costaricaviews.com

Low-cost Dental Vacations in Costa Rica

vinaykumar — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:13:22 +0000

According to the National Coalition on Health Care, an alliance of more than 70 organizations, about half a million Americans sought medical care abroad in 2006, out of which 40 percent were dental tourists. This proves how more and more Americans are now turning their annual vacation into a cost effective dental holiday for their brood.

According to a report published in 2006 by HealthCare Tourism International, a nonprofit group, dental bridges and bonding are two of the most sought-after medical procedures for Americans traveling abroad. Costa Rica, Mexico and India are among the most popular destinations for dental care among tourists who travel to these countries to savor the exotic locales of these countries along with availing affordable dental care in the hands of expert dentists who have received their training at the best medical institutions in the world. Thousands of western tourists travel to Costa Rica for Dental Implants every year, considering that they save enough from the dental treatment in Costa Rica to enjoy a wonderful holiday in this exotic country.

Benefits of Getting a Dental Holiday in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most sought after destinations in the world for a dental holiday. With medical travelers enjoying almost 70-75% in savings on dental treatments in Costa Rica, the country plays a welcoming host to innumerable dental tourists from all over the world every year. The fact that a huge percentage of Americans do not have a dental insurance and, therefore, cannot afford the costly dental treatment in the US, prompts them to explore nations such as Costa Rica for affordable dentistry. Also, getting dental treatment in Costa Rica means that one does not have to get into long waiting queues to get an appointment with the dentist. Most dental tourists receive prompt dental treatment when they arrive in Costa Rica.

Most dental tourists travel to Costa Rica for extensive dental work, such as dental bonding, dental implants, full restorations, root canals and cosmetic dentistry. These dental procedures are very costly in countries such as Canada and the US, and cosmetic dentistry in Costa Rica costs merely a fraction of what it costs in the US, even if one includes travel and accommodation expenses. These extensive dental treatments usually run for a few days which give the dental tourists a chance to enjoy this exciting, exotic country. The beautiful beaches, lush forests and an abundant biodiversity are the added attractions that make Costa Rica a favored dental tourism destination.

Low in Prices, High in Quality

Costa Rica provides high quality dental care which means that there are no compromises made in terms of the dental care provided, even if the expenses for the dental care are much lower than the costs of similar dental treatment in the US. This is also why the World Health Organization ranks the healthcare services in Costa Rica as among the best in the world. Costa Rica’s health system was ranked at no.36 (higher than US) by the World Health Organization in the year 2000. Dentistry in Costa Rica is tightly regulated by the government and the dental practitioners must be duly recognized by the Costa Rican Dental Surgeon’s College and the Costa Rican Dental Board.

The presence of internationally accredited hospitals in San Jose, Liberia and other major cities of Costa Rica make it convenient for the dental tourists to avail world class health services at very affordable rates. Many dental surgeons have affiliations with international medical boards and have received their training at world class medical institutions. The dental clinics in Costa Rica use sophisticated medical equipment and employ the latest technology for the dental treatment.

The small, peaceful and politically stable nation is a perfect gateway for dental tourists who seek a comfortable and cost effective dental holiday in this exotic nation.

Costa Rica medical tourism – cost savings and holiday abroad Costa Rica is a beautiful country with so many diversities....
Dental tourism Costa Rica what to look in for? Dental tourism in Costa Rica has risen sharply and number...

Planning a Medical Trip to Costa Rica

vinaykumar — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:38:00 +0000

The World Health Organization estimates that on an average, Americans allocate 16% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product on healthcare. In comparison to other countries, this figure is extremely high, which is leading many Americans to get medical and dental care outside of the United States. Costa Rica is a premier destination for medical tourism. If you are thinking about taking a medical trip to Costa Rica, then you might be looking for a few tips to help you plan the best medical trip possible.

