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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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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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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Good People to Know

Aad and Marian are very good people to know if you are thinking of traveling to the Central Valley in Costa Rica.  They happened to manage a property we rented there last year, but they were more than property managers.  They provided us with restaurant and shopping information, directions to sightseeing attractions, and gave us other important information about the area to make our stay absolutely delightful

To learn more about Aad and Marian follow the link below to brief biographies, property listings and contact information.

http://american-european.net/index.php?action=view_user&user=1523

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El Toledo Organic Coffee

El Toledo Organic Coffee Plantation is located just outside Atenas, in the central valley of Costa Rica.  El Toledo is committed to true organically grown coffee, and education regarding their process and conceptual differences in growing methods.

The tour of El Toledo consists of an in depth discussion of their methods of growing coffee, history of the plantation, a walking tour of the plantation, and coffee tasting.  Gabriel is a very well spoken man who obviously loves his vocation.  Through the years he has made dramatic changes in growth and management of the plantation.  Your walking tour requires appropriate shoes as you are on rugged paths through the plantation.  When you taste their coffee, and understand the entire process you will fully appreciate their attention to detail and the intense work involved in producing a superior and eco-friendly product.

When anywhere in the general area of Atenas, El Toledo is an outing not to miss.  You can contact them by phone or email.  More information about the tour and contact information is available by visiting their web site at:  http://www.bestcoffeetour.com/   

Two Bedroom House, Costa Rica.

For a modest weekly rental charge, you can use this beautiful home as your hub when touring the Central Valley. Click the link below for more pictures and complete information.

http://american-european.net/listing-beautiful-2-bedroom-house-for-rent-in-atenas-5793.html

A breathtaking vista while savoring your morning coffee.