. Call: www.costaricanapts.com
description and 301 Health 404 Business Tel. 2233-9969/8867-0008
photo and we’ll 200 EMPLOYMENT Services Opportunity RESID. AREA. Central, incl
post it free in CIUDAD COLON, Furn, amenit. fully furn. 1 bd, 1ba.
201 Jobs Offered 900 PERSONAL
CENTRAL PACIFIC, next to 2 bdr, full kitchen, garage, $400-$550. Tel. 8712-7777
print and online.
Another community
HAIR Carara Ntl Park. Looking for
902 Women Seeking $650 incl utilities,
service from Dream PIECES investor, 16 units hotel. Men WiFi, laund/patio.
Tel. 2249-3390 ROHRMOSER, 2 bdr, 2
Tel. 8871-3523,
Job! ferraro73@gmail.com
1 ON 1, MEET Quality CR
Women. Ed: Tel. 8391-1617
bath, furn, cable, no pets, gar,
Repairs, tapes, mainte- $750/mo. Tel. 2232-2173
in Costa Rica nance, natural or synthetic LFL92CR@gmail.com
available ESCAZU. Studio inside priv.
hair. Call María prop., very safe, pool, cable,
1000 REAL ESTATE
Do you like cigars? Golf? Tel. 2256-4347 Unique Internet, fully furn. $450. ROHRMOSER, FURN, 2
100 ANIMALS Fishing? We are looking for FOR RENT bdr, living, dining, gar, 1 ba,
a manager to run and operate Opportunity!! Tel. 2289-6055
101 Adoption 1001 Apartments $400/mo, Tel. 2268-3611
our newly acquired Cigar Store MASSAGE: Therapeutic,
TURNKEY
and Lounge in the beautiful
Los Sueños Marina. Respon-
relaxing, Deep Tissue. Hotel BUSINESS APT SAN Pedro, UCR, APARTMENTS
sibilities: sales, marketing,
& House. Tel. 8361-3162. With corp., clientele,
vehicle, 75 CFM com-
malls, 1 bdr, quiet, furn,
Internet $440.
LOS YOSES SAN ANTONIO, BELEN.
Heredia. 2bdr, 1 ba, 1 gar,
inventory, and experiencing pressor, and ‘Moles’ that Tel. 8887-4487, 8707-7799 semi-furn, laundry, cable,
3 bdr. $850. Fully fur-
life in one of the most beauti- run pipe under roads villalakshmi.com Internet. $600/m.
RELAX WITH US! nished, Internet, Cable
ful places in the world. We Professional therapeutic without tearing up the TV, Washer & Dryer. Tel. 8887-6062
are looking for someone who
DOG KENNELS massage at home or hotel. pavement. Tropical gardens.
enjoys cigars and interaction Call July: Tel. 8596-8042 All for only $22,000. APTS full furn. Utilities Quiet residential area.
CARRIERS NEEDED: with people of similar interests. SAN ANTONIO, Desamp, 1
used, medium or large - Info: (506) 2451-0365.
incl. Internet (4mb). Start Walking distance:
Are you a people person? If so $380mo, $130wkly. Restaurants, per, furn, $325. Serv. incld
with or w/out doors. Please US toll-free: 800-867-5778
donate to provide shelter you may have just found your Tel. 8399-8904. Supermarkets, Tel. 8846-0622/2274-3636
SALA VILMA, Therapeutic, Mellin@ice.co.cr
and safety for all animals perfect job. If you are retired vistalin@racsa.co.cr Universities, Malls.
sensitive and anti-stress
at SIBU Sanctuary. and bored, or just interested in vistalindaapartments.com
massage,. Bo. Don Bosco,
moving to Costa Rica full time RESTAURANT/BAR for 400 mts South SANTA ANA. Beautiful,
2682-1474 • 8866-4652 30-32 Street, 6 Ave. House
nosarawildlife.com and helping us build our brand Automercado Los Yoses furn, 1 bedroom, cable TV,
# 3051. Tel. 2221-6192 Rent, 400 m2 ready to open, ESCAZU. Furn & unfurn.
and business, then please con- Tel. (506) 2224-0402 or hot water, parking, optional
great location. Playas del Apts., homes, condos. Rent
tact us! Interviews will be held (506) 8707-3324 Internet, $450/mo.
Coco. Cel. 6002-2572, or sale. Bob Tel. 8301-3966
at our Escazú location: evelyncs@gmail.com Tel. 2203-4544/8785-3839
Counseling
pmoll1@yahoo.com
www.9n.cr email:
bob@petitmundogroup.com
for more info or an interview. Stuck? Confused?
Depressed? Self-loathing?
Addictions? Relationship
problems?
FREE An empathetic ear,
open heart and soul
the stray population of CLASSIFIEDS wisdom to help you find
dogs and cats. You can
help with this program FOUND a wallet? Need Empowerment and
a home for your kittens?
No donation is too small.
Clarity
Lost & Found items
BNCR and giveaways can be “Life is not a problem to be
100-1-040-000431-9 advertised FREE in solved, but a
spaycostarica@yahoo.com
Tico Times Classifieds. process to be
www.animal explored and
sheltercostarica.com Just call us with your a path to be
message before
walked’’
Tuesday noon.
100 ANIMALS Jim Molloy M.A.
Another community Ph: 8725-1295
102 Animal Services
service from jimmolloy@ice.co.cr
Escazú - sessions available
online by Skype for those
THE outside of the
TICO TIMES Central Valley
Reasonable rates
14 | CLASSIFIEDS | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012
1001 Apartments
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
TRES RIOS, 2 bdr, furn,
maid, cable, W/D, Internet,
secure, $700.
Tel. 2279-3973
1002 Commercial
Property
SHARE AN OFFICE, clinic
in Sn Rafael, Escazú, serv.
included Tel. 2588-1115/16.
1003 Condominiums
ESCAZU, 2 bdr, 2 bath,
Jacuzzi, laundry, parking,
furnished, $920.
Tel. 2289-5482,
balconesdeescazu.com
HEREDIA, San Joaquín
de Flores. fully furn, cable,
Internet, sec. Tel. 8938-5085
1005 Houses
ATENAS. 3bdr., 2ba, ample
garage, cable. Beautiful sur-
roundings. 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
CARIARI, 3 bdrm, 3.5 bath,
Jacuzzi, furn, 24 hr. sec,
exotic wood finishings,
nice views. $900.
Tel. 8832-0288
Do you wish to congratulate the U.S. community on its Independence Day?
Or let U.S. citizens living and vacationing in Costa Rica know about your product or service?
