Hot Stuff in El Salvador

A volcano in eastern El Salvador belched more ash and gases on Monday after a big eruption on Sunday that drove more than 1,600 people into emergency shelters. No major injuries or damage were reported.

The Chaparrastique volcano, which is about 140 km (87 miles) east of San Salvador, the capital, spewed ash over a wide area known for its coffee plantations on Sunday.

 The most active volcano in El Salvador

Rescue workers monitor the activity of the Chaparrastique volcano

El Salvador is home to 22 volcanoes. El Salvador volcanoes include San Diego, Guazapa, Singuil, Apaneca Range, Taburete, Usulutan, Santa Ana (Ilamatepec), Conchaguita, Izalco, San Salvador, Cinotepeque, Ilopango, San Vicente, Cerro Singüil, Apastepeque, Coatepeque, Tecapa, Chinameca, San Miguel, Laguna Aramuaca, Conchagua, and Chingo.

El Salvador's Active Volcanoes:

Six of El Salvador's 22 volcanoes are considered active. They include San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Miguel, Izalco, Ilopango and Conchaguita.

The Chaparrastique volcano spews ash in the municipality of San Miguel December 29, 2013

Volcanic activity is no reason to avoid El Salvador. Volcanic activity is not all that uncommon to El Salvadorians, and the government is reasonably prepared with plans for shelter and emergency evacuation.  I would not like to be in the immediate vicinity of ash contamination, however. We will be in El Salvador soon, this is not a deterrent.

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New Year's Eve in Honduras and Panama

Hondurans celebrate New Year's Eve on the 31st of December.  Below is a picture of the daytime portion of a rural Honduran New Year celebration.

. During this celebration, the majority of Honduran homes cook special dishes to mark the occasion. Favorites include tamales wrapped with banana leaves, roast pigs' legs, and pastries. The celebrations is complemented at the end of the night with fireworks and firecrackers.

Many traditions are also connected with New Year Celebrations in Panama and one can also take enjoy of all traditional activities on eve night. The tradition comprises fires, throwing out of evil spirits, plants and fruit trees are beaten with sticks, and noisemakers are blown and other celebrations. New Year Eve in Panama is a wonderful celebration with singing, fire dancing, sizzling dinners and brilliant fireworks. 

The occasion is a great time for good food, wine and music. The citizens of Panama celebrates the new year by wishing each other good luck and promise himself to perform better in the ensuing year. The inhabitants of Panama celebrate the New Year eve by being part of the beach party celebrations or they stare at the occasion by amalgamation the celebration that takes place at the clubs as well as at the bars that are positioned near the Panama City Beach. 

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2013 Central America Headlines

In the USA and Canada we often stop interest in the rest of the continent at northern Mexico.  There are interesting and important events occurring all over Central America that effect our daily lives in the US & Canada.  Below are some interesting links to Central American headlines of 2013:

Aspiring writers invited to attend exclusive retreat at Four Seasons Costa Rica 

The Examiner

15 Jul 2013

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View slideshow. Aspiring writers invited to attend exclusive retreat at Four Seasons Costa Rica. The posh resort is inviting aspiring travel writers to try their hand creating masterpieces at its Immersion Travel Writing Retreats, August 30 to September 3 and November 7 to 10, 2013  More complete information here:

http://article.wn.com/view/2013/07/15/Aspiring_writers_invited_to_attend_exclusive_retreat_at_Four/#/related_news

Hero MotoCorp drives into Latin America

IIFL

29 Jan 2013

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Hero MotoCorp reportedly has commenced  its operations in three Latin American countries — ElSalvador, Honduras and Guatemala in Latin America - eventually hoping to reach as many as 30 countries spread across the globe More complete information and video here:

http://article.wn.com/view/2013/01/29/Hero_MotoCorp_drives_into_Latin_America/#/video

Tauro lifted by emotion and history in title run (CONCACAF - Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football)

noodls

05 Dec 2013

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(Source. CONCACAF - Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football). Wednesday Dec 04, 2013 Tauro lifted by emotion and history in title run ...(Photo. Digicel Panama). PANAMÁ CITY, Panama - Emotion and history marked Tauro's 1-0 win over San Francisco in the 2013 Panamanian Apertura final, the 12th domestic crown in club history ... Not to be overlooked, however, is the historical aspect of Tauro's success.  More complete information here:

http://www.noodls.com/view/0D2AF04200267731A691C444D82764DA02ACB55C?3412xxx1386232297

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Rental Alert, El Salvador

Casa Tortuga, a wonderful property north of La Libertad has availability during the middle of January.  And at a surprisingly low price for time spent in paradise.  Escape winter, enjoy the sun, the beach, the pool, and friendly El Salvadorians.