Do Your Homework Well

When you are planning your medical trip to Costa Rica, first:

Learn as much as you can about doctors and clinics that perform your desired procedure. Whether you desire breast implants or dental implants in Costa Rica, you should find a few different doctors offering the same service and see which one is right for you.
Know the doctor’s credentials. Remember, not all medical schools are created equal. Ask your doctor where he/she studied and if he/she has gone for any further education. When you go to Costa Rica for medical purposes, you want to get the best. Plenty of doctors in Costa Rica have studied at reputable medical schools, thus you shouldn’t settle for less.
Pick a clinic and doctor in an area that is enjoyable for you. If you are not fond of cities, then don’t pick a dentist or doctor right in the heart of San Jose. Instead, pick a smaller city such as San Miguel or Ipis.
Ask previous patients for their feedback. When you go to Costa Rica for medical treatment, you may not have the opportunity to meet the doctor and visit the clinic prior to the trip for your treatment. This makes it even more important to hear firsthand accounts of what the doctor and clinic is like. Ask the doctor to speak with a previous patient or look in online forums.
Plan your trip according to the weather and/or other travel factors. When you go for a procedure like bariatric surgery or teeth implants in Costa Rica, you want to be as comfortable as possible. In order to make that happen you should travel at the right time of year. If you don’t like rains, avoid planning your medical procedure in Costa Rica during the rainy season. If you aren’t fond of crowds, avoid the peak season. Plan your trip at a time that is conducive to a good trip.

During Your Medical Trip in Costa Rica

Stay in a hotel close to the clinic. The last thing you need to worry about while getting medical attention in Costa Rica is shuffling back and forth between the hotel and hospital or clinic. If at all possible, stay at a hotel within walking distance or a short drive from your clinic.
Plan to recover in Costa Rica. Don’t leave immediately after you medical treatment is done. Plan your medical trip to include at least a few days – if not more – in Costa Rica. This makes it easy for you to see the doctor if any follow-up session is required.
Trust your instinct. If, for some reason, you meet your doctor and don’t feel totally at ease, then acknowledge it even if you did all the necessary research on the doctor beforehand. Don’t feel obliged to go through with the procedure using a doctor that makes you feel uneasy just because you’ve come all the way to Costa Rica. No matter what procedure you need, there are plenty of other doctors who can see you in Costa Rica. The most important thing is that you should feel confident in his/her ability.

Medical Tourism for Insured Patients at a Glance By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: in The New York Times,...
Tips for Medical Tourists in Costa Rica ShareEvery year more and more Americans are going abroad for...

Dental Vacation in Costa Rica for Retirees

vinaykumar — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:25:20 +0000

Senior citizens are prone to a number of dental problems including but not limited to gum deterioration, loss of teeth, discoloration and so on. More than 25% of seniors over the age of 74 have lost all of their teeth, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Yet, with rising dental costs and limited insurance, quality dental care in the United States isn’t always the best option.

More and more retirees are turning to getting full mouth restorations, dental crowns and bridges and all on 4 dental implants abroad, especially in Costa Rica as the tiny Central American country has ensconced itself as a sunrise value-for-money dental tourism destination. The Academy of General Dentistry named Costa Rica as one of the best dental tourism destinations in the world in 2006.

Costa Rica – A Premier Dental Getaway for Retirees

There are a number of reasons why Costa Rica is a great destination for dental tourism, especially for retirees. Some of those reasons include:

Natural Beauty. Costa Rica is one of the most serene places on earth, filled with clean beaches, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Dental tourism gives you a great reason to visit Costa Rica and experience paradise on earth.
Dental Professionalism. Costa Rica has some great dental clinics. Many a dental clinic in Costa Rica is staffed with highly educated dentists. These clinics boast of highly experienced dental professionals, many of whom have practiced in the US and Europe. They are familiar with treating overseas patients, making it easy for them to understand American expectations.
Quality Treatment. In Costa Rica, you’ll be sure to be treated with all of the latest technology in comfortable clinics. The treatment that you receive in Costa Rica will be on par or better than that in the United States.
Cost. The number one reason that retirees are going to Costa Rica for dental work is to save up to 60% on their dental expenses.

Safety in Costa Rica

If you are considering traveling to Costa Rica for a dental holiday, you may be wondering if it is safe or not. No matter where you travel, as a foreigner you are an easier target for criminal activity. The best ways to guard yourself and have a great vacation are summed up below:

Avoid walking around alone after dark.
Avoid walking around in abandoned places, even if there are two or more of you.
Do not go anywhere alone with strangers or people you just met.
Arrange day trips or rental cars through reputable rental companies or your hotel.
Get to know your hotel staff, so that they are more aware of your coming and going.
Get the manager of the hotel’s mobile phone number if at all possible.
Do not carry large sums of cash with you.

