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Pura Vida - A Definition. Costa Rican Spanish: Learn the Spanish of Costa Rica. Dear Visitor, I have lived in a rural town of 250 people in the north of Costa Rica for the past two years.

Central America and Mexico

Ancient cultures and prehistoric discoveries in Costa Rica. Lou Cheek, TheCostaRicaNews.com The main plaza of Guayabo seen from above.

Ancient cultures and prehistoric discoveries in Costa Rica

Photo: Anita363 To most Costa Ricans – Ticos and expats alike – Costa Rican history begins with the arrival of the Spanish in 1502. Recent developments and archeological finds are painting a far different picture however. In fact, there is increasing evidence that ancient cultures thrived in the land of Pura Vida long before European explorers cast covetous eyes upon its beauty and natural riches. Three archeological sites in various parts of the country give an interesting glimpse into pre-Columbian life: Guayabo and La Montana complex in Turrialba, the footpaths of Lake Arenal, and .

The first, and probably the most notable, is Guayabo de Turrialba. The Guayabo National Park monument was established to preserve the ruins of the city even as archeologists continue to unearth details about the settlement and those who lived there. Jaguar and lizard petroglyph, Guayabo. Pura Vida! There’s Real Gold in those Golden Years. TCRN STAFF: Brian Smith, It seems that there are enough forward-thinkers among the powers-that-be in Costa Rica that a new wave of economic prosperity is currently in the works.

There’s Real Gold in those Golden Years

The Costa Rican government has begun to reemphasize retirement communities as a priority, something unseen in this country in a decade or more. Considered to be of national interest, this new direction aimed at attracting U.S. retirees, particularly those with hefty economic means, is to give a sustained jolt to the economy of this small Central American nation.

Planners are currently working on creating retirement “clusters” that include complete health facilities and services for the elderly which should create income streams and profits for decades to come. Visualizing retirees as income producing isn’t a new idea; it’s just been pushed up as a priority for both the Costa Rican government and the private sector that want to benefit from providing ongoing services. Brian L. Costa Rica Road Maps, Vacation Travel by Car ~ Driving Directions Tips & Advice. Town of Nicoya costa rica. City of Nosara Costa Rica. The Wildlife of Costa Rica. Many people think of Costa Rica as an ideal place to relocate, one of the reasons being the natural surroundings and diversity of native species. Though it is a small country, its biodiversity is actually greater than that of all of Europe or North America.

One of the reasons is that it is situated between North and South America, as well as the Antilles, so it has such an average of their different environments to support such ecosystems. Another reason is that Costa Rica has a tropical climate, and has a great number of different natural environments, from jungle to river to swamp to cloud forest. Furthermore, its government promotes the protection of natural territory. Plants. 5 Ways to Save Money Making Calls Abroad – International Living - Since 1979. If you can do without a cell phone, try Skype Imagine spending three beautiful weeks traveling in Italy, wandering the cobblestone side streets of medieval villages, spending nights in Rome and mornings on the Amalfi Coast…and then coming home to find you’ve amassed a $230 cell phone bill.

5 Ways to Save Money Making Calls Abroad – International Living - Since 1979

Not a pretty thought. But that’s just what happened to my neighbor, who told me recently how making a couple of calls and sending some text messages meant she went from roaming the Tuscan hills to dealing with roaming charges. Had I met her before she left I could have given her some simple, money-saving phone tricks that would’ve saved her a bundle. 1. 2. The vendor “unlocked” the phone, which allowed me to use SIM cards in multiple countries, as you’ll see in a moment.

After hiking Machu Picchu, I traveled south to Copacabana, Bolivia, where I bought a new SIM card issued by a Bolivian company. The prepaid SIM card system is a bit foreign to those from the U.S. used to having a cell-phone plan. 3. Travel Guides, Vacation Planning, Packages, Maps & Visas - Costa Rica. Costa Rica Plan your vacation 1-800-517-7893 Travel > Travel Information Search For Travel Plan Your Travels.

Travel Guides, Vacation Planning, Packages, Maps & Visas - Costa Rica

Why Are Americans Still Flocking to Costa Rica? Join the 20,000 American expats already living “la pura vida” in Costa Rica Dear Reader, Costa Rica’s fame as a retiree destination is richly deserved.

Why Are Americans Still Flocking to Costa Rica?

You’ll find the tropics along the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts, while most of the Central Valley is cool and breezy. If you find it difficult to choose which climate you prefer, you will be glad to know that the mild temperatures of the Central Valley are just two hours by car from the tropical beaches of the Pacific Coast. Expats are attracted to Costa Rica for numerous reasons, which include the low cost of living, excellent health care, modern telecommunications structure, beautiful beaches, rainforests, lush valleys, and cool mountains…not to mention the theaters, art galleries, and fine dining.

Everyone, including IL, once thought Costa Rica was thoroughly discovered…over-priced…yesterday’s news. IL Radio Episode 16: Help with Moving to Costa Rica–Your Legal Issues Answered – International Living - Since 1979. The REAL Costa Rica Blog. Latin America Current Events & News. Expat Daily News Latin America: 10 Interesting Ways to Learn Spanish. Expat Daily News Latin America: A Look At Expat Life in Today's Costa Rica. Costa Rica.

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