Everything you need in a vacation awaits you at Casa Tortuga. From the beautiful sand of Playa Dorada to the private pool with swim-up bar, all your needs are catered to, just steps away. Whether you are a couple ready for quiet time or a large family looking for your next reunion spot, Casa Tortuga can accomodate you. Don’t wait, check availability soon and reserve your next vacation.

 The ocean is your front yard.  Laze to the sounds of waves on the shore.

 Beautiful, well manicured grounds surround this beautiful Beachfront home.

The Lanai is made for your relaxation.  Comfortable and covered.  Mas cervesa?

Fresh seafood is readily available and fairly priced.  Can't you almost taste the shrimp?

For more pictures, complete description, and available dates, visit:

http://elsalvadorbeachrentals.com/about-the-house/

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Christmas in Panama

Panama Christmas traditions contain a curious mixture of Spanish and American traditions due to the Americans building the Panama canal. Panama is a very small country; just smaller than the state of Indiana and they have a population of about 3 million people. About one fourth of the county's populations lives in Panama City, because of this, Panama city is the center of the country's Christmas celebration.

On the second weekend in December the festivities begin. The Panama City Christmas parade is one of the most exciting Panama Christmas traditions. The poor children from around the city are gathered together and brought to the center of the festivities, so they, too, can enjoy them. The floats are decorated in the national styles and the women dress in their country's party dresses, polleras. The men's costumes are calledmonunos. Here are some beautiful pictures from one of their parades.

Smaller neighborhoods love to hold the Spanish Las Posada on the nine days before Christmas. They dress as Mary and Joseph. To mimic the search for a place in the inn, they parade from house to house. At the final house where they are received, they sing, hit piñatas and enjoy food.

Nacimientos, Nativities are set up in many homes. the Christmas tree may or may not be present.In the Panama Canal zone, which is Americanized, there are extravagant outdoor displays with Christmas lights and nativity scenes.

On Christmas Eve at midnight, the Panamanians don't ring the Christmas bells to announce the coming of the Lord Jesus, but instead shoot off fabulous fireworks. No one misses the beginning of Christmas in Panama.

For more information visit http://www.family-christmas-traditions.com/Panama-Christmas-traditions.html

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Playa San Diego, El Salvador

Take a look at this beautiful rental property near La Libertad, El Salvador.  We will be there in January and blogging for our enjoyment and your information.  Take a look at the pictures below:

Owner's Description (edited for length)
Located in popular PLAYA SAN DIEGO which is a 5 minute drive south of La Libertad.. The book EXPLORER'S GUIDES, EL SALVADOR wrote that Playa San Diego was the MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH in EL SALVADOR. I agree with them. . TOTALLY FLAT SAND w NO ROCKS.. Can walk for miles in either direction. Many other American, Canadians & Europeans have retired to this beach. I have lived on this beach for 7 years & have always felt SAFE to live & walk the beaches here. 

In the morning cars & bikes are delivering fresh bread, produce, eggs, etc. Around 4 pm they are delivering sweet pastries to the locals on bikes. Woman walking the beaches selling local jewelry. Beer trucks go by delivering cases of beer or soda. Bikes selling ice cream throughout the day. Playa San Diego is the perfect place to experience El Salvador at it's finest. 


Great location: 30 minutes from both airport & San Salvador.
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Costa Rica Christmas

Costa Ricans love to celebrate and many take vacations at this time of year. They have three main parades after the beginning of the Christmas season on Dec. 16th .

El Carnival - Dancers and musical groups from all over the country compete for the best of show in costumes, dancing talent, and music.

El Tope - A Parade of showy horses, beautiful horse drawn carriages, and famous hand painted ox carts. Originally these carts were pulled by people until 1840 when the exporting of coffee exploded. The Las Carretas carts were then pulled by oxen; transporting coffee to the ports and other goods back. Decorating the carts began in the early 1900's. The San Jose Tope is the most famous. It is a grand parade that also includes floats, clowns, and marching bands.

El Destile de Luces - A night time parade made beautiful with thousands of Christmas lights. This parade is a favorite of the people.