These are a few tips that can help ensure that you remain safe and that you have a great holiday during your stay in Costa Rica.

Places to Visit When on a Dental Trip to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is most well known for its natural beauty. Luxuriant in beaches, mountains, flora and fauna, it is a nature lover’s dream come true. Some places you will want to visit during your dental vacation to Costa Rica include:

Tortuguero, aka “Costa Rica’s Amazon”, is easily explored by a vast network of canals that allow you to experience the depths of the jungle by boat.
Arenal Volcana is one of the most famous volcanoes Costa Rica has to offer.
Tamarindo Beach is an eco-friendly beach that also attracts a large surfer population.

If you would also like to experience some of the rich culture and history of Costa Rica, you should visit the following:

Cartago City is the home of the Black Madonna statue which people believe to have the ability to heal. Many pilgrims make their way to Cartago City every year.
Museo de Art Costarricense (Costa Rican Art Museum) is open seven days a week. People over 55 have free admittance.

Costa Rica has long been a favorite tourist destination and is now gaining popularity as a dental vacation destination for retirees. With ample services aimed at retirees, you can and will have the experience of a lifetime during your dental holiday in Costa Rica.

Dental tourism Costa Rica what to look in for? Dental tourism in Costa Rica has risen sharply and number...
Traveling to Costa Rica for Affordable Dental Treatments Dental treatments in Costa Rica have become highly sought-after chiefly...

Tips for Medical Tourists in Costa Rica

vinaykumar — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:10:59 +0000

Every year more and more Americans are going abroad for medical treatments. After the recent recession, people have become more conscious about how they are spending their money and this extends to medical expenses as well.

According to a report titled “Recession slows dental spending” by Craig Palmer published on February 21, 2011 in the American Dental Association News, in 2009 after the recession, it was the first time in 50 years that there was a decline in dental expenditures in the United States.

However, it’s impossible to compromise on medical or dental health forever. That’s why people are opting for medical tourism. People are exploring options such as undergoing weight loss surgical procedures, plastic surgeries and even getting same day implants in Costa Rica instead of the United States to cut down costs. If you are considering medical tourism in Costa Rica, you might benefit from these helpful tips.

Is Costa Rica Right for Me?

The first thing you should determine when considering a medical procedure, be it a tummy tuck or getting low cost dental implants in Costa Rica, is whether the Latin American country is right for you or not. There are many other countries with an established medical tourism industry as well, so how do you know if Costa Rica is the place for you? Here are some ways to figure that out:

Distance – Do you want to travel only a short distance? Unlike other medical tourism destinations which may require 15 or more hours of flying, Costa Rica is only a 3 hour flight from the US.
Saving Money - Do you want to save 30% to 70% on your medical expenses? Whether you want to get breast implants or a facelift in Costa Rica, you will most likely save quite substantially even after you factor in the cost of travel!
Beaches - Do you like clean tropical beaches up against an azure sky? If so, you might want to recover from any medical or dental procedure here.
Latin American Culture – Do you like Latin American food? Do you speak a little Spanish? Do you have an interest in knowing why the Spanish phrase “pura vida” best describes the Costa Rican way of life and want to experience the hospitality of Ticos? Even if you have little to no exposure to Latin American culture, you may still find it intriguing and enticing. If you do, then you might want to consider medical tourism in Costa Rica.

Some Handy Tips for Medical Travel in Costa Rica

Now that you’ve realized some of the advantages that Costa Rica has in comparison to other medical tourism destinations, here are some tips for medical tourists going to Costa Rica.

Have open communication with your doctor. One of the best things about Costa Rica is that most of the reputable doctors working with foreign patients speak English. This means that you can have open communication with your doctor. Some more tips on doing that include:

Be sure that you fully understand the procedure and the recovery process before you undergo medical treatment of any kind in Costa Rica.
Ask questions when you are unclear about something.
Express any anxiety or fear you may have about the procedure.
Give your doctor all of your emergency contact information in your home country.

