A First Person Account of a Recent Volunteer Trip to the Caribbean of Costa Rica.
Before going to Costa Rica, I was searching for a new life experience. I thought that maybe volunteering for people in need would help me to reach this objective. I couldn’t make up my mind right away and spent a lot of time thinking about the destination and what kind of volunteering I wanted to do. This is an important point to consider. You cannot decide any random volunteer abroad program online without having a specific goal. Choosing Costa Rica met my goals of wanting to discover a new culture, a new language and the natural beauty of the country.
Once I made up my mind on the destination, I had to find an organized program that met my expectations. I chose a non-profit organization rather than a ‘voluncation’ travel agency because I thought they would be closer to the local people
Mateo | Submitted 
Volunteering in Costa Rica A Life Changing Experience (Costa Rica Travel News)
Posted by
Mateo 1009 days ago
(http://news.google.com)
A backpacker guide to Costa Rica (Sarasota Herald Tribune)
Posted by
Mateo 1009 days ago
(http://www.heraldtribune.com)
A Rastafarian influence hangs heavy in this area, home to the famously good hostel, Rocking J's. For $6, guests can rock to sleep in one of the supersized hammocks packed together in a big, open-air dorm room.
Still, Puerto Viejo, for all its beach views and surf spots, didn't quite fit my image of the perfect un-touristy spot -- too much division between the locals and the tourists.
During my stay, a group of locals jumped two backpackers walking back to Rocking J's from a bar. The duo sprinted away with their money intact, but one, a junior from the University of Colorado, returned with a deep gash on his cheek and scratches along his sides.
With my optimism slightly bruised, I proceeded next to La Fortuna and nearby Monteverde, nestled side-by-side in the tall mountains at the center of the country.
Still, Puerto Viejo, for all its beach views and surf spots, didn't quite fit my image of the perfect un-touristy spot -- too much division between the locals and the tourists.
During my stay, a group of locals jumped two backpackers walking back to Rocking J's from a bar. The duo sprinted away with their money intact, but one, a junior from the University of Colorado, returned with a deep gash on his cheek and scratches along his sides.
With my optimism slightly bruised, I proceeded next to La Fortuna and nearby Monteverde, nestled side-by-side in the tall mountains at the center of the country.
Business serves body mind and spirit
Posted by
Mateo 1020 days ago
(http://news.google.com)
In May, in a small coastal village near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, Heidi Dietrich studied at the Samasati Yoga Retreat Center with 20 other students from all over the world to earn her accreditation as a yoga instructor.
Returning to Charlevoix, Dietrich established Darma and Grace Yoga.
“Yoga is bringing together the body, mind and spirit,” Dietrich said. “I think people come to yoga for many reasons. For some, it’s relaxation; for others, it’s for added flexibility or for the physical exercise. And for some, it’s spiritual.”
Dietrich completed the required 200 hours of training through the Yoga Alliance, an international organization that provides support services and yoga teacher certification.
Returning to Charlevoix, Dietrich established Darma and Grace Yoga.
“Yoga is bringing together the body, mind and spirit,” Dietrich said. “I think people come to yoga for many reasons. For some, it’s relaxation; for others, it’s for added flexibility or for the physical exercise. And for some, it’s spiritual.”
Dietrich completed the required 200 hours of training through the Yoga Alliance, an international organization that provides support services and yoga teacher certification.
A taste of Costa Rican Caribbean coast (Examiner)
Posted by
Mateo 1025 days ago
(http://www.examiner.com)
After about a 5-hour drive through the heart of the country we arrived at our destination in Puerto Viejo. “What do you mean the room doesn't have AC? ...
The town of Puerto Viejo was about a half-mile’s walk down the beach from our cabin nestled in the forest. Dirt roads intertwined and created paths through town. Most of the natives walk or ride their bicycles, and often with bare feet. I thought back to industrial America and back home in Florida where AC isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. I remembered all the cars packed bumper to bumper on the highway during rush-hour traffic. I recalled the countless number of banks and grocery stores I pass on my way to work in the United States. All these aspects so unlike the town I had emerged in that day. The town with few cars, dirt roads, one bank, and scattered privately owned eateries and markets. As I walked back to my cabin-h
The town of Puerto Viejo was about a half-mile’s walk down the beach from our cabin nestled in the forest. Dirt roads intertwined and created paths through town. Most of the natives walk or ride their bicycles, and often with bare feet. I thought back to industrial America and back home in Florida where AC isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. I remembered all the cars packed bumper to bumper on the highway during rush-hour traffic. I recalled the countless number of banks and grocery stores I pass on my way to work in the United States. All these aspects so unlike the town I had emerged in that day. The town with few cars, dirt roads, one bank, and scattered privately owned eateries and markets. As I walked back to my cabin-h
Rocking Time In Puerto Viejo
Posted by
Mateo 1025 days ago
(http://insidecostarica.com)
If you are looking to mix it up a little, grab a duffel and head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca… Costa Rica beach town injected with a reggae vibe, Puerto Viejo sits on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, moving at a slow speed – the speed of bike. ...
