Residente 2007-01

Editorial Note: To our readers, first let me welcome you to 2007. I am looking forward to this new year, as we continue to look at the various provinces of the country, each with its own culture and traditions.

In this issue we are of course taking a look at Cartago, an often overlooked region, but in reality an area rich in history, possibly more so than any other part of Costa Rica.

I would like to thank those who have made submissions, as it brings a richness to the content of our little newsletter. I hope that you will continue to send me your articles and photos for many years to come, to help spread a little bit of the country and its culture to our members.

- Ryan Piercy

The end of the year is here, don’t forget to renew your insurance!

This magazine has been published every two months for 10 years as the official communications media of the Association of Residents of Costa Rica. Our organization provides service to thousands of foreigners who have chosen Costa Rica to reside for short periods or for permanent residence.

Since 1984 the Association of Residents of Costa Rica has been offering reliable SERVICES, INFORMATION and ADVOCACY to Costa Rica’s foreign residents. We have the experience and ability to help you with your residency application, immigration, business and financial management, real estate purchases and rentals, property management, insurance, pet importation and much more.

If you wish to place an ad in El Residente, please contact the ARCR main office.

El Residente

2

continue to contribute as your donations help others in need.

Presidents Repor t

by Earl Tomlinson

Post Holiday Greetings On behalf of ARCR, the staff and the Board of Director I wish to send you all a belated Happy Holidays. We had a very successful Christmas party hosted by the Canadian Club and ARCR. 234 happy souls drank, dined and danced and yes we had enough food, which consisted of beef bourguignon and salmon. ARCR and staff did such a good job of selling tickets that the Board, with a little arm-twisting, agreed to be the primary host for next year’s event. Of course Alan Weeks, the primary host this year, and past president of the Canadian club, more or less, talked us into making this decision. Anyway we are under way and Terry Renfer, VP of the Board is in charge of the event.

As you know we have a raffle drawing every three months and all the funds go into our charity funds account. By the way ARCR does not kept one red cent of all and any donations. 100% goes to charity functions. Our last raffle and drawing was held at the October seminar, because it gives us a chance to sell tickets to the seminar attendees.

As a matter of fact one of the attendees won a prize. This was a win win situation for us, since we collected $570.00, and our staff sold over 65% of the tickets. Our next drawing is scheduled for January 26th. Tickets are only 1,000 colones and there are always several valuable prizes. So don’t be surprised if one of our staff asked you to purchase a ticket or two when you are visiting our office. Thank you for you’re past support, of this program, and I hope you all will

This segues into my next subject. As you know we have a new Board and one of our Board members, Charles Zeller, made a proposal of ways to enhance our charitable activities. I will list them, briefly, as the Board has not yet adopted them, but I’m confident at our next meeting on Dec. 20th they will be ratified. First, we will continue with the raffles. Second, we are in the process of developing a brochure after which we will began soliciting donations from business, organizations and private individuals.

Actually Attilio, our chief fundraiser, is already achieving tremendous results in this area. More later on Attilio. Third, we are developing a database of charitable organization so that we can coordinate needs with organizations that can provide assistance. Often we don’t have the means or funds to assist, but if we have this database we can refer families in need to an organization that can assist them. If any of our members have the names of charitable groups, their address, director names and phone number please contact us. We will make the call, learn about their projects, activities, programs and add them to our list of charitable organizations. Fourth, we will be soliciting donations, such as household goods, merchandise or what ever from members who bring in containers of goods or perhaps from members who are moving back home and wish to donate their household goods. Fifth, and last, we would like to organize and involve ARCR members in different parts of the country. We realize that Continued on page 4...

Cover Collage Province 3-Cartago: Cartago, Costa Rica’s colonial capital, was founded by Vásquez de Coronado in 1563, over 100 years before Heredia, San Jose or Alajuela. Fertile farms and enslaved Indians brought growth (and wealth) to the area, and it was a center of trade in colonial times. Expansion finally drove newcomers to found the other cities due to lack of available land.

Cartago eventually lost its place as capital to San José, following the independence of 1821, and over 20 years of battles between the principal cities. The Cartago of today remains an important agricultural center for the country, as well as the historical testament to most of the countries colonial heritage.

January-February, 2007

3

they’re our people in all parts of Costa Rica that need help.

If we can develop cells in different parts of the country we can utilize our skills and information to assist these groups in assisting families in there area. We need volunteers to jump-start these programs.

We are planning a very ambitious program, this year, and we know this will not happen over night, but we are depending on ARCR members and our Board to start this process, and go forward one step at a time.

Back to Attilio Gilberti for a moment. If you have been at our office, recently, you will have seen a Christmas tree with many tags. These tags are names of children who live at Hospicio de Huerfanor. Most come from the street or have no family. I’m happy to report that members have taken all the tags and we have collected tons of gift for these children This has been Attilio’s program, he has raised several thousands of dollars for this project and he has been the driving force behind making the project a complete success.

One last item. In March of next year we will host a fair for charity and private organizations at the Museo de Arte Costarricense. The date has been scheduled for March 24th.

All charities that participate will retain any funds they raise at their kiosk. All private organization, as well as ARCR, will

El Residente

donate all funds raised to the Hospicio de Huerfanos. This was a decision reached by the Board. We plan on having this event ever year with a different charitable organization named as the recipient.

One last thought. “People don’t buy quarter inch drills they buy quarter inch holes.” Will you have time to make “holes” for us????

----------------------------------------The ARCR Charity Committee would like to express its sincere thanks to all those who donated Christmas Gifts for the Children’s Orphanage. We collected over 150 gifts in total, as well as a box of apples, a box of grapes, and numerous items of clothing for the children. You have helped make their Christmas very merry indeed.

Also remember that the ongoing ARCR Charity Raffle is on sale now. At just ¢1000 per ticket you can’t miss this chance to win, and 100% of the proceeds go to charitable causes. Thanks also to the donors of our previous prizes; Rubens Jewelers, Cafe Britt, Rainforest Aerial Tram, Dr. Thelma Rubenstein, Marilynn Walker, and the others who wished to remain anonymous.

Please Help Us Help Others.

4

Association of Residents of Costa Rica This coming March, ARCR is out to hold a large multi-group fundraiser to benefit the Hospicio de Huerfanos in San Jose.

We hope this will be just the first of an annual event, designed to bring the various groups together to promote cultural exchange, as well as raise funds for a specific cause. If you are a member of a charitable group and want to find out more, email board@arcr.net and let us know what your group does! website: www.arcr.net Alcoholics Anonymous Groups meet daily throughout the country; times and places change frequently. Call for up-to-date information.