Like Mexico, the Ticos celebrate with Posadas the nine days before Christmas. The Costa Rican Christmas is centered upon the Christ child, and therefore, both the Posada and La Portal( the manger) take a very important position in their celebration. The family portal often occupies the majority of the living room. The children collect plants, mosses, grasses, twigs, and sawdust to decorate it. Portals are completed with crafted wood, statues of Mary, Joseph, The Three Kings,and the shepherds and their sheep. On Noche Buena Christmas Eve, The Christ child is placed in the manger just before the family attends the Misa del Gallo Christmas Midnight Mass.

A few days before Christmas, the Christmas tree is placed in the home. It is painted white and may be a small Cyprus tree or dried branches from the coffee plant. It is decorated in a homemade fashion with small figurines, lace ornaments and brightly colored strips of paper. The gold star of Bethlehem crowns the tree. The night before Christmas some Tico children will place their shoes out for the Christ child to fill with treats and small gifts. On Christmas morning, those children are asked, "What did the Baby bring you."

The Christmas Eve dinner is a late night affair, and no wonder with all the preparation that goes into it. The special Costa Rican tamales that are served take many hours to prepare. Pupusas, tortillas made with many ingredients, grilled pork or chicken, as well as empanadas are served. This feast is topped off with fresh grapes and apples that are imported for the holiday season.

The most anticipated activity of the Christmas season is the Toros a laTica bullfights. Dozens of normal "crazy in my mind" young men will hop into the arena and attempt to frighten the bull into charging. The bulls are never harmed. Occasionally, a young man will be gored. Surprisingly though, this does not often happen.

Christmas traditions in Costa Rica end with the celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. The night before, most Tico children greatly anticipate the arrival of The Three Kings, who will bring them gifts while they sleep. The children set out boxes of grass for the camels of the Los Reyes Magio. On the Epiphany Neighbors gather to pray and enjoy company with feasting and caroling.

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Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas.  Celebrate Central American Style.  Each Central American country has different nuances on their Christmas celebration.  The common theme is the celebration of the religious meaning of the holiday.  In some places, and at some time during the holiday things can get a bit rowdy.  Especially in the population centers, partying can go on for quite some time and there is likely to be quite a bit of adult beverage consumption.  As always be careful.  Enjoy the pictures below, and Merry Christmas to all.

Costa Rica

El Salvador

Belize

Honduras

Nicaragua

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Costa Rica Medical Tourism

There are several reasons to consider medical tourism in Costa Rica.

Medical treatments are usually about 50-70% cheaper than in the US and no one has to wait their turn for surgery. Easily accessible from US and Canada. There are frequent flights from important cities in both these countries. Also Americans, Canadians and most Europeans staying in Costa Rica for less than 90 days do not require a visa. 

Presence of top private accredited hospitals and clinics in Costa Rica. It is very common for leading doctors and surgeons in Costa Rica Hospitals to have gained experience, certifications or trainings from the USA.

Traditionally, the procedures that have been popular with medical tourists in Costa Rica have been cosmetic and dental treatments. But with growing standards of medical care, there is rapid medical tourism demand for various other surgeries and medical procedures.

Costa Rica is a foreigner-friendly country; it attracts over 2 million tourists every year. The phrase Pura Vida differently means "Full of Life", "Purified life", "This is living!" or "Going great!"  and reflects the easy-going, relaxed lifestyle of Costa Ricans. Costa Rica has a special police force called 'Tourist Police' that is just to assist the tourists with directions and answering questions.

A politically stable country, Costa Rica does not have an army. It has a high standard of living when compared to that of other Latin American countries and also a stable economy. It has a literacy rate of 96% and the lowest crime rates in the region. Many US and Canadian citizens and Europeans choose Costa Rica to lead their retired life because of the low cost of living, comfortable climate and its unspoiled natural habitats. 

More information is available for medical, cosmetic, and dental procedures in Costa Rica:

http://www.medicaltourismco.com/costa-rica-hospitals/medical-tourism-costa-rica.php

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Sightseeing in Nicaragua

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No matter what your interests are, you will find a multitude of interesting destinations within Nicaragua.  These tours vary from low impact to high energy, and none of them will disappoint.

Only 45 minutes from Managua, you will visit Granada, an original settlement known as the oldest city on the North American continent because it still remains in the same place it was founded in the year of 1524, then on to Lake Nicaragua.

 The tour heads northwest to get to Malpaisillo's town from where you will access and have the opportunity to climb the active volcano, Cerro Negro. Climbing it is an unequalled experience, but is reserved for those in good physical condition.

We will begin our visit to Acahualinca Footprints Museum, showing us foot springs from humans and animals escaping from a volcano eruption between 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. Then we will visit historical sites like; The Old Cathedral destroyed by the earthquake of 1972, the Presidential House, the waterfront, the Central Market where you can observe or buy the finest Nicaraguan Handcrafts.

