Reflections

I've been back from Costa Rica a bit over a week and now have a bit of perspective on our previous two weeks of travel. Relative to many of the places I've travelled to, Costa Rica is very easy. Tourism is amongst the country's top four income streams...and they do it very well. It's an exquisite place to take in jungle/rain forest flora and fauna, to partake in high adrenaline activities like zip line canopy tours, white water rafting and water fall hikes and to enjoy the gorgeous beaches. Costa Rica, unlike it's Northern neighbors, El Salvador and Nicaragua has invited mega-international corportations like Dole, Chiquita and Del Monte to reap its harvests, causing many of its citizens to benefit financially. There was not a single Costa Rican we met who attempted to discuss immigration to the U.S. (When I was in Africa and Peru, it was a non-stop topic of conversation.) Rather, many ex-pats (especially from the U.S. and Canada) immigrate/retire in Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans who do leave their country typically do so for education or travel--not for permanent immigration.

As for the trip, I took full responsiblity for organizing just about every detail. I booked hotels, transport and activities all in advance...and everything occurred pretty much as I expected it would. The trip lacked the high drama of spontaneous solo travel, rather it was relaxing, beautiful and Dennis and Linda proved to be fabulous travel companions.