Know your own medical history. Whether you are going for knee surgery or full mouth restoration in Costa Rica, it is important that you know as much about your own medical history as possible prior to boarding the flight. You should know and inform your doctor whether or not you:

are in a healthy enough state to board a flight
have any allergies to medicines
have had any severe medical problems
are genetically prone to any severe medical problems

Knowing these things prior to going to Costa Rica would be quite helpful. If you can bring any or all of your old medical records, that would also be helpful for your doctor in Costa Rica.

Inform your local doctor. Make sure that you keep your local doctor informed about your decision of traveling to Costa Rica for getting treated. You might need his/her help for follow-up care.

Know about the visa norms. Both US and UK citizens need a passport (with a validity of three months from the date of entry into Costa Rica for American citizens; in case of UK nationals, the passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Costa Rica) but no visa for a stay of less than 90 days in Costa Rica. Extension of stay requires submission of an application to the Costa Rican immigration department. Check for visa requirements with the Costa Rican embassy in your country.

Consult your health insurance company. Often medical facilities do not accept foreign health insurance. Many a time, your insurance may not be valid in a foreign country. So, it is important to consult your insurance provide prior to traveling to Costa Rica.

Follow the safety advisory issued by your government. It is imperative to pay heed to the following safety tips when in Costa Rica –

Avoid flashing cash and your valuables in public.
Be aware of your surroundings when using public transportation. Theft of bags from overhead compartments is quite common in buses.
Do not leave your drinks unattended in a club or bar to avoid them from being spiked.
Always hire a registered taxi (these are red in color and can be identified with a triangular sticker on the side).
Traffic norms are not as stringently followed in Costa Rica as in the US or the UK. So, self-driving is best avoidable.
There are quite a few active volcanoes in Costa Rica. When in a national park, strictly follow the instructions spelt out by the authorities. Do not enter sites which are clearly marked off limits.

Also, it is important to be prepared for a longer or shorter stay than planned. Make sure that you receive all the vaccinations before embarking on a medical trip to Costa Rica. The US Centers for Disease Control, for example, advises travelers to be inoculated against typhoid and hepatitis A and B before leaving for Costa Rica.

These are just a few tips to help you have a great experience as a medical tourist in Costa Rica. In addition to this, you may want to read or hear about the experiences of other medical tourists who have been treated at your intended hospital or clinic in order to get a firsthand account.

Planning a Medical Trip to Costa Rica The World Health Organization estimates that on an average, Americans...
Costa Rican Medical Tourism Continues to Grow in 2011 Source : Inside Costa Rica As more and more people...

Traveling to Costa Rica for Affordable Dental Treatments

vinaykumar — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:36:42 +0000

Dental treatments in Costa Rica have become highly sought-after chiefly because of the availability of low cost of dental care in this Latin American country. Since dental care in the US is beyond the financial means of many, those looking for cheaper alternatives often travel to Costa Rica because of its geographical propinquity.
The cost of dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants in Costa Rica is only a fraction of the cost in the US. Those who lack insurance coverage in the US are consequently traveling abroad for affordable dental treatments.

Why Opt for Dental Treatments in Costa Rica?

Dental clinics in Costa Rica are equipped with modern instrumentation that is also used at the best hospitals and clinics in the developed countries of the world. These dental clinics are manned by well trained staff. One can dismiss notions of facing language problems in Costa Rica as most of the doctors are English speaking.
The healthcare system in Costa Rica is constantly being improved, and patients are given prompt medical attention in Costa Rica, unlike the long waiting period in some countries.
The cost of lab work in Costa Rica is much lower than that in the US. So, those in need of dental implants or dental implant bridges save a lot of money by undergoing dental treatments in Costa Rica. Although it is significantly cheaper than the US, dental work in Costa Rica is not substandard. Dental surgeons use FDA approved materials that are often imported from the US. They also comply with strict hygiene practices to keep infections at bay.
With picturesque sights in Costa Rica galore, a dental trip to this country gives one the much needed respite from the hustle bustle of being part of a perpetual rat race. Costa Rica is opulent in bio-diversity and is famous for its stunning tropical beaches.