For more tours and information, Please click on:

http://www.nicaraguatours.org/?event=offer.list&p=9

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International Living Magazine

International Living Magazine caters to the average middle class person who might be thinking about or in the final stages of retirement planning.  Options abound for those with an adventurous personality and the desire to retire and live a very comfortable lifestyle.

IL Magazine gives readers insight into retirement and investment destinations worldwide.  Whether it be Europe, Central America, or South America, there is something for everyone.  If you are considering buying a retirement property or renting a flat in a modern city, the magazine has the experience and information to guide you to a mistake-free decision.

Subject matter typically includes information on: Real Estate, Travel, Taxes, Currencies, Investments, Retirement, Why Retire Overseas, Best Climate and Health Care Overseas.

For information on International Living Magazine and a discount subscription click the banner at the top of the page.

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Country Estate Vacation Rental

This lovely country estate is offered by Bunki Tours in Atenas, Costa Rice.  

This Amazingly Spacious Country Estate has 5 bedrooms, 3 Baths and has over 5000 square feet Construction Area. The Estate sits on two acres of Tropical Landscaped Private Gardens. The House easily sleeps 10 people, making it perfect for Large Families or Groups.

The Property is set on a Hill Top, offering Peace, Tranquility, “Pura Vida” and Spectacular Views of San Jose and the Central Valley, both Night and Day.

For more information follow the link below.  The property managers are detailed, personable, multi-language people.  You can trust what they say to be the absolute truth.  Atenas is a wonderful destination for couples and families.  It is safe, centrally located to a multitude of attractions, and with an easy drive of the airport in San Jose.

http://american-european.net/listing-atenas-country-estate-for-rent-5790.html

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The Beach, The Mountains, The Lakes; Nicaragua

Nicaragua, as described by a recent Yahoo article is one of the best travel values for 2014.

Granada, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, is a wonderful city to visit or even make as your hub of travel through much of the country.  There is plenty to do here, and city accommodations are plentiful and fairly priced.

This emerging Central American destination is a budget hot spot that offers visitors a natural high with 18 volcanoes, rain and cloud forests, and world-class surfing. Called "the next Costa Rica," Nicaragua has many of the attributes visitors find in its southern neighbor but without the crowds, high prices and commercialism. Beset by a long revolution in the 1960s and '70s, Nicaragua has put that portion of its history behind it and is now considered the safest country in Central America.

Round-trip airfare is about $500; hotel and restaurant prices are about 50 percent less than those in Costa Rica. If you’re looking for high-end tourism, check out the luxurious new Mukul Beach Golf & Spa resort, an ecologically friendly oceanfront development on the country's Emerald Coast that features an 18-hole David MacLay Kidd-designed golf course.

When to go: Dry season, from January through April, brings reliably sunny weather but is the most expensive. Best value is during the green season, from May through September.  It does occur to me that I had read about the prevailing wind effect of lake Nicaragua on the adjacent Pacific beaches results in daily brief rain during the rainy season, but not the lengthy deluge found in other areas of the country.

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Nicaragua Beach Rental

This beach vacation rental property is absolutely beautiful. 

There are several transportation options once you arrive in Nicaragua. In the dry season (Nov. - May), you can often get by with a taxi or shuttle to the Tola area. In the rainy season (June - Oct.), a 4wd vehicle is recommended. Nicaragua has all the major rent-a-car companies at MGA International and reservations can be made in advance, online or upon arrival. If you decide to drive on your own, please be aware that Nicaragua has regular police checkpoints. If you prefer not to drive, the property owners can arrange private transportation for you and your group. They operate a fleet of vans and 4wd vehicles which will can accommodate airport transfers and daily trips.

For complete information on this property and more, click on:

http://nicaraguavacationrentals.com/page_rental.php?id=43&cat=cat1

Poas Volcano, Costa Rica

Poas Volcano National Park in Costa Rica is a wonderful low impact adventure that I consider a must see.  The volcano is not currently active, as a matter of fact (and this could change at any minute) there are no erupting volcanoes in Costa Rica at this time.

Located about an hour from San Jose, the park is a well kept, very well thought out attraction.  There is a fee for visitors of the equivalent of $7 USD to enter the park and includes parking.  the trail to the rim of the volcano is less than a half kilometer.

