Untitled Document

Paula's Thoughts on Costa Rica

Ticos are friendly and anxious to please
Many Ticos speak English
Most of Costa Rica is still rural--either farmland or protected parks.
Almost every small town has a church and soccer field in the town center or square.
Rural areas were not well developed by US standards: poor plumbing, few convienent services, very poor road conditions, poor markings of roads, streets and even tourist sites
Tourists sites not well developed yet and numerous businesses doing things that would not have ben possible in US because of safety standards and liability issues.
Hot, humid--mornings were the most comfortable between 6-8AM.
Bugs, mosquitos weren't as bad as expected but snakes, poisonous frongs, ants, scorpions were real hazards to watch out for.
Great diversity in fauna, flora, insect, animal life.
Interdependence of life in the rain forest is fasinating.

David's "To Do and Not Do"in Costa Rica

Tour the entire country--you don't really get to know what the country is really like if you just see one place. Each region of the country is different.
See a real rainforest--you will learn more in the rainforest than you ever will in a classroom--we saw about 100 different species of animals, most of them in the wild.
Take a night tour of the rainforest because some of the really cool animals, such as armidillos and opossums, can only be seen a night.
Do a canopy tour--it is loads of fun zipping from three to tree way up in the canopy. you kind of feel like a monkey.
Don't get into bed without checking your covers and pillows for spiders, scorpions and other creatures. Also check your shoes and clothing.
Don't come to Costa Rica without knowing at least a little Spanish or you might have trouble getting around.

Katie's Thoughts on Safety in Costa Rican

The safety in Costa Rica is a lot different than it is in the United States. Here are some reasons why:

Noboby in Costa Rica is required to wear a seatbelt while driving, and babies are not required to use a safety seat.
Street signs are confusing.
Roads are dumpy and curvy.
Dangerous sites and areas are surrounded by no or little fencing.
For many risky activities such as canopy tours, you are not required to sign a safety form.
Costa Ricans very rarely wear helmets, and ride on narrow streets.
Milk and eggs are not refrigerated.
In zoos, protective fencing is not very strong, people can easily get hands into cages.
Many dangerous snakes and insects are common and not only found in rainforest, in homes/hotels as well.
People walk on busy highways.