Growth of Dental Tourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is grabbing much attention when it comes to dental tourism. Many dental vacationers are traveling to this Latin American country for teeth implants, and other dental treatments that involve big payments. Low cost and high quality dental treatments are the principal twin factors responsible for the growth of dental tourism.
Costa Rica with its robust healthcare system beckons dental tourists from all over the globe looking for affordable treatment to get rid of the dental problems plaguing them. All it needs is being a little discreet in choosing the right dentists and clinics in Costa Rica and embarking on a journey that will not just fix their dental ailments but will also give a great chance to vacation.

Affordable Costa Rica Dental Implants Packages Launched by MTC Low cost dental implants in Costa Rica are now facilitated...
Affordable dental implants in Costa Rica to restore your smile Tooth loss or gaps in teeth can distract a person...

A Medical Tourism Hub – Stuart Ben

crv.staff — Fri, 06 May 2011 08:05:54 +0000

PR Article – Costa Rica
Tourists from around the world travel to Costa Rica for a good time, as this is a beautiful country with countless options for tourists and they just have to choose the kind of vacation they prefer to experience. You can come relax on the beach in all-inclusive beach clubs, visit the world-famous surfing beaches (that attract surfers from all over the world) or witness all the nature Costa Rica has to offer (active volcanoes, unique national parks and adventurous towns). North Americans will usually choose to visit this country in the winter, when it is summer and sunny in Costa Rica.

But these aren’t the only reasons to visit this country. There is another reason tourists come to visit Costa Rica, and it isn’t necessarily a vacation. It is called “Medical Tourism” as many tourists are coming in to Costa Rica as part of this industry. In recent years more and more medical tourists have been entering the country for the main purpose of undergoing medical treatments in Costa Rican hospitals.

It may surprise some, but in recent years Costa Rica has become a popular medical tourism destination, as medical centers in the country have realized the potential of the medical tourism industry and are constantly investing funds in keeping the medical system modern and keeping up with the latest medical technology up to par with American hospitals. Some have even been awarded the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.

Medical Tourism
Let’s have a quick look at the general medical tourism industry before we go into the medical tourism industry in Costa Rica. What is medical tourism? This term describes a phenomenon of patients traveling across national borders, from their home country, in order to receive medical treatment of any kind. It may seem that this is a new industry that has developed recently, but this is not the case as it is documented that patients have been traveling to undergo different health treatments for centuries.

We owe the latest surge in the medical tourism industry to the internet, which is constantly shrinking our globe brining us closer together and to the improvements in the global travel means, making easier and shorter to mobilize from place to place.
These two factors have suddenly made medical tourism possible for people who need it. People who do not have proper medical insurance (or any at all) and could not afford surgery in their home country, patients who are placed on long waiting lists, forcing them wait for surgery for months and even years and also patient who would rather travel to another country where better and more advanced medical technology and research is available.

For all these reasons, combined with the fact that North America and Costa Rica aren’t so far away (just a few hours by plane) and the advance medicine being practiced in the country, there is no surprise Costa Rica has become a popular choice for Americans not only as a vacation destination, but also as a medical tourism hub.

Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
As the medical industry started to develop and blossom in recent years, so have medical centers in Costa Rica. They realized the need of global patients to travel to other countries for medical purposes and have worked to raise medical standards and practice medicine at the highest level. In addition, three major hospitals have received the JCI accreditation, assuring they are up to American medicine standards, in all aspects.

In addition to these private state-of-the-art medical facilities, the finest doctors in Latin America are working in the country and have been through western medical training. These doctors and medical staffs also speak English, assuring no barriers exist between them and the patients. Patients also have the option of being hospitalized in first class accommodations, as the medical centers offer private suites and for their medical visitors.

Finally, one must not forget that after the medical procedure, patients are free to enjoy a vacation in the country and can choose from a relaxing vacation at the beach or explore the country’s beautiful and exotic nature, or combine both.

Medical Tourism Services in Costa Rica
Medical tourists can visit Costa Rica for just about any medical procedure available. However, there are several medical treatments that health travelers more commonly reach Costa Rica for. The first popular treatment is dental surgery, as this is an important part of our external appearance and a fairly minimal medical procedure. Many patients come to Costa Rica for reconstructive dental treatments improving their looks and boosting their self-confidence.

