From the mountain of San Ramon (best coffee in the world) to Manuel Antonio beach, Don King was the kindest + most honest + hardest working Tico soul I know, even on Guaro! Always ready to help and give us everything we needed. I shall never forget the last 5 years I spent there and the precious moments with him. At the end ,he almost gave me his computer, how generous he was, never asking anything in return. His great spirit will be with us forever and in my heart, I send him back the beautiful bouquet of exotic flowers he gave me 3 months ago for my birthday. ~Lucie Giroux

This is dedicated to Joaquin Jose Arroyo Chavez who passed away June 1 in Manuel Antonio. A beloved member of our community, most know him as Joaquin of Apartamento de Joaquin’s in Manuel Antonio. Joaquin dedicated his life and energy to that of service and helping others. His ENERGY and amazing smile was wonderful as he successfully housed and helped many many Gringos here. He will also be sadly missd by his family and many Tico friends and neighbors. A very special Costa Rican who touched our lives with much PURA VIDA(a pure life of love and laughter)…allowing us to know and experience why we all love Costa Rica…Joaquin will always be remembered and cherished in our hearts. Mucho Gracious Joaquin para todo… ~Katreena

Filed under: Katreena on July 12th, 2010
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By Jim Parisi

Be suspicious when someone tells you that size doesn’t matter. On the contrary, when it comes to field guides, for example, the size of the book is a determining factor toward how well it will serve the customer. For example there are several beautiful coffee table books whose subject matter is the wildlife of Costa Rica. But I wouldn’t want to treat that book like a field guide, put it in my backpack and go into the jungle in search of its subject matter. Likewise, there are pocket guides that provide concise snapshots of the most common species of wildlife in Costa Rica, concise being the operative word. Pocket guides are handy but are limited and compact in their information as well.

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Filed under: Book Review, Jim Parisi on July 9th, 2010
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En esta edición continuaremos con las preposiciones, les presentaremos dos de las más usadas:

POR Y PARA:

Las preposiciones por y para supone una de las mayores dificultades para la mayoría de los extranjeros ya que en muchos otros idiomas se utiliza la misma preposición para ambos casos.

En este artículo les vamos a ofrecer un pequeño resumen de las distintas funciones que tienen estas dos preposiciones.

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Filed under: Academia D'Amore, Tico Talk on July 9th, 2010
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By Donna Porter

In the wake of one of the fiercest storms that our little area of paradise has seen in decades is the destruction, disfigurement and removal of many of our grandest and loveliest trees.  Obviously, a large fallen tree or tree limb can cause severe damage to structures, cars and people, and I hope that none of you, Quepolandians, or visitors to our area, experienced any of these misfortunes.

Today, one week after the storm, the sounds of chainsaws and falling trees still fill the air and we continue to see dramatic changes in our local landscape and forests due to the high winds (or whatever natural phenomena occurred that night) that is heartbreaking.  We humans, instinctively, do not miss something until it is gone, and I think that will be the case with some of our lost trees.  Some folks, however, may be rejoicing having gained instant, hassle (MINAE) – free opened vistas of the ocean or mountains, increased sunlight or resulting less debris and fallen leaves to deal with around your homes or hotels due to tree losses, but I believe the loss of their benefits to our environment, landscape and other native habitat is nothing to celebrate.  Their scattered absence for their welcomed shade, their inherent protection from the winds, their veils of privacy from neighbors, and the birds that perch upon and nest within their boughs while monkeys perform their acrobatic stunts along their routes of travel will eventually be realized.

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Filed under: Donna Porter, It's a Wonderful World of Plants on July 7th, 2010
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By Tey Arce

Whether you’re a born tico or an adopted one, chances are good that you’ve heard or visited the INBIO Park. The National Biodiversity Institute of Costa Rica (INBIO) is an internationally renowned private research and management center supporting conservation and sustainable development projects.

Last month, for almost 9 consecutive days, a group of 8 INBIO experts and entomologists explored the surroundings of our Rio Naranjo Biological Corridor. Together with Titi Conservation Alliance team, the group placed traps and collected biodiversity data. Such information is being used to develop the first corridor’s formal ecological report.

Titi’s Conservation Alliance, members and the titis themselves are endlessly thankful to INBIO’s cooperation. And the great news is that final results are expected in October this year. Yes… we’ll keep you informed!

Additionally, leaded by a new director specialized in sustainable tourism, the alliance is now working on the creation of a local purchasing cooperative to help member businesses contribute to the empowerment of local people while improving their own economies of scale.

We are encouraging everyone to get involve in these efforts. Write to us about your tico artisan neighbor, local agricultural farms, regional artists… they will surely appreciate it. Or if you have a local-manufactured product for hotel/tourism supply, let’s meet!  Please send all information to director@monotiti.org.

For more information on Titi Conservation Alliance, please visit our website at www.monotiti.org, or contact us at info@monotiti.org at any time.

Filed under: Tey Arce, Titi Conservation Alliance on July 7th, 2010
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By Ollie Bass

Much has been said about the beauty of Manuel Antonio and our little corner of paradise.  From the mountains to the beaches, the sunset views, the rivers and waterfalls,  the selva with all the varieties of flora and fauna what more could you ask for.  This article is not about that.

We all know about the multitude of activities available here in Quepolandia.   Surfing,  whitewater rafting,  horseback riding,  canopy tours,  world class sport fishing,   yoga,  ocean kayaking,  scuba diving…….  This article is not about that either.

What I want to write about is available every day, and often overlooked. We have in Quepolandia some of the finest bounty, the most delicious food available anywhere.  The intersection of fine ingredients and culinary artistry that exists here is exceptional.

Think about it, tropical fruits and fresh vegetables:  mango, avocado, tomatoes, strawberries, bananas, pineapples, lettuces. Seafood: snapper, wahoo, shrimp, river prawns, lobster, mahi mahi, tuna, robalo, calimari, mussels from New Zealand, fresh and smoked trout. Meats – pork,  chicken, now even beef, imported lamb. Fresh baked breads. Dairy and cheese products. Fine wine. Gourmet coffee. All here in fresh abundance.

Prepare any of the above with the creativity brought to Quepolandia by chefs from all corners of the world: Italian, French, Indonesian, Thai, German, Polish, Mexican, Californian, Japanese and you end up with exquisite dishes. Now fuse this. Morph it. Imagine the possibilities of tropical ingredients and knowledgeable traveled experienced imaginative innovation. We have that here.

Think of this as an invitation or maybe a reminder. We have some of the best cuisine available in the world. Get out and try some at our wonderful restaurants.

Filed under: Guest Writer on July 5th, 2010
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These Horoscopes are meant to be fun and enjoyed. They should not be taken too seriously.

CANCER -June 22-July 22

Happy Birthday to you! Through a casual remark in an elevator…you will realize that both you and your fellow passenger have seen John Cleese’s informational film called “How to Irritate People” By the time you reach the 10^th floor, you will both be severely vexed with one another. This might be a good month to carry your enchanting tool with you… you never know.

IDEAL JOB: CANDLE WICK MAKER

RULING GEMSTOME: RUBY

LEO

You will find a small speckled egg, shimmering a little, in an unusual place. If you keep it warm in a 350 degree oven for 3 weeks, it will hatch into a small dragon and then eat you! The lesson to be learned here is…stay tuned…

IDEAL JOB: CRASH TEST DUMMY CRASHER

RULING GEMSTONE: PERIDOT, JADE

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Filed under: Cosmic Confetti, Horoscopes on July 5th, 2010
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