WanderingSusan: TRYING TO CATCH UP!

So we are waiting here in San Jose for our new tour guide (don't know how ANYONE could replace Alex!! He was special!) to take us to the airport for a short small plane flight to the 3 day extension on the Caribbean side to Tortugeuro National Park. 1/2 of our group left this morning for home. I think there are 7 of us left to go on.

Here are some things I remember Alex talking about relating to life in Costa Rica. CR was a crossroads through Central America but didn't have a huge Spanish settlement presence, maybe because it is so mountainous and not too rich in natural resources. I think they were part of a large Guatamala group at one time. They had a civil war and at the end in 1949, the leader abolished the army and they haven't had one since. They spent their money on education (96% literacy rate, most speaking English as well) and medical care and other social improvements. They have a president, for 4 years and then has to leave office. They can come back again and again but with 4 years in between. He admits there is a lot of corruption higher up in the government. Government employees have it pretty cushy! They have this + system where things get added to their salary for minor things. + for being married. + for having a kid + if you speak another language, even if it isn't necessary or useful for your job. I think he said there were up to 140 +s available!! He said that is the current topic for discussion and change as it's bankrupting the country.

He talked about the medical system. Pretty much everything is covered. The problem is, you have to WAIT! and you can die while you wait for what you need. So many people also pay for private medical services. A doctor can work for the government as well as work in private practice. So people with money can get the care they need faster. Even heart transplants and other transplants are covered. NOT things like cosmetic procedures though.

The country years ago began to focus on eco-tourism. The hotels are rated, rather than stars, on LEAVES! We stayed at a couple of 5 leaf (the highest ratings) hotels - meaning they are green, recycle, reuse, conserve, no AC, just fans, no TVs in rooms, everything to encourage the natural flora and fauna and not pollute. No one uses dryers - use the sun!