Residente 2007-11

Editorial Note: As I mentioned last issue, we wanted to bring you something special to close out this year, and we hope you find it as interesting as we did.

Though the Indigenous people of Costa Rica are few, they have a unique set of cultures that separate them from the country, and could be considered the “eighth province” though they do not officially carry that distinction.

We would like to express our gratitude to Galeria Namu, of San Jose, for several photos that they let us use of the various tribes, as well as the permission to take the photos for this editions cover. We will be covering each of the tribes in future issues, including their artworks, the full spectrum of which are available at the gallery (visit www.galerianamu.com) - Ryan Piercy

Remember, cedula renewals begin now January1st, 2008. call for an appointment.

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. Goods & services offered are paid advertisments.

Neither ARCR Administracion nor El Residente research the companies and take no responsibility for the quality of such goods or services.

El Residente

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poor community so any and all gifts will be appreciated. The gifts should be wrapped and labeled, and returned to ARCR

by December 20th. We will deliver the gifts to the children at Los Chiles.

Presidents Re epor t

by Earl Tomlinson Happy Holidays and other things...

The holiday season is rapidly approaching so prepare for parties, family gatherings, buying and receiving presents, spending too much money, having large balances on your credit cards and enjoying better weather.

Speaking of the season, don’t forget our dinner/dance December 8th at the Cariari Hotel. The event begins at 6: 30PM, dinner will be at 8:15PM and the event will end at 11:30AM. Bring you dancing shoes and enjoy the evening with friends, wives, associates and significant others. I hope I covered the entire spectrum. Tickets are available at ARCR and the Canadian Club and the cost per ticket is $30.00 each.

There are a limited number of tickets and the cut off date for purchasing is December 1st. Tables are set to accommodate 10 people so bring friends and enjoy the evening. If you don’t have 10 friends you may make some new ones at the party.

Oh, there will be a door prize.

Also, like in prior years, we will have a Christmas tree in our office beginning November 1st with the names of boys and girls from a Hospice in Los Chiles. We are focusing on ages 12 to 14. Yes, there are other children, but Hospital dos Ninos is providing gifts for the younger children. There will be tags to identify the children and suggestions for gifts such as cloths, shoes, pants {sizes will be provided} and other items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, combs and what ever else you may think would be appropriate. This is an extremely

Other things! Our annual board meeting {ABM} was held on the October 15th at the Hotel Torremolinas. Aside from the Board members we had some ARCR members in attendance. The nominating committee recommended the following individuals: Ana Hernandez for Secretary, Jose Carter for Treasurer, Bill Read for Fiscal and Attilio Gilberti for Vocal 3. Nominations were opened to the floor, but no other names were offered therefore a motion was made to accept the nominating committee’s recommendations and the motion passed unanimously. The new Board members were congratulated by all members present. Speaking about the members in attendance, I have to say the number present was small in comparison to the number of members we have on our books. In the hope of increasing the number of attendees next year I’m advising you of next year’s general meetings now. The first meeting will be on April 15th {Tuesday} and the second on October 15th {Wednesday}. This second meeting will be for the selection of President, Vice President and Vocals 1 and 2. These dates and other significant dates will be found on our current web site.

Notifying members of events and meetings is our top priority. We write information in our El Residente, place inserts in the magazine and attempt to send e-mails to all members, but it appears the messages don’t reach all of Continued on page 4...

Cover Shot The Hidden Provinces- First Nations: Since I began visiting Costa Rica over 15 years ago, the Spanish Culture and Ecological wonders of the country have always been widely known, yet very little is seen of the indigenous as in neighboring countries. In fact the presumption seems to be that what cultures did exist here prior to the colonization were of little importance or impact.

In doing research for this issue, it has surprised me greatly to learn this to be a possible oversight. Aside from the Stone Spheres I covered previously, exist other traces of a greater culture. From some sites, with objects dating back over 10,000 years, to Guayabo Monument, a city of 10000-25000 inhabitants, complete with roads, aqueducts, and structures spread over an estimated 50 acres. And what of the ancient footpaths found by Nasa technology?

Perhaps it is correct the inhabitants that were here were typically “inferior” in terms of cultural evolution as is thought, but with so much history left uncovered, or even lost, could this opinion be wrong? We may never know. {Mask by Bernardo Gonzalez M, Boruca style, made for La Fiests de los Diablitos}

November-December, 2007

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you. One of the best methods to improve this would be to broadcast information to all our members. We have a Group Yahoo system available, but only 250 of you have signed up for this service. If you would like to be added to our Group Yahoo list please contact Eduardo, in our office, as he can assist you in this process.

Our annual Charity event is scheduled for next April 12th.

The venue is possibly the soccer field in front of the church in San Rafael de Escazu. We are inviting all Embassies to participate by providing, for sale, products from their respective countries and the proceeds, of the event, will be given to our Foundation for distribution to a local charity to be named later. The current name of this event is “Regreso de las Flores”, but a name change is under advisement.

Last year we held this event in Sabana Park next to the Art Museum and we had many charitable organizations and two Embassies participating. The proceeds from that event, $2,000, went to the Hospice of San Jose.

Well this gives you some idea of projects on the table or in progress. Also, don’t forget we still have our quarterly charity raffle. Tickets are only 1,000 colones and all proceeds go into our charity fund account. Hope to see you all soon in ARCR buying Christmas Dinner/Dance tickets or tickets for our raffle, and don’t forget the Canadian Club is also selling Christmas tickets for this annual joint event.