A second popular treatment in Costa Rica, which is also designated to enhance your external look, is cosmetic surgery. Regularly, the recovery for these kinds of procedures is not as tough as others and patients will choose to undergo just about any type of plastic surgery, starting from breast augmentation and enlargements to complete facelifts and tummy tucks.

In addition to these, open heart surgery and orthopedic joint replacement surgery are also popular in Costa Rica. As these are very necessary and very expensive surgeries in western countries, they are arguably the most popular treatments in the global medical tourism industry.

In addition to all treatments mentioned, medical tourists can undergo surgery in any other medical field they choose, including gastroenterology, ophthalmology, organ transplants, urology, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, rheumatology, endocrinology, pediatrics, dermatology, dentistry, gynecology, psychiatry, General Medicine & General Surgery.

There are many private hospitals in Costa Rica, serving medical tourists from around the world in the highest medical standard possible. “La Clínica Católica Hospital”, that has a first class hotel inside its facilities, is just one of many advanced medical centers that provide western standard medicine.

If you are looking into receiving medical treatment abroad, be sure to check Costa Ricanian hospitals in your medical tourism research. Good luck.

This Article has been written by Stuart Ben, A professional medical tourism facilitator. You can read more about medical tourism in Costa Rica here: Hospitals in Costa Rica : TicketMed

Costa Rica Medical Tourism: 100,000 Save 60 Percent on Medical Procedures I was extremely encouraged to learn that over 100,000 foreigners,...
Medical Tourism In Costa Rica Many people from the United States and Canada appreciate the...

Costa Rica Retirement: The Best Things in Life Are Free

crv.staff — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:02:25 +0000

Source : The Costa Rica news

Kat Sunlove, TheCostaRicaNews.com

Those of us of retirement age can certainly remember these old song lyrics:

The moon belongs to ev’ryone
The best things in life are free
The stars belong to ev’ryone
They gleam there for you and me

The flowers in spring
The robins that sing
The sunbeams that shine
They’re yours, they’re mine

And love can come to ev’ryone
The best things in life are free

Those sentiments could well apply to life here in Costa Rica. The tropical moon generously fills a star-spangled sky, a riot of flowers of red, orange, yellow, pink and orchid blanket the landscape and exotic animals from iguanas to monkeys to Turquoise-browed Motmot birds pay a visit at no charge to the viewer. Truly, much of the best parts of life here are free.

But even in retirement one must pay rent and utilities, buy food, deal with transportation needs and see a doctor now and then. So in answer to still another question from my reader Douglas, let’s take a look at Costa Rica’s cost of living.

Douglas lives in Austin, Texas, and he wondered if Costa Rica’s cost of living was “comparable to the U.S.” But of course, the cost of living in North America varies from one state to another, from small town to big city, even neighborhood to neighborhood. Equally important are variables unique to the individual of what income level one enjoys and what lifestyle choices a family makes. Do you feel you need two cars and a truck or is public transportation an option? Can you just not live without going to the theater twice a month or to a movie twice a week? Is that swimming pool a luxury or a necessity? Do you cook at home or eat out a lot? We make decisions every day that impact our financial resources, many of them a result of the bombardment of marketing messages in the media. Buy this, buy that, the ads command, and often consumers comply.

Generalizations about the cost of living in the U.S. or Costa Rica are difficult to make and harder to quantify. Living in a modest Tico-style house in a small rural pueblo is much cheaper than life in a modern Santa Ana condominium. Making use of buses and taxis rather than owning a car can save $5000 per year or more, according to our auto-owning friends. Stocking up on vegetables and fruits at the weekly feria (Costa Rican farmer’s market) not only yields fresh local produce but also is cost effective. It’s all in the choices you make.

Get the Latest and Most Comprehensive Sourcebook on Retirement and Living in Costa Rica! Source : PR Log If you’re thinking about retiring to...
Costa Rica Retirement: Lower Costs, Higher Lifestyle Source : The Costa Rica News So let’s talk money....