San José 222-1880 (Anchor club, also serves Narcotics Anonymous) Av 6 Calle 1, 2nd floor Maryland Building.

Heredia (Laura) 267-7466, Puerto Viejo Limon 750-0080, Zancudo 776-0012, Tamarindo 653-0897, Flamingo (Don) 654-4902, Manuel Antonio (Jennifer) 777-1548, Jacó (Nancy) 637-8824, Zoo Group Escazu 293-4322.

Al-Anon Meetings Al-Anon Family Group is for all family and friends of Alcoholics.

For information in English, please call Martha 483-1275 or Sandy 288-4836; For Spanish please call Christine 840-4658 American Legion Post 16 All veterans are welcome. Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at Hotel America in Heredia.

Contact Post Commander Jim Young or Post Adjutant Ken Johnson at 591-1695.

Bird Watching Club The Birding Club of Costa Rica sponsors monthly trips to observe local and migrant birds in various areas of the country.

For more information contact us at 282-5365 or at costaricabird ing@hotmail.com Canadian Club (ACCR) A group open to all Canadians and thier families. Check out our website to find out more. website: www.canadianclubcr.com Democrats Abroad The Democrats Abroad of Costa Rica meet the last Saturday of each month at the Aurola Holiday Inn, 9:30 a.m. to noon, coffee break menu. Visit cr.democratsabroad.org or contact Ruth Dixon for information and reservations. 4946260, dixonmueller@yahoo.com Little Theatre Group LTG is the oldest continuously running English-language theatre in Central or South America. The group currently puts on a minimum of four productions a year offering a choice of modern, classic, serious, and farcical plays. Continuing in the tradition of its founders, LTG regularly donates to charity, sponsors school drama festivals, trains new directors, and takes productions on the road to the more remote areas of the country. The group’s monthly social meetings are held in the theatre on the first Monday of the month from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. and everyone is welcome. Membership costs C 4,000 per person or C7, 000 per family. Also, earn your Wings, become an LTG Angel. For more information Call the LTG Box Office 355-1623 or www.littletheatregroup.org

January-February, 2007

Send us your club news or activities for free publication in this column

Newcomer’s Club A women’s social organization that meets the 1st Tuesday of each month. We welcome English speaking women who reside in Costa Rica. New and long term residents-contact Nancy 416-6165 or newcomerscr@yahoo.com PC Club of Costa Rica This computer Club meets on the third Saturday of each month at Pan American school, in Belen, 830 to 11:30 am 2 months Free Trial for newcomers. For information call Chuck Jennings. Phone 266-0123 www.pcclub.net Republican’s Abroad The Republicans Abroad of Costa Rica meets the second Tuesday of each month. Contact Francis 203-6131, or or fax 282-2150.

Radio control Sailing Club Meets at Sabana Park Lake. For information contact Walter Bibb.

Wwbbsurf40@yahoo.com Wine Club of Costa Rica Please mark your calendars The wine club usually meets at 1 P.M. on the last Sunday of each month. Join us to tantalize your taste buds and expand your education.

For more information on upcoming events please contact us Phone 279-8927, 257-2223 Women’s Club of Costa Rica Founded in 1940. The Women’s Club of Costa Rica is one of the oldest, continuously operating service clubs in the country. The name has changed in 63 years, but our motto “friendship and service” has remained the same,. An English-speaking organization, our club has approximately 350 members, originating from over 30 countries. Please join and help us to continue to grow. Remember that you can contact us or keep in touch through our website www.wccr.org Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (open to men too) Bilingual group meets in Heredia on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the clinic of Mireya Gonzalez. We work on peace and human rights issues. Call Mitzi 433-7078 or write peacewomen@gmail.com Young Expats of Costa Rica Some Expatriates under the age of 40, and currently living in Costa Rica, have formed a new social club to be coordinated through their website This club will help younger expatriates living in, or moving to, Costa Rica meet other expats in their age group for; friendship, romance, travel and activity partners, and professional networking. www.YoungExpatsOfCostaRica.org

5

Cartago

by Ana Hernandez

Home to Costa Rica’s Patron Saint and site to famous yearly pilgrimage The Province of Cartago is like a time capsule filled with history. Early Spanish pioneers in the 1500s found this region in the central highlands the perfect place for establishing their first colonial settlements, endowing indigenous people since then with their culture, their language and surnames.

Many of our modern families, including mine, trace our ancestors and the names we receive back to Cartago.

Cartago, located about 15 miles southeast of San José, with an altitude of 4,708 feet, was founded in 1563 and served as the capital of Costa Rica for three centuries. From its higher elevations, the view of the Meseta Central and Orosi Valley, east of Paraíso, a nearby town, is impressive. On clear days and with a bit of luck, the Caribbean and the Pacific Oceans can be seen from these points.

Irazú Volcano, one of its main attractions, towers at 11,260 feet over the city and provides a spectacular sight to everyone in the central valley. The City of Cartago and its surrounding fertile lands lie at the foot of this majestic giant,

only 20 miles northeast from the center of the city. Irazú is now tranquil but it has been very active in the past.

A large and powerful eruption took place on March 19, 1963, date of particular significance for Costa Ricans because we celebrate St. Joseph’s Day, the patron saint of the Province of San José on that day and because amidst much fanfare, former U.S. President J.F. Kennedy arrived in Costa Rica for his official first visit to our country on the very same day.

The eruption showered ash over the entire central valley for almost a year, collapsing roofs and destroying bountiful crops. Nowadays, the top of the volcano offers a desolate landscape similar to the surface of the moon with no vegetation and the smell of sulfur in the air.

Quakes have left a few ruins, as reminders, among the better known, are the ruins of the twice-struck former cathedral in the center of the city. Nowadays the ruins have been transformed into a quaint park with manicured grass, walking paths and lots of benches to sit down and relax.

A new church, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles was built just a few blocks from the first one after the 1910 earthquake. The Basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Costa Rica, the Virgin of the Angels. It is built with an intricate Byzantine architecture with angels atop and very intriguing to look at.

Within its walls and at the end of the long and spacious interior, there is the famous shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a miniature stone figure covered with a luxurious gold crown and precious jewels.

According to a well-known local legend, an indigenous girl named Juana, was gathering wood in the small hamlet of Cartago, circa the year 1635 when she found the tiny figure of the virgin standing over a rock. She took it to her home, but the Virgin, having a mind of her own, went back to standing on the same rock where the girl first found her.

Continued on page 7...

El Residente

6

The small figure was taken then to church authorities, who after being informed of what had happened, believed that the Mother of Christ was asking to have a church built over the same rock where She had appeared.