El Residente

********************* Association of Residents of Costa Rica ARCR CHARITY RAFFLES We are continuing to raise funds with our ongoing charity raffles, and need your collaboration. Tickets are just ¢1000 offering prizes worth hundreds of dollars. Please assist by purchasing one, or if you can help us sell, we are always in need of assistance.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER Tickets are now on sale at the ARCR offive, and also through the Canadian Club.

This years event will be held at the hotel Cariari, in the same salon as last year. The price is $30/ person, and the date has been set for December 8th. Bring friends, or come make new ones!

On this years menu is Salmon, chicken and beef. There will also be a cash bar, door prize, and lots of dancing and fun. Buy early as seating will be LIMITED!

The Annual General Assemblies for 2008, both Ordinary & Extra-Ordinary, will be held on Tuesday April 15th, and Wednesday October 15th. If you are interested in attending the meetings, please contact the Board of the Association through the ARCR office, or email board@arcr.net.

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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 266-1061; 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 costaricabirdin g@hotmail.com Canadian Club (ACCR) Tickets are now on sale for the Christmas Dinner, in conjunction with the ARCR. Contact board members for full details. website: www.canadianclubcr.com Democrats Abroad Democrats Abroad meets on the last Saturday of every month at the Aurola Holiday Inn, San Jose. Contact Paul Kloes, 228-8260, e-mail cr.democratsabroad@yahoo.com or visit our website at cr.democratsabroad.org.

Register to vote absentee at VoteFromAbroad.org!

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 Newcomer’s Club Newcomers Club of Costa Rica (for women) meets first Tuesday of every month, September through May. The November meeting will be about making Christmas tree ornaments.

Contact: 266-1548 or marleauxr@gmail.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

November-December, 2007

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

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 Tambor Gringos and Important Friends T.G.I.F. T.G.I.F. is a small social club open to those who speak English, including Costa Ricans, in and around the town of Tambor on the Nicoya Peninsula. Members meet at 9:00 a.m. the first Friday of every month at the Beachcomber Bar and Grill in Tambor. The meetings are very casual and provide a forum for exchanging ideas about life in Costa Rica. For more information contact rzldzll@earthlink.net 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 Veterans of Foreign Wars: Post 11207 Meetings are held at 11am, the first Tuesday of every month, at Club Colonial Casino on the second floor. All members are welcome and veterans who served overseas may join. For further information please call 750-0453 or 228-2313.

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Health

by Yohanna Sterloff

When Your Aging Loved Ones Need Help At Home The 80-year-old woman fell in her bedroom and lay on the floor for six hours until a worried neighbor called police. She was taken to the hospital with a broken hip.

For the families of seniors living at home alone, falls are the makings of nightmares…and for good reason. Falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among Americans over 65, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (USA).

“Falls are a key warning sign that an older adult may need help,” says Natalia Rojas, nurse of Homewatch CareGivers in Costa Rica. “If you notice a pattern of falling, it’s time to talk with your loved ones. They may need caregiving assistance to continue living safely and independently at home.”

Besides falling, there are other warning signs that a senior may need help. Here’s what to look for:

Diet. Noticeable weight gain or loss. Lack of food or proper selection of food in the house. Lack of interest in eating. Signs of alcohol abuse.

Housekeeping. Spoiled food in the refrigerator.

Cluttered house. Dirty clothes in the closet. Burnt pans or pot holders. Unopened mail. Piled-up bills.

Sociability. Recent reduction in activities. Lack of interest in family, friends or favorite hobbies. Less talkative in gatherings. No longer returns phone calls.

Mobility. Difficulty moving around, climbing stairs, getting up or down. Unsafe driving behavior.

“Once you’ve gained a better idea of how a loved one is coping, consider the different options for care,” Rojas says.

“Most seniors prefer to live in the comfort of their homes. So if they’re healthy enough, their best option may be to receive assistance at home.”

Homewatch CareGivers and other companies provide caregivers to help seniors continue living in their own homes.

“At Homewatch, we perform a free client assessment and a home safety evaluation that includes a fall risk assessment,” Rojas says. “Then we closely match the client with a quality caregiver. Our caregivers are screened, bonded, insured, and can provide care from two to 24 hours a day, every day of the year.”

Physical Dangers. Bruises from bumping into things.

Burns from cooking. Recent medical crisis. Recent car Services provided by Homewatch include short or long-term accidents. assistance with bathing, meals, medications, transportation and household duties.

Mental Alertness. Continual memory lapses.

Confusion about time or dates. Trouble finding Families of seniors needn’t feel alone in facing the issue destinations. Difficulty sleeping. Appearance and of care. The National Family Caregivers Association (USA) Hygiene. Hair unclean. Face unshaven. Teeth estimates that 54 million Americans are now providing care unbrushed. Body odors indicating infrequent bathing. for a loved one. “If you pay attention to the warning signs Stained, unkempt or unchanged clothes. now,” Rojas says, “you can do a lot to help your loved ones enjoy a better quality of life for years to come.”

El Residente

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CALL TODAY! (506)

672-1181

www.FirstRealtyCR.com

November-December, 2007

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Tribes of th he Land

by Ana Hernandez

The Malekus from the Guatuso Valley The air gets pleasantly warm after reaching La Fortuna and majestic Arenal Volcano in the extensive green, rich and fertile region of San Carlos. The Valley of the Guatusos can then be found almost hidden from the rest of us a couple of hours later as it nears the border with Nicaragua on the San Carlos side and the air by then burns your face.

The name Guatuso comes from the muskrats, marsupials that used to be abundant in the rivers and small bodies of water in the region.

The Malekus are descendants of the CorobicĂ­ Indians who inhabited the highland valleys of Costa Rica.

The Malekus now lived in small numbers in three tribal communities: El Sol, Margarita and Tonjibe. They survived harassment and slavery from their Nicaraguan neighbors in colonial times and soon after, were converted to Catholicism by Bishop Lorenzo de Tristan.