prepared each year by The Tico Times for distribution at the 4th of July Picnic organized by the American Colony
Committee. The Program is also distributed to all of our readers inside and outside Costa Rica with our June 29 edition.
COTTAGE, 5 mins. from
Cartago, road to Irazu Volc.
Surrounded by view & gar-
dens, $300. Tel. 2536-7165
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.
Call in CR 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
HEREDIA, EL TIROL, beau-
tiful country house w/private
forest & river, cozy, secure,
couple/retired, 10 min. from
downtown Heredia, unfur.,
cable & B’B’ Internet ready
$650 month.
Tel. 919-574-5007
gsotoa@gmail.com
SABANILLA SJ. Beautiful
2 bdr, 2 bath, big garden,
terrace, garage. $1,250/mo
negotiable. Tel. 8302-4285
1006 Rooms
ROHRMOSER. Furn, only
for fem, adults or student.
Nice view. $200m.
Tel. 8324-7375
1008 Beach Houses
LOS SUEñOS, Herrradura
& Jaco Luxury Condo
Rentals! Fully furnished 1-2
& 3 bdrm condos, dly, wkly,
mthly. Best deal, long term.
Tel. 8847-4517/8338-1760
The best way is by advertising in the Official 4th of july picnic Program,
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: Tel. 2755-0498.
Email: stickmandos@aol.com
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
1103 Commercial Property
Unique
Opportunity
OLDE
SAN JOSE
Three Star Hotel
Bar & Restaurant
• Bargain sale due to main house w/huge pool,
retirement
• Turnkey operation
• In Historic Barrio Amón
• 22 rooms, w/private baths
• Restaurant / Bar
seats 100
• Space for expansion Tel. 8384-7393, 2289-3014
for additional rooms
hotelcastillosale
@gmail.com
Need a car? Don’t
look far; find it in
the TT Classifieds
Don’t miss the chance to join the celebration!
• Advertising Deadline: Today • Publication Date: June 29
es
at
R
Contact your Sales Executive Tel. 2258-1558 email: display@ticotimes.net
1106 Farms
ALAJUELA, LA GARITA.
68,291m2, $37/m2,
front 310 mts. Residential
& industrial use.
Tel. 8375-4444
RIO CELESTE, spect view,
private access, pastures
& water, 42 Hect. ¢136mill
finan available.
Tel. 2221-5998
emmo0707@hotmail.com
TURRIALBA. La Suiza. 11H
of pastures, cabin, stables,
spring water, exc. location.
Will exchange.
Tel. 8813-9623
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
1107 Houses
ATENAS, Río Grande,
273m2, beautiful house &
garden, guest house, 2 story
rancho, workshop, well, all
one acre, 45 min from SJ
& 1hr from Pacific coast.
$395K. Tel. 2446-8291
EMERGENCY SALE,
$270K, ocean view, 1Ha,
guest & guard house.
Tel. 8827-8858
ESCAZU,Sn Antonio.
525m2 const 1,440m2,
land $650K.
HOUSE 4 SALE excellent
prices. 3 bdrms. Alajuela
and Grecia, Tel. 8712-7777
SAN PEDRO, Montes de
Oca. More info.
Tel. 8528-3822
www.viviun.com/154210
1 page FC ¢485,000 1 page BN ¢332,500
1/2 page FC ¢253,000 1/2 page BN ¢174,000
1/4 page FC ¢133,100 1/4 page BN ¢91,800
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
1108 Lots/Property
LA ALEGRIA, Siquirres,
8,000 m2, 2 story house,
exc view, very nice property
suitable for tourism develop-
ment, $190,000. English
Tel. 8623-8410/8669-6927,
Spanish 8928-2411
QUINTAS IN CORONADO
Exc view, from 2,500 m2,
$45/m2, lots front of main st.
Tel. 2271-6071/8910-6969
info@urbanizadorsiglo21.com
SAN CARLOS, La Tigra
10,000 m2, house w/all
utilities. River and many
fruit trees. $117,000
Tel. 2438-0517/8335-1882
QUINTA
PARAISO
•ALAJUELA, SAN RAMON•
1 hect, 4 new cabins,
main house, ranch.
F 3 large ponds / 7 springs
I 4 hatchery tanks
S catfish, tilapia, shrimp
H produce & sale
Camping, swimming pool,
fruit trees, flowers.
$450,000.
Tel: (506) 8935-4288
1109 Timeshares
PUNTA LEONA, preferential
membership, transfer includ-
ed $4,000. Tel. 8866-8888
1111 Quintas
Drilling
and Well
service
TEL: 2431-5015
www.puravidadrealling.com
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
1203 Construction
CONSTRUCT/Enlargemnts.
Renovations, Engineering
Tel. 8384-7393, 2235-3014
1205 Languages
ENGLISH as a second lan-
guage teacher. CELTA quali-
fied & experience essential.
Evening company classes in
Escazú area, ¢7,500/hour.
colinwilliams@
targetlanguageschool.com
NEW! Speak Spanish.
Easy, no stress. 3-day class-
es in Costa Rica. For details:
sloanjohnw@gmail.com,
spanishcoursecostarica.com
1300 TOURISM
1303 Bed & Breakfast
BiBi's B&B cTV, Inter,
sgl $30, Dbl $45.
Tel. 2244-7324
jptwomey@foxinternet.com
1500 VEHICLES
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, $34,900.
Tel. 2244-0484, 8388-6202
06 TOYOTA 4Runner TDI
diesel, full xts, autom, low
miles, $31,900.
Tel. 2244-0484, 8388-6202
07 NISSAN FRONTIER,
pick up, 4x4, turbo diesel,
4 door, full xts, low miles,
$24,900.
Tel. 2244-0484, 8388-6202
1999 FORD 350. Heavy
Duty, diesel, automatic, full
xtras, runs great. $18,000.
Call Tel. 8765-4963 or
8623-8410.
1999 ISUZU TROOPER.
w/rebuilt engine, current
tags & inspection. $9,000.
This week only.
Tel. 8861-7209
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.
Call Andy or Aaron
(506) 2282-7013
Over 20yrs serving the
English speaking community.
4x4 FOR RENT, from $45
a day w/free miles & insur.
CR Tel. (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
TUCAN RENT A CAR
Low rates. Tel. 8840-8501.
www.tucanrentacar.com
DAILY!
Sedan $36
4
4x Compact Suv. $49
4
4x Mid size Suv. $59
with free miles daily!
Incl Insurance
Toll Free 1-800-580-3691
(506) 2296-9232
costarica-rentalcar.com
 THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012 | PUZZLES & WEATHER REPORT | 15