Cartago also has other notable treasures from the time of the Spanish colony. A short car ride takes you along the luxuriously verdant Orosi Valley only 8 kilometers south from the City of Paraíso. There travelers come upon the little village of Orosi with its ancient church, built in 1735 and still in use. Its next-door museum, a former Franciscan monastery is filled with religious artifacts, woodcarvings and colonial furniture.

Costa Ricans’ patron saint has had Her permanent home in Cartago since then. Faithful devotees of La Virgin de Los Angeles, commonly known as “la negrita,” believe that She has amazing healing powers and that She performs miracles. The water collected at her shrine is gathered up in all sorts of containers and drank for good health.

The ancient and beautiful Ruins of Ujarrás also located in the Orosi Valley is known for its unique Mission style architecture dating back to the year 1560 and among the most interesting sites to visit.

Every August 2nd, over a million pilgrims visit the Virgin’s shrine. They travel to Cartago from all over the nation and from other countries in the hope of having their health restored or to be granted a miracle. Many take part in the long pilgrimage as a special tribute to the Virgin for a miracle that has occurred in their lives.

Turrialba, at about 20 kilometers northeast of Cartago, is a mostly agricultural town, famous for its cheese. It houses the Tropical Agricultural Research University (CATIE) known for the many species of plants and botanical gardens. The famous Pacuare River in Turrialba, offers exciting scenery and turbulent waters for those wanting adrenalin filled white-water adventure.

About a half an-hour car ride from Turrialba towards the highlands is famous Guayabo National Archeological Monument, the ruins of a Pre-Columbian Indian city that has revealed impressive aqueducts, small pyramids, altars, tombstones and some geroglyphics.

There are many other famous sites in the vicinity of Cartago travelers can visit year round, such as the renowned Lancaster Botanical Gardens with hundreds of spectacular orchids and unique tropical vegetation. There are also great ecological reserves with walking trails such as Tapanti and La Amistad International parks for some unforgettable hiking.

Inside the basilica there is an entire room dedicated to the objects of devotion placed there by believers. Tiny silver charms of arms, hands, legs, hearts, torsos, breasts and many other diminutive body parts are displayed on shelves.

There are even trophies from several sport teams left as a sign of fervent devotion to Cartago’s famous patron saint.

January-February, 2007

7

Learning The Language e

by Christopher Howard

Talking About The Weather, And More!

The verb hacer when literally translated means ‘to do’ or’ to make’.

However when used as part of many important idiomatic expressions it takes on different meanings. Knowing how to use this verb correctly with idioms can help you to improve your spoken Spanish. Study and memorize the following expressions and structures that use hacer.

Hacer is used most often with weather expressions in Spanish. The question most commonly asked in Spanish for weather is “¿Que tiempo hace?” (How is the weather?) to which you can reply using any of the following answers to describe the weather: Hace buen tiempo.

Hace calor.

Hace fresco.

Hace viento.

The weather is good.

It is hot, or warm.

It is cool.

It is windy.

Hace mal tiempo.

Hace frio.

Hace sol.

The weather is bad.

It is cold.

It is sunny.

Be careful, because nieva (it is snowing.) and llueve (It is raining.) are the only two weather expressions that do not use hacer.

The verb hacer is also used with idiomatic expressions of time.

The question “¿Cuánto tiempo hace que (plus present tense of a verb)?” is used to ask how long someone has been doing something.

For example “¿Cuanto tiempo hace que estudia Español?” (How long have you been studying Spanish?)

By practicing these structures you should be able to express different durations of time.

Hacer is also used in many other expressions. Here are a few of the most popular ones.

Hacerse el tonto- To play dumb. “El hombre se hizo el tonto.” The man played dumb.

Hacer el rdiculo- to play the fool. “Hice el rediculo.” I made a fool out of myself.

Hacerse de rogar- to play hard to get. “No se hace de rogar.” He doesn’t play hard to get.

Hacer las paces- to make up with. “Ella hizo las paces con su esposo.” She made up with her husband.

Here is your Costa Rican expression or tiquismo for this week: “Agarrar de maje.” means to deceive someone or make a fool out of them.

“La mujer me agarró de maje.” The woman made a fool out of me.

El Residente

8

Letters to the e Editor For Newcomers: Dear Mr. Piercy, I have a couple of comments on Daniel Walker’s letter in your Nov/Dec 2006 issue.

I have lived in Central America since 1947- Honduras, Nicaragua and (since 1978) Costa Rica. I am Canadian but people usually assume that I am a citizen of the USA. I get the ‘gringo’ tag all the time, and have always taken it as a friendly nickname.

Regarding the theft problem, there appears to be no discrimination as to who is robbed. We all detest thieving, but if no one would buy stolen goods the theft would probably stop.

I really enjoy your publication, and read it from cover to cover the day I receive it. Keep up the good work!

I used to attend the annual meetings, but at age 85 it is best not to drive. I find it bewildering that with over 2500 members, most of which I presume are from democratic countries where free elections are to be taken seriously, you only had 10 members present. (Any proxies?..) That’s one for Ripley.

Raymond Gross Member # 3249 ----------------------------------------------Dear Mr. Gross, Thank you very much for your letter. It’s been a very long time since I have seen you, and it is nice to hear from you. I agree it is unfortunate that not many show up to the Assemblies, but it seems that since there have been no more problems, people don’t see the need to come.

Regarding the ‘gringo’ tag, there has been so much controversy over that that I just had to research it, and what I found is very interesting indeed.

When I first arrived in Costa Rica I was told that ‘gringo’ was used for US citizens, having something to do with the Mexican-American war. Theoretically ‘Greens Go!!’ telling the US military (in green) to leave their country.

January-February, 2007

There are apparently two reasons though that this cannot be true. One is that the US military at the time of that war (1846-48) wore blue uniforms, not green as today.

Furthermore, the word first appeared nearly 100 years earlier, prior to 1750, Terreros y Pando, a Spanish historian, notes that “gringo” was a nickname given to foreigners in Malaga and Madrid who spoke Spanish with an accent.

After that the word was not used much in other works, until about 1830 where there are numerous references to the word “gringo” in the New World travel accounts, in dictionaries, and in Spanish-American literature.

According to current dictionaries, the word refers to ‘ a foreigner, especially English’. The most plausible theory I have come across is in relation to its similarity to the word ‘griego’ in Spanish. Gringo may be a derivative, as another definition for the word is ‘gibberish or unintelligible language’. ‘Greek’ has been used since Roman Times to describe the unfamiliar. “Graecum est; non potest legi.”

Translation? “It is Greek -- it cannot be read.”

So I can’t say for certain, but it seems to me the word is in reference to any foreigner, not just US citizens, and though many seem to believe it to be derogatory, in my experience it just seems to be an innocent nickname, amongst many others used by Central Americans.