The Maleku reserves lie at the foot of the Tenorio Volcano on land given to them by the government in the 1960s near the county town of San Rafael de Guatuso. Although they mingled socially with the white inhabitants of the town, the Maleku Indians have always been proud and very jealous of their traditions, and rarely married outside their own clans.

In an economically depressed region where the only jobs available to all members of local families is to grow corn or raise cattle, the extra source of income that tourism offers to them, is substantially better than without it. The Malekus discovered that tourists liked their crafts, and entire families are now dedicated to carve beautiful masks and musical instruments -such as drums and rain sticks- out of the balsa tree, a light and porous wood found in nearby forests.

Each mask and drum is painted with bright colors, adding toucans, jaguars, lizards, turtles and morpho butterflies on their designs. They also carve out gourds from the jĂ­cara tree, abundant in their region and also paint them with beautiful, bright designs.

Their crafts are adorned with words from the Maleku Language, which is spoken in all three tribes and taught to the children in school.

Nowadays, the members of the reserves live in woodframe houses and many in fairly modern houses built with blocks and painted just like any other house in the Central Valley, but most continue to practice their strong traditions such as curing tana, a bark from a tree that grows in their area, turned into a soft, supple cloth by pounding on it, and used as loincloths, dresses and headbands during their traditional dances. They strongly believe in the spirits of sacred totem animals; they bury their death near them and under a roof for protection from the elements and they have a great respect for Mother Nature and the great majestic natural wonders that surrounds them.

I have visited the Tonjibe Reserve several times in the past few years. At first, I thought the Malekus were going to view outsiders as intruders, but, I felt very comfortable and at ease with them since my first contact. I was received very cordially and after a while I was made to feel as part of their extended family. So much so, tears come to my eyes every time I say my good-byes.

After 500 years of protecting their traditions, the Malekus, naturally blessed with very warm and caring dispositions, have decided to welcome the steady headway of local and foreign tourists who eagerly descend on them for a peek into their lives and ancient culture.

El Residente

{Photos courtesy of Galeria Namu, www.galerianamu.com}

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Novemb mbe mb err-D De ec ce em mber ber, 2 be 00 007 07 November-December, 2007

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Project Tala amanca

by Peter Aborn

by the National Emergency Commission and other government organizations was insufficient. Most of the resources from private sector, organizations and concerned individuals were directed south of Bribri and not for the indigenous living in the mountains.

Unfortunately, the attitude of some public officials and part of the population in Costa Rica is: “They’re not my problem”

When most people read about Talamanca, they either think about the white or black sand beaches at Cauita, Peurto Viejo, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo, or an untamed wilderness where indigenous live. Neither vision is an accurate description of the canton.

However, after the rain stopped, other concerns began to surface because of the severe damage to crops, homes, community infrastructure, communication, and roads. At that time, one of the most important objectives was to provide them with basic needs and a way to rebuild their lives. What limited health care services were available to the people before this disaster became nonexistent according to the local health committees.

For example in 2005, CCSS had only 2 dentists, one located in Hone Creek, the other in Suretka for the entire population.

Talamanca is Costa Rica’s southeastern frontier region, and the area borders with Panama to the south, and the Caribbean Sea to the north and east. The western border is defined by the Talamancan Mountains. Virtually inaccessible until the late 1970s, Talamanca remains the nation’s poorest area socioeconomically however it is rich in biodiversity and tropical ecosystems. Shaped like a triangle, this densely forested region remained untouched until the end of the 19th C. Its name derives from the Miskito Indian word Talamalka, which means “place of blood,” referring to the end of a hunt.

Everyone seemed concerned, informed, and in the International Community even the UN, Unicef, and the World Health Organization voiced their concern; yet the response to help these people rebuild their lives was limited at best. People were willing to recognize the disaster, but not step up and address the immediate emergency or the chronic problems. If aid was provided by the UN and/or other countries, very little of it reached the people. Two years later, 2007, CCSS has added only one more dentist, a total of 3 professionals for almost 30,000 inhabitants.

A New Hope for an Old People

Most of the resident indigenous peoples did not make this region These people, human beings, were truly forgotten and ignored. their original home. After the Bribri, Guatuso, and Cabécar tribes burned down several missions and killed priests, they were forcibly resettled here and in Guanacaste. The three indigenous peoples’ reserves in the area are the Talamanca Bribri , Talamanca Cabécar , and KékoLdi. In fact black immigrants from the Caribbean who had come to make their living at fishing first settled the canton. The first village was established at Cahuita.

The canton in the province of Limon encompasses 2,810 square kms. Its capital, Bratsi is located in Alta Talamanca (the mountainous region) as opposed to Baja Talamanca, which includes the valleys and beaches. There are no large cities, only small towns and villages.

Most of the income for the 30,000 inhabitants is realized from agriculture and ecotourism, although 99% of the tourists visit the beaches, and not the mountains.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

PROJECT TALAMANCA; CREATION

In January 2005, the Caribbean coast of Costa Rican was affected by the worst flooding since 1970. This was due to heavy rainfall that caused rivers such as La Estrella, Chirripó, Bananito, Telire, and Sixaola to overflow their banks, and in some cases change the direction, eroding extensive amount of land from the riverbanks.

At the end of January 2005 it became acutely and painfully apparent that these people were in real trouble and no one was going to provide adequate assistance. I thought now was the time for me to do more than just think about how I could help my friends. I called 2 of my former students, Dr. Luis Boza T and Dr. Javier Pereira G, now close friends to meet and discuss a solution.