The roadway to the rim is a divided road, not too steep, and there are places to stop and rest on the way up.  Rest?  Why rest?  Well, the top of Poas is nearly 9000 feet.  The air is a bit thin up there.  We took or time, but watched another senior citizen walking a rather quick pace up the road.  While we were at one of the two overlooks the on-site ambulance took him away.  We did find out later that he was okay, but had suffered a mild heart attack.  Pace yourself, there is no need to rush.

There are also side trails through the jungle.  One is nearly a mile long and the other is just over 1/2 mile.  These trails are not paved.  They do offer up close opportunities to see some indigenous flora and fauna. No Flip flops recommended here.

The lower slopes of Poas are covered with fruit farms (be sure to buy some fresh strawberries or visit a tourist store for some chocolate covered berries as you are driving down the mountain) and huge ornamental flower farms. Most of the roses, lilies and other flowers grown in this region are air-expressed to Miami where they are put on planes headed to all parts of the United States and Canada.

At the base of the main walkway there is an information center, cafe and a shop to buy souvenirs.  This center is very clean and well organized.  Be sure to stop here either before or after your walk to the volcanic rim.

Morning seems to be the best time to have the best views of the crater and surrounding valleys.  Remember, you are going to be at about 9000 feet.  It will be cooler by far than wherever you started your day.  It could also be damper.  A light rain jacket should cover most unexpected weather changes.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is in the general vicinity and is also a worthwhile stop.  More on La Paz another time.        

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Must Have Travel Links.

The following links are necessary travel links in general.  Most are absolute necessities for travel in Central America.

I always shop multiple sites for my airfare.  The following are good starting points, but remember to visit Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines as well as specific airline web sites as they fit into your potential itinerary.

http://www.bookingbuddy.com/

http://www.kayak.com/

Also remember those frequent flier miles, and the opportunity to get more by applying for airline specific credit cards.  You can also buy extra miles from your airline if you happen to be short to get that free flight.  Beware, and be cautious about buying or getting gifted miles from even a close friend.  There is a lot of fine print and generally a big chance you are taking trying to use privately purchased miles.  It can usually be done, however.

For information on hotels, restaurants, rentals and attractions, the go to place is TripAdvisor.com .  I have in mind doing an entire posting about the pluses and minuses of this site.

      http://www.tripadvisor.com/

To find specific information about your potential destination, the following About.com web site offers a plethora of general information
http://gocentralamerica.about.com/

Rental Homes are one of my favorite ways to travel.  It is not always perfect, but you will not be at the mercy of an expensive hotel's inflated breakfast menu, there is no particular time that the lunch counter is open, and the feeling of freedom to do what you want when you want in a rental house is wonderful.

Vacation Rentals by Owner | VRBO.com

http://www.vrbo.com/

FlipKey Vacation Rentals

http://www.flipkey.com

HomeAway Vacation Rentals

http://www.homeaway.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentals

For car rental services I have often relied on a ;local reference to make my decision.  There are reputable "local" companies to choose from, but once again be cautious.  I do typically shop the recognized name brand rental companies, and often rent from them.  I use my AmericanExpress card to rent the vehicle, subscribe to a pay per use service from AmEx that is $24 per rental (I believe for up to 30 days) which covers collision insurance in case it is needed.  You will have to typically buy liability when you rent the vehicle, and it is not necessarily inexpensive.  I am aware that some other credit cards offer similar services, talk with them before you pay for your vehicle to be sure you are covered.

INSURANCE  Your health insurance is usually worthless in a foreign country.  For a relatively small fee you can be well insured for the duration of your travel.  There are many web sites that offer this type of product, as well as travel agencies, airlines and credit cards.  Shop and read the fine print.

Visit Roatan, Honduras. Luxury Rental Villa

Roatan Island is just off the coast of Honduras.  Roatan has much to offer from the hustle and bustle of a cruise ship port to the quiet peacefulness of the North Shore.  This is a Luxury rental for those who expect the best.

This 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Beachfront Villa With Private Pool is absolute heaven.

Combining the beauty of undiscovered Roatan with the luxury and amenities you would expect from the world's most exclusive resorts, our home is the premier beachfront villa at Pristine Bay. The Villa is on the North shore of the island, in the Crawfish Rock area.

There are only four Beach Villas at Pristine Bay Roatan, and only two of them are available for rent. Beach Villa 1 is the slightly larger and more private of the two, with multiple outdoor dining and sitting spaces and an extra large infinity pool. This three bedroom, three bath villa is outfitted with state of the art audio/video technology and free high-speed wifi. Enjoy complete serenity and spectacular views of the Caribbean from your own private retreat.

For further information and more pictures of the villa, please click on the following Homeaway link:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3494942