As we say, ““It’s all Greek to me.”

Ryan Piercy PS. Please give my regards to Rene and the rest of your family from me. Happy New Year.

9

Business Brie efs

house more airline counters, customs and immigration offices and additional boarding gates, which requires a us$40 million dollar investment to complete.

Alterra Partners is continuing with the work of the completion of the terminal and is hopeful it will get a “Yes” Moves TLC One Step Closer positive response in the coming days by the World Bank on the financing of the project. Mónica Nágel, In a vote of six in favour and three against, the Comisión executive director of Alterra, reiterated that her company de Asuntos Internacionales approved the Tratado Libre de is the most interested in resolving the current problem.

Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the United States.

Minister González added that she is hopeful that Alterra The approval now means that the trade agreement can will get a positive response from the banks. However, if the be presented before the Legislative Assembly, who will answer is in the negative, she said that the government is then have an opportunity for discussion and a final vote, ready to take over the airport project. which the Arias government is confident it has sufficient support and the number of legislator votes for passage.

Auto Mechanics Could Soon Perform Annual Vehicular Inspection

With the decision, the 57 legislative deputies will now have to decide on the fate of the trade agreement.

Although, 29 votes are sufficient for passage, most bills are passed with a vote of 38 and non-TLC supporters While auto mechanics cheer the possibility in the future of say that the same count should be applied in this case. performing the revisión técnica (annual vehicular inspection) that is now performed by Riteve S.A., the proposal has The Comisión de Asuntos Internacionales has been working made a move in the Legislative Assembly that would with the trade document since October 2005 when the text of make that future a reality a lot sooner than expected. the agreement was made public and has had to deal with at least 300 motions presented by adversaries of the trade pact. A commission made up of legislators voted in favour of a proposed law that would open the door for auto The TLC took 13 months and 21 days to make it to a vote. mechanic shops, along with technical colleges and government institutions to offer the public service.

The trade deal still has a ways to go as those against plan to step up their protests in an attempt to move the nation to The proposal is being headed by former legislative deputy pressure legislators into voting against the trade deal. and presidential candidate, José Miguel Corrales, but is

Airport- Additional Boarding Gates

currently being sponsored in the Legislative Assembly by the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC) deputy, Alberto Salom.

Visitors to Costa Rica will now have move room while waiting Before the law can be presented to the legislature for for their flight out as two new boarding gates were opened discussion and voting it still has a long way to go. The at the Juan Santamaría (San José) international airport. proposal is still in the committee stage and though it has a lot of support, there is a large opposition as well Alterra, the airport manager, worked quickly to meet in taking away the annual vehicular inspection away the demand that the airport will face during the next from the Spanish/Costa Rican consortion of Riteve. coming months at the height of the tourism season.

Once the proposal has passed through the committee The 1.600 square metre area will mean that the terminal stages it can then be presented to the Assembly for voting. can now handle up to 800 more passengers comfortably and avoid the crowded waiting areas and gates that have Officials of Riteve have been quiet and not willing to discuss been a source of complaint by travellers over the years. the subject.

Work on the airport terminal resumed a couple of months ago after a three setback that has made the current space inadequate to handle the growing number of visitors and travelers through the terminal.

Still to come is a complete section of the terminal to

El Residente

10

January-February, 2007

11

Provincial Par ks

by Ana Hernandez

Ujarrás Ruins: Nowadays, a park like no other in Costa Rica Unlike well-known colonial cites, such as Granada in Nicaragua and Antigua in Guatemala, known for the sophistication of their antique construction, in Costa Rica we do not have many examples of such old edifices. The only exception to this lack of colonial structures can be found in the City of Cartago.

near the impressive man-made Cachi Dam. Fortunately for history buffs, the ruins are accessible by bus, taxi, or automobile from San José or from the center of Cartago.

The construction materials used for the building of this amazing edifice were rather primitive; whatever was available in the year 1560: mud, hay and huge wooden boards. It was built near the awesome Reventazón and named by priests as the “Church of Our Lady of the Clean Conception.”

Parishioners from Ujarrás thought at the time that a painting of the Virgin found by a dweller of the hamlet, was miraculous. According to legend, the picture brought to the little village loved its new home and would not move afterwards. This affection shown for the village was interpreted as a message from the Virgin that She wanted a place of worship.

After the fourth and final voyage of Christopher Columbus in the early1500s, Spanish pioneers started to arrive to the New World with the purpose of colonizing the territory the Spanish crown had claimed as theirs.

The immediate concern of the “conquistadors” aside from conquering land and the gathering of the natives’ wealth -which according to history was a large treasure trove of precious gold jewelry and other valuables- was the spread of Catholicism.

In the City of Cartago one can find a few but interesting examples of the temples built by the Catholic Church mostly in ruins- with only a couple of buildings still surviving the passing of time. As an example is the one found in San José de Orosi, the oldest church in Costa Rica, built in 1743, restored a few times, but still in use.

However, the most intriguing colonial ruins, witness of times gone by, can be found in the little town of Ujarrás, northeast of the town of Orosi. The remains of this ancient church sit among the breathtaking views of the Orosi Valley and

El Residente

12

New At ARC CR

by Eduardo Tamayo

Books For Children ARCR’s library was named after late Lynn Smith, a former member of our organization, whose efforts made possible the creation of this important project. Mr. Smith himself donated more than 400 books to start the project back in 2001.

We encourage our members to donate children’s books in good condition to our library, buy them or trade them and get credit as a book trader. Or just come by and visit us, bring your children and enjoy our book exchange.

Residency Renewals It is very important to be aware that a Government Decree has automatically extended the cedulas of many residents, meaning those who qualify will NOT have to renew their cedulas for an extra year.

Our library/computer room has books for all kinds of tastes.

On our shelves, you may find subjects as varied as Science Fiction, History, Mystery, even books Biographies or Do-ityourself books.

If your residency was granted through the regular process (and not by the amnesty of 2000) and is due to expire between December 1st, 2006 and June 30th 2007, your cedula has been granted one extra year of validity. This means you would not need to renew until 2008.

Now children have the chance to enjoy reading with us too.

With our members’ help, we are trying to gather as many children books as possible which we want to make available to our little readers. Parents can stop by and obtain reading material for their kids or trade books of the same kind.

PLEASE make certain however that you maintain any documents (such as exchange receipts or boarding passes) for all time periods to ensure no problems when renewing next year.

Also, once we have acquired an abundance of books, we will be donating extras to school libraries around the country, in an effort to bring them to the children who need them.

January-February, 2007

A nice New Years gift from the Government of Costa Rica.