Trees, homes and even parts of banana plantations were dragged into the waters by the landslides. The result was During the first 3 weeks of Feb 2005 we held meetings and that during those months, residents’ homes and crops were formulated a plan of action to address the situation. Project destroyed. People were without drinking water and food for an Talamanca was born. extended period of time. Roads were impassible covered in 4-6 Continued on page 11... inches (10-15cm) of mud. At that time, the assistance provided

El Residente

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FACT FINDING

years. A nutritionist joined us to provide needed information for the growth and development of the youths and proper dietary needs for the adults.

Our first task was to define the needs and understand the scope of the problems. In March and May of 2005, we made trips into For the first time prostheses were made for the edentulous. the reserve, to experience directly the current conditions and speak with the people. It was not surprising to discover that The future of Talamanca. They never complain. But they need the assistance these people received was limited. Roads were our help. reopened. The agricultural devastation was addressed, but not much more. We focused our efforts in the area we felt we could be most effective…. the delivery of health care. After further meetings to collate our findings and information, we decided to address the immediate needs. As a group of 3 dentists and 2 assistants, in July and September, 2005 we made trips to different areas of the mountain to provide dental treatments.

Our resources were limited.

Unfortunately we could not depend on other organizations in the area for assistance. In fact on one visit to a large town, Amubri, we discovered the dental clinic in total disrepair. Amubri is one of the major centers for the indigenous in the lower part of the Alto Montaña. It includes the radio station, Radio Talamanca, and one of the 3 high schools in Talamanca. The dental equipment had not been repaired since I took a group of students there 5 years before.

The refrigerator was broken. More than $1000 in materials restorative, anesthetics, etc provided by other volunteer groups were lost. The clinic was used to store medical supplies and equipment. It took 1-½ days cleaning and reorganizing the facility.

Working relationships have now been established with the CCSS, Ministerio de Salud, Association of Bribris, Association of Cabecars, Local Newspapers, Magazines, Junta Directiva of the Indigenous, Finca Edjucativa, Shiroles, Director of Education (40 schools in the district).

Only one dentist came, infrequently, to this area. She provided OBJECTIVES lectures in prevention to the primary and secondary schools and treated some of the children. Most of the adults and Now we have formulated the following goals based on our surrounding communities were ignored. Unfortunately today current knowledge and experience: 1. Expand and deliver health care to the indigenous the same neglect exists. residents inhabiting the Reserve of Talamanca 2.

Develop a new health care center located on the ACTIVITIES grounds of the Finca Edjucativa, Shiroles to function as a main base of operations. Services will include: With the help of organizations such as The Association of dentistry, medicine, physical therapy, nutrition, Residents of Costa Rica, and wonderful humanitarians, Dr. psychology, ophthalmology. There will be a dental John Bahr -a dentist from the US who has joined our group, laboratory as well as a pathology department. we were able to raise money for some of the costs and needed 3. Use mobile units to extend these services to outreach supplies. areas.

4.

Initiate research in different areas of health and social During the calendar year, 2006, 3 more trips were made. science Groups grew in numbers from 5 to 21. Services were expanded to include: prevention, periodontia, restorative, endodoncia, prosthodontia, and surgery. For the first time ever, endodontic Future plans include a complex Health Center, Mobile Units to treatments to save teeth, rebuilding broken and mutilated teeth provide services to isolated areas where there is limited access to resources and services, Relationship with Oral-B (P&G) For with modern resin material, were offered the people. materials to present seminars on prevention and maintenance The past Easter week, a team of 21 individuals worked in (distribution of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss) and also clinics in Shiroles, Sepecue and Amubri. The group was made Research: up of 6 Dentists, 5 Dental students from 2 private universities, 1 Physician (Dermatologist), 1 Nutritionist, 1 Psychologist, 5 Project Talamanca is just in its formative years, but we hope it will be the beginning of a better, brighter future for these wonAssistants, 1 Secretary &1 Computer specialist. derful, but nearly forgotten peoples. They need our help, and The physician initiated a new research project. Leishmaniasis, we need yours. If you can do anything to assist us, or would be a serious chronic problem among the indigenous, and scaring willing to join us, please contact the ARCR Charity Committee the faces of beautiful children, has plagued the indigenous for or Ryan Piercy.

November-December, 2007

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Wild Side

XX XXX X

by Ryan Piercy

Crocodile God The Crocodile. An ancient species, with its 135 million year history being much longer than our own, is more than a simple vicious reptile in the rivers of Costa Rica, having in fact achieved the status of a God. In my research of the Indigenous cultures of the country, I found it interesting that the Crocodile God was not only one of the most important, but also one of the longest enduring figures for the people of the region. In fact effigies have been found in graves and digs dating before 500 AD, over a time span of more than 1000 years. Did these early people somehow detect the ancient majesty of the species, which we now know dates back to the late Triassic period.

Though hard to determine age, some in captivity have been recorded to live well over 100 years.

Crocodiles are ambush hunters, and will often float quietly waiting for the arrival of passing animals or fish, then suddenly attacking viciously and with lightning speed. They will eat fish, birds, mammals, occasionally smaller crocodiles, and have even been known to tackle sharks. They are also known especially for their ‘Death Roll”. The Death Roll may well be the most powerful killing method on earth. Once grabbing their victim, they will simultaneously swim downwards and “roll” over several times, causing the victim to be disoriented, then holding them under to be drowned. Or they will simply use the roll to rapidly tear great chunks of flesh off the victim for consumption. Few animals, or humans, have survived such an experience. If faced on land, one method of defense is to get a tree between you and the croc, as their sideways movement is very limited, making it difficult for them to navigate around objects.

