traveltales: SOME COSTA RICA TRIVIA

Sunday, April 10, 2011

SOME COSTA RICA TRIVIA

Fun Facts

Costa Rica, about the size of New Mexico, with a population of a little over 3 ½ million people, lies on the Central American isthmus between Nicaragua on the north and Panama on the south. It is a peaceful Central American country with political stability and an oasis of unspoiled natural beauty and spectacular scenery.

The country abolished its army in 1948. San Jose, founded in 1737, became the capital of the country in 1823. With nearly a third of the population living there, it is the political, social, historical, and cultural center of the country. Avenues run east and west, and streets run north and south. However, the streets run in odd number numerical order on one side of the city and even numbers on the other side of the city making it difficult to get to find the address you want.

In 1983 Pope John Paul used San Jose as his headquarters while visiting around in Latin and South America.

After President Oscar Arias won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 the world began to notice Costa Rica, and that event put the country on the map.

Intel and tourism are the top income producers followed by coffee, bananas, pineapple, fish, especially tuna, meat, and textiles. The country believes in quality coffee rather than quantity. The country grows 150 tropical fruits! Banana paper is a new and fascinating product—I was quite taken with it.

Oil comes from Venezuela and Mexico. Kapok is the national tree of Guatemala and was worshiped by Indians.

The country has a high auto accident rate with DWI being a big factor. A yellow heart is painted in a street where a fatal accident occurred.

Hotels were super five star. The wildlife was incredible, the scenery awesome, and flowers and foliage gorgeous. The food was good with rice and beans served at every meal. Pastas were added for tourists. The fresh fruits and fresh juices were delicious!

Tortuguero National park was a unique experience, especially watching the turtles lay their eggs at night.

Costa Ricans are extremely friendly.

Punt Arenas means point of sand.

Ecotourism is getting to be a popular way to travel, and Costa Rica is a wonderful choice and place to begin.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.