13

What I Did On n My Winter Vacattio on

by Allen Dickinson

Day Four through Eight From here on I’ll try and synopsize my “adventures” and impressions to make it easier.

mostly like a giant traveling carnival with lots of rides; similar to the type we used to see more of in the US, anyway.

I walked around the town, which was neat, clean, and apparently prosperous. It had nice stores, clean streets, attractive homes, and a very nice central plaza/park. And the people there were friendly. I stopped in a bar for a beer and was greeted by “Gary” who knew about as much English as I know Spanish. The thing was that he tried to communicate and make me feel welcome. Again, good food was easily found.

TRAVEL: On day four (or five, I forget) it was raining lightly so, as I headed up town, I passed a local bus. Knowing it was dry inside I climbed aboard. I didn’t know the destination or route, but even if I did it wouldn’t have made a difference, I just wanted go see where it went. As it turned out it was going to Moravia, a district up in the hills to the east of San Jose.

On this trip I saw a little of the less prosperous side of Costa Rica. The further we went the more the road narrowed and became patched and rougher and in the end we were pretty much out in the countryside. The houses too became smaller and less well maintained. It’s difficult to put in words, but I could tell this was what one might describe as a poorer area. Not that it was objectionable or less desirable, just different than downtown San Jose or Cartago.

AMBIENCE: I did notice that there doesn’t seem to be the propensity for garish exterior building colors in Costa Rica, as I have seen in other Latin countries. And ceramic tile is as common a building/decorating medium (inside and out) as it is in Italy. It’s used for floors, walls, etc., and some of it is very nice too.

One thing I saw which I found curious was a cemetery, which was reminiscent of New Orleans - although it was on high ground, all the crypts were above ground ... and each had a chimney.

At the end of the route there was a 20-minute turnaround and I had a chance to meet a couple of locals. English wasn’t as common as in San Jose, but the people were nice and communicated with the silly Gringo tourista as best they could.

Another day I took a bus to Palmares, a town to the west of San Jose about 75 KM. I chose it because they were having a fiesta there. However, when I got there it was too early in the day for the fiesta to be under way. It appeared to be

El Residente

TRANSPORTATION/CARS: In all my travels I observed three Chevrolet dealerships, but none of the vehicles at them were anything I recognized as like any US models.

Continued on page 15...

14

All the cars there were quite small by US standards. (Think Geo Metro.)

I had considered driving my old 1988 Chevrolet down to Costa Rica from the US, thinking it might fit in well. I have since changed my mind. Disregarding any parts and service availability difficulties, it just doesn’t seem practical.

First, in the 25,000 or so cars I saw (everyone seems to have a vehicle there) I only saw about 12 truly US models -- one 1964 Chevrolet Impala convertible in showroom condition, a mid ‘90s Dodge Stealth, a customized, late model Mustang with butterfly doors, a worn out Ford Taurus, an old GMC Suburban up on blocks, two Jeep Cherokees, and a big Chevy pickup converted to a tow truck were the highlights.

Second, any car imported into Costa Rica is taxed on a value arbitrarily set by the Customs Department there. That means that my car, which is worth maybe $2000 in the US could be taxed at a value of $5000, or more, or less -- there isn’t any standard rate. Financially, it just doesn’t seem to be a very good gamble for such and old car.

Third, new and used cars are abundant there. New cars are priced pretty equivalent to what they are here. One fellow I talked to had just bought a new Chevrolet S-10, diesel, fourwheel drive, king cab pickup for $23,000, about what one would pay here.

I was never able to find out what gas prices were.

Although I saw numerous gas stations, Shell seems to be a favorite; they don’t post prices like we do here. And, since I was always on a bus when I saw them... I do understand though, that gas prices are reasonable. None of the Gringos I met have cars. They said the hassle of licensing, insuring, etc. is way more than offset by the convenience and cheapness of the great bus system.

OTHER AREAS: I didn’t get to any of the coastal areas; all my trips were within the central valley. I had intended to go to the Pacific coast but I was told it was raining heavily there, so I didn’t go. I did meet one Gringo resident of a coastal town who was in San Jose for a few days. He’s in the sport fishing/tourist industry and mentioned that the sailfish were running currently. He said that a catch of about four sailfish a day per boat, PER PERSON, would be about average. Costa Rica has a catch and release rule, so there isn’t any gross slaughter of the creatures.

Staying in the highlands (or more appropriately, mid-lands) meant I never got to see any of the hotter jungle areas.

Therefore I didn’t get to see any of the varied and exotic fauna and flora in the jungles. That’s for my next trip.

Nor did I go up in the mountains to see any of the volcanoes or take advantage of any of the supposedly excellent white water rafting trips. Something else for the future.

Most of the cars I saw were what we would classify as subcompact size (or smaller!) and many were diesel powered.

Well over 50% of the vehicles I saw were of Southeast Asia origin - Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Suzuki, etc., and the majority of the remaining models were European - VW, Peugeot, Renault, BMW, etc. I saw a new Alfa but only one Mercedes, both a surprise. I also saw numerous car models and brands I have never seen before, not even in pictures.

BTW, Sport Utility (four wheel drive) Vehicles are as popular there as here.

January-February, 2007

CULTURE: I did discover that under the main plaza in San Jose there is an underground museum. It’s four stories deep and they had an excellent exhibition of preColumbian gold and copper artifacts. It was very nicely presented and all the displays had explanation signs in Spanish and English. There was also an exhibit on the history of Costa Rican money and another on indigenous masks that were interesting.

I know that San Jose has a good art and theater community, but I didn’t experience it.

Continued on page 16...

15

If that going to the market, or staying home and watching football on TV, or repairing something that’s broken, that’s his task for the day. I may have some difficulty adapting to that, but I think I can do it!

SOME OTHER RANDOM OBSERVATIONS: Nuns still wear habits and are a common sight.

I didn’t see anyone on a bicycle - that may be because of the hills - but small displacement (200 cc and under) motorcycles and mopeds are popular.

A good percentage of the drivers of cars are women.

I saw one car accident - a car pulled out into the path of a motorcycle. KaBoom!

Originally, just before departing on the trip, I felt some nervousness -- fear of going to an unknown place with a different language, etc., I guess. But that was all gone, almost within a matter of hours. By the time I left it was replaced with “I love it!” I suppose that was aided by the fact that by the time I left my Spanish had become much better and I felt I was beginning to communicate (my Italian helped, even though it did get confused at times) though language turned out to be a lesser hurdle than I had anticipated. Maybe it was being in a beautiful place without the daily stress of running a business and paying the bills.