The Crocodile God, perhaps being the God of the River, certainly must have been important do to the number of objects discovered. What did he represent? How was he revered? In the old cultures sacrifice was common around the globe. Were victims fed to the God to keep the cosmos in balance, as neighboring civilizations, or to bring good fortune?

Little is known of the cultures that existed here, and lack of evidence may keep the knowledge lost forever in time, but one fact remains constant. The crocodiles are still everywhere though civilizations have come and gone; yet still they draw our attention, now in the form of tourists. So the next time you pass by Río Tárcoles for a view of these Crocodiles belong to the family Crocodylidae, and are the endangered creatures, remember you are not just viewing largest of the living reptiles. Although we generally consider some ancient reptiles, but also are in the Presence of reptiles as low on the scale of things, crocodiles have now Greatness. been taxonomically elevated alongside birds. The rivers of Costa Rica are home to the American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, one of the three largest of the family. They have changed little over the centuries, and are very agile aquatic predators. Though they often appear sluggish, they are in fact extremely quick, with an impressive bite of over 3000 psi, much greater than even a Great White Shark, or a hyena (at 1000 psi)! Within these waters one can also see the Common Caiman, which is actually a relative in the Alligator Family.

Crocodiles have changed little over the centuries. Large species can still reach 5 to 6 meters, at over 1200 kilos.

El Residente

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November-December, 2007

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First Nation ns

by Ana Hernandez

The Indigenous Groups of Costa Rica National Geographic Magazine has called Costa Rica, the “Land of the Happy Medium,” because Ticos enjoy some of the best human-development index among countries of equal status. In fact, our country today is no longer considered an underdeveloped nation and is becoming, thanks to egalitarian conditions for all citizens, a model for the rest of Latin America.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the approximately 30,000 indigenous citizens (less than 1 percent of the present Costa Rican population) living in isolation in reservation lands given to them by the Costa Rican government in 1939. Although the 1977 Indigenous Bill prohibits outsiders to buy, lease or rent land within the reserves, many national and oversea companies have ignored this. Foreign mining companies, hotel developers, wealthy cattle ranchers, and even the tourism industry, are bringing and developing their business ventures into the territory set aside by law for indigenous groups.

benefits obtained by the society at large. Most of them live in very poor conditions without decent roads, housing or adequate schools. Around 50 percent of the indigenous population is illiterate and the descendants of all original tribes are losing their own traditions and language at a fast rate. The younger ones speak mostly Spanish and have adopted Catholicism or other Christian religion as their primary faith and dress in the fashions of the “white folks.”

The Cabécar and the Bibrí communities, the largest ethnic groups in the country, dwell along jungle stretches near the Despite this modern conquest, most surviving indigenous Panamanian border in southern Costa Rica. A few others groups do not receive any of the economic and educational live further north along the Pacific Coast. Altogether, only about eight different indigenous groups remain and live on 22 reserves scattered in remote areas in the country with no easy access to progress and geographically isolated from each other.

From the very beginning, the indigenous population in Costa Rica was sparse. When the Spanish conquistadors set foot in our country at the end of the 15th century, they found approximately 200,000 natives, living in different regions, subsisting well, thanks to their crops, fishing and efficient trading systems.

They were highly organized tribes, arranged into chiefdoms, which inhabited diverse jungle regions. The ones living on the Caribbean seaboard were known as the Caribs; the ones living along the Southern Pacific shores were the Borucas, Chibchas and Diquis. Some of them lived in wooden huts surrounded by palisades for protection from other tribes who were fierce warriors with a taste for capturing slaves.

One can still see the manner in which local indigenous groups Continued on page 15...

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constructed their homes, when visiting the Talamanca region, southwest of Lim贸n. Their houses are simple rough wood or bamboo structures, raised on wooden stilts with crude platforms used as sleeping quarters. Roofs are made out of native palms extracted from the jungle.

Our native ancestors can be traced back at least 10,000 years, yet, due to extreme geographical conditions, it is believed that migration between northern and southern territories was limited. The exception to this, were the Chorotegas of the Guanacaste region, who traded with the Mayans and Olmec empires to the north and are believed to be direct descendants of the Olmec of Mexico.

The Chorotegas developed an advance culture. They were fine artisans who carved stone metates for grinding corn and ceramics with all sort of intricate animal shapes. Some of the most elaborate carvings of jade, particularly, blue jade, were worked by the Chorotegas and can be found on display at the National Museum. They made beautiful jewels and useful accessories expertly working the jade with different advanced techniques (although, there are no known jade deposits found anywhere in our country.)

All of the indigenous groups in our territory were advanced enough to work with precious metals and various natural elements available to them. Some worked textiles and ceramics, others worked the stone; others, produced

November-December, 2007

exquisite gold figurines. Many of these fine Pre-Columbian pieces, examples of their superb work can be seen at the Gold and Jade Museums in downtown San Jos茅.

Some other important groups, the ones who inhabited the Pacific Southwest, are linked to South America, but not a lot about their culture has been unearthed yet. Perfectly spherical granite balls have been found throughout their territory which range from a grapefruit size to three meters across and weigh as much as 16 tons. Archeologists are not certain when or why they were carved and there is still much mystery surrounding these spheres.

Continued on page 16...

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mountains. There were a few who lived near the Central Valley who turned to agriculture for their own subsistence.

Descendants of them known as the Huetár, can be seen nowadays in the Puriscal region, only about 40 kilometers southwest of San José selling their homemade wares along the highway.