Colorful opening for Costa Rica’s National Stadium inauguration

crv.staff — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:59:50 +0000

Source : Tico Times

The new National Stadium opened Saturday evening with a colorful display of binational pride and camaraderie between Costa Rica and China. Deemed “the jewel of La Sabana,” the 35,000 fans in attendance were treated to a night of rousing fireworks, cultural song and dance and a spirited 2-2 draw between the countries’ national soccer teams. The $100 million National Stadium was a gift from the government of China and was constructed by Chinese laborers during the last two years.

Festivities began around 6 p.m. with government representatives from the two countries addressing the crowd on a stage decorated with giant Costa Rican and Chinese flags waving gently behind them. Amid a mixture of jeers and applause, former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias spoke to the crowd about the significance of the inauguration and the progressive step that the relationship with China, the world’s second largest economy, means for the country. In 2007, Arias severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan to establish ties with China.

“Countries have to grow and mature,” Arias said of his government’s decision to create diplomatic relations with China. “And so, like a mother understands that her son can’t wear the same shoes that he was wearing 10 years ago, we should accept that there is clothing that we shouldn’t continue to wear. Sooner or later all countries have to wear long pants.”

Arias also said, in his allegorical oratory style that marked his four years in office from 2006-2010, that Costa Rica shouldn’t fear the change that this relationship will bring and that “some countries are slaves to their own past.” He also referred to the bilateral relationship as a “young Bonzai tree” and that it creates a “bridge over the Pacific Ocean.”

China’s Stadium Gift to Costa Rica in Final Stage Source : Tico Times The $80 million stadium in San...
Costa Rica national stadium on schedule Source: The Costarica News Some good news for the Costa...

Costa Ricans Demand More Affordable Prices For National Tourism

crv.staff — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:13:46 +0000

Source : Inside Costa Rica

More than half of Costa Ricans (56%) believe that prices for domestic tourism is are not accessible and 75% perceive a preference towards foreign tourists, according to survey results of the Costa Rican Perceptions on Tourism , population and environment, water resources and watershed management, conducted by Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Población de la Universidad Nacional (IDESPO-UNA).

The survey took in the responses of 800 people between October 11 and 24, 2010, of which 52.5% were women and 47.5% men, with 19.3 of all respondents between the ages of 18 and 24, 19% between 25 and 34, 21% between 35 and 44, 18.8% between 45 and 54 and 22% over 55.

The specialist in the area of tourism and researcher IDESPO, Hugo Gonzalez, acknowledges that although the growth of tourism has helped to improve Costa Rica’s economic development, particularly in certain sectors, its fundamental orientation towards the foreign market has meant a rising tourism services for nationals.

At least that is the perception by Costa Ricans.

In fact, 54% of respondents assessed as “good” and “very good ” tourism that is growing in the country, especially because it generates benefits to the country and communities.

Freedom of Expression Tops with Costa Ricans Source : Inside Costa Rica The right to say what...
How to get along with Costa Ricans Source: Live In Costa Rica A few weeks ago I...

A good activity for everyone including retirees

crv.staff — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:23:29 +0000

Source : Live In Costa Rica

Yesterday (Sunday) I took the bus from my hometown of Heredia to downtown San José to attend an outdoor art festival. The Municipality of San José in an effort to attract more visitors has been promoting festivals and other activities . Most of these events have been designed for the whole family and people of all ages including retirees. I keep reading all of the on-line posts by the fear mongers and negative people who say that San José is very dangerous and not to go there. Nothing could be farther from the truth and this weekend’s activities are proof of it.

San Jose’s annual outdoor Transiarte festival is really worthwhile. The events took place in different downtown areas: Morazán Park, The Jardín de Paz (Peace Garden), the adjacent Parque España (Spain Park), El Paseo de las Damas, the CENAC art complex and nearby National Park.

There were all sorts of activities for everyone including foreign retirees: music, dance, theater, a variety of craftsmen selling their beautiful wares, contests, face painting, classes in skateboarding, a variety of foods, games for children, a book fair and a whole lot more. In the evening there was a firework display. All of this was FREE of charge. The weather was perfect and I couldn’t think of a better way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.

Summer Festival Fills San José with Culture, Sports Source : Tico Times The San José Municipality, the Culture...
All Roads Lead to Palmares in January – A Must for Some Retirees Source : Live In Costa Rica The town of Palmares...