And maybe it was being someplace that offers promise, and not being bombarded with the constant bickering of groups bent on destroying each other to get their own way.

But, I think it was much more than all those things together.

It was a feeling of familiarity, of coming home to someplace I knew existed, if only in my mind as a memory of what this country was like 50 years ago, and that was now real again.

Whatever it is/was, I can’t wait to get back - permanently!

Women do not wear much make up and I never encountered anyone wearing a scent, although I did see some perfume shops.

Conversely, even on tightly packed busses, I never detected anyone with body odor.

Smoking was less common than I expected, at least in public, even though Costa Rica grows some fine tobacco. The locally made cigars are wonderful, but not inexpensive.

Water pressure is less than we are used to. Thankfully, the taps are on the right sides (hot is on the left, unlike some European countries) but some do ‘turn on’ in the opposite direction.

Strangely, after a couple of days there my morning sinus congestion cleared up. I don’t know why that is, but it did.

Cell phones are ubiquitous in the city.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I went back to have breakfast with my Gringo friends almost every morning and I learned more about living in Costa Rica and their lifestyle with every trip.

To say that they are laid back is an understatement. One told me that he sets a goal of doing one thing every day.

El Residente

---------Allen Dickinson is a member of ARCR. After serving 23 years in the US Navy he settled in Pensacola, Florida, and owns his own licensed mortgage broker business there. He holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of the State of New York and a Masters Degree from the University of West Florida. He will soon be retiring and moving to Costa Rica. He can be reached at humphree@bellsouth.net.

16

January-February, 2007

17

Moving Tips s

by Allen Dickinson

PREVENTING ID THEFT AND CREDIT FRAUD BEFORE MOVING AUTHOR’S NOTE: This article was written primarily for those people preparing to move to Costa Rica. However, the information contained in it applies equally to those who have already made the move, as well as those who are still there.

In this day and age, when identity theft and fraud are becoming more and more common, it is smart to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim. None of us wants to be surprised with huge, unauthorized credit card debts, even in the best of times. And when it happens, trying to repair your credit ratings and eliminate fraudulent debt is difficult, slow, frustrating, and sometimes-expensive process, no matter where you live.

Imagine that a year after your arrival in Costa Rica you discover that there are some new accounts, with big balances, in your name -- and all opened after your departure. What a hassle that would be! If credit damage and identity theft are difficult problems to solve in the best of circumstances, think what it will be like if you have to attempt making the repairs from a place where the communication is complicated by long distances and/or slow mail service. It can be worse than a nightmare!

So, when one moves (or already lives) out of the country where the accounts are home based, preventative steps become even more important. Here are a few tips I have learned to reduce the possibility of credit card fraud or identity theft happening to you: One of the more common ways credit theft occurs is when creditors send a new card to replace one which has expired.

If the replacement card is sent to your old address, it is possible that anyone living there now can activate it and use it -- without you or the creditor being any the wiser. If a dishonest person gets a legitimate card in your name, and they can have a good time at your expense, it might be months before you know about it. What a shock it would be to suddenly find an account in your name was maxed out with several thousand dollars of new charges on it. And payments are overdue!

El Residente

To avoid that happening, before moving, notify all creditors of any accounts you wish to keep open of your new address -- in writing. Not only will this help assure you will get the monthly bills and can pay them on time, but it will also increase the chance that any new cards that are sent to replace expired cards will get to you at your new address.

That will increase the chance of the card ending up in your pocket, and not in the hands of a dishonest person at your old address.

Next, obtain a copy of your credit report and identify any old credit accounts that may still be open. Most people have them and, because they haven’t been used for a while, they are often forgotten. If you find any, and don’t plan on using the account soon, write to the issuer and have them close it. This will reduce the possibility of a creditor sending you a new/renewal card (or any other communication bearing your account number) to your old address where it can be stolen. (Also remember to look at any gas company cards that you won’t be using.)

You may have noted that I have said ‘to write’ to the various credit bureaus, account issuers, etc. This is because, under law, the credit bureaus and credit issuers must respond to written communications with them. Whereas, they are not required to act on or respond to telephone calls. (And sometimes don’t!)

The next thing to do to reduce your exposure is to take steps to decrease the number of new card offers that are sent to you. Remember the ‘old address’ problem? Well, you don’t want to find out someone has opened a new account as “you” by responding to one of those offers they received in the mail at your old address.

To cut back on the number of those offers (in America) simply call the automated “Opt In/Opt Out” hot line at 888-5678688. This is an industry owned and operated organization and is safe. There, they will ask for your Social Security Number, as well as other identifying information and, once you are properly identified, they will put your name and data on a list that will be sent to the major credit bureaus.

Getting your name added to the “Opt Out” list will reduce the majority of the solicitations for new credit cards that routinely come in the mail because, under US law, once you are on the list the credit bureaus can no longer sell your credit information to companies who want to solicit your business. It won’t stop 100% of the offers, but it will cut back the number of them significantly. And that will decrease the opportunities for theft. The “Opt Out” status is good for five years and you can reverse the process at any time by calling the same number.

Finally, as a last precaution, check your credit report at least Continued on page 19...

18

annually. This will inform you if someone has opened a new account in your name or if there is any unusual activity on the accounts you have kept open.

To assist you in doing that, United States Federal Law allows you to obtain a free credit report once a year from each credit bureau. (I don’t know about other countries, but checking with your Embassy might help you get that information.)

There are three major credit bureaus and it is a good idea to check only one at a time, staggering the dates so you check one bureau about every four months (Trans Union in January, Equifax in May, Experian in September, for example.) That is because credit bureaus exchange information and alternating the checking of them over a year will provide you with more comprehensive information.

So, those are the major precautions to take to guard against identity and credit theft. They apply not just when you move to Costa Rica, but always. They are simple, quick, and a whole lot less painful than the alternative. Remember, it’s your credit. Make sure you get to keep it by guarding your accounts as well as you do the cards in your purse or wallet.

January-February, 2007

19

Wild Side XXXV

by Ryan Piercy

Here Today, Guan Tomorrow Cartago is home to many species, especially in the Tapanti Refuge, 4700 hectares of parkland protecting dozens of animals, and over 200 bird species you may encounter, including the Crested Guan.

Locally known as a Pava Crestada, they appear to be a monogamous bird, staying with their mate. They also maintain territories, and may stay with their young as long as until the next mating season. Their nests are usually platforms made of leaves and twigs, some 4-5 meters up in the rainforest canopy. The Guan will normally lay 2-3 eggs during March to June.

They are mostly dark olive-brown, with white spots on the neck and chest, and red throat. It is also possible to sight their cousin, the Black Guan (Chamaepetes unicolor) that is a darker coloured, much quieter bird. They are also smaller, averaging in size up to about 25� and 3 pounds.