Despite their great accomplishments as artisans however, there is little evidence in our country of extraordinary architectural legacies left behind by other advance indigenous cultures such as the Mayans or Incas. There are no monumental stone cities, such as Tikal in Guatemala, or ceremonial centers of great significance such as Machu-Pichu in Perú. The only known archeological complex, complete with stone aqueducts, burial sites, roads and terraces, is found in Guayabo, a small town in Turrialba, 56 kilometers east of San José. The Costa Rican government has declared this ceremonial site a national patrimony and turned it into a monument: the Guayabo National Monument.

Sadly, as history tell us, our indigenous population was almost completely decimated by the Spanish conquistadors and the lucky ones who survived the fatal diseases brought by the Europeans were forced to flee to the interior of the

As isolated and ignored by local government officials our indigenous communities have been since the colonial conquest, the great majority have also been influenced by some of the same trappings enjoyed by the predominant society. Radios and televisions with advertisement catered toward mass consumerism have entered their everyday lives and with that, the pervasive risk of losing what is left of their traditions and culture.

{Photos courtesy of Galeria Namu, www.galerianamu.com}

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Contact Alan Weeks by e- mail:

imccr2002@yahoo.com ARCR Member since 1992 16

November-December, 2007

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A Day In Th he Life

by Allen Dickinson

Banking in Costa Rica- P.2 The following is information about handling your money while in Costa Rican. It is not all encompassing, but can give you the basic flavor of what you should do before departing - and what you will be facing when you arrive in Costa Rica.

ATMs: There are ATM machines nearly everywhere in Costa Rican. Most have menus in both English and Spanish and will ask you if you want Dollars or Colones. Beware, however, that some ATMs are privately owned and charge much higher fees than those owned by the banks.

All Costa Rican banks are members of at least one international ATM system. (There are several, Plus, Cirrus, and ATH, are three common ones. ) Try to make sure your Costa Rican bank is a member of the same one as the US bank you chose to retain. Then you can use the local ATMs to withdraw money direct from your US account. (To determine which system your bank uses, turn your US bank debit card over and look for the logos on the back.)

The downside of using ATMs is that it does cost money to withdraw from a US bank account via a Costa Rican ATM. Both the US bank and the Costa Rican bank owning the ATM may charge you. Depending on the bank, the charge is about $1.00 plus one percent of the withdrawn amount. The Costa Rican bank may make their charges to your account with them. Many people consider the charges a fair price to be able to access their US account and get money in about 45 seconds, 24 hours a day.

ONLINE BILL PAY: Most US banks offer a electronic bill paying service that can be accessed through the internet.

If you have any payments, like for a Visa or MasterCard

November-December, 2007

account, that you need to make monthly, it is much simpler and reliable to use an online payment system than to try and pay the traditional way, by mail. Even if you don’t know the total amount due on some given date, but know a payment is due, you can go online and make a payment. Plus, that way you don’t have to worry about getting a bill sent to your Costa Rican address, or paying the extra charges for mailing a payment back.

TRAVELERS CHECKS: Traditionally considered by many savvy travelers as the safest was to carry money, travelers checks have become another victim of the world of modern computers and sophisticated printers, when in the hands of counterfeiters. They are still a good way to carry cash, but only up to a certain point. Some businesses (hotels for instance) will only accept a certain dollar limit in travelers checks (they prefer credit cards.)

It is easy to cash a small amount of travelers checks, say $200.00 worth a day at a bank. However, if you would like to deposit $5,000 into a bank to open an account, there are going to be some additional problems. Basically, one can expect the bank to treat travelers checks as they do any other international paper instrument - with great scepticism.

That mean it can take up to 60-days to turn a large amount of travelers checks into cash. Just to opposite of what they were designed to do.

There is one way, however, that this process time can be shortened. At least one bank in Costa Rica will, if you can show them the original purchase documents (the ones that show all the serial numbers of the checks you purchased; the ones you are told at the time of purchase should NEVER be carried with the checks in case of theft) they will treat the checks as legitimate and will process them as normal.

SOCIAL SECURITY: For those drawing Social Security, yes you can have your check directly deposited in to a Costa Rican bank account. That may work for you. Some persons, however, choose not to do this for various reasons.

One being that if the recipient decides to travel elsewhere in the world, they don’t have to hassle with getting the deposits changed and sent to another bank in some other country.

This can change if one applies for residency.

Continued on page 20...

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Whenever you are paying for something expensive, don’t ask for a “Cashiers or Certified Check” but instead ask for a “Cheque de Gerencia” which usually has the same cost and is trusted more by the Costa Rican people. If you simply wish to pay something outside the country by check, ask for an “International Check.”

FINAL TIPS: Money transfers from US accounts can be made to the Costa Rican Bank saving (Colones) account where it can draw the best interest. Then (once the money is available) if it is needed, it can be transferred to the Dollars account so it can be used by the debit card.

Emergency money transfers can be made by “Wire Transfer” which is a bank-to-bank money transfer system. Wire transfers can be expensive, with charges as high $50 by each bank involved. Additionally, they can be very difficult and time consuming to accomplish. Some US banks are extremely conservative (due to the potential for fraud and abuse) with respect to wire transfers and will only initiate a wire transfer of funds AFTER receipt of a signed, written request - never by a phone or email request. Although wire transfers are normally rapid, taking place within24-hours, there is no guarantee of promptness - a wire transfer can take up to several days to arrive.

However, some people find this process inconvenient and periodically go in to the bank where their Dollars account is, write a check on their US account, and deposit it. This will “top up” the debit card account balance and offset any amount for which they used the card. But, of course they must keep in mind that there is a lag time between the date of deposit and the time the money is actually available.

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

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November-December, 2007

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Learning The Language e

by Christopher Howard

Gestures Are Important If you can’t communicate in Spanish, you can always use gestures. The word for gesture in Spanish is el ademán.