If you are looking for a hassle free vacation, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca delivers laid back fun in the sun. ...
If you are looking for a hassle free vacation, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca delivers laid back fun in the sun. ...
Guanacaste Continues To Be Favorite Destination For Mid Year Vacations
Posted by
Mateo 1036 days ago
(http://news.google.com)
The mid-year vacation period has already started, and tourism businesses from all over the country are preparing to attract the highest number possible of visitors through special packages and promotions — as tourists in the current economic situation not only seek quality service but also saving money.
As experience has shown, 10 national routes will be particularly patrolled during this time of year, due to the increase traffic levels they experience. Among them are the highways to the Nicaragua and Panama borders, the section between Manolo’s Bridge (San Jose) and Orotina, Liberia-Nicoya, and San Jose-Limon, as well as the Rio Frio intersection leading toward Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui...
As experience has shown, 10 national routes will be particularly patrolled during this time of year, due to the increase traffic levels they experience. Among them are the highways to the Nicaragua and Panama borders, the section between Manolo’s Bridge (San Jose) and Orotina, Liberia-Nicoya, and San Jose-Limon, as well as the Rio Frio intersection leading toward Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui...
The VolunTourist Avoiding the Tourist Traps in a Taxi in Costa Rica
Posted by
Mateo 1051 days ago
(http://www.heraldtribune.com)
Maybe a brief detour to a river doesn’t seem like much compared to pricey zip-line tours and river rafting, but it remained a highlight of my trip, much like the surf lesson had stuck out in Puerto Viejo the weekend before. The first time I noticed the limp in our taxi driver’s leg, I had grown so accustomed to averting my eyes around local men that I looked away without even realizing it.
We were in La Fortuna, a small town made famous by its active volcano, Arenal, which lures tourists to resort-like hot springs with water slides and wet bars. And the fact that almost everything in La Fortuna is priced in American dollars is a very, very bad sign in terms of cheap travel....
We were in La Fortuna, a small town made famous by its active volcano, Arenal, which lures tourists to resort-like hot springs with water slides and wet bars. And the fact that almost everything in La Fortuna is priced in American dollars is a very, very bad sign in terms of cheap travel....
Vale la pena on Costa Ricas Caribbean shore part one
Posted by
Mateo 1052 days ago
(http://www.examiner.com)
Many Costa Rica-bound travelers and most everyone that have perused a Lonely Planet book or website have heard of Puerto Viejo. Air travel is hectic and expensive, often crowded and seems to rarely turn out exactly as planned. The trip from the airport and capital city of San Jose to the Caribe side of Costa Rica makes the airborne leg of the trip seem both insignificant and vale la pena, worth the pain....
The VolunTourist Learning to surf in Puerto Viejo (Herald Tribune Blog)
Posted by
Mateo 1060 days ago
(http://www.heraldtribune.com)
I decided to put aside my hammock hate and settle down in the aptly named hostel, Rocking J’s. The place is in Puerto Viejo, a tiny beach town on the east coast that’s become a popular haven for backpackers, local surfers, and surfing backpackers.
And like the Rasta-influenced town, Rocking J’s feels overwhelmingly Caribbean. “Por favor, vaya a la playa,” requests a sign in the lobby. Beside the text are two marijuana leaves ex-ed out in red lines.
And like the Rasta-influenced town, Rocking J’s feels overwhelmingly Caribbean. “Por favor, vaya a la playa,” requests a sign in the lobby. Beside the text are two marijuana leaves ex-ed out in red lines.
Good for something Italians part two (Examiner)
Posted by
Mateo 1062 days ago
(http://www.examiner.com)
“We're thinking about renting a car,” Roberto said. I replied enthusiastically, sharing their thought that that way, even if the road blockage did last into the evening, they could squeak through, making it to their destination (which I learned was the party town south of Cahuita called Puerto Viejo) before the night was through. “Where are you going?” Roberto asked me, to which I responded “Cahuita,” inspiring a puzzled, European frown. I explained the relative locations of my and their destinations, and they asked if I would like to come along.
The taxi driver that had followed me from my initial arrival seemed to be content with my realization that he was telling the truth about the road being closed. I thanked him for his advice, and told him that if I decided I needed a taxi for something, I would let him know. He reminded me that the demonstration may last into the ev
The taxi driver that had followed me from my initial arrival seemed to be content with my realization that he was telling the truth about the road being closed. I thanked him for his advice, and told him that if I decided I needed a taxi for something, I would let him know. He reminded me that the demonstration may last into the ev
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NEWS AND BLOGS ABOUT CARIBE SUR - THE OTHER COSTA RICA - Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo, Cocles, Chiquita Village, Limón, Costa Rica