The Crested Guan, Penelope purpurascens, is a member of an ancient group of birds of the Cracidae family, related to Australasian mound builders. It is the largest of the Guans, sometimes reaching over 3 feet and 5½ pounds. Similar in appearance to a turkey, the Crested Guan is an arboreal bird, usually found in humid forests such as Tapanti.

So if you visit Tapanti, watch out for these species which are apparently quite numerous and common to sight within the forest boundaries. The Park Rangers there will be more than happy to assist you if you have difficulty locating any.

And hopefully hunters will continue to be kept out of the area so they really won’t be “Guan tomorrow.�

Though not endangered, they are often hunted for consumption and are harder to find in unprotected areas.

This is interesting to see, as it shows that they must be a hardy species, and reproduce well, but in the face of mankind even they would likely fall prey to becoming an endangered species. Another clear example of how devastating man is to nature.

The Crested Guan is a fruit eater, foraging from branch to branch in the trees, and usually in groups of 6-12 specimens. They are a loud bird, especially noisy when disturbed. They will climb up high into the trees and protest loudly at the invaders, with an unusually high shriek for such large birds. Apart from fruit, they will also eat leaves, shoots and sometimes insects.

El Residente

CALL TODAY! (506)

672-1181

www.FirstRealtyCR.com 20

January-February, 2007

21

El Residente

22

Dollars & $en nse

by Alan Weeks

Investing In Times, Part 2

These

Uncertain

WHERE TO INVEST NOW In published articles and seminars over the last year, potential international equity investment opportunities have been featured as good ways to escape the pending US economic slowdown. It should be noted that Warren Buffett is also seeking overseas opportunities.

We highlighted the variety of resource opportunities available in Canada as well as the strong gains made in the Canadian equity market over the last few years.

The significant potential opportunities for both capital & currency gains on selected Asian equity investments have also been featured. In addition, we pointed out that the developed European (EU) equity markets have been substantially outperforming the US market over the last 2 years. Thus, EU area investment deserves another look.

Much more detail on these will be provided later in this article.

The various recommendations made have already been implemented with our clients’ investments, and our own. These are now in a select, diversified group of conservative international funds, each with the potential for good medium and long-term gains.

On the short term, ‘bumps on the upward path’ should be expected because inexperienced investors tend to panic and ‘dump’ very good investments along with the bad. We will highlight later that these times are excellent opportunities to buy more at bargain prices.

The whole point is that whenever equity prices fall, longterm investors have to be patient and let the ‘Cream (of investments) Rise to the Top’.

ASIAN GROWTH & ITS BACKERS Two leading global economists, just interviewed by a financial journalist, expected the serious US housing downturn and consumer spending slowdown would definitely slow global growth. And, they agreed the US slowdown would cut the growth of Chinese exports.

However, they do not expect the Chinese economy to experience a “hard landing”. In fact, they forecast only a modest slowdown in Chinese GDP growth from 10+% to a still very respectable 8.5%.

Bob Diamond, CEO of Barclays Capital, the investment

January-February, 2007

arm of the major UK bank, is counting on Asian revenue growth of at least 25% a year. To achieve this, Barclays is investing heavily in its private banking capabilities with the intent of being one of the top 3 players in this fast growing, but highly competitive industry, now dominated by Citigroup, Credit Suisse, HSBC, and UBS. Other financial and retail business leaders recognize the growing domestic demand for credit in many Asian nations, particularly China, as a huge market opportunity. Large banks and even Wal-Mart are reported to be setting up credit cards in key regions. Burgeoning economic growth in China is creating a significant middle class aspiring to more creature comforts, entertainment devices, and private homes and vehicles.

India, with its 1.1 billion people, has also been developing a new middle class. They have also started to acquire substantial things, as evidenced by the last 2 consecutive years of 25% annual growth in durable goods, such as appliances, TVs, and the like, for their new homes.

Unlike China, Japan, and the Asian Tiger nations, India has been growing strongly over the last few years primarily because of its high domestic demand, not through exports.

And fortunately, India already has a well-established banking system, with loan capabilities to satisfy the surging consumer demand for credit. India should continue to do well economically because many of its young, educated workforces are entrepreneurial and ‘hungry’ to succeed.

Finally, the Asian economies have also become far more interdependent, and less US-Centric, than ever before. For example, China has become the #1 export market for Japan, not the US. DOING THE RIGHT THING As US imports slow, it will be necessary for the major Asian nations, particularly China & Japan, to stimulate stronger domestic consumption in order to sustain reasonable economic growth over the next few years.

The Chinese government has already promised to increase spending on rural infrastructure projects, because over 50% of households in rural villages still lack basic road networks and have no access to safe water. In addition, the Chinese government has just started to increase spending on education and health care.

The not so secret ‘weapon in the arsenal’ of the major Asian nations is that each has accumulated huge financial reserves over the last few years through their strong current account surpluses. In fact, between them, China and Japan are reported to have accumulated almost $2 trillion in reserves.

Letting their economy slow too much, because of slowing exports, is not an option for Chinese leaders, as they cannot afford more civil unrest. Increasing domestic consumption and a spending binge, including the final spending push to Continued on page 24...

23

put on a World Class Olympic Games in 2008, will be high priorities in this country’s own best interest.

because of the long period of low commodity prices since the early 1980s.

Japan has different but equally strong motivations to sustain economic growth after suffering through stagnation for 15 years. With the financial reserves available to stimulate consumption, the Japanese people now appear to be more than ready to do their part.

As a result, until this year, no major oil fields had been discovered in more than 35 years, nor any major new metal mine shafts sunk in 20 years. And many of the existing “elephant” oil reservoirs around the world, from the North Slope, the North Sea, Iran, and elsewhere, are fast depleting.

After all these years, a new residential housing boom is now well underway in Tokyo and in other cities. And, the strong percentage contribution of domestic consumer spending to the overall Japanese GDP, over the last 6 quarters, has surprised many.

WHITHER COMMODITIES

Sure Jim says, oil from the Caspian Sea, Siberia, and the Alberta tar sands will eventually reach the market. And, oil replacement sources, such as the use of renewable waste biomass to produce cheap ethanol, are also very promising.

However, bringing them into mass production will take lots of time and money.

The two leading global economists summarized their expectations that the developing Asian nations, particularly China, should carry on growing, and thus the demand for commodities will get bigger and bigger.

This has to mean that global demand for many resources should continue to pressure the capacity to supply for years to come. Therefore, it is not difficult to conclude that we are still in an early stage of a long-term resource cycle.