Gestures, like words, differ from culture to culture, and certain hand signals, facial expressions and body language convey valuable meaning. The following are some of the most common hand signals used in Spanish speaking countries.

Motioning with your arm extended in front of your body repeatedly moving your hand in a scooping downward motion by bending your writs means ‘come here’ (venga). English speakers move their hand in an opposite upwards direction.

By putting your thumb and index finger together in a pinching motion, you’re telling someone “Wait a moment, I’ll be right with you”. Verbally you express this idea by saying ‘un momento’ or ‘momentito’ in Costa Rica.

By moving your index finger side to side with the rest of your fingers folded you’re telling someone “No” or “Don’t”.

Verbally you can say ‘no, gracias.’

Touching your elbow well looking at someone (or talking about them) is the same as calling them a tightwad or cheap.

The Spanish word for cheap is tacaño.

Hitting yourself on the forehead lightly with a closed fist means “How could I have been so stupid?” The Spanish word for stupid is tonto or estúpido.

Pointing to one’s head means that a person is very intelligent. In Spansih the word is similar ‘intelligente’.

Pointing to your eye with the index finger means “Be careful” or “Watch out!” “Cuidado!” or “Ojo!” are two ways of expressing this verbally in Spanish.

Turning both of your palms upwards and slightly shrugging your shoulders means “What’s happening?” This gesture is used mostly in Mexico. In Spanish “Que Pasa?” means the same.

To say goodbye you wave with your hand just like we do in English speaking countries.

Finally, remember to always point upwards with the palm side of the hand toward you when referring to the height of a person, and outwards palm-side-down when referring to the height of an object or animal.

There are many more gestures, so take the time to observe people as they interact. Ask the meaning if you are not certain. Practice this non-verbal method of communication and you will be able to ‘talk’ right away.

Here is your Costa Rican expression or tiquismo for this week: “Guaro” is the local type of inexpensive alcohol produced here, made from sugar cane.

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Dollars & $en nse

by Alan Weeks

The Fall of a Financial ‘House of Cards’ 2 of 2 parts .... Continued from last issue...

CARD # 5 – THE US TRADE DEFICIT CONUNDRUM In the past, when the US Trade deficit became unmanageable, the Treasury Secretary had been able to invite the Finance Ministers of the other G-7 nations to New York to devise a “Plaza Accord”. With joint cooperation, the US dollar was devalued sufficiently for US manufacturers to become much more competitive and thereafter, the US was able to export its way out of the Trade deficit.

Until about 20 years ago, the percentage of the US GDP contributed by the manufacturing sector was around 50%. However, this percentage declined steadily throughout the 1990’s and, by 2002 the manufacturing sector contribution had been reduced to 9% of the overall US GDP. We know that the US dollar has already declined by almost 50% relative to the low-point valuations of the Canadian and European currencies. By all reports, this allowed the US manufacturers to be more competitive and to export more.

However, it is sobering to realize that the percentage of the US GDP contributed by the manufacturing sector increased only 2%, to around 11% of the total today, it is impossible to comprehend how the US could possibly ever again manufacture its way out of this Trade deficit with so little manufacturing base left, even if the US dollar was devalued much more.

In addition, the US people and successive governments seem to have acted over the last generation without regard for the vast, accumulating, amount of debt.

It now appears that the Trade deficit has become a chronic condition funded by “printing more IOU’s”.

A couple of examples cited in the recent D&S article: Sleepwalking into the Future, contributed greatly to this chronic situation. These were: (a) the SUV & muscle vehicle Craze and, (b) the “boom” of “McMansions” in the “Ex-Burbs”. As a result of these and other extravagant uses of energy, imports of energy now account for about 50% of the total US Trade deficit.

In addition to this, there seems to have been a colossal amount of money mis-invested by the American public. Does anyone think that “gas-guzzling” SUV’s or the “McMansions” out in the “Ex-Burbs” will even be re-saleable in future years as energy costs escalate?

Some have come to believe that the US Trade deficit will only be lessened over time by a deep and

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prolonged Recession or a Depression. Only then will much less oil need to be imported, far fewer electronic devices, all types of durable goods, and far fewer discretionary spending items will be bought.

However, should this happen the Asian nations should feel the sharp decline in US consumer spending as most of these economies still depend on their major export sectors.

CARD # 6 – CONSUMER FINANCIAL DISTRESS & PROBABLE CONSEQUENCES There are lots of signs that too many Americans are now under serious financial distress. One obvious indication was quoted from a BARRON’s article in my D&S called: The Goldilocks Forecast. A single sentence excerpt is as follows: “Americans evidently are opting for [Borrowing on credit cards] – not because they want to, but because they have to [at usurious interest rates]”.

Here are some other recent signs of distress: • Sales at chain stores continued to weaken. Wal-Mart was so concerned about being stuck with back-toschool inventory that they lowered prices significantly and surprisingly early • Vehicle sales have declined for the 7th straight month in July.

• Home sales were again well below last year, at 10.5% lower this July.

• Mortgage delinquencies are on the rise.

• The median hourly wage, adjusted for inflation, has fallen 4 months in a row to May. • The US personal savings rate was negative for the 26th consecutive month in May. None of this bodes well for US employment in any of the affected sectors.

Another big concern is that, as the number of layoffs increases in the US over the next few years, more & more Continued on page 25...

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Americans, already “maxxed out” on credit, are starting to back out of 2nd home commitments and may even have to draw from their retirement “nesteggs” in order to keep making payments to save their homes. This could depress the markets further.

CARD # 7 – THE SHRINKING US DOLLAR To add credence to this issue, the International Monetary Fund (the IMF) very recently estimated that the US dollar is now overvalued by at least 20%.