Hard

Fill in the grid

so that
every row,
every column
and every 3x3
box contain
the digits 1
through 9
with no
repeats.

Last Week’s Solution

CROSSWORD #651
Across 59 They have to be paid 38 Author Sinclair
1 Small drum 61 Helps with the dishes 39 Unquestioning follower
6 Savage 62 Sodium chloride 42 Climbs
10 Absolute ruler 63 Once, once 46 Tommy’s foe
14 Mad Hatter’s guest 64 Available 47 Blush
15 Others, to Ovid 65 Singles 49 Ageless, in poesy
16 Farm unit 66 Goddess of victory 50 Hoffman’s “Midnight Cow-
17 Acting jobs 67 Impecunious boy” role
18 Heather 51 “__ Frome” (Edith Wharton
19 “Two Mules for Sister__” DOWN novel)
20 Revealing what is meant to 1 Snippy 52 Steps over a wall
be secret 2 Succulent plant 53 Rigid social stratum
22 Became angry 3 Microsoft founder 55 Escritoire
24 Daly’s TV co-star 4 Eyelike spots 56 Be first
25 Complex king? 5 Have no worries 57 Detect
26 Book after Song of Solomon 6 Room dividers 60 Spoon bender Geller
28 Bender 7 Nastase of tennis
29 Court bisector 8 Author Yutang – Michael Curl
30 A cardinal point 9 Sticking point?
32 “Puttin’ on the __” 10 More mouth-watering
36 Go in Glasgow 11 Rascal SOLUTION #650
37 Element used in alloys 12 Pianist Claudio
40 “__ Na Na” 13 Scans
41 Lohengrin’s bride 21 “__ in the Dark”
43 Part woman, part bird 23 Lines from Horace
creature 25 Biblical land rich in gold
44 Operated 26 “Splendor in the Grass”
45 Chronic nag playwright
48 Pact 27 Circus performer
50 Saver 28 Scarecrow filler
53 French noble 31 King Arthur’s father
54 Go to 33 Exodus participant
55 Steel of stories 34 Just one of those things
58 Dilute 35 Off-the-wall

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16 | NEWS | THE TICO TIMES – June 8-14, 2012