Bob Diamond of Barclays Bank also recognizes that Asian demand has been driving commodity prices. And, like others with regional knowledge, he believes that the recent drop in prices is only a short-term correction, as the region’s ‘hunger’ for natural resources is still growing.

The bottom line is that the major resources producers operating around the globe, from Canada to Australia, will continue to prosper from the strong demand. Rather than trying to pick individual metals and get involved in risky commodities trading, we recommend investing in excellent resource industry and precious metals funds operated by experienced, proven managers.

China is now the #1 consumer of copper, nickel, iron ore, and #2 in the use of oil and other energy products.

Jim Rogers (Jim), the billionaire former commodities trader, has travelled more extensively throughout China and the other Asian nations in recent years than anyone else. He and his family are so enthused about the future of the region that they are contemplating moving to Shanghai or Singapore.

Jim’s intimate knowledge of China and S.E. Asia makes him a very credible source. He points out, that during the last commodities boom in the 1970s, the 1.3 billion Chinese and 1.1 billion Indians were largely “walled off” from the global economy.

Jim also illustrates how ridiculous the argument is, that the commodities boom of the last few years has now peaked.

In fact, the current commodities demand of these newer developing nations has, almost certainly, only just begun to grow. We agree with Jim’s assessment that the growth surge in commodities should follow the same pattern as Japan and South Korea, as they developed in the recent past and other countries before that. And simply by looking at the various commodities charts since 1921, net of inflation, one can readily see that this commodity cycle has barely started to grow.

Jim further points out that commodity cycles have generally lasted 16 years for very good reasons. Commodity price booms are typically the product of years of underinvestment in new capacity -whether in exploration for new oil or metal deposits, or developing new major oil fields, mines, and smelters, or building new refineries. This was

El Residente

There are also good value equity funds available to invest in the more developed Asian nations. Of course, the better Asian fund managers will have moved their holdings from export-based to defensive stocks, as well as to those with the most potential to gain as the domestic economies of these nations grow. Again, we recommend Asian funds managed by experienced teams located in the region.

Another excellent reason to be invested in good Asian funds is that the US and the IMF are pressuring China, and indirectly the other major Asian nations, to share the responsibility to bring global economic imbalances under control. As US Treasury Secretary Paulson said after a G-7 meeting in Singapore in mid September: “China needs greater currency flexibility [allow their currency to strengthen relative to the US dollar.], and stronger domestic consumption as well as financial sector reform”.

If a good understanding with the US Treasury is not forthcoming, US Senators, Schumer & Graham argue that China artificially depresses the value of its currency to spur exports, and are very serious about legislation to impose 27% duties.

Of course, all of this Asian foreign currency appreciation will amount to a de-facto devaluation of the US dollar.

WHAT ABOUT EUROPE? The European Ministers (EU) meeting in Helsinki in Continued on page 25...

24

early September issued a very similar statement to that of Secretary Paulson, but addressed it to the “main Asian surplus economies”. The EU also singled out the record low value of the Yen against the Euro.

However, the most important part of the Helsinki Summit was focused on Asian-European trade. Leaders from 38 European and Asian countries began economic discussions to move forward their decade-old goal of providing a counterbalance to US ‘clout’ in Asia. The EU already has strong trade ties with Japan, China, and South Korea - the 3 major Asian economic powers.

The purposes of this summit were: to admit more Asian members, including India and Pakistan to the club; to focus on improving trade relations and possibly launching a drive for bilateral free trade accords; to get the Asian nations to allow their currencies to strengthen; and, of course, to enhance immediate trading opportunities.

GOLD The demand for gold should also continue to grow significantly over the next few years, for many reasons. (I have a list of 17 reasons the demand for Gold will continue).

The debasement of the US currency, through the need to issue huge amounts of IOUs (Treasuries) over the last few years to cover the deficits, is only one motivating factor for individuals around the globe and foreign nations to prefer gold now.

January-February, 2007

Therefore, global demand for gold should continue to press the capacity to supply for many years to come. We recommend participating in the ‘gold rush’ through the purchase of precious metals funds. They are more liquid and are leveraged to the value of gold.

In summary, it is not difficult to anticipate there will be many personal financial problems for Americans and others, who got caught up in the latest “irrational exuberance”.

The huge US consumer spending and credit binge over the last few years also needs to be corrected. This should slow US economic activity for quite some time.

It should also be very apparent that a significant devaluation of the US dollar relative to the Asian currencies is intended, and will happen over the next period.

Wise investors need to stay focused upon the fact that there are many good opportunities internationally to make significant investment gains over the next few years.

Prudent investors should ensure their investments are also well diversified.

We wish you every success in the future with your own investments, and hope our advice is of some value.

For more information, please contact Alan Weeks at 256-5848

25

Exchange rate of the Costa Rican ¢ to the US Dollar June 511.93 July

514.96

August

517.21

September

519.73

October

515.04

November

514.62

Basic Interest Rate June 13.50 % July

13.75 %

August

13.75 %

September

13.50 %

October

13.25 %

November

11.25 %

Exchange rate of other currencies to the US Dollar Japanese Yen 116.12 Swiss Franc

1.2058

Canadian $

1.1399

Giro (DEG)

1.4509

ÂŁ Sterling

1.9570

Euro

1.3202

Mexican Peso

10.995

Korean Won

929.45

Danish Krone Norwegian Krone Argentine Peso

5.6469 6.1825 3.0715

Colombian Peso 2,285.8 Brasilian Real

2.1685

Libor Rate 1 month 5.3500% 3 month

5.3700 %

6 month

5.3469 %

12 month

5.2400%

Prime Rate

El Residente

8.25 %

26

Holidays Of Costa Rica January 1st ‘New Years Day’ March 19th ‘St. Joseph’s Day’ ******************** A Touch of Wisdom “An army of a thousand is easy to find but ah how difficult to find a general.”

Chinese proverb “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”

Ben Franklin (1706-1790) “Eagles don’t catch flies.”

Erasmus ******************** More Holiday Humour I went on vacation last week.

What a week it was. Only rained twice - once for three days, once for four.

‘Excuse me,’ said the guest, ‘but this steak is so tough I can’t even cut it. Take it away and bring me another.’

‘I can’t take it away,’ said the landlady. ‘You’ve bent it.’

A holidaymaker was complaining to his landlady about his room. ‘Look. This wall’s so thin you can almost see through it.’

‘That’s not a wall,’ she replied, ‘it’s the window.’

A man arrived at his holiday guest-house and met the landlady.

‘Can you sing?’ she snapped.

‘No,’ he replied.

‘Well, you’d better learn quickly. There’s no lock on the bathroom door.’

January-February, 2007

27

El Residente

28