It appears that the relative value of the US dollar is currently being maintained within a fairly stable range because short-term investors are attracted by the higher interest rate yield on US short-term Treasuries than is available with other major currencies.

When, not if, the US economy slumps into a recession, almost everyone expects The FED will cut interest rates. Regardless of whether this will have any significant effect on the economy, lower US yields should make investing in other currencies more attractive.

Finally, it is expected that any appreciable slide in the value of the US dollar should cause many more people to lose faith in paper currencies, no longer backed by gold reserves, and instead buy Gold & Silver bullion, stocks, or funds, as safer havens of value.

CARD # 8 – US TREASURIES & BONDS The US Government has been financing its twin deficits for many years by producing and spreading US Treasuries & Bonds around the world.

Is it a sign of strength or weakness that the US is now the biggest debtor nation on Earth?

Individual & institutional investors around the globe have also acquired lots of US debt instruments to diversify portfolios.

And, the major Asian nations are understood to have accumulated around $3 Trillion in their National Reserves, much of which is understood to be in US Debt instruments. The Middle Eastern nations, Canada, and others with Trade surpluses with the US, have also been paid with US debt.

It is reported that Foreign Central Banks are now avidly diversifying away from US dollars. “More importantly, even if they wanted to continue the dubious vendor-financing exercise, the US trade partners are now receiving fewer dollars, as US imports slow sharply.” Anyway, many of these countries may not wish to hold nearly as much US “paper” and should be diversifying their existing Reserves.

The key question is: What will be the net value of all these US debt instruments when the US$ eventually finds its proper value?

CARD # 9 – US CORPORATE & JUNK BONDS There were many less than top grade corporate and “Junk” Bonds sold to investors, until very recently,

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at far lower premium spreads over AAA Grade investments than justified in order to compensate for the relative risk.

To paraphrase Warren Buffet’s assessment (at an annual meeting a couple of years ago) of the relatively poor value of these “Junk” Bonds: “These are weeds now being priced like flowers”.

This is but another example of financial misallocation and the unwary assumption of undue risk, for little extra reward.

CARD # 10 – THE STOCK MARKET Many may be wondering what there is left to invest in now that the international banking & financial sectors have been exposed as very vulnerable; the housing & condo sectors, including all their suppliers, are on a long slippery downward slope; the auto industry is starting to become a “basket case”; consumer durables & discretionary sectors are slumping; “Big Pharma” is getting damaged by generics; etc. etc.

Moreover, as reported in a recent D&S article, there is now more investment in the NY stock market on margin than there was at the peak of the stock market bubble in 2000. And, the market continued to climb dramatically in value over the last year until very recently, even with a stream of bad news reports. Is all of this not an indication that too much money is chasing too little value?

Of course, the brokers (or “Pied Pipers”) are still out in force to ensure all is well (and to keep their commissions coming). The latest “come-on” to get investors back into the market is “to snap up the bargains” after the recent small decline. [How short-sighted and self-serving is this?]

What if several very major credit issues simultaneously started to cause major, widespread, adverse financial consequences [and fall like a “House of Cards”].

CONCLUSION The US “HOUSE OF CARDS” looks very, very, vulnerable right now. The key point being made is that “the liquidity tap is being turned off” and credit is being denied to more & more people in the US. In addition, this has to be reverberating throughout the financial system. Thus, I cannot bring myself to believe that this US “credit crunch” will not continue to be felt around the world.

For all these reasons, I am recommending that prudent action be taken immediately in order to preserve our own capital.

For those struggling to cope with a changing investment world, we have been working overtime to find better investment solutions in this very difficult environment, because we continue to believe that there are always investment opportunities to be found for long term investors.

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer.

For more information or reference details, please do not hesitate to e-mail Alan Weeks at: imccr2002@ yahoo.com

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Exchange rate of the Costa Rican ¢ to the US Dollar April 516.80 May

516.65

June

516.53

July

516.53

August

516.44

September

516.39

Basic Interest Rate April 7.50 % May

7.25 %

June

7.25 %

July

7.25 %

August

7.25 %

September

7.25 %

Exchange rate of other currencies to the US Dollar Japanese Yen 115.16 Swiss Franc

1.1695

Canadian $

0.9957

Giro (DEG)

1.5567

ÂŁ Sterling

2.0354

Euro

1.4195

Mexican Peso

10.920

Korean Won

915.05

Danish Krone Norwegian Krone Argentine Peso

5.2512 5.4353 3.1485

Colombian Peso 2,022.6 Brasilian Real

1.8403

Libor Rate 1 month 5.1238% 3 month

5.2288 %

6 month

5.1325 %

12 month

4.9013%

Prime Rate

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7.75 %

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Holidays Of Costa Rica December 25th ‘Christmas Day’ January 1st ‘New Year’s Day’ ******************** A Touch of Wisdom “It is not good to point at a rainbow or your finger will rot.”

Mayan Proverb “The hammer shatters glass but forges steel.”

Aztec proverb “It is not good to lie or hide anything from your parents because you don’t know what they will change into.”

Mayan Proverb ******************** Quick Ones A: Hey, man! Please call me a taxi.

B: Yes, sir. You are a taxi.

A: Why are you crying?

B: The elephant is dead.

A: Was he your pet?

B: No, but I’m the one who must dig his grave.

A teenage girl had been talking on the phone for about half an hour, and then she hung up.

“Wow!,” said her father, “That was short. You usually talk for two hours. What happened?”

“Wrong number,” replied the girl.

A teacher asked a student to write 55.

The student asked: How? T: Write a 5, and beside it another 5!

The student wrote 5 and then stopped.

T: What are you waiting for?

S: I don’t know which side